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Greetings from Nijmegen: Géromy Pattipeilohy wins prestigious Coiffure Award
At the leading Coiffure Award in Hilversum, Bon Ton Kappers from Nijmegen took no fewer than three prizes. The salon carried off the coveted Team Award, and stylist Géromy Pattipeilohy was honoured in the category 'Women, Utrecht, South Holland & Gelderland'. Her creations were praised for their texture, styling and fashion sense. A personal high point for Géromy, who has only really been working in hairdressing for three years.
A dream come true
"When I heard my name, all I could think was: what is happening here?" says Géromy, still visibly moved by the moment. "You work towards it for months and then suddenly you are up there on the stage. All I could do was swear in amazement. It was such a release." The jury was unanimous in its praise of her work: "A wonderful variety in structure and styling, the quality leaps out at you. A total look that is perfectly balanced."
From Pinterest to the stage
For her series, Géromy drew inspiration from colour, pattern and culture. "I was obsessed with African styles. All those structures, colours, braiding – I gave that my own twist." Creating such a series is an intensive process in which everything has to be right: hair, make-up, styling and atmosphere. "We were guided by top hairdresser Danny van Tuijl. You start with mood boards and work step by step towards a series of four images, together with a professional team. And all that alongside your work in the salon."
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Géromy's submitted series.
Everything in its own time
Although she gained her hairdressing diploma back in 2011, Géromy only found her way into the trade three years ago. "I felt I wanted to do something creative, but did not know how. I did many other things in the beauty industry until my current employer approached me. He saw something in me and that allowed me to bring myself out." That confidence has since been amply repaid: "This prize feels like recognition. I am allowed to trust myself. I am creative enough."
A team to be proud of
Besides her own win, Géromy is at least as proud of her colleagues at Bon Ton Kappers. The salon also took home the Team Award, a prize for the joint work of the whole team. "We all helped each other with each other's series. That sparring is really in us. We genuinely want the best for one another." A young colleague in the salon also made her mark: she came second in the Young Talent category. "That is something I am really proud of. Of everything we brought home. Taking the Team Award with us was really the icing on the cake."
Plans for the future
"I want to keep discovering what else is in me," Géromy says. "And in the end, working backstage at a Fashion Week in Paris or New York sounds fantastic to me." For young Moluccan creatives Géromy has a fine message: "Stay close to yourself, that is what makes you unique. Do not let anything hold you back, dare to make mistakes and never forget where you come from. That is your strength."
