From Student to Stylist: Holly Hill’s Hairdressing Success Story

Holly Hill, an adult learner who studied Level 2 and Level 3 Hairdressing, is thriving in her chosen industry following her studies at East Sussex College.

Holly’s story began in 2019 when she enrolled at the College as an adult learner to pursue Level 2 Hairdressing, followed by Level 3. It was a decision fueled by a lifelong dream and a deep love for the craft.

“My inspiration to pursue hairdressing at East Sussex College comes from a lifelong passion for the craft. Starting as a Saturday girl in a salon at 13, I discovered a love for the creativity and transformation that hairdressing brings,” Holly told the College.

“Although I initially chose a different career path, I always felt a deep sense of regret for not following my dream. I didn’t want to let that regret hold me back any longer, so I decided to take the leap and enrol in the Level 2 & 3 hairdressing courses. This journey is about embracing my true passion, building my skills, and creating a future in a career I’ve always dreamed of.”

Her time at East Sussex College proved to be the perfect environment to nurture her skills and confidence. Holly credits the College’s balanced approach to theory and practice for preparing her to thrive in the industry.

“My experience at ESC thoroughly prepared me for a career in the hairdressing industry by providing a strong balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience.

“Working in the college salon and providing hair services to the public was invaluable. It gave me the opportunity to apply what I’d learned in a real-world environment, develop my customer service skills, and adapt to the varied needs of clients. These experiences gave me the skills, confidence, and knowledge I need to excel in the hairdressing industry.”

Through hard work and determination, Holly qualified in 2020 and is now thriving as a hairdresser at Hair Designs in Lower Willingdon, a popular salon in Eastbourne.

“I’m fortunate to work at Hair Designs in Lower Willingdon, a wonderful salon with a welcoming and supportive team. They’ve taken me under their wing, offering guidance and encouragement to help me grow and succeed in my career.”

As an adult learner, Holly brought a unique perspective to her studies, which helped shape her success.

“Being an adult learner has shaped my journey by giving me a renewed sense of determination and focus. I knew what I wanted to achieve, and this clarity helped me stay motivated and work hard at college. As an adult learner, I also brought life experience and a strong work ethic, which allowed me to fully appreciate the opportunity to pursue my passion for hairdressing.”

Reflecting on her time at the College, Holly shared the most important lessons she learned:

“The most valuable lesson I learned during my time at college was the importance of attention to detail and managing challenges under pressure. Whether it was perfecting cutting techniques or mastering colour application, I developed a strong focus on precision and delivering high-quality results.”

Looking to the future, Holly is excited to continue growing and exploring new opportunities in her career.

“My future goals as a hairdresser include deepening my expertise, particularly in the area of colour. I’ve really enjoyed learning about the science behind colour, and I’m considering pursuing a colour degree to further enhance my skills and knowledge. I’m also open to the idea of teaching hairdressing in the future, as I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their skills.”

Holly’s story is a testament to how the College empowers adult learners to achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality.

“Hairdressing requires dedication, so be prepared to put in the effort and work hard. It’s also important to find a salon that will support you while you're at college, as having guidance and practical experience will be invaluable to your success,” she said.

Holly’s inspiring journey from student to stylist showcases how passion, perseverance, and the right support can transform a lifelong dream into a rewarding career. Explore Hairdressing courses at East Sussex College today!