Beswick Education Services

Luminary

Luminary has two meanings:

1. A person who inspires or influences others, especially in a particular field. Eg. a renowned expert or leader in an industry. 2. A source of light, such as the sun, moon, or a bright artificial light.

My Luminary collection represents the power of natural light, symbolic of a guiding force for future vision in hairdressing. Here, it’s means influence, inspiration, and directional hair artistry. By fusing futuristic innovation with timeless geometry, it challenges outdated conventions and sets a new standard for creative excellence.

My inspiration was the beautiful, extraordinary elements of light itself and light reflecting from texture. From the light spectrum and patterns to fur, feathers and liquids, I played with ideas from nature to form each new hairstyle. Importantly, I aim for Luminary to be a stimulus: a shining, guiding light for hairdressers, encouraging to break them free from limitations, pushing their boundaries.

I also hope it inspires my students and beginners to aim for excellence, be the very best hairdresser they can be.

CREDITS: Haircuts and Styling: Bernadette Beswick, Beswick Education Services

Colour: Rachel Vitullo

Photographer: Andrew O’Toole

Make Up Artist: Kylie O’Toole

Styling: Catherine V

“The most unforgettable night of my career. A dream realised. A moment I’ll never forget.

Winning AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year feels surreal, powerful, and deeply rewarding.

This award represents more than a title— it’s a celebration of passion, purpose, and pushing beyond limits. It marks a defining chapter in my career, and with it comes the opportunity to lead by example.

For me, this moment is proof that with hard work, persistence, determination, and unwavering focus, the extraordinary is possible. And now, I get to share that message—not just as a hairdresser, but as a mentor, an educator, and a believer in the future of our craft.

When my name was called… everything changed.

As I heard the words.., “And the winner of AHIA 2025 Australian Hairdresser of the Year is…”—I went into a complete zone. I placed my hands on my knees, lowered my head, closed my eyes, and just… breathed.

I could hear the energy building all around me—clapping, voices, excitement— and I quietly said to myself:

“You did your best, B.”

Then I heard it—my name. Kind of. I looked up, and everything paused for a heartbeat. It was me.

Bernadette Beswick.

OMG. I did it.

The room erupted. Clapping, screaming, lights, energy— and then, Sweet Dreams by Annie Lennox began to play. It was surreal.

The perfect song, at the perfect moment. A reminder that dreams don’t just live in the distance.

They are real. And they are reachable.

Winning this award will push me even further—to inspire every hairdresser I teach to believe that nothing is impossible. Set goals. Chase them with intention. Because this industry— our beautiful, bold, and ever-evolving industry—is one that leads with light. We shine light on our clients. We provide care, joy, transformation, and a renewed sense of self. We don’t just cut hair—we change lives.

One of my greatest joys is teaching—not only the technical skills of hairdressing, but the mindset, resilience, and clarity it takes to carve out a successful path. Mentoring the next generation to rise with purpose and confidence is one of my biggest goals moving forward.

Believe in your vision.

Do the work.

Shut out the noise.

And when your moment comes—own it.”

Bernadette Beswick