Loughborough College has scooped a national hairdressing competition top prize for the second year in a row.
Hollie Guest impressed judges after lining up against no fewer than 18 winners from across the country at the prestigious Association of Hairdressers and Therapists 2019 final at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The Loughborough College hairdressing student’s Snow Queen creation saw the 18 year old named bronze medal winner in the Fantasy category - and Hollie hopes it will lead to some of the opportunities offered to former student and 2018 Fantasy gold winner Emma Sessions, who went on to work for US television.
“I would jump at that, without a doubt. My course at the College has given me such a boost in my skills and confidence I wouldn’t hesitate.
“To reach the final of a national competition which is so highly regarded in the industry – and then to be announced as a medal winner was an unbelievable moment for me,” said Hollie.
“It was brilliant to go through from the regional final but I knew I had to step it up even more for the final so with support from the College, I put in a lot of extra hours refining and enhancing everything.
“There was a great, really encouraging atmosphere on the day but the competition was of a really high standard and it’s really daunting to recreate everything against the clock, while the judges are scrutinizing your every move.
“There were hours to wait until the results were announced and it was so nerve-wracking but to hear I had won bronze made every minute worth it. I think it took about a day to sink in.
“I can’t thank my tutors Karen and Kerry enough. I have come on so much since I began my course. I have a few months left but I have already been offered a position in a salon. The college has helped me do that and helped me become a medal winner at a national hairdressing competition. It feels like the top of the top already but I am so excited to see what happens next – and I am ready for it.”
Karen Dixon, Loughborough College hairdressing lead, added: “Hollie worked exceptionally hard and put in so much of her own time and effort to develop her design. She had strong competition from the 18 UK finalists but she remained composed and professional throughout. We are so proud of Hollie and her achievement, she is a credit to the profession.”
Pictured: Loughborough College hairdressing student Hollie Guest with her model and the look which secured her a top spot in the AHT 2019 national final