Brave Strong Beautiful
2141. Kerry Anderson
Kerry Anderson, from Edinburgh, is a hairdresser who set up ‘Brave Strong Beautiful’ to help vulnerable young adults find work placements in the hair and beauty industry.
Kerry left home aged 15, and later set up her own salon, but saw how many people struggled to get into the industry. Kerry has a background in social care and counselling and has drawn on this, together with her professional expertise, to establish social enterprise ‘Brave Strong Beautiful’ in 2019. Kerry works closely with recruitment agencies to run dedicated training programmes, which provide SVQ Level 2 training to young people aged 16-24, while providing a safe and secure learning space where students feel valued.
While undertaking training, students are also offered the opportunity of counselling, and signposting to additional support services as required, as well as practical and vocational support including CV creation, interview skills and interview practise, all aimed at promoting a positive future for those who may not feel college is the right route for them. Kerry is looking to open a second salon in Edinburgh in the future, in order to expand the number of placements available and help more young people.
Congratulating Kerry on her award, Christine Jardine, Kerry’s local MP for Edinburgh West, said:
“Congratulations to Kerry on receiving the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award for her incredible service to her community through her social enterprise.
“Times have been tough for so many, but especially younger people. Kerry saw a problem and thought of how she could be part of the solution, offering an opportunity of training in a supportive environment.
“What Kerry does changes lives, and I am sure she will continue to inspire not only those she works alongside, but people across the city and beyond.”
Kerry said:
“I am very honored to receive this award in recognition of our social enterprise and our social mission providing employment opportunities and apprenticeships in hairdressing for trauma experienced young people and those from challenging backgrounds.
“Having a trade skill is hugely empowering for a young person, this is something I understand myself, having lived experience of growing up disadvantaged. I am very honored to be able to be a mentor to the young people we work with and the opportunity to use my life experiences to create greater change in our community.”
See more about “Brave, Strong, Beautiful“