My Journey as a Brand Ambassador
Small Town. Big Dreams. No Limits.
Kristy Hodgson – Redken Pro Artist + Excellent Edges Ambassador
I began my career like many others — as an apprentice in a small regional salon. But this wasn’t just any salon — it was Jarahs Hair, a space that exposed me from day one to endless opportunities, both locally and interstate.
I remember attending my first Hair Expo as a first-year apprentice, glued to the Main Stage, thinking:
“How do I become the person up there one day?”
I always had big dreams.
I chased the bright lights straight to work in London, returning a year later with fresh eyes and a bigger vision.
Back home I moved to Adelaide, I spent four years building a great clientele, working on photo shoots and local parades, and entering every live skills competition I could. I was hungry to learn, to grow, and to carve a name for myself.
Eventually, I returned to the Riverland as co-owner of Jarahs Hair and continued pushing forward — entering both Hair Expo and the Australian Hair Fashion Awards. Through passion and a bit of grit, I went on to win SA Hairdresser of the Year three years in a row, just before starting my family.
Becoming a Redken Artist 13 years ago, and later an Excellent Edges Ambassador, opened even more doors for myself and my team — from sharing knowledge on stages to 1000s and in intimate classrooms, to directing backstage at Australian Fashion Week.
And yes… I eventually made it onto that Main Stage — I still pinch myself every-time time I am presenting, remembering that 1st year apprentice who once dreamed of this. I don’t take any of it for granted, it is an honour to share what I love with others.
I’ve worked alongside some of the most talented people in the industry, made great friends all around the world and every experience has been both a lesson and a privilege.
But one moment I’ll never forget happened after I directed the first-ever Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway at Australian Fashion Week — a powerful, emotional show that felt bigger than words.
Driving home late that night, exhausted from a full week in the salon and a whirlwind 30hr trip to Sydney, a friend called and asked if I’d seen the show.
I said casually:
“That was my show. I directed that.”
In that moment, she reminded me of how I’d just hit a lifelong goal — one we had talked about for the 12 years of assisting backstage prior.
I used to tell her, “No way, that kind of opportunity is only for people in Sydney or Melbourne — people with the fashion-world connections.”
And yet… there I was.
A regional stylist.
A mum of two toddlers.
A woman who once believed it was out of her league.
And I did it.
What I’ve learned is this:
Talent and work ethic don’t have a postcode.
But if I hadn’t said yes to all the small opportunities — the hours of assisting, the competitions, the extra training, the long days — none of those goals would have been reached.
Your location doesn’t limit you — your belief in yourself does.
If you keep showing up, stay curious, and hold tight to what lights you up, the rest will come.
To the next generation:
Your dream job doesn’t belong to someone else. It belongs to you.
Don’t wait for permission.
Create your own path.
When I started out in regional South Australia, I never imagined I’d travel the world representing a global brand — all while raising a family and growing a business in a small country town.
But here I am. And so can you.
