Ruby a cut above in competition
An ambitious young hairdresser has been shortlisted for Hair Stylist of the Year in a national competition.
Ruby Ankers has been working hard to be a hairdresser since she left school, and now she is celebrating after being selected as a finalist out of thousands of applicants for the National Hair and Beauty Awards 2021.
The 21-year-old from Whixall has been self-employed since last month – and said she loves her job and wants to inspire others to take up hairdressing.
“I applied online for the Hair Stylist of the Year category, but there are lots of different categories,” Ruby said.
“This is the first year I have applied and you have to fill out some questions such as what you think sets you apart from others, or what are your plans for the future.
“I sent off loads of pictures of my most recent and best work, showing off different styles I can do.
"You also have to send a picture of yourself and a description. The final is in March so I’ll know then if I’ve been successful.”
Ruby said becoming self-employed during the coronavirus pandemic was a big risk, but it was worth it.
She said: “I have been self-employed since December. It was definitely a big risk to take with the lockdown and pandemic but I am glad I did it.
“There is a lot of bad feelings about hairdressing.
“People think you will never make any money and that it isn’t hard. But if you do work hard at it you will, and you will do really well.
“I did an apprenticeship when I left school and I’ve worked hard every day. I have done lots of different courses. When people follow the same route I did, that’s a fair few years of training, and if you do extra courses on top, it’s about five or six years.”
She added: “Being shortlisted for this award has been such a nice way to start the year.”
Go to Hair By Ruby Jane on Facebook and Instagram to find out more about Ruby.
