Writing an article on Romy Dickson that includes all of her achievements, it’s difficult to know where to start.
She took out the top honour of Most Outstanding Student and is a finalist for Apprentice of the Year at the Hair and Beauty Industry Association (HBIA) Awards. Romy was also a finalist in the 2008/09 American Crew Face Off competition.
She had an incredibly successful career as a make-up artist, including working with Carly O’Toole, the make-up artist on the film Moulin Rouge who went on to work on Queen of the Damned and the soon-to-be-released Where the Wild Things Are.
After a successful stint working in make-up, Romy moved into hair styling. She’s currently working in the Cast salons in Victoria. Looking at her accomplishments, one really can’t quite believe she’s just an apprentice.
“You really have to work hard and stick it out and make the most of the opportunities that are given to you,” she tells myhairdressersearch.
Romy has seen other apprentices enter the industry that think entry-level positions are an easy ride.
“They’re young and they expect hairdressing to be easy work. It’s not. It’s hard work.
“It’s like everything in life, not just hairdressing.”
After high school, Romy, like many other young people, felt the pressure to go to university and get a degree.
“I did feel that was the right way to go,” the apprentice says.
She managed to stay at university for six months, before she realised her passion lay elsewhere.
Her work in make-up saw her rubbing shoulders with some of the leaders in the industry before the call of hairdressing beckoned. Her background in make-up proved to be a definite advantage working in photo shoots, which she loves.
“I really feel in Melbourne and Australia you really need to be able to do both disciplines. It just extends your skills set.
“It’s good to be able to create and think of the total look. I still have a lot of say in the make-up part.”
Romy proved to be a natural as a hair stylist even before her formal training began. She won the HBIA blow wave competition before her apprenticeship had started, with just a couple of practice runs under her belt before she entered the challenge. Romy calls it being thrown in the “deep end”.
“It’s the best way to learn, I think,” she says.
Winning an award in an industry competition definitely feels like all the hard work is finally paying work.
“It shows how much you’re appreciated. It feels good to be recognised.”
The areas of South Yarra and Fitzroy couldn't be more different. Working in both Cast salons, Romy has seen clients from right across the spectrum.
The world around her adds fuel to Romy’s inspiration. She believes Melbourne’s art and architecture are inspiring, as well as people who just normally carry on living their day-to-day lives as some of the most stylish people in the country.
“In Melbourne, there are so many different areas. People really go for what looks good on them,” Romy observes.
Each precinct of Melbourne has its own personality and characteristics. The areas of South Yarra and Fitzroy couldn’t be more different. Working in both Cast salons, Romy has seen clients from right across the spectrum.
South Yarra has been known for its glitz and glamour, as well as high-end designer shopping, including Alannah Hill and sass and bide boutiques. Fitzroy shows another side to Melbourne.
With Brunswick St as one of its main arteries, Fiztroy is much more laid back with an almost grungy, rough-around-the-edges feel. It hosts some of Melbourne’s best small label boutiques as well as very cool bars and cafes.
South Yarra and Fitzroy are both very stylish, but in very different ways. With one foot in both camps, Romy never fails to be inspired by what she sees.
“It keeps things fresh,” she says.
Romy also uses her skills in make-up and hair to give back to the public and take part in some very rewarding community service. The Ovarian Cancer Foundation occasionally holds fundraising balls and gala events. Romy donates her time as a volunteer and does hair and make-up for these charity events.
She adds even more activities to her already busy schedule by volunteering as a lifesaver at Williamstown since she was 13.
“It’s a bit of fun outside hairdressing,” she says.
With such an impressive list of achievements as an apprentice, one can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Romy.
Read about some other hairdressing apprentices.
|