Making of a Maverick

The young and dynamic hair artist, Jui Sapke, has redefined the term ‘starting young.’ This sparkly 18-year old already has 8 years of experience under her belt. As you do the math, Priyanka Parshurami brings insights from her exclusive interview with the hair maverick.

When Professional Beauty India started its exclusive ‘Young Guns’ series, little did we know that the gems we would discover along the way would astound us. Today, hairstylist Jui Sapke is at the forefront of the young and talented creative brigade in the industry. Excerpts from the interview:

Inspired beginnings

“To be honest, it was not planned. It all happened in a spur of a moment. To avoid sibling fights during a summer break, my mom decided that one of us had to be with her at her institute. At the institute, I used to partake in styling classes and participated in hands-on training sessions. That’s how my journey into hairdressing and styling began!

At the tender age of 10, I participated in my first competition in the ‘Open Hairstyle’ Category. At the age of 12, I competed for the bob haircut category and won a medal. This achievement boosted my confidence, encouraging me to learn and grow further as a hairdresser. It also opened numerous doors for me to explore my creativity.”

Training with the best

“In 2022, I successfully completed my CIDESCO in media make-up. Last year, I underwent training from hairstyling maestros Georgy Kot and Mounir in Dubai, participated in a masterclass in New York to learn various techniques for Afro hair, and earned certification as ‘VTCT Level 3 in Women’s Hairdressing.’ My focus is on achieving an Assessor Qualification.

Simultaneously, while passionately pursuing my career in hairdressing, I have ensured the completion of my academic commitments. I am currently in the first year of college, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.”

Competition goals

“Maintaining focus is paramount when engaging in competitions. Another critical aspect of excelling in any competition involves mastering your skills and having unwavering self-belief to showcase your best abilities. Avoid comparing yourself to others and do not fear failure, as being a participant is already a blessing.

Adhere to competition guidelines through rigorous training, represent your country with pride, understand the importance of time management, uphold your principles and ethics, and prioritise your mental well-being.”

Staying motivated

“My passion is my primary motivation, propelling me towards my goals and inspiring me to explore new and creative avenues for self-expression in various endeavours.

A secondary source of motivation for me is my mom, whose passion and unwavering dedication to her work serve as a constant inspiration, encouraging me to pursue my goals with determination. Additionally, the support and guidance from my mentors play a crucial role in enabling me to excel in my work and steadily progress towards success.”

Celeb styling

“Working on the hair and make-up of celebrities is both thrilling and challenging. The experience brings a sense of excitement and accomplishment as it involves contributing to their public image. However, it also comes with the pressure to consistently deliver exceptional results.

Many celebrities prove to be kind and collaborative during the process, acknowledging the significance of a supportive team in their preparation for public appearances. The role encompasses a blend of creativity and professionalism, providing the satisfaction of being part of someone’s transformative journey for high-profile events or appearances.”

Preparing for India Skills Competition

“Regular practice of basic and new techniques in all aspects of hairdressing and barbering, effective time management, honing presentation skills, staying updated on the latest trends, comprehending modules and guidelines, rectifying mistakes made in previous competitions and focusing on physical health, along with incorporating meditation to enhance concentration, are some of the measures I am implementing to prepare myself for future India Skills competitions.”

Future plans

“My primary goal in the beauty industry is to embark on a dynamic journey of learning and growth. I aspire to master the intricacies of hairstyling, make-up artistry, lash extension and nail technology. In addition to personal development, I am driven to share my knowledge and insights by eventually stepping into a teaching role. My vision involves not only perfecting my craft but also becoming an educator, empowering future beauty professionals with the skills and passion that define this vibrant industry.”

PBHJ