SOME young girls dream of turning their styling of doll hair into something more and Echuca’s Bridie Meehan has done just that.
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Bridie was recently crowned Australia and New Zealand’s Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year at this year’s Hair Expo Awards and needless to say, she was over the moon.
‘‘It was a little bit overwhelming when my name was called out,’’ Bridie said.
‘‘We were just so excited and it’s nice to be recognised for all the hard work I’ve put into my career.’’
Bridie has always had a love for all things hair and styling.
‘‘I used to go to the hair salon with my mum and I’d always take a doll with me and try to style it,’’ she said.
After going through the motions of high school here in Echuca, she began her hairdressing apprenticeship at Trac Iorianni’s Hair Co. in Hare St.
Bridie spent only four months there before making the big move to the big smoke.
‘‘It was so scary,’’ she said.
‘‘I just picked up everything two and a half years ago to take this job at Joey Scandizzo Salon in Melbourne.’’
She organised models, make-up, a stylist and a photographer to shoot her pieces before submitting and entering the Hair Expo competition.
‘‘We had to produce four photos that would then be judged by international judges. We also had to send in a written submission as well.’’
Bridie was announced as one of the top five finalists for the award which meant she was on her way to Sydney for the Gala dinner and award ceremony on June 10, but she wasn’t alone.
‘‘My mum has been with me every step of the way and she was by my side in Sydney,’’ she said.
Bridie’s mum, Karen Morrow, said she couldn’t be more proud of her youngest daughter.
‘‘It was just so fantastic for her to get this award, I couldn’t be more proud and happy for her,’’ Karen said.
‘‘She’s worked so hard through her apprenticeship and it’s just a massive achievement for her.
‘‘She works long hours and has done a lot of extra work to get through her apprenticeship quicker.’’
And since the award, Bridie’s life has become even more fast paced than it was before.
‘‘It’s an award all hairdressers and anyone in the hairdressing community knows about,’’ she said.
‘‘My Instagram followers have tripled since the awards and work has definitely picked up.’’
And what’s next for this rising star?
‘‘I do a lot of hair styling for fashion shows and back stage work, so the dream is to go to New York Fashion week and work as part of a team here,’’ Bridie added.
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