A passion for all things creative led Ford Te Ngahue on a journey of self-discovery. Fresh out of school, and as a 16-year-old boy, he was keen to get into a profession that fed his creativity.
“As a kid growing up, I danced and took art classes within school, but with having to work full time and trying to fit in a creative outlet at the same time, it just wasn’t working,” Ford says.
“ I decided to do hairdressing to have the best of both worlds - income and creativity!”
Ford signed up to study the Salon Support qualification. A first year hairdressing course, Ford found there was a lot to learn.
“Parts of the course you learn are shampooing, conditioning treatments and about general salon duties, eventually moving on to blow waving, styling and towards the end completing full colours, streaking and foiling.
“I was taught through course and work experience the ins and outs of hairdressing and how to deal with all manner of clients and hair types,” says Ford.
His favourite part of the course and since becoming an apprentice at Freds Hair and Beauty (now Vivo Hair & Beauty) in Esk St, is completing foils and hair ups, and a huge highlight for him was creating the hair for the 2018 Chrysalis Show with his classmates.
As a student, Ford says he was obligated to carry out 80 hours of work experience in a salon. This work experience was undertaken at Freds, which then resulted in his apprenticeship.
“I still go to Southern Institute of Technology for my theory as an apprentice every second week. Life is very busy, but I love it!!”