Nicola Hamm wins Christofer Mann ‘Step Up & Shine’ scholarship

At the Fellowship’s President’s Network on Monday 9 April 2018, Nicola Hamm from Escape Hair Lounge in Southsea, Portsmouth was crowned winner of 2018’s ‘Step Up & SHINE’. The prestigious industry competition, which is jointly run by the NHBF and the Fellowship, will see Nicola embark on a bespoke education programme worth £2,500 and be mentored by the renowned hairdressing educator Debbie G.

Step Up & SHINE is in its fifth year, and was launched in honour of industry legend, Christofer Mann to nurture one passionate stylist so they can enhance and develop in their career. An expert panel of judges came together and selected Nicola because her enthusiasm and passion to learn simply outshone the other entrants.

Nicola was presented with the highly regarded industry award at Skylon on London’s Southbank by NHBF President Agnes Leonard and World Hair Director, Edward Hemmings. Nicola commented:

“Being announced as winner of the competition was phenomenal! Particularly because I'm only from a small salon in Portsmouth so I didn't expect to get very far. I've dreamt of reaching the top of my career as a stylist, so having access to this level of quality training will enable me to take the steps to get there. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I'm not going to waste.”

Entrants had to submit a 60 second video to Instagram and explain why they would be the perfect candidate to win the incredible scholarship.

For more information and to keep track of Nicola’s Step Up & SHINE journey, visit: www.nhf.info/stepupandshine