Julia Schwittai, Germany
Learn more about Julia's reflection on the Shaping Futures initiative.
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH HAIRDRESSING
Shaping Futures' mission is to empower. We teach disadvantaged young adults the skills of hairdressing so they can support themselves and change their lives.
Our concept
Born from a small Japanese project with Cambodian street children in 2008, Shaping Futures evolved into a global initiative in 2010 when Schwarzkopf Professional partnered with SOS Children's Villages – a leading non-profit organisation. Since then, we have helped over 3000 young adults in 33 countries, towards a brighter future.
Our students
Training for a brighter future, our students come from socially challenged backgrounds, but Shaping Futures gives them a chance to break the cycle with skills that can instil self-worth and power independence.
OUR TRAINING JOURNEY
Working with trusted NGO partners, we select students who would most benefit from our skills-based vocational training.
We give our students a firm foundation in all the basic hairdressing techniques including consultation, cutting, colouring and styling.
Every graduate receives a certificate to recognise their achievements and celebrate their success.
To provide long-term security and lasting success we work with local salon owners in an effort to place every student in full-time employment.
There are many ways to get involved in the work of Shaping Futures. Become a volunteer trainer or make a donation – and help turn social disadvantage into professional success.
OUR TRAINERS
Our trainers give their time and expertise for free, so that our students benefit from best-in-class teaching, to unlock their potential and improve their lives. Many trainers find it a life-changing experience for them too!
Ari Palojãrvi, Finland
Agnieszka Stoksik, Poland
Diane Fulton, UK
Julia Schwittai, an experienced hairdresser from Berlin, Germany, recently embarked on her second impactful journey as a volunteer with Shaping Futures. In 2023, she passionately contributed to the 'Shaping Futures' initiative in Manila, Philippines, empowering 20 underprivileged young adults to pursue their dreams of becoming professional hairdressers.
Having previously engaged in an inspiring project in Myanmar in 2019, Julia's commitment is fueled by a distinct purpose: sharing her expertise and 14 years of professional experience to offer promising futures to young individuals.
"It's more than just hairstyling; it's about instilling confidence, fostering creativity, and laying a robust career foundation."
Her profound experiences in Myanmar and the Philippines left Julia deeply moved by the resilience of young learners amid adversity. Her unwavering commitment stands as a testament to the remarkable pace at which individuals can grow given the right opportunities.
"As a society, we must unite and extend support where it's most needed. This is the catalyst for creating meaningful change and shaping a brighter future,"
While hairdressing may not always receive the recognition it deserves, individuals like Julia Schwittai showcase its true essence. It's an art form that bolsters confidence, nurtures creativity, and lays the groundwork for a promising and fulfilling professional journey.
20 young adults from SOS Children’s Villages in the Phlippines participated in the free hairdresser training
OUR SHAPING FUTURES
SUCCESS STORIES
Discover some of the futures that have been shaped by our work right here.
"Shaping futures was a great opportunity for me. I learned new cutting and coloring techniques. I even appeared in the newspaper twice because of Shaping Futures. It was just a GREAT experience."
Oday Habib took part in Shaping Futures in 2019 and only 4 years later is a creator at Schwarzkopf Professional’s #Colorcrafters event with his own hairdressing salon
Shaping Futures was born from a simple, yet powerful idea: Providing young adults a skillset that would allow them to generate an income and have a sustainable future. You yourself also got involved in hairdressing at a young age to support your family - would you mind telling us more about that?
"Fleeing the Syrian civil war, my family and I found refuge in Lebanon. My brother mentioned my interest in a salon job, though he didn't tell me. When the owner approached me, I played along, realising it was crucial for my family’s survival. This serendipitous moment changed the trajectory of my entire life."
In Germany, like in many other markets, the industry is affected by declining numbers of trainees. What role can initiatives like Shaping Futures play to counteract this trend?
"In Nuremburg, where I trained, Shaping Futures takes a comprehensive approach by engaging both vocational hairdressing students and refugees enrolled in pre-vocational classes through a series of integrated seminars. This provides a unique opportunity for exposure to industry role models and the chance to interact with peers. The goal is to inspire and facilitate the entry of individuals into the hairdressing field."
How did Shaping Futures affect your professional development?
"I have always been involved in my own development, often taking part in various hairdressing competitions. Shaping Futures was a great opportunity to learn new cutting and colouring techniques that I wouldn’t have learned in school. I even appeared twice in the newspaper because of Shaping Futures. It served as a motivational catalyst, propelling me to further refine my skills."
INSIDE SHAPING FUTURES
Simon Ellis presents the Shaping Future initiative and introduces some of the developing countries and underprivileged individuals which the concept strives to support.
We meet some of the incredible NGO leaders and Schwarzkopf Professional trainers who have made the Shaping Futures initiative a reality.
We hear of the heart-warming stories from students and their parents of how Shaping Futures has enhanced their lives and given them hope for the future.
We follow Shaping Future students as they successfully complete their training and find out about their exciting plans for their career.