REFLECTIONS ON BEING AN ADULT

So belive it or not, I actually did it. I have FINALLY finished my degree. After three years of mixed emotions about the whole thing its crazy to think that it's completely done. I remember moving to Cardiff in first year and having no idea what to expect as it was a city I had never actually visited before and that horrible nervous feeling in my stomach. Now that nervous feelings back again, but this time its because I'm moving back home after three years in this city. Woah.

Admittedly, uni has been one of those things I've wanted to give up on SO many times. That is a massive thing for me because I tend to be a hella motivated sort of girl but sometimes the pressures of trying to do well really can get to you. I think the pressures of always wanting to prove to my mom that she's bought me up well as a single parent has always played a massive part in my whole pressure issues.  In second year I even had a meeting with my tutor to drop out of uni and to move to Bristol because the pressures just seemed next level. But after all the tears and stress of it all,  I'm so glad I didn't and that I stuck to this course.

My degree subject is something I've always been passionate about- Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies. More so the cultural aspect of it all, I am a self-proclaimed culture freak. To say I've now finished these three years with a high 2:1 and even somehow managed firsts in all my modules this term, I am overly stoked to say the least. So many people mock my choice of degree and honestly my middle finger is right up at them and creative degrees aren't what they are made out to be. Just putting it out there, I didn't sit in a lecture theatre watching movies all day everyday. I actually had many sleepless nights working away either revising or writing essays. 

Now it's the waiting game for graduation day. Chances are I WILL fall over and embarrass myself but thats quite a common occurrence for me so I'm sure I will be able to deal with it. I can't wait to get absolutely smashed with my fellow JOMEC-ers and celebrate probably the three best years of our lives. Shout out to everyone as well, seems like everyone killed it <3! 

A CATCH UP WITH BYRON HADLEY JAMES

We can all agree that ever so often it’s nice to do something daring with your appearance. Byron Hadley James is just the guy that you need to help make that jaw-dropping statement that admittedly everybody fancies achieving. His work is proof that a quirky hair transformation is pretty much the answer to everything. It’s time to forget everything else and let Byron work his magic so that you stand out of the crowd. After all, who doesn’t want to stand out?

With a busy schedule and a hectic diary, I still managed to sneak in a catch up with Byron at the Hair Club Live Open Chair Night at the lovely Buffalo Bar. This whole event highlighted how nerve-wracking it is for talented stylists such as Byron to break out in such a competitive industry. Each stylist had only 10 minutes to showcase their creative abilities to an anticipating audience that was full of face from prestigious brands including TIGI and GHD. As if that wasn’t enough pressure, Byron was the first to take the stage so admittedly a few drinks and chitchat after he worked his magic was most definitely on the cards.

Immediately Byron’s passion for creativity stood out. With his interests starting out as a fashion photographer, it’s as though he was always destined to showcase his creative talents through a variety of platforms. His skills and keen eye for detail and individuality in photography soon developed into a passion for hair, something that he has pursued extremely well.  This was recognised by the SanRizz Academy in London who awarded him with just one of the five scholarships that they had available. Impressive. Such passion and determination showcases that it isn’t just hair to Byron, his edgy techniques transform hair into a quirky piece of art that individuals can then rock.

All of this is evident within his new collection The Coven Of Salem that is set to launch on June 20^th. Boasting sharp defined cuts and colours this collection gleams a positive aspect of effortlessness, which gives individuals the ability and confidence to rock their hairstyle with the message that they woke up looking that fabulous. Think 1940’s glamour sprinkled with a dash of raw punk style and that image is exactly what this collection will offer. Dark, edgy, mysterious yet the main thing - beautiful.

As if Byron’s commitment and passion wasn’t enough to get heads turning, guaranteed this collection will be leaving many jaws dropping. It has already caught the attention of many and has been nominated for the NHF Photographic Stylist 2015 awards. Follow Byron’s journey and enter The Coven of Salem yourself, you wont regret it.

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