An aspiring hair artist from NKC Gravesend College is set to take her skills from the college salon to the stage at one of the UK’s leading creative hair events.
Level 3 Hairdressing student Frankie Clark will be taking part in Elevate London at Brixton Jamm on 18 October, where she has been invited to appear on stage as an artist and showcase her creative skills live in front of an industry audience.
Elevate is built around community, creativity and giving hair artists a platform to showcase their work. Rather than competing for prizes, artists take to the stage for around 20 minutes to create a cut or style live, set to music and presented in their own individual style.
For Frankie, the opportunity will be a chance to push her creativity further. She will be creating a Mad Hatter-inspired hairstyle, including a hat made entirely from her model’s hair.
Frankie said: “It was an amazing feeling being invited to be on stage for such a well-known event. It has given me so much confidence and will help me with my career in hairdressing, not just through the experience but also through building my industry reputation on my socials and networking with other amazing stylists from across the UK.”
Frankie is currently studying her Level 3 Hairdressing qualification at NKC Gravesend College, having previously completed her Level 2 qualification in Barbering and Hairdressing.
She says her experience studying at the College has played an important role in building her confidence and developing her skills.
“I love studying at NKC Gravesend College. It is a place where I feel comfortable being myself and the hairdressing team have provided me with so much support and encouragement. I love how the College includes its learners in the running of the College and gives us opportunities to grow.”
Frankie’s appearance at Elevate follows another major achievement earlier this year, when she was named Lee Stafford Education Student of the Year 2026.
Together, the award and Elevate appearance highlight how practical experience can build confidence, skills and industry connections, helping Frankie take the next step towards her career in hairdressing.
She is also building her own creative identity online through her Bespoke_Hair_Artistry social media channels on Instagram and TikTok, where she showcases her work and develops her personal brand.
Frankie’s journey is a great example of the career-ready approach at NKC Gravesend College, where students can combine industry-focused training led by tutors from within the industry, with opportunities to gain experience, build networks and showcase their talents.
Inspired by Frankie and interested in a career in hairdressing?
Explore the Hairdressing courses at NKC Gravesend College and discover how practical training, industry experience and opportunities to develop creative skills can help prepare students for their future careers.