For someone who happened to stumble upon her career, Bex Brent really found her talent and passion within the hair industry. Since her start as a hairdresser, Bex Brent has become a member of the L’Oreal I.D Artistic Team and owns her own salon, Willis York in Wellington, New Zealand.  Learn more about Bex Brent’s career, her inspirations, and her future goals for herself and the salon in our interview!

BANGSTYLE: Can you give us some background on your career?

Bex Brent: I was a late bloomer and started hairdressing in my mid-twenties in 2002, as something to do in a beautiful small town called Wanaka, in the South Island of NZ. I was the apprentice to 6 seniors! I learned from an amazing woman who taught me to work hard, practice, be patient and not to cut corners! I am forever grateful for this. I moved to Wellington after qualifying and found myself in a humming city salon and just lapped up all the education and visual stimulation I could. I became a member of the L’Oreal I.D artistic team in 2004 and this lead me to the world of fashion. I was in heaven! This opened the doors to SO many things and I worked my way up in the L’Oreal team to the role of ambassador, I am now the color guru!

BANGSTYLE: How did you get your start in the hair industry and how did you know you wanted to make it your career?

Bex Brent: I was a young, solo mother and just needed work, so I just fell into it and it turned out I was pretty good at it. I love hairstylists; we are a special breed (other people just don’t understand!! Haha). I love being able to wear what I want, talking all day, and most of all, I love making people look good! Someone left an Italian Vogue at my house one day and when I saw what could be done with hair I knew I wanted to do that, create stuff!

BANGSTYLE: What was the inspiration to open Willis York?

Bex Brent: I actually worked for Willis York for a few years under a great stylist called Clark York and I loved the space. It was quirky, off the beaten path and so spacious. I bought the salon in 2008 because the time was right and have never looked back.

BANGSTYLE: Do you have any advice for aspiring stylist?

Bex Brent: Stay true to your values, work hard, never stop educating yourself and live a balanced life! Also, be nice to everyone because you never know when you might meet them again…

BANGSTYLE: What kind of client experience do you like to create at Willis York?

Bex Brent: I am very passionate about the environment around me and I like it to be different all the time. I love art and music (I also DJ on the radio) and I want clients to see and hear things that are new. People have to hunt out the salon since it’s up three flights of stairs. So from the moment they walk in, we make sure their experience is so special and unique. I love to indulge people! The little things matter and I am super fussy about the standard of service!

BANGSTYLE: Who or what inspires the looks you create?

Bex Brent: The street! I love people that cut their own hair. Music, just close your eyes and listen to a symphony!  Nature … you don’t know how many flowers have inspired hair colors for me! I have learnt that inspiration is everywhere, just be open to it.

BANGSTYLE: How would you describe your aesthetic?

Bex Brent: Either extremely natural or extremely unnatural! I love uncontrived looks and androgyny.

BANGSTYLE: Any at-home hair tip for our readers?

Bex Brent: Healthy hair starts from the inside out, so eat well and try not to stress. Also, look after your scalp so your hair follicles stay strong.

BANGSTYLE: What are some of your career highlights?

Bex Brent: I think the best so far is seeing the young stylists that work for me, and who I mentor, win competitions. I have an ability to unleash potential and this opens so many doors for them! Working with fashion designers is always amazing, creating shows and shoots and at fashion weeks. I did my first international show last year and that was so cool, it showed me that my work is world class. Having your work published is always great and of course being part of the L’Oreal team, the opportunities you receive are incredible.

BANGSTYLE: Any future goals or plans with your career and the salon?

Bex Brent: So many! I would love the Willis York team to do shows, and for their work to be showcased throughout the world.  Travel! I also want to grow a Willis York roof top garden so our clients can have fresh teas made from love out of the garden. I am working towards the salon being sustainable, we have to look after this precious earth. The nice thing about hairdressers is that we are the connectors and communicators in peoples lives, we enrich people in so many ways, and that’s what makes Willis York so special.