Kellie Taylor

Kellie, who has been with Servilles Academy for almost a decade, is a Salon Support and Emerging Stylist tutor. Becoming involved in the hairdressing industry was not something Kellie had planned for herself, in fact, her career almost took a completely different path in another trade – cabinet making. After being inspired by the looks and hairstyles of the 90s, Kellie started training as a hairdresser, admitting she was drawn in by the opportunities stylists were getting. Having the chance to gain a qualification whilst being able to utilise her practical skills was also a driving factor.

Following completion of two hairdressing courses, Kellie discovered an interest in barbering. At the time, however, there were no barber training facilities available, so Kellie spent 8 months learning on the job in a barbershop. Ready to take her skills further afield, Kellie moved to Australia which she had as a base whilst travelling around the world. From Los Angeles, to London, to Hong Kong, Kellie did a variety of work including managing salons and training apprentices.

The creative side of the hairdressing is Kellie’s favourite aspect of the industry, saying her strengths are in dry-styling and competition work (such as creative cutting and colouring). Kellie also enjoys fashion work and is grateful to have worked on a range of fashion shows, magazines and TV programmes.

Forming strong relationships with students and encouraging them to complete their goals to a high standard is an important element within Kellie’s approach to teaching. Kellie also recognises that the journey goes beyond the walls of the academy, stating that connecting with past students and seeing where they are and what they’ve achieved is “amazing”.

“Working with a creative team, especially now being able to combine skills from barbering and makeup, brings a whole new force to the academy.”