Jelant Hair Studio part owner Jelissa Kelland secured victory in her category which focussed on the entire ‘look’ of a model, not just the hair. 

Mrs Kelland said a maximum of 10 people were in each category with number of Mount Isa businesses helping create the final look for her model. 

Finding her inspiration in the movie Maleficent, Mrs Kelland said she had the tutu made by Mount Isa business Made to Tutu, bought a fur sash from Playtime, had help with the fascinator from Millinery By Mel and even had her model wearing black angel wings.  

“It took me three months to piece everything together and to create my idea,” she said. 

“The competition even came down to her fingernails, there were so many aspects.” 

“Hairdressing to me is a craft and it is about introducing fashion forward ideas and going to hair expos to bring them back to Mount Isa.” 

First place prize earned Mrs Kelland more than $1000 of prizes. 

It has also attracted nation-wide attention, with more than 20 salons from around Australia following her on Facebook since the expo. 

Mrs Kelland hopes to share her knowledge and says she won’t be leaving Mount Isa any time soon.

“My goal is to be an educator and this will give me experience, I want to do my hairstyles on stage all around the world.” 

She also heaped praise on her team and said she wouldn’t have been able to achieve her feats without their hard work.