Celebrated hairdresser Lizzie Liros is one of this countries most awarded hair-up stylists, having been voted Australia’s leading bridal hair designer for six years running.
Most recently Lizzie Liros was awarded the 2013 Wedding Events Of Australia (WEOA) Award for Bridal & Special Occasion Hairdresser Of The Year.
Specialising in bridal work happened by default for Lizzie, who originally followed a path of a salon colourist. Unimpressed by the styles being created by other bridal hairdressers, Lizzie accepted one wedding job determined to deliver a higher standard of work. With that one wedding came 30 more weddings referrals alone, changing the course of Lizzie’s career. Lizzie now styles over 150 brides annually around the world. Her work with celebrities, including John Travolta, Kelly Preston, GuySebastian, Kylie Minogue, Pat Cash, (the late) Anna-Nicole Smith, Keri-Anne Kennerley and many more.
Sandi Sieger chats to Lizzie about her career highlights and personal lowlights.
What drew you into the world of hair-styling?
I was drawn to hairdressing from a very young age. Being that little girl who liked to style her friends hair, it was something that was in my blood.
I loved the idea of having endless creativity and being able to design something for a client that made them feel amazing. I wanted to be able to have that impact on people’s daily lives.
Today my professional allows me to meet so many different people on a daily basis. I am constantly introduced to different cultures, trends and fashion styles that really allow me to grow and develop as a stylist and person.
Did you ever imagine that your career would lead you to work with celebrities such as Kylie Minogue and John Travolta?
Working with celebrities wasn’t something I aspired to or was driven to achieve, I have been fortunate to have such experiences in my career as a result of hard work, dedication to my craft and passion.
Of course we all have someone that we think “I would love to work with them” regardless of what field you are in, and I am blessed to be able to have those dreams come true for myself.
But fame and recognition have never driven me. I have pushed myself to excel for my own personal sense of self and to inspire my children. I hope that when they see me styling such names as those mentioned above they think “Wow, if mum can do that then I can do anything I put my mind to”, that’s what matters to me most.
You have overcome both cervical and uterus cancer – what was that time like in your life? How did it change you as a person?
A major illness such as cancer is life changing. It brings you back to re-evaluate what is important to you, what you stand for, your values and what impact you want to have through your life on those around you.
Anyone going through cancer knows there are dark days, but for me I made the decision early on that I had to go into my cancer battle with a strong and positive mindset. I had people to be accountable to; my staff, my family, my brides, so I didn’t have the option to give up. Most importantly though I needed to survive for my children, I wasn’t about to let anyone raise them except for me, so long term sickness or death just was not an option for me.
It gave me a new found purpose. Now I see myself as a racehorse, looking straight ahead with focus and not being distracted by the negativities of the outside world.
Do you have a signature style – or two – that you love creating?
Grace Kelly – vintage and timeless hair is my signature style.
You’ve been in the industry for 29 years. What advice can you offer someone wanting break into it?
- Stay positive. Don’t worry about what others are doing just be true to yourself.
- There are so many different areas of hairdressing that someone could go into, from being a salon owner, to a session stylist or bridal stylist, it is important to discover which area you are most passionate about and then just chase that dream with full force.
- Travel all over the world and as much as you can.
- Find a job you love doing.
What can we expect for hair trends in 2015 and beyond?
French rolls are coming back but with a new edge. Everything coming in to vogue is effortless with allot of texture and flyways, we are seeing less structure this season and more undone styles.
