CAPE TOWN-A budding hairdresser made her hometown proud after scooping top honours in a hairdressing competition.
Christel House School South Africa former pupil Amy-Lee Adams, from Manenberg, won the Gold Certificate in the WorldSkills South Africa Provincial Competition for hairdressing held at Northlink College earlier this month.
Having left the Ottery school in Grade 10 in 2023 and currently a student at the College of Cape Town, she said winning gold felt “absolutely incredible. It was a mix of pride, disbelief and gratitude. All the long hours of practise finally paid off, and it just confirmed that I’m on the right path to doing something I truly love.”
The competition required participants to demonstrate mastery of technical skills and creativity under pressure. Adams spent months preparing, practising different hairstyles and perfecting cutting, colouring and styling techniques.
“I was most proud to showcase my precision cutting and creative colour work, ensuring that every style had a professional, polished finish that reflected both artistry and technical excellence.”
It is these characteristics that intrigued her when watching hairdressers at work on visits to the salon. “Hairdressing was not my passion,” she declared. She discovered her love for hairstyling through passing observation, watching hair transformations occur and seeing how they could boost people’s self-image and confidence.
“I’ve always loved how hair can completely transform a person’s confidence and appearance. Watching how a great hairstyle can make someone smile inspired me to turn that into my career,” she said.
She described her work as a blend of creativity and personal connection.
“What I love most is the creativity, and no two days or clients are ever the same. I also love the personal connections I build with clients and the joy that comes from helping them look and feel their best.”
Adams said building confidence under pressure presented her with her biggest challenge. “I had to learn to trust my own abilities and stay confident under pressure, especially during competitions.”
She overcame this obstacle through constant practise, seeking feedback and viewing each challenge as a learning opportunity.
Adams credited Christel House with preparing her for success after school. “Christel House taught me discipline, leadership and the importance of hard work. The support and guidance from teachers helped me believe in myself and set goals for my future.”
Her experience at the school and memories of childhood struggles continued to motivate her: “One’s background doesn’t define one’s future, one’s determination does. Christel House always reminded us that success comes from perseverance, kindness and believing in one’s dreams no matter how big they seem.”
Adams said she had ambitious plans for her hairdressing career. “I want to open my own salon one day, where I can mentor young stylists and create a space that celebrates creativity and confidence.”
She was also exploring other opportunities within the hairdressing field beyond salon ownership and hoped to continue competing internationally, representing South Africa.
“I want to continue competing and representing South Africa internationally and inspire others to pursue excellence in hairdressing.”
Adams had words of advice for young people considering hairdressing as a career: “Never stop learning and practising your craft. Every expert was once a beginner, so be patient with yourself.
“Stay passionate, take every opportunity seriously, and surround yourself with people who encourage your growth. With hard work and dedication, believe me, you can achieve anything.”
