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Interview with Akin Konizi
Date Added: 2009-03-24
“You have to keep pushing yourself to achieve things. Don’t ever give up anything you are good at…”. Appearing at the 100% Hairdresser course at the new Fantastic Hair Academy in Chiswick, Akin Konizi, Creative Director of hob salons and 2008/09 British Hairdresser of the Year, gave young stylists an inspiring insight into what it takes to be a successful force in the industry. Salon Business caught up with Akin to find out about one of the most dynamic and creative personalities in British hairdressing today.
Born in Dalston, East London, Akin became interested in hairdressing at an early age. Taking his first job at 16, Akin said he was assigned to ‘sweeping the floor’ and, he says, “I had to be the best at it!”. By the age of 24 and already a successful hairdresser, Akin decided to go it alone. “I wanted my own salon, my own clientele- but at that age I wasn’t ready to be a salon owner – I hated it.” However, nothing could stand in the way of Akin’s passion for long. In 1998 he pioneered the hob academy along with his business partners Clive and Paul. With a history spanning more than ten years, hob salons continue to grow and, with Akin’s vision, continue to expand and develop. “We have new salons opening – in Southgate and West Hampstead”. Akin continues to strive for the best both for him and for his staff, creatively and professionally.
“Teaching is everything to me. I have a team of 350 and it is important to me that they are happy in their work.”
In 2007 Akin launched a full-time high tech training academy in Camden where he heads up the teaching of the company’s 350 staff, as well as students from around the world “We have around 15 stylists here each day and from next month will have 10 juniors a day as well. We also have external and international students that come to do our courses, as well as some international students. “
Akin is proud of the fantastic creativity and reputation that British hairdressing has globally. “I want to centralise our national market and make sure that my UK team are happy.”
From teaching in the academy, through to working with Alan Austin-Smith for the Fantastic Hairdresser courses, Akin is keen to promote education.
“I became involved with Alan after I read his book and was very impressed. Then he came along and did some seminars at the academy… Initially the whole thing was born from my meeting with Alan and talking about merging the two ideas (business advice and practical hairdressing seminars). We plan to have Alan come to our academy and talk - basically providing a mirror image of the Fantastic Hairdresser day”.
Speaking at the event Akin also reaffirmed the importance of learning. “Education is the key – give people a route…. It keeps people inspired… I entered British hairdresser of the Year because I want to be an ambassador for the industry… I feel I can give something back.”
“The award-winning thing is about completely just going at it. You can’t win everything you go for. I also don’t want to win all the time because the losing part will often teach you more. I went for British (Hairdresser of the Year) several times before I won. One of the things that was important to me about winning British (Hairdresser of the Year) was winning London (Hairdresser of the Year) first.”
With Akin’s success through teaching, travel, seminars and show work aswell as his collection of awards and accolades – its almost impossible to imagine what he will do next.
“A continuation of all that! He says. “This is the beginning. As a company, winning the awards (hob salons won British Hairdresser, Artistic Team and Colourist of the Year) has given us more recognition and now I feel that I can continue our successes further. “
To view Salon Business' exclusive video with Akin click here.
