A catch up with Candice McKay is like opening the windows to a breath of fresh air. She’s full of enthusiasm with news of the culmination of her third edition of the Davines Talent Green House programme. She talked with Tribu-te about what the journey has been like to create such a rewarding project for the hairdressing community. And how it elevates creative talent around the world. Since launch in March 2020 and the second edition in 2022 (see HERE) Candice has made it something of a personal mission to work for setting new standards in mentoring and promoting creativity in the hair industry. Hear about it in her own words:
Candice McKay: multi-talented educator
My Journey with the Talent Green House
“When we first conceived the Talent Green House, my goal was clear: to create an inclusive and innovative space where aspiring hairdressers, no matter their background, could find their voice and flourish. I’ve always believed that true artistry transcends barriers, and this program is a reflection of that belief.
From the beginning, we opened the doors wide, inviting participants from all corners of the world, stripping away traditional entry barriers like fees and professional photos. This democratization of opportunity is something I’m deeply passionate about—it levels the playing field, allowing raw talent to shine through.”
“Out of the thousands of submissions, we identified 100 exceptional individuals who embarked on a transformative journey with us. Through meticulously designed online modules, covering everything from trend forecasting to the principles of design, these participants weren’t just learning—they were evolving. Each creative challenge pushed them further, helping to distill their unique artistic vision.”
Working as a mentor
Putting together an insightful programme of mentors to work with the top 10 finalists, Candice helps guide them through the intricate process of creative collaboration. The culmination for the 2023/4 cohort is to appear on stage at the Davines World Wide Hair Tour event in Berlin (6-8 October 2024).
An accomplished show presenter and educator: Candice McKay
Candice tells us: “Being a mentor isn’t just about imparting knowledge—it’s about inspiring and empowering. Watching these talents grow, seeing their ideas take shape, and knowing that I have played a part in their creative evolution is a deeply fulfilling experience. The finalists, selected not just for their technical skills but for their passion and vision, represent the future of our industry.”
2024 10 Finalists
The 10 to watch in the 2023/4 Talent Green House are;
- Anne-Kay Schultz – Germany
- Andrea Gomes de Oliveira – Brazil
- Ben Grace – United Kingdom
- Chellaine Naude – South Africa
- Marie-Laure Briet – France
- Muhammet Ali Mese – Turkey
- Rachel Biestman – United States
- Rose Poli – Australia
- Victor Talarico – Luxembourg
- Wayne Low – Malaysia
The Mentorship Experience
Wondering who comes along to help mentor the Talent Green House? The line up for this year included some great names, again from around the world:
Vishal Baharani • Richard Ashforth • Yohan Nicolas • Annie Ankervik • Richard Jordan and Marriet Gakes • Danny Pato • Jesus Oliver • Brian Suhr and Kirsten Demant • Henry Tse and Zoe Ong
The panel set to choose the winner from the 10 finalists on stage this Autumn include: Anna Pacitto • Robert Lobetta • Tom Connell • Sam Burnett • Candice McKay
This panel will combine their scores with audience votes collected via the WWHT app, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each participant’s creativity and presentation.
A Vision of Collaboration and Innovation
Team work with Candice McKay
The Talent Green House isn’t just a competition—it’s a movement. It’s about fostering a sense of community within our industry, one that thrives on collaboration and shared creativity. One of the most inspiring aspects of this year’s program is the creation of a collective emotional video—a project that encapsulates the essence of what we’re trying to achieve. It’s a reminder that, while individual talent is crucial, the power of collaboration can create something truly extraordinary.
Candice continues such great work. She says: “As someone who has always strived to push the boundaries of creativity, the Talent Greenhouse is a natural extension of my commitment to innovation. This program isn’t just about finding the next big name in hairdressing—it’s about equipping these artists with the tools and confidence they need to become leaders and innovators in their own right.
“The journey doesn’t end here. I’m already looking forward to the next edition, eager to discover and nurture more extraordinary talent. I encourage all aspiring creatives to take this opportunity, to push themselves, and to be part of a community that celebrates and elevates true artistry.”
On stage in Berlin
The Davines World Wide Hair Tour takes place in Berlin, from October 3rd to October 8th, 2024. The 10 finalists in the Davines Talent Green House will present their cultural interpretations of the Davines Hair Identity, showcasing the innovation and artistry that the Talent Greenhouse nurtures. They will present at the WWHT welcome dinner on October 6th, in collaboration with renowned DJ Sam Tongi.
The winner of the Talent Green House will be announced on October 8th, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for these talented individuals. The last word is with Candice: This program is more than just a competition; it is a launchpad for future industry leaders, providing them with the skills and recognition needed to make a lasting impact.:
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Here online you may browse our Creative section to find inspiration from the greatest hair artists… read our Home page to discover the top events and what we like about them, then visit our Magazine section to read the latest edition (and archive editions) of Tribu-te publications. If you’d like to enjoy your very own edition of Tribu-te delivered direct to your home – vist the Shop to order a subscription to arrive quarterly. And of course, once a year, you can visit the Tribu-te Show – it’s an awesome presentation of the leading hairdressers on the best stage possible in central London each October! Contact us if you have any questions or would like to submit photography and ideas for any of our editions in Europe – we’re particulary keen to see your salons for our Design section both in print and online.