Meet Curate 2025 Winner: Jess Wilson

The incredible winners of the 2025 CURATE Awards were recently announced and recognised as the best apprentice talent that Australia and New Zealand have to offer. The five winners may just be starting out, but they have well and truly made their first mark on the industry.

The Curate Awards platform was created by Brisbane hairdressing icon and AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023 Justin Pace, as made to showcase, celebrate and provide opportunities for apprentices and attract and retain their industry talent in the process. Salon owners can use the opportunity to motivate their apprentices and help them develop their profile in hairdressing.

Jess Wilson has made history as the first-ever New Zealand winner of the CURATE Awards, taking out the 2025 CURATE NZ Colour & Style award with her stunning creative work. Her winning entry showcased her exceptional eye for colour and technical precision, created while working as the only apprentice at Zibido Hair under the mentorship of salon director Shannon Dowd since 2022.

During her journey at Zibido Hair, Jess has been committed to excellence, transitioning from retail to become a full-time stylist on the salon floor, even before completing her apprenticeship in June 2025. Her creative achievements are extensive for someone so early in her careerWinner of Lust Photographic’s Emerging Stylist 2024, Finalist for AHIA Creative Apprentice of the Year 2025, HOTSHOTS 2022, and Industry Awards Editorial Stylist Of The Year Next Generation 2024. She has also already trained with industry luminaries including Stevie English, Lauren Cooper, Brad Lepper, and Peter Beckett.

Jess’s true creative passion and calling card lie in colour work and hair extensions. She has an exceptional ability to customise colour, volume, and length for every client, whether she’s crafting soft lived-in blondes, precise tonal work or creating bold transformations. Her bubbly personality and calm efficiency create genuine connections with clients, transforming not just their looks but their confidence and energy. Now working toward her long-term goal of salon ownership, this dynamic talent represents the next generation of New Zealand hairdressing excellence.

Here we find out a little bit more about this groundbreaking winner.

What has been your most transformative experience that influenced your work?

In a way it was my years spent modelling for Shannon before I even started hairdressing. Working with her I learned about the power of transformation, not just the technical side, but how colour and styling can completely change someone’s confidence and energy. That experience taught me that we’re not just creating looks, we’re creating feelings and connections and inspired me to take on this career.

What do you think is the most important trait of a hairdresser and why?

I think it’s the ability to really listen and connect with people. Yes, technical skill is crucial, but what I love most about this industry is building genuine relationships with clients. Every person who sits in my chair has a story, and my job is to understand what they want to feel like when they walk out. Whether it’s a subtle refresh or a complete transformation, it’s about making them feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.

What was a CURATE highlight?

Being the first New Zealand winner was incredible and representing our amazing talent on an international stage felt surreal! But honestly, the confidence boost has been the biggest highlight. Having this recognition so early in my career has validated all the hard work I’ve put in since 2022. It’s opened doors I never even knew existed and given me such belief in my creative abilities, especially with colour work which is my true passion.

What advice would you give to apprentices thinking about entering in 2025?

Just go for it! CURATE opening up to New Zealand entries was such a game-changer for us. There are so few opportunities like this at our level, so don’t let fear hold you back. Plan your entry carefully, practice until you feel confident, and remember that this could be the moment that changes everything for your career. Trust your creative instincts and show the world what New Zealand talent can do!

@curateawards @hairbyjesswilsonn