My Accidental Career as a Hairdresser

 So I never thought about being a hairdresser.  It had never been a childhood dream.  My Barbie doll did not sport any fancy up-styles although (when I really think about it) my pink Wendy Boston Teddy did receive a very close fur trim ( no clippers involved!)
 
Who knew my 'teddy trimming moment' might lead to a life of hair-cutting and restyling, perming, roller setting, teasing, back-brushing, tinting, foiling,  'up-styling, braiding, blow-drying,  corn-rowing, counselling and most importantly, pampering. 

I think at a recent re-union one of my former colleagues was just a little surprised that my Hairdressing Apprenticeship was simply the first job I applied for and secured..........   .

My mother was determined her daughters would have some sort of qualification that would give job security and a chance at independence if 'needs must'. My 'needs must' was in November 1980.  

 As soon as my last HSC exam was finished I was to go to Brisbane and live with my brother and his wife.  Receptionist was my brother's idea of skilled employment for his little sister..........

Well, I was over moving to new places.  Leaving my friends behind at my school in Armidale at the end of Year 10 was hard enough,  but finding myself alone in Tamworth after one year at Oxley High because my parents' lives took an unexpected left hand turn towards sand, desert and Arabian Princes was almost beyond my comprehension.  I had had enough of my life being governed by my families idiosyncrasies.    I had been abandoned mid-way through my final year of school left to board with a retired widower struggling to make ends meet....

No,  I wanted to stay put.  I had already left my school friends and fellow house buddies behind with 'devil may care' disdain.
 
My Hairdressing apprenticeship was my meal ticket and independence all rolled into one........
What I didn't realise at the time was how enriching and how much I would love this profession and why I am still in the industry over 40 years later.....
What's not to love.......