Hi Andrea, when you first started working in London did you find the
language and culture barrier a problem?
ANDREA: Definitely – it’s a massive problem that you just have to get past if you want to succeed. When I first moved here I found the language barrier an issue, as it’s hard to express yourself, but also the cultural differences mean you can’t always relate to your clients. A lot of people will probably tell you to go to a language school in the evenings but I think the best thing to do is spend time and go out with your colleagues; socialise with them and see how they live. It will make a massive difference to your language skills and also how you relate to people. Now I know how to communicate well with a range of different people. The key thing is to just keep doing it, and never give up.
Andrea, how much do the work and techniques here in the UK differ from the
other countries you’ve worked in, and how hard is it to adapt as a stylist?
ANDREA: The style in each country is very different and unique, so it’s important you keep an open mind and are confident about trying new things. If you can, working in a range of different places really pushes you as a stylist, as you have to learn to adapt to different styles and techniques. For example, the hair in Milan is incredibly fashion-focused – it’s actually hard to draw a line between the two – but what I love about the work here in the UK is that it’s crucial to ask yourself why you are doing something. When I worked in other cities and countries I’d just do it, without thinking about it. Education is key here, so now I understand not only why I’m doing something but why it works for that client, their hair and that specific cut.
Dear Andrea, you’ve worked your way up to educator at HOB Salons. Did
you have to do any further training to do that? Do you think you’ll be able to use that experience if you move again in the future?
ANDREA: I’ve now been with HOB for two years and I’m so happy here. I started as a senior stylist, and was very busy, but I’d always wanted to do something more. When they told me there was an opportunity to become an educator, I jumped at it. I love it and it has been a great experience for me. Yes, I needed to do extra training, so I would come in on my day off and do it. What’s brilliant about becoming an educator – apart from working with your students – is learning even more about the fundamental techniques of hairdressing; perfectly creating those classic cuts but also developing the ability to progress them. That’s what we do
here at HOB, and I’ll definitely be able to take that with me, anywhere, in the future.
Andrea, it might sound basic, but how do you even go
about starting from scratch in a foreign country? I’d be worried about making new friends and even finding my way around.
ANDREA: I can’t lie, it is really hard being so far away from your friends and family but it is also a massive adventure and an opportunity to grow as a person. I’ve learnt so much over the past four years in London and as well as being given the opportunity to become an educator, I’ve also carried on with my session work. I think my biggest tip to anyone thinking of moving abroad for work is just to throw yourself into it and make the most of the experience. Also, go out and get to know your work colleagues, as they will become a second family to you. I often miss Italy, as it’s my home, but what I love about London and the people here is their open-mindedness.
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