Gemma Miles, owner of award winning salon, Hair by Phillip has achieved an impressive 7th place in the World Hairdressing Championships, held in Paris in September 2023.
This isn’t the first time Gemma has entered a competition of this scale, the last time was in Paris in 2019 where Gemma finished in 13th place in her category. In fact, Gemma has racked up a number of impressive accolades over the years. In the 2000 World Hairdressing Championships held in Berlin, Gemma was the highest-placed GB competitor in her category. She was also nominated for Student of the Year at the Pantene Pro-V Awards 2002, crowned British Junior Champion in 1998, named as Britain's Best Bride runner up in 2012, and won the title of Welsh Bridal Champion in 2013.
This year however, Gemma opted to enter a more technical category; the Creative Colour category and has spent many hours during the evenings and weekends practising and perfecting her World Championship look. All that practice certainly paid off with Gemma being placed 7th in her category, which is her best World Championship result so far. Having just missed out on a top 5 placement in the 2023 World Hairdressing Championships, Gemma has spent time reflecting on her performance.
Gemma said: “I am incredibly proud of my achievements at the World Championships and as always the standard was exceptionally high. It was such an honour to be representing Great Britain, competing with many talented participants from around the globe! This time around I decided to compete in the Creative Colour category, which is a more technical category. Additionally, I was lucky enough to have the support of the GOLDWELL education team as well as Phillip, my mentor. With their backing, I was able to develop and evolve my initial idea into the creation I put together for this prestigious event”.
Gemma Added “Although I was initially disappointed I didn’t make the top 5, upon reflection, I realise just what’s been achieved. I am absolutely thrilled to be the 7th Best Creative Hair Colourist in the World! I must say a huge thank you to all our wonderful clients, my family and staff for putting up with me these past few months, but most of all for the words of encouragement and congratulations, it means so much”
Gemma hopes to continue her professional competing journey and is already planning the next entry for the 2024 World Hairdressing Championships, so watch this space!
You can find Gemma creating colourful masterpieces at her salon, Hair by Phillip Award Winning Hair on the High Street in Stotfold where she works every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well one Saturday per month. Last year, Hair by Phillip celebrated its 50th year in business, having been originally established by Gemma’s father, Phillip Parkin in 1972. If you’ve not paid the salon a visit before, or haven’t been for a while, come and check us out, we’d love to see you!
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