Embracing change can be daunting, but for Level 2 hairdressing apprentice Scarlet Drucker, it was the leap she needed to pursue her dream career. From Hospitality to Hairdressing, Scarlet shares how her background in management lent itself to working in the salon.
Balancing the demands of a new career with the joys and challenges of being a mum. Scarlet reminds us that if you want something, to go and get it – a true role model to her little boy and to aspiring hairdressers everywhere.
Hospitality to Hairdressing
I started working at Slunks 9 months ago. It’s the first salon I’ve worked in. I worked in Hospitality and Management previously, so it’s been a complete career change.
I really enjoyed working in hospitality, but I’d always wanted to do hair. I got made redundant and thought I’ve got nothing to lose so went for it. As scary and overwhelming as it was, it was worth it.
When I was in school, I was pushed more towards going to university as opposed to doing an apprenticeship. Although I’m coming into it older, I’m so glad I’ve done it. If it’s something you want to do, then I’d 100% recommend taking the plunge.
Transitioning my skills
I brought a lot of my skills from my old job to the salon. I had a lot of experience working in events management, so in terms of organising my day it was quite an easy transition.
There was a little bit of anxiety when I first started – I had been in the same job for 8 years and I’d never been in this kind of environment. However, they eased me in through shampooing and blow-drying and then slowly built it up.
It’s so nice to work with so many different people. There are so many ways of doing things and I love seeing the way everyone works. It’s been easy to learn and pick things up. Everyone around me is learning.
Balancing motherhood and a new career
Once I had a baby, I had to try and find something more flexible – evenings and weekends just weren’t working for me and were too difficult to manage.
Now I’m able to balance being a mum and work life. My hours are from 10:00am – 18:00pm. It’s a lot easier to sort childcare and means that I get to spend more time with my little boy. The whole team has been supportive since the beginning.
There have been times where he’s been ill and I’ve had to go and get him and they’ve been really accommodating if I need to change my days. Overall doing the course and looking after my boy whilst working has been really manageable. My colleague Leah is great. She teaches me loads and I’ve been really welcomed into the team.
It’s never too late to change your career. Do something that your passionate about – if that’s hairdressing check out our current vacancies and progress your career with a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship.
