The Laneway Focus Interview: Co-Director Katie Head

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Jamie Oliver, Katie Head, Mordialloc

In a follow-up to Paula Kelso’s interview in last weeks’ premiere blog from The Laneway – we’ve got the pleasure of introducing you to The Laneway Mordialloc’s Director Katie Head. Katie is vivacious, energetic and always striving to create the most creative and beautiful outcomes for her clients. So… here’s Katie!

1.  What makes The Laneway such a respected and well-loved brand, setting you apart from your competitors? 

The Laneway, is such an amazing brand – it is a reflection of both the passion of Paula and myself. We strive to create a thriving environment for clients to visit. We continually improve our skills in both business and hair dressing, and we never lose sight of the fact that it is all about the client! No one leaves a Laneway salon  unhappy. 

2. What are your standout skills in hairdressing? 

I sleep eat and dream hair, and I channel all my energy into my craft. I love to take a client through all aspects of their service. An amazing colour must be complimented with an amazing cut.

3. When did you work out that you wanted to work in the hairdressing field, and who has mentored you on your way?

 I have wanted to be a hairdresser all my life. I have two younger sisters and playing hairdressers was our favourite game! Paula – my co-Director –  has been my mentor and an amazing friend to boot. She has encouraged me in the ideas I have had. She has encouraged me to pursue all aspects of hairdressing. She gave me the confidence to participate in a photo shoot in Sydney recently. I was so nervous and she pushed me through! That photo shoot was the best experience I have ever had! Paula has believed in me when I have not always believed in myself. With our collaborative relationship, no door has ever been closed – instead there’s an array of doors just waiting for me to step inside!

4. What is your earliest memory?

My earliest memory is playing in my grandparent’s garden. My childhood is filled with amazing memories with my family, they have been my driving force to succeed in all aspects of my life.

Outside Mordialloc’s The Laneway salon – where you can find Katie!

5. What would your last meal be?

My last meal would be something cooked by Jamie Oliver he’s so funny!!

6. What is your best tip for choosing working partners? 

My best tip,for picking employees is choosing someone family orientated as team work is already structured in their outside life.

7. What is your favourite sound? 

My favourite sound is the alert tone of a text message on my iPhone – I like to know I’m loved!

8. What are the key trends you’re expecting for summer? 

Key trends for summer include the messy up do which is making a massive comeback. Volume and soft ways. Natural sandy tones for blondes, and rich browns. Sharp short cuts, and soft long layers.

9. What is something unexpected that has come from your work at The Laneway? 

Something unexpected from the Laneway? Well, I met Andrew my boyfriend here! He was a client, sometimes he would get 2 hair cuts a week! Now trying to get him to have a hair cut is like getting blood from a stone!

Tantalised by Tantalum

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Brighton East, Dinosaur Designs, Katie Head, Mordialloc, Paula Kelso, Tantalum, The Laneway

Have you discovered Tantalum Magazine? It’s an energetic, mysterious and beautiful publication which brings together a range of creative disciplines. Focussing squarely on the fashion and beauty industries, Paula Kelso – co-Director of The Laneway – was delighted to be interviewed in their latest publication. An international magazine, The Laneway were also proud to have a selection of their work featured in an editorial called ‘Earth Angel’. Here we include Paula’s interview, and the beautiful editorial in Tantalum. Enjoy!

These strong looks were created by Paula Kelso (of The Laneway Brighton East) and Katie Head (of The Laneway Mordialloc).

The ‘urban native’ look was further highlighted by chunky, mesmerising jewellery from Dinosaur Designs. Just like candy to look at!

Here is Tantalum’s exclusive interview with Paula. Thanks for your support, Tantalum! Click here to ‘like’ Tantalum on Facebook and enjoy their exceptional editorials and photography.

Tantalum: Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind this shoot?

Paula Kelso: My inspiration for this collection is all about a strong look with amazing hair and a great style. I wanted a mixture of feminine with a strong powerful look. I think we have done a great job achieving different looks that look both sexy and strong.

Tantalum: What does a day like this usually consist of?

Paula Kelso: The more you prepare for a shoot in advance the smoother the day will run, I find. Having the models arrive to the studio on time is a must. The hair comes first and then fashion and make-up happens just before the models go under the lights for the shoot. The photographer and I will have had many discussions about the shoot before the day. This is essential to create the mood, look and get the hair-fashion balance as it should be. We plan the order of the hairstyles and styling in advance, so each team member has a coordinated schedule of tasks to achieve in the allotted time frame of the shoot.

Tantalum: Obviously this shoot has a heavy hair influence but it also has a fashion slant which I find most hairdressers loose in their shoots, how do you find that balance?

Paula Kelso: I think it is a case of getting the right team together. This includes an accomplished photographer experienced in both hair and fashion shoots and a top stylist who takes a fashion forward approach.

Tantalum: Do you teach? if so what is the most rewarding part about that? challenges?

Paula Kelso: No, I am not a hairdressing educator, not yet anyway. As with all salon owners, I focus on training my staff both in the latest commercial hair fashion as well as in client service and other business practices. Whilst I’d like to teach, business expansion has been my motivation over the past two years. I have just opened a second salon which has been a big project and is progressing brilliantly.

Tantalum: Since you’ve worked on a wide variety of projects, which one has been your most favourite & what kind of work do you have a preference for?

Paula Kelso: My favourite work is with clients. You know you’ve done a good job when … example …Despite the glamour of photo shoots and session work, I love keeping a full book of happy repeat clients most of all. You can only do this with a consistently, strong culture of good hairdressing and client service. I suppose I have opened the second salon in partnership with my most senior stylist as a challenge and to replicate what we already do well in a second business.

Tantalum: What does the next year have in store for you? Is there anything we should be keeping an eye out for?

Paula Kelso: Next year I want to ensure that both salons, the existing and the new, run profitably. Times are tougher than previous years, so running profitable, sustainable salons is the priority. I believe the we are flexible and creative enough to take on this challenge. We must also maintain our usual commercial on-trend and fashion forward hairstyling for clients.