Five minutes with Brikelle Kerr – Rising Star Grand Finalist for the L’Oreal Colour Trophy 2020
We had a chat to Brikelle, from BIBA Richmond, about her journey from braiding hair while she was in the Australian Girls’ Choir, to becoming the Rising Star Victorian State Finalist for the L’Oreal Colour Trophy 2020.
When did you realise you wanted to get into hairdressing?
BRIKELLE: It’s funny looking back, I used to always braid hair as a kid. I sang in the Australia Girls’ Choir and before concert day all the girls would ask me to do their hair. I’d have a line of girls while we were practicing our songs and that’s how I knew I had the hand for it.
What led you down the hairdressing path?
BRIKELLE: To be honest make-up kind of led me to hairdressing. I had just finished a Diploma of Specialist Make-up and a couple of my teachers suggested that if I really wanted to get into the industry, start hairdressing. From there I went to my hairdresser, which was BIBA Richmond and booked an appointment. Gary, who is now my boss, was cutting my hair while I was chatting him up for a job and I started my apprenticeship from there.
When did you become part of the “BIBA family”?
BRIKELLE: I started at BIBA Camberwell initially and then moved over to BIBA Richmond about two years in. I changed salons and the course changed as well so instead of doing a three-year apprenticeship I did a four-year apprenticeship. It was actually really good that it happened because it helped refine my skills and gain more confidence.
What do you love most about hairdressing?
BRIKELLE: Many things! From a professional sense being able to collaborate with people who are creative. I love bringing an image to life, being on shoot and filling my head with inspiration. I also love being in the salon and having friendships with my clients, that are more than just “I’m a hairdresser and you’re a client”. I get the opportunity to learn about people’s lives and hear their stories. They also give great advice such as travel tips if you’re about to go on an overseas holiday. You always have the opportunity to learn from people in this industry, whether it’s from clients or other hairdressers, which is beautiful.
You recently became the Rising Star Victorian State Finalist of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy 2020, congrats! Tell us about your journey to becoming the Grand Finalist.
BRIKELLE: Lyndal Salmon (Head Educator and Creative Director of BIBA Academy) gave me a great deal of support and helped find Cynthia, the beautiful model. She said come and create something beautiful. With help from Lyndal and Marilyn Guarino (Head Colourist of BIBA Academy) and the help from BIBA Academy, I got an image in mind, put it together and had a photoshoot at BIBA Academy. From there the ball kept rolling and eventually it was the day of the competition. I made sure I was prepared with all my clothes and that I had written down all the formulas and the techniques. Then it was all up to how well I was going to perform on the day and luckily, I didn’t break under pressure. It felt like a really organic process and it all just kept on flowing.
How were you feeling on the day?
BRIKELLE: I’ve done two BIBA Next Level competitions, which were a great way to prepare me for the L’Oreal Colour Trophy. But with BIBA Next Level you get to pre-prepare and bring your model on the day. So, I was nervous about having a time constraint and it was getting to me a little bit, but you just have to run with those nerves and hope that they push you in the right direction to be the energy to keep going. I felt more excitement and adrenaline rather than being scared because I had done the prep work and knew all the formulas. In that situation, you just have to believe in yourself.
Where did your inspiration come from for the look?
BRIKELLE: I wanted to stay true to the actual colours and not mix colours to create a new colour. I also wanted to create variation in quite a simplistic and stylish way and not make it too dramatic. My aim was to keep the look quite sharp and sleek, but having that pop of colour to allow a bit of fun and vibrancy.
What’s in store for the future?
BRIKELLE: I’d really like to do the BIBA Next Level Competition again, especially with the skills and the inspiration that I’ve picked up working with like-minded creatives. I also want to continue getting my hands in there and help prep for shoots. Maybe one day in the future it’d be nice to own a salon or become an educator, but at the moment I’m enjoying where my career is and I’m excited to see which way it goes.
Brikelle would like to say a special thanks to L’Oréal for the opportunity to compete and for putting on such a great day. She’d also like to thank the BIBA family including Pavlos, Carmel, Simon, Ben, Lyndal, Marilyn, Chris, her mentors and to all the amazing hairdressers and students for their ongoing support.
You can book in with Brikelle at BIBA Richmond by calling (03) 9428 8873
