Hairdresser seeks apprentice to follow in her footsteps

A hairdresser who graduated on an apprenticeship before opening her own salon seven months ago is now looking to mentor a trainee herself.
Sophie DeWoody, aged 27, is looking for an apprentice with a passion for hair to take on at her funky salon, The Lotus Lounge in Torquay.
“I would like to take on an apprentice to give someone else the opportunities that I had,” Sophie said. “I think if you can pass on your experience, skills and knowledge that is really rewarding.”
Sophie left school at 16 and joined the salon where she had been working on Saturdays full-time. Wanting to brush up on her skills, she then completed NVQs 1 & 2 in her own time before completing her NVQ 3 with Plymouth-based Skills Group.
Sophie said: “While I already had a job in a salon I wanted to make sure I had all the right qualifications. I really feel that an apprenticeship is the best way to learn because you get hands-on experience. There is no way I could have done it at college, although colleges are better equipped now, but I preferred being based in a salon.”
Sophie, a former pupil of St Cuthbert Mayne Church School, has since gone from strength to strength and branched out on her own at the beginning of the year.
“A friend who owned the building planted the seed and it went from there. I totally revamped the salon to give it a more relaxed, chilled vibe and opened seven months ago. I’m a big fan of lotus flower and have several tattoos with them, so decided to call it The Lotus Lounge.
“It feels great to own my own business and now I’m ready to help someone else looking to do the same,” she added.
Mark Boulting, managing director of Skills Group, said: “It is great to see our apprentices completing their qualifications and wanting to pass on their skills and knowledge gained to the next generation of apprentices.

“I would also like to say a special congratulations to Sophie on her achievements, she is a great example of what you could achieve after your apprenticeship programme.”