Four young women from Christel House, a non-profit school in Ottery, are taking part in the Intercoiffure Mondial Hamburg 25 World Congress in Germany.
The four-day event kicked off on Saturday 31 May and concluded on Tuesday 3 June and involves some of the world’s best cosmetologists. The showcase was first founded in 1925 in Hamburg and is run in partnership with Intercoiffure Mondial’s Education for Life initiative. It was introduced to Christel House SA in 2016 by Ezra Isaacs (Coiffure Ezra Hair and Beauty Salon) and Rolf Losken.
Megan Losper, spokesperson for the school, said as part of the congress guests can network and learn different skills.
“This marks the first international trip for these students,” she said, “and they are beyond excited and deeply grateful to Wella Professionals, Goldwell, Schwarzkopf, Intercoiffure Mondial and all the sponsors and supporters who have made this journey possible. The students will also have the opportunity to tour Hamburg.”
The group going abroad includes matric students Christaylior Booysen (Mitchell’s Plain) and Chelsea Petersen (Lotus River) as well as alumni Amy-Lee Adams (Manenberg) and Marychan October (Strandfontein).
Christel House South Africa is a no-fee, non-profit school based in Ottery and supports learners from disadvantaged communities, starting from Grade RR until age 18 and up to five years post-matric.
Adams said hairdressing allowed her not only to improve someone’s outward appearance, but strengthen their confidence too.
“This opportunity is the result of hard work, talent and incredible support,” said Louise de Marillac St Julien, Career Development Manager at Christel House SA. “Through our hairdressing programme the students have gained valuable practical and entrepreneurial skills that will help them thrive in their careers.”
For Adams hairstyling goes beyond simply improving someone’s outward appearance.
“As hairdressers we have the privilege of transforming not just someone’s hair but their confidence and outlook. We are artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. For me hairdressing is more than just creating beautiful hairstyles; it’s about people. It’s about making them feel good, look good and giving them an unforgettable experience.”
Adams recalled how her love affair with hairdressing started four years ago.
“My journey began when I joined the Education for Life (EFL) programme. Through hard work and dedication I became Hairdressing Captain, and that opportunity helped me realise my true passion.
“Ezra Isaacs, someone I deeply admire, recognised my potential and talent. Because of her belief in me she invited me to work at Coiffure Ezra, where I have been for the past three years.”
Chelsea started practising hairstyling at home. “I started doing my family’s hair and soon realised it was my passion. My journey started when I was in Grade 7. Two years ago, when we were chosen to present upstyles at the art studio in Cape Town, the audience was very shocked at the hairstyles we presented.
“The president of the Education For Life association then walked up to the stage and personally invited us to the 100-year congress celebration in Hamburg.”
The team will present hairstyles that come from Africa and it’s called “Africanacity”.
“Our stay is only for five five days,” Chelsea said, “but we will make the most of it. I want to study hairdressing further and obtain a qualification, which will enable me to open my own salon one day.”
October told People’s Post that doing upstyles unlocked her creativity and she also hoped to own her own salon one day.
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