Jessica Davies is the salon owner of JD Hairdressing in Torfaen. At just 26 years old, she has quickly progressed from an apprentice school leaver to a successful business owner.
Jessica tells us how she recruits apprentices of her own to help them break into the industry and boost her business.
“As soon as I left school I started an apprenticeship”
As a child I always wanted to be a hairdresser. During school I chooseHairdressing Level 1 as a GCSE option. It included some days based in school and others gaining practical skills in a hair salon. I soon started as aSaturday girl in a hairdressers called Hair On Harpers. As soon as I left school and passed my Level 1 I was offered an apprenticeship in Level 2 to further my career.
“I learnt on the job and gained confidence”
Leaving school aged 16 I already had my Level 1 which was a great achievement. I was really lucky to have been given the opportunity to learn on the job and go onto complete my Level 2 in Hairdressing. From there I progressed even further. I gained more confidence and worked through my Level 2 Barbering and then myLevel 3 Hairdressing. I never thought I would one day have my own salon. When I was just 21 the biggest opportunity came up for me which I couldn’t refuse. I was given the chance to take over the business myself and become my own boss - I have never looked back.
“Mycareer highlights have been watching my apprentices and business grow.”
I have had many career highlights. Watching my apprentices grow is amazing. Watching the business grow makes me so proud. Having clients that have stuck by me through my journey - from a Saturday girl to where I am now is unbelievable.
“Apprentices are the future of my business”
I want to be able to give people the opportunity that I had as an apprentice.It's really rewarding watching my apprentices grow in confidence and experience. To have apprentices in the salon is a massive help – both for the business and myself. It is a weight taken off my shoulders. They help me with lots of jobs and get lots of experience. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am now and the business would not be as successful as it is.Apprentices are the future of JD Hairdressing and I want to thank them.
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