SOUTH-WEST residents who dream of becoming hairdressers will soon have another option to study close to home.
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Warrnambool’s Mia Nicolson has opened BIBA’s first regional salon on Timor Street and has plans to launch the first regional BIBA Academy elsewhere in the CBD.
After undertaking her hairdressing training with BIBA eight years ago, Miss Nicolson returned to Warrnambool to work in a salon before taking her skills overseas.
“When I was back in Warrnambool for those couple of years I noticed the hole in the market for a high-end salon and perhaps a training institute for hairdressers around the area that could reskill or study via a less traditional option to TAFE,” Miss Nicolson said.
Miss Nicolson finished her travels and decided to start hairdressing teaching. She returned to BIBA in Melbourne to work as an educator at its academy.
She asked BIBA’s founder Pavlos Divitaris why he hadn’t branched out to regional areas.
“He told me to go for it.”
Miss Nicolson said when teaching at BIBA Academy she realised how many south-west people would benefit from education options.
“While TAFE suits many students, I just want to provide a reason for young people to stay in Warrnambool by providing all the opportunities they can get in the city in their home town,” she said.
She said her plan was to establish the BIBA brand through her salon and then develop the training business in the next six to 12 months.
“It will offer more on-the-job learning. .”
Ms Nicolson said BIBA provided a government-subsidised course and students would be eligible for allowances.
kellie.scott@fairfaxmedia.com.au