We are thrilled to partner once again with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) to promote all of the talented artists who are finalists for the 2017 NAHAs (North American Hairstyling Awards), the most prestigious hair and beauty award in the country. In this feature get to know more about this year's Student Hairstylist of the Year Finalist, Aisling Campbell.
We can’t decide what we love more, the style or the hues Aisling Campbell created in her collection we’re obsessed with the looks she created. She demonstrates such excellence as a student that we can’t wait to see what she does with her career! Read on to learn more about Aisling as an artist and to see her impeccable collection!
What was the inspiration behind the collection?
I was inspired by both the strong Celtic women of my heritage, and women all the world over whose beauty is enhanced by their history, their culture, and their faith.
How did you decide to compete?
A lot of prayer! I work part time at a women and children’s shelter and each day I see women working hard on their sobriety, education, parenting skills and getting their lives back. I wanted to honor them by doing something I would have thought impossible, even just a few years ago. These women show me that nothing is impossible and nothing is permanent and we can always be the type of person we really want to be. These women and my educators at AIT gave me so much encouragement; most times I don’t even think they realized it!
Who were your mentors along the way?
In addition to Heggy Gonzales, Anne Skubis, Brad Van Dyke, Ely Sanudo, Danell Hildman and Sam Downes I had great advice given to me by several educators at my school, Aveda Institute Tucson.
How did you come up with the concept?
I knew I wanted to do something beautiful and empowering. My mentors truly helped me focus on how to execute that.
What was the most important aspect for you?
I really wanted to learn as much as possible in creating the collection!
What was your biggest challenge in creating the collection?
My self-confidence. I was very unsure of myself and had to really get over that, my mentors were fantastic in being patient while also really pushing me.
How did social media influence your art?
I think we see so much false “perfect” on social media, so being able to create something so beautiful and yet still real was very inspiring to me.
How did you pick your team?
I was so blessed by the network and skills I got to work with-I couldn’t have asked for anyone better!!
What would you tell other students about entering?
To absolutely do it! Even if I had not been nominated the experience of creating a collection was worth it. I learned so much about both my technical skills and myself and about the kind of stylist I want to be.
How do you Vegas?
I’m looking forward to learning a lot- I will be attending Beacon so the weekend will be full!
Salty or sweet?
I can’t pick :)
What did you learn about yourself through this process?
I learned to trust myself, and that taking risks are what make life great. After creating my collection I went back to school with renewed focus and energy and I can tell that it has made a huge difference in the way I see myself and believe in myself.
If you won the lotto (or slot machine) tomorrow, what would you do?
I always said if I won the lotto I would quit my job and become a hairstylist. One day I realized that being alive and healthy is enough of a lotto for me. At this point I would use the winnings to pay off my student loans for school!
Be sure to check out all of the NAHA Finalist features on Bangstyle!
