Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Loots.
Aubrey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in South Africa, Wella Professionals, and GHD North America Top Artist, Aubrey Loots has been calling Los Angeles his home for the past 26 years. During this time, he’s built a very loyal clientele and works and teaches around the world, in North America, London, Europe, South Africa Japan, Korea, Canada, and Malaysia.
Aubrey also works LA, New York, South Africa and Paris Fashion Weeks. Aubrey has also been the Guest Artist for Wella Professionals @ “Wella Trend Vision Awards” In Malaysia, Korea, South Africa, Tokyo, Holland, and Belgium.
Aubrey Loves the world of Fashion. Whether it is a Photoshoot, Runway show, Makeover show, or a Red Carpet Celebrity event, nothing beats the adrenalin rush he gets from working in this capacity. He has also lead over 150 Runway shows and Installations over the last six years and says that as challenging as it can be, it’s the place where he learns and teaches the most. Aubrey has also worked on several makeover shows for OWN, Lifetime and ABC Television and was the Lead Stylist for all three seasons of “The Taste” on ABC Television with Nigella Lawson and Anthony Bourdain and was the lead stylist for the entire 2014 Old Spice Campaign in North America.
Aubrey is very passionate about Educating and Inspiring Hairstylists around the world. Along with his husband, Danny Leclair, they have taken that inspiration on the road with “Aubrey’s Hair Adventures,” an adventure and education travel exchange bringing stylists to new locations where they can learn, create and become inspired by other cultures.
“Nothing makes me Happier than Sharing my knowledge with others.” I am happy to expand on this, but I think this is a great start.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has, and it hasn’t. I have certainly dealt with circumstances.
I came to the US with $500 and a bag of clothes and a hope that I could make it. I spent the first year taking odd jobs including being the personal caregiver a quadriplegic young man. I dealt with no money, no food, broken down cars and difficult living arrangements, but I never experienced my journey as upsetting or unfair.
I kept doing what was next and remained a yes to my life. And in retrospect, it is amazing how clearly my path was laid out for me. I met an amazing mentor, Russell Hersowitz, who really helped guide my career. I built an amazing chair of clients, learned how to manage a team, owned salons and developed an education career because of the people I was fortunate to be surrounded by. I am extremely grateful for Fabio Sementilli and Carole Protat of the Wella Education Team for fostering my love of teaching.
But what had it all happen was being able to identify the fear that was keeping me from reaching forward and setting it aside long enough to take the next risk. The only thing that distinguishes me from any other stylist has been my willingness to say yes despite how I felt.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am hairstylist behind the chair, first and foremost. I currently run my business Aubrey Loots Hair out of Salon Nesou in Santa Monica. I love the time I get to spend with my clients.
I also am a global Top Artist for Wella Professionals. I love traveling around the world teaching stylists how to use the products, but more importantly, how to continue finding inspiration in what they do and within their lives.
I have also started, along with my husband, “Aubrey’s Hair Adventures.” This a travel, adventure, and education program that brings stylists to a new location on the planet to discover their craft and really themselves, through the eyes of another culture.
I have created a program called Backstage Pass that teaches stylists how to do hair in a Fashion Show environment. This helps me discover new talent that can come with me to Fashion Shows throughout the world, photo shoots and special events.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I don’t really believe in regrets or re-writing the past. But for the sake of this exercise, I have often said, “Why did I not do this sooner?” I would live my life sooner.
Pricing:
- Haircuts starting at $125
- Color Services starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Address: 1914 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Website: www.aubreyloots.com
- Phone: 310-453-5497
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @lootypics
- Facebook: Aubrey Loots
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