101 A creative genius in the hairdressing industry. Part Two

If you are a serious hairdresser, you will know the name ‘Eugene Souleiman’ and if you don’t, then you should! I talk to many of the biggest names in the hair industry and when it comes to the world of session work and creativity ‘Eugene’ consistently comes up as being a major creative force who always pushes the boundaries of what can be done with hair. We often marvel at the end result of the creative process, but I always think that the real magic is in what you don’t see, and that is how the hairdresser thinks about what they do. How they think about fashion, about art, about people, about creativity, about culture, about collaboration … and how they channel all of that into their work. Eugene is that rare breed of hairdresser who really is an artist [as much as he genuinely dislikes being called that]. His work inspires other editorial stylists and salon hairdressers the world over and along with a select few when it comes to creativity he is at the top of the pile. Today’s podcast is the second of a two-part series… In these two podcast episodes with Eugene we discuss: His journey into hair Transitioning from being a salon to editorial hairdresser The importance of humility and being open to new ideas How to nurture and develop creativity in others What it’s really like to be one of the most in-demand session hairdressers in the world… And lots more! In this Episode: [0:00:47] Welcome to the second half of our two-part interview with Eugene Souleiman [0:01:47] Where the idea for Eugene’s latest film venture originated. [0:03:07] The accessories that Eugene’s forest-like garden inspired him to create.  [0:04:47] How the pandemic has encouraged humans to connect more with nature.  [0:07:20] A visual description of the accessories that Eugene showed me during this episode. [0:08:08] What collaboration means to Eugene.  [0:09:28] How Eugene perceives the intersection between fashion and art.   [0:11:50] Wabi-sabi; the element that makes Eugene’s work identifiable as his own.   [0:13:53] Why Eugene doesn’t have a favourite campaign.  [0:15:09] The importance of confidence in Eugene’s line of work, and how Eugene has built his confidence over time.  [0:18:09] Being open-minded is the key to finding joy and magic in the creative world.  [0:19:03] Positive and negative aspects of social media, and Eugene’s personal relationship with it.  [0:22:50] The profound influence of youth culture on Eugene’s career.  [0:25:30] Eugene’s involvement in the movement towards a more diverse creative world.  [0:26:45] Important things that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the foreground in society.   [0:29:08] An interaction Eugene recently had with his daughter which epitomises one of the values that he holds highest.     [0:32:28] Eugene shares an example of an experience you can expect to have if you choose to do the work that he does. [0:35:29] What Eugene learns from the photographers he works with.  [0:38:35] Eugene’s biggest strength, why you shouldn’t try to stay relevant, and the most valuable life lesson Eugene has learned.   [0:41:54] How Eugene deals with adversity, and what he wishes he was better at.  [0:43:38] The way Eugene taught himself to read.   [0:45:59] Some of the things that Eugene would still love to do with his life.  [0:47:32] Where you can connect with Eugene, and watch his most recent film, The Folk Horror Tale.    Links and Resources: Grow My Salon Business   Eugene Souleiman Instagram A Folk Horror Tale Film