Fellowship Announces 2020 Step Up & SHINE winner

Anita Patkos from Farah-Naz Hairdressing in Prestwich has been named as the recipient of the Step Up & SHINE Scholarship, run in partnership with the Fellowship and National Hair & Beauty Federation

Launched in memory of the late, great British hairdresser – and passionate supporter of education – Christofer Mann, the Step Up & SHINE Scholarship allows for an entirely bespoke education program and is open to anyone, with a particular emphasis on those from independent salons or who would normally struggle to cover the costs of education.

Anita was selected as this year’s winner, and will now receive a bespoke education package worth in the region of £2,500 to cover tuition fees for the hairdressing courses of her choice, as well as travel and expenses.

Helping Anita to navigate her year is mentor, Debbie G, who will be on hand to provide guidance throughout the year as well as helping choose the most suitable courses to achieve her personal goals.

Given the extenuating circumstances relating to Coronavirus, Anita’s course will run over as necessary so she can get the full benefit of 12 months of education – and will be starting slightly later than usual. However Anita and Debbie have already had their first meeting via Skype. “We had a great chat,” says Debbie. “Anita is really excited about the year ahead and I’m looking forward to mentoring her and helping her choose some amazing education. Her first day will be spent with me at Billi Currie in London – hopefully as soon as possible!”

This year, six finalists were selected for interview; Stacey Orrow from The Colour Room, Holly Prior from Silhouette Du Barry, Vicki Johnson from Vicki Hoskin Hair Artistry, Anita Patkos from Farah-Naz Hairdressing, Lewis Wilson from Wilson’s and Jill Henry from Little Bird Hair Design.

On the judging panel were Amanda Stewart Lodge, Mark Coray and Agnes Leonard for the NHBF, Phillip Rogers and Edward Hemmings for the Fellowship and Debbie G.

Anita was chosen as the winner for her exceptional drive and desire to learn. “I still can’t believe that I won,” she says. “My confidence is quite low so it was a real shock, but this has already proven to me that I should have more confidence in myself and believe that I’m capable of so much more than I think! I can’t wait to get started as soon as possible and to meet Debbie and lots more people in the industry.”

Past winners have enjoyed training from some of the most inspirational names in British hairdressing, including Not Another Salon, TONI&GUY, Luke Benson, Rush, L’Oreal Professionnel and Ruffians.

You can follow Anita’s year on Instagram, at @hairbyanitapatkos.