- 12 June 2024
- Apprentices & Success Stories &
Alicia Mandizvidza works at House of Ace a specialist braids, weaves and afro/caribbean hair salon in Newcastle, she completed her level 2 hair professional with Kleek, gaining an excellent distinction and has now progressed onto her advanced qualification.
In this Q&A, we delve into Alicia's experiences, challenges, and insights gained throughout her remarkable time so far at Kleek.
What initially sparked your interest in hairdressing?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to work with hair! I’ve worked with afro hair since I was little but I want to work with all kinds of hair and help to bring communities together.
Describe a typical working week.
It’s back-to-back. I try to stick to my hours of 10-7 but I usually go over, I’m a perfectionist. It can be quite repetitive; same conversations, different faces. That’s why I like academy learning, here I get to practice skills I don’t see a lot of in my salon such as perming and colouring.
What are/were the best bits of being an apprentice? And the not-so-good bits?
I love building relationships with my regular clients. My apprenticeship has helped me to grow in confidence so much. The training and mentorship I have received during my apprenticeship has been unbelievable, I think I’ve enjoyed my academy learning more than my time in the salon! Okay, the not-so-good bits. One of my first times practising my shampooing at the backwashes, I drenched an older lady. I felt terrible. Thankfully, I’ve never done it since!
What are you most proud of to date and why?
Just working with hair is such an achievement but I get to work with ALL hair types, which is a rarity in the industry.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a Kleek Apprenticeship?
Ask questions! Do not hold back. I would have finished my degree earlier if I had the confidence to ask more questions early on.
What do you love most about your job?
I love helping people feel beautiful. I have a lot of new mothers come in and most of my regular clients are from the black community, I help them love their hair and feel confident and that feels amazing.
What’s next for you, and your career aspirations?
Gaining my Level 3 qualification in hairdressing is next. My ultimate goal is to own my own salon. I envision a place where everyone's hair needs are met, you can’t find that, I’ve looked. People tend to practice within their own hair type but I don’t believe that's right. I want to be able to make everyone feel beautiful, no matter their hair. Education never ends.
