Megan Kuhn

Hairdressing

How did you get into the industry?
In year 10, I started working in a salon every Saturday morning. Began by making tea and coffee, sweeping floors and cleaning. Over a period of time I became involved in the salon work. The interest for hairdressing grew, so I decided to pursue an apprenticeship.

Would you recommend a trade/skill based career to others?
Yes, hairdressing is a great trade to be involved with. You are constantly meeting new people and learning with every day and every client.

How has WorldSkills Australia helped you so far personally & professionally?
WorldSkills Australia has helped my confidence which reflects in my work. It has furthered my skills as a hairdresser and has pushed me to want to be the best person and hairdresser I can be.

Would you recommend others participate in the WorldSkills Competitions?
Yes, definitely! WSA provides you the opportunity to represent your region, state and potentially your country in your chosen trade. There are many great and supportive people who will assist you in realising your full potential.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the client interaction, especially when a new client is unsure of what they want and you provide a consultation by the end of the service they are happy with the new style. Even if it%27s a small change, it could be a big step for them.

What do you hope to achieve in both short and long terms of your career?
In the short term, I want to travel overseas, furthering my skills along the way. In the long term, I want to become more involved with WSA, mentoring up and coming competitors and promoting the hairdressing trade. Eventually I want to own my own salon and become an educator.

Achievements
North Coast Regional Competition 2005: 4th place
New Zealand National Competition 2006: Gold
Participated in mock International Competition, Newcastle 2007
North Coast Regional Competition 2007: Gold
National Competition 2008: Gold

Expert

Donna DeMaria

Donna is a hairdresser and teacher at the North Coast Institute of TAFE, Port Macquarie Campus. Donna coordinated her first Regional Competitions for the north coast in 1991 to encourage a stronger representation for the Hairdressing industry. She has since judged and designed projects for the 2006/2008 National Competitions and trained and mentored International competitors. In 2009 she is Deputy Expert in Hairdressing category. Donna has worked tirelessly to ensure the world%27s best trainers, both in Australia and overseas will positively affect Megan and help her achieve.