Ruth Roche

What country are you from, and where do you reside?

I’m from the US, but have dual citizenship in Canada. I lived in NYC for 25 years but now live in Napa, California.

Title of what you do and if you are aligned with a brand or company.

Redken Master Artist and Global Educator.

Education background (school, salons, self-taught)?

I went to college for one and a half years and studied mechanical engineering. Left to follow my heart and go to cosmetology school. Worked for Trevor Sorbie as his US artistic director for 9 years, Was trained by Trevor and Vivienne Mackinder.

What is the first creative project that you remember?

Assisting Trevor at shoots. It was fascinating to watch his hands and watch him make the decisions he made!

What is your signature style/artistic expression of your work? 

Either organic live-in hair (commercial work) or edgy weird stuff but I always try to do something I have done before and try to keep it beautiful.

What is the most fulfilling job you’ve worked on or someone you have worked with?

It has changed over the years. It was Trevor and Vivienne, then being Artistic Director at Redken and then Pureology. I was able to develop and train the artists as well as do hair for all the ad campaigns and editorial.

Do you have a career turning point, big break, or person who has helped your career? 

Working for Trevor Sorbie definitely gave me a platform that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. I am so lucky to learn all the different facets of hair.

What was the scariest and proudest moment in your career?

Scariest – When I was doing a show and the sign said Trevor Sorbie (not Trevor Sorbie Team) So when I walked out on stage and people realized Trevor wasn’t there they all started getting up and leaving, and they were loud about it! It was mortifying!

What is next for your career goals? 

I just started my mentorship program called Vision Craft where I take ten people through a six month experience. By the end they will each have created a fabulous and unique hair collection which can then be shot and used for competitions. My goal is to pass on all that I have learned from my mentors and my experience for the last forty years.

What advice would you give to someone starting in your business?

Stay humble, focus on your craft, and help others achieve their dreams! The rest will follow. Reach out to people who you admire and ask how you can help them. Assist. Learn everything you can even if it’s not current in fashion. Learn it because it is fuel for your creativity later. The more you know, the more you can create!

Instagram: @ruthroche

Website: www.ruthroche.com