Candice McKay Davines Talent Green House

Candice McKay Davines Talent Green House

Candice McKay and the Davines Talent Green House: Shaping the Future of Hairdressing

Lisbon, Portugal — August 29, 2024 — In the latest edition of The Hair Magazine, Art Director Candice McKay continues to lead the charge in revolutionizing the hairdressing industry. Since its inception in March 2020, this groundbreaking platform has set new benchmarks in creative mentorship and showcased emerging talent worldwide.

Candice McKay at the Davines Talent Green House showcasing creativity and mentoring emerging talent.
Candice McKay, Art Director and co-creator of the Davines Talent Green House, inspiring and guiding the next generation of hairdressing talent.

A Vision Realized

McKay’s vision for the Talent Green House was to create an inclusive, innovative space for aspiring hairdressers to thrive, regardless of their background. By removing traditional barriers like entry fees and professional photos, the program has democratized opportunities, allowing raw talent to shine. Over thousands of submissions, 100 exceptional individuals embarked on a transformative journey, honing their craft through online modules and creative challenges.

Candice McKay at the Davines Talent Green House showcasing creativity and mentoring emerging talent.
Candice McKay, Art Director and co-creator of the Davines Talent Green House, inspiring and guiding the next generation of hairdressing talent.

Mentoring the Best

McKay, alongside a team of esteemed mentors, has guided the top 10 finalists, preparing them for their debut at the Davines World Wide Hair Tour in Berlin. This mentorship goes beyond technical skills, focusing on empowering these artists to become future leaders in the industry.

Meet the Finalists

This year’s top 10 finalists include:

  • Anne-Kay Schultz – Germany
  • Andrea Gomes de Oliveira – Brazil
  • Ben Grace – United Kingdom
  • Chellaine Naude – South Africa
  • Marie-Laure Briet – France
  • Muhammet Ali Mese – Turkey
  • Rachel Biestman – United States
  • Rose Poli – Australia
  • Victor Talario – Luxembourg
  • Wayne Low – Malaysia

The Mentorship Experience

The journey of these finalists has been enriched by the guidance of an illustrious team of master mentors, who have shared their expertise and passion:

  • Vishal Baharani
  • Richard Ashforth
  • Yohan Nicolas
  • Annie Ankervik
  • Richard Jordan and Marriet Gakes
  • Danny Pato
  • Jesus Oliver
  • Brian Suhr and Kirsten Demant
  • Henry Tse and Zoe Ong

The Judging Panel

Ensuring that our finalists are judged by the best in the industry, we have assembled a panel of esteemed leaders:

  • Anna Pacitto
  • Robert Lobetta
  • Tom Connell
  • Sam Burnet
  • Candice McKay (myself)
This panel will combine their scores with audience votes collected via the WWHT app, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each participant’s creativity and presentation.

Candice McKay at the Davines Talent Green House showcasing creativity and mentoring emerging talent.
Candice McKay, Art Director and co-creator of the Davines Talent Green House, inspiring and guiding the next generation of hairdressing talent.

A Vision of Collaboration and Innovation

The Talent Green House isn’t just a competition—it’s a movement. It’s about fostering a sense of community within our industry, one that thrives on collaboration and shared creativity. One of the most inspiring aspects of this year’s program is the creation of a collective emotional video—a project that encapsulates the essence of what we’re trying to achieve. It’s a reminder that, while individual talent is crucial, the power of collaboration can create something truly extraordinary. As someone who has always strived to push the boundaries of creativity, the Talent Green House is a natural extension of my commitment to innovation. This program isn’t just about finding the next big name in hairdressing—it’s about equipping these artists with the tools and confidence they need to become leaders and innovators in their own right.

Looking Forward

As we approach the final stages of this year’s program, I am filled with anticipation. The Talent Green House has already made a significant impact, not only on the participants but on the industry as a whole. The platform we’ve built is one of empowerment, sustainability, and creativity. The journey doesn’t end here. I’m already looking forward to the next edition, eager to discover and nurture more extraordinary talent. I encourage all aspiring creatives to take this opportunity, to push themselves, and to be part of a community that celebrates and elevates true artistry.

The Journey Continues in Berlin

The journey of our top 10 finalists will reach its zenith at the Davines World Wide Hair Tour in Berlin, from October 3rd to October 8th, 2024. There, they will present their cultural interpretations of the Davines Hair Identity, showcasing the innovation and artistry that the Talent Green House nurtures. Their performance at the WWHT welcome dinner on October 6th, in collaboration with renowned DJ Sam Tongi, promises to be a highlight of the event, blending visual artistry with dynamic music. The winner of the Talent Green House will be announced on October 8th, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for these talented individuals. This program is more than just a competition; it is a launchpad for future industry leaders, providing them with the skills and recognition needed to make a lasting impact.

Candice McKay at the Davines Talent Green House showcasing creativity and mentoring emerging talent.
Candice McKay, Art Director and co-creator of the Davines Talent Green House, inspiring and guiding the next generation of hairdressing talent.

We are proud to share this milestone and look forward to the continued growth and success of all our participants. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner and the remarkable work that will undoubtedly shape the future of hairdressing.

For more information on the Talent Green House and to follow the journey of our finalists, please feel free to contact me.

Candice McKay

In this edition of The Hair Magazine, we delve into the remarkable journey of Candice McKay and the Davines Talent Green House. This feature explores how McKay’s visionary approach is shaping the future of hairdressing, from empowering emerging talent to fostering innovation within the industry. We hope you find inspiration in the stories of creativity and leadership shared in this article