Exclusive Q&A for the ClubStar Art team with international session stylist Anna Chapman

From a salon hairdresser to international session stylist working on fashion weeks around the world is something that Anna Chapman, has achieved. Her story gave the team the belief and confidence that anything is possible if you have an underlying passion to reach your goals.  And if that wasn’t enough she also revealed, why she created fashion-led hairstyling essentials used by top session stylists, with her brand ‘Session Kit’.

Anna guided the team through her career journey.  Starting at the very young age of 15 in Portsmouth.  Soon realising she needed to move further afield, Anna applied to join Trevor Sorbie in Brighton.   “Brighton felt not quite as daunting as London, my interview was with Trevor himself! Thankfully, I was successful.”  Then Anna went on to be trained to be a stylist, with 4 / 5 months of rigorous training, having to pass to move onto the next level!  Working her way up Anna started to enter awards.  Trevor invited Anna to work on the art team after her award & competition success.  “I love my client work, but for me I am personally stimulated more when on set”.  Anna comments.

Anna’s advice to the team: “I am glad I can help with inspiration, remember you need to educate yourself, if you want to work as a session stylist, you need to think about what you want, then make it happen.”

“Anna Chapman is such a driving force and inspiration of mine, her story really resonated with me.” Sam Arnold, Strangeways commented: “Just goes to show that if you work hard enough, you can achieve anything!  The session really taught me how to begin to get into the session stylist world and if you really work hard, the world is your oyster”.

“The session was amazing. Anna is so inspirational. I’ve always wanted to be a session stylist!” Cameron Willetts, Combers Inside-Out Hairdressing added: “So eye opening and I’m getting on the waiting list for the course as well! Learnt more about the fashion industry!”

“Today’s talk with Anna Chapman was one of my favourites!” Josie Simmons, Electric Hair, sums up the session perfectly: “It was fascinating to hear her background and learn her journey. She taught us the ups and downs of the session world and above all else showed me that with hard work, determination and by seeking education we can achieve our goals.”

ClubStar Art Team Project Leader:                  Karoliina Saunders

ClubStar Art Team Members:

Darcey Clarke, Ashley Gamble

Sam Arnold, Strangeways

Jack Anthony, Sutherland & Barnett

Ella Gray, Timba

Andrew Plester, Hare and Bone

Lee Patrick Devlin, Paul Watts Hair

Emy Roccabella, Danilo Hair Boutique

Lizzie Williams, Gatsby & Miller

Josie Simmons, Electric Hair

Cameron Willetts, Combers Inside-Out Hairdressing