on a mission to empower black stylists
Welcome to The Prostylist Academy
Australia's First of Its Kind !
Are you ready to take the next step in your styling career? The Prostylist Academy is here to guide you. Spanning four months from November 2024 to February 2025, this program is tailored specifically for Black, African, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous Australian, and First Nations stylists who aspire to excel in salon or editorial work.
Over the course of eight immersive workshops, you'll receive mentorship and hands-on training from industry leaders. And here's the exciting part - the top stylists will get the incredible opportunity to work at the Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2025.
This isn't just a program; it's a launchpad for your career. We're here to help you gain the qualifications that open doors to professional salon and editorial opportunities.
WhyProstylist
Academy
Why ProstylistAcademy
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The Prostylist Academy exists to invest in the careers of young Black hair stylists because we recognise the immense talent and potential within this community. Our goal is simple: to help you grow professionally and give you the tools you need to succeed in the beauty industry.
(Credit: PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival)
WE BELIEVE...
(Credit: PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival)
We believe that industry inclusivity is essential, not only for enriching the beauty industry but also for representing and empowering Black professionals. In Australia, there's a true lack of texture inclusivity in professional spaces.
We're here to change that. By creating opportunities for mentorship, skill development, and high-profile exposure, we aim to break down these barriers. Our mission is to empower and develop Black stylists, giving them a clear pathway to grow and ensuring that the beauty industry truly reflects the diversity of the society it serves.
Who is this for?
Please note that this program is not a paid course, and applicants will be accepted into the cohort based on the criteria below.
To apply for the Prostylist Academy program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Identity: Must identify as Black, African, or of African descent (including African-American, Afro-descendant, or any other African heritage), Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous Australian, or First Nations.
- Age: Must be over 18 years of age.
- Experience: Must have experience working as a hairstylist. A qualification is NOT required.
- Employment Status: Must be an active hair stylist [part-time or full-time], which can include working from home.
- Commitment: Must be able to attend all workshops over the four months (both virtual and physical workshops in Melbourne).
- Passion and Drive: Must demonstrate a strong passion for hair styling and a commitment to professional growth.
- Submission:
- Submit Your Portfolio: You must submit 3 images of your best work.
- Show Us Your Work Area: You must submit an image of where you do your work.
- Show Us Who You Are: Share a 30- 60 second clip of your journey into the hair business.
- Send us Your Website & Socials: Send a link to your social platform or website
- References: Must provide at least two references who can attest to the applicant's skills and dedication. [e.g. Could be a long-standing client or product supplier]
Age
Experience
Employment Status
Commitment
Passion and Drive
Submissions
References
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About prostylistAcademy
The ProStylist Academy is the first of its kind in Australia, designed specifically for Black stylists who want to turn their talent into a professional career. Spanning four months, from November 2024 until March 2025, this program offers eight workshops where you'll receive mentorship and training from industry experts.
The program's highlight is the chance for the top stylist to work at the Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2025. This isn't just training; it's a catalyst for your career, helping you gain the qualifications that open doors to professional salon and editorial opportunities.
The ProStylist Academy is the first of its kind in Australia, designed specifically for Black stylists who want to turn their talent into a professional career. Spanning four months, from November 2024 until March 2025, this program offers eight workshops where you'll receive mentorship and training from industry experts.
The program's highlight is the chance for the top stylist to work at the Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2025. This isn't just training; it's a catalyst for your career, helping you gain the qualifications that open doors to professional salon and editorial opportunities.
ProstylistAcademy OUTLINE
The program will be a combination of intensive workshops, mentorship and masterclasses delivered by industry experts to upskill you and provide exposure to professionalising your hair business.
- Vision & goal setting
- Mentorship opportunities from successful black business owners in the Australian beauty landscape Connections and networking with black models in the professional fashion landscape
- Physical training in black hair care & styling
- Support in setting up tools & systems to operate a functioning business (I.e. client booking systems)
- Branding, marketing & content capture training
Post your training & masterclass attendance you will be graded by the Prostylist Academy judging panel on the following:
- Your physical skills in hair styling
- Business management
- Professional portfolio & brand presence over the four-month period
The winner of The ProStylist Academy will have the incredible opportunity to join the SUKU Hair Team at the Melbourne Fashion Festival Runway in March 2025. Beyond the top-tier professional training, this program offers you invaluable connections and networking opportunities with like-minded individuals who share your passion.
Get to know your sponsors
AYA
Learn more about Aya
AYA is dedicated to empowering African youth by providing opportunities for skill development, leadership training, and community engagement. Their mission is to uplift and support young Africans in achieving their full potential and contributing positively to their communities.
Learn more about AYAOrganic Suku
Learn more about Organic Suku
At organic SUKU, we deeply value and celebrate the beauty and versatility of textured hair. Our mission is to promote inclusivity by creating access to high-quality products & salon services, and texture education, while redefining the standard of luxury experiences for individuals with textured hair in the Australian hair care industry.
Learn more about Organic Suku
Lumela
Learn more about Lumela
Lumela was founded to bridge the accessibility gap in AU & NZ, ensuring BIPOC communities have true access to beauty, hair, and treatment services. With a solid foundation in tech, marketing, and digital content curation, our team is dedicated to democratizing access to these services and connecting individuals to the right specialists. Lumela is committed to empowering a diverse range of beauty, hair, and treatment specialists to start, build, and grow scalable businesses, all while ensuring no one feels like an afterthought in our community.
Learn more about Lumela