May Apprentice of the Month - Leah Tuminello

Leah Tuminello - Biba Moonee Ponds VIC

By Rob Kotevski May 7 2009

Being an apprentice at Biba must be one of the most exciting training opportunities around. The award-winning salon group has taken out a huge number of trophies, and as each award season rolls around, Biba is almost always a finalist, and it’s a good bet the hairdressing salon and academy will take home the top honour.

Leah Tuminello is in the second year of her apprenticeship at Biba Moonee Ponds. Her passion and dedication to her craft is evident as within six months of her apprenticeship she was colouring hair and is now enjoying cutting.

myhairdressersearch had a chat with Leah to talk about her past, the present and where she sees her future in hairdressing.

Why did you pick hairdressing as a career?

I’ve always loved doing hair. Changing it, curling it and styling it. During high school I struggled to find something else I thought I would enjoy more, but always turned back to the original plan to become a hairdresser. It was always something I saw myself doing and it just felt like the right path for me. To me it is a way I can be imaginative and artistic, just a practical way for me to express my more creative side.

What was the first time you cut a client’s hair like?

Although I was nervous I couldn’t help but feel excited. It was an intense moment as the fate of my clients hair was in my hands, scissors and comb. Once I began to follow my first set of instructions a wave of calm came over me and I can remember smiling. Talking my way through each step and each layer until my first haircut was complete.

What inspires you?

What inspires me most is the confidence that Marcello Guerresi, my boss and Paul Divitaris, my teacher have instilled in me. They have inspired me show self-confidence, stay motivated and to enjoy what I am learning and creating. Since developing a close working relationship with Marcello Guerresi I have been able to be more expressive, which has allowed me to do more within his salon.

Training under Paul Divitaris has also helped me to develop my technique. He has inspired me to always do my best and work to refine my skills. With his encouragement I feel I have come a long way in such a short amount of time.

What is your favourite part of your role?

What I enjoy most about my role in this industry is promotion in order to transform each client. I enjoy promoting colour to enhance a hair style and tailoring different looks which become an expression of my client’s personality. I have so far enjoyed building my own clientele and watching the return of satisfied clients. It’s pleasing to know my work is appreciated and valued by my customers and colleagues.

In the near future I hope to be more involved in events that are beyond the day to day salon responsibilities. I look forward to being involved in photo shoots, competitions and most importantly completing my training to become qualified.

Receiving my certificate will be the end of one achievement and the launch of my next. I will continue to set myself goals to further my career. I will definitely consider opportunities for positions in salon management as well as making myself known in the industry through involvement in photographic work, hair shows and contests.

Biba
115 Puckle St
Moonee Ponds VIC
03 9370 4500

See some more up and coming Apprentices of the Month.