The Wella Professionals International Trend Vision Award Gold Young Talent winner, Karina Grace Gollins, shares her thoughts in an exclusive interview with Estetica.
Karina Grace Hairdressing is an award-winning hair salon in Palmerston North, New Zealand. So the next logical step for Karina seemed to be to enter the Wella Professionals ITVA… so she did… and she won! Karina took the time to answer a few questions about her experience for Estetica.
After winning so many awards, what is it about WTVA that makes it so special?
“ITVA was so special because it is a prestigious, high-profile award. To be in the photographic section up against 23 other countries from around the world, which are in their own right all winners of gold, was really exciting and overwhelming. I was described as being somewhere between bliss and butterflies, which was perfectly said! Being recognised in this industry on a global level is more than any hairdresser could ever want!”
You mention that Alexander McQueen is your favorite designer: what did his work inspire in your winning Fusion entry?
“I’m inspired by everything that is beautiful and fashion forward, looking at Alexander McQueens work makes you think outside the box and takes you to a place of creativity, inspiring something for your vision that you really like to weave a story and make it your own.”
You mention a young team member in your salon who inspires you. What role did and does mentorship play in your work?
“Working together as a team in a salon is so important. Seeing me so driven and passionate helps them grow everyday to achieve their goals and know that nothing is impossible. We are all supportive of each other and making them proud inspires me everyday.”
How did Wella color products inspire your winning entry?
“Wella color is so true to colour and so beautiful, it was easy to create a vision knowing it was achievable!”
How do you envision next year’s trends in style and color?
“With freedom there will be an incredibly diverse array of entries. It’s so exciting to see cutting and colouring being pushed and styling moving forward, as there are no boundaries to imagination. Stylists will really be able to express their visions. And the truly understanding your vision will help you 100%.”
