Gerri Leigh Stobbs: How TVA Launched My Freelance Career
From salon-employed stylist to self-employed success – how winning Wella Professionals’ TrendVision Award shaped Gerri Leigh’s journey.
For many stylists, the Wella Professionals TrendVision Awards are a career-defining moment – but for Gerri Leigh Stobbs, it skyrocketed her freelance success. Winner of the Colour Artist category in 2021, and later an International Artist in 2022, Gerri’s TVA journey has helped shape her career, offering new opportunities, industry recognition and an invaluable network. Now self-employed within a salon space, she reflects on her TVA experience and how it helped propel her as an independent stylist.
Gerri Leigh had always admired TVA from afar, but entering for the first time in 2021, she never expected to go all the way to winning.
“It was actually my first time entering a competition like this, and I was so nervous. My previous boss had won TVA before, but it had taken her years of entering, so I didn’t expect to win on my first try. When I got to the Grand Final and won, it was a complete shocbut the best kind!”
Her winning holographic-inspired look was a bold, futuristic creation, blending commercial viability with creative expression. She recalls the initial uncertainty of trying something so different but says that taking the risk paid off.
“I remember the first time I did a holographic colour in the salon – no one had ever done it before. I found it so scary, but by the end, I felt like I could do it with my eyes closed. TVA pushed me to challenge myself creatively, and it gave me the confidence to take more risks in my work.”
At the time of her TVA win, Gerri Leigh was working as a salon-employed stylist, but she recently transitioned to self-employment within a salon space. While TVA had always been on her radar, she found that the experience gave her the credibility and confidence to take the leap into freelance life.
“Competing at TVA gave me the push to really get my name out there. Since winning, I’ve attracted more clients, and many are proud to say they get their hair done by an award-winning stylist. I’ve also had clients come to me specifically because of my TVA-winning look.”
She emphasises that self-employment should never be a barrier to entering competitions.
“Some freelancers worry that because they don’t work in a big salon, they don’t have the same opportunities. But TVA is for everyone – whether you’re in a large salon or working for yourself, if you have a creative vision, just go for it!”
Winning TVA isn’t just about the title, it’s about what comes next. After her 2021 win, Gerri Leigh went on to compete internationally, where she was invited to assist at a major hair show in Gran Canaria, working alongside global industry leaders.
“Going to Destination in Gran Canaria was incredible! I met stylists from all over the world, worked with some of the best in the industry and built friendships with other TVA winners. That kind of experience is priceless.”
TVA also led to collaborative opportunities, social media growth and industry-wide recognition.
“My name got out there so much more after TVA. I gained followers, got approached for collaborative projects, and even started teaching at colleges across the UK to inspire young stylists. Winning TVA opens doors in ways you don’t even realize at the time.”
One of the biggest benefits of TVA for freelancers is the financial investment that comes with the win. “A lot of freelancers worry about the cost of entering competitions, but TVA actually helped fund my career. The prize money paid for my Master Colour Program, which was a huge investment in my education. As a freelancer, having that kind of training covered is invaluable – it makes you a better stylist and attracts more clients in the long run.”
Her advice to freelancers considering TVA? “Believe in yourself. Imposter syndrome is so real in this industry, but you’ll never grow if you don’t push yourself out of your comfort zone. Whether you win or not, the experience is worth it. It puts that creative spark back into you. Just go for it!”
Thinking of Entering TVA as a Freelancer?
With bigger prizes, a new Digital Award category, and free tickets to the Grand Final for select winners, TVA25 is more accessible than ever for self-employed stylists.
Photographic entries open: 21 April
TVA UK & Ireland Final: 6 October
For more details, visit wella.co.uk/trendvision.
