Interview with Andy Uffels: A look behind the scenes of the fashion world and hair styling

Andy Uffels, a leading hairstylist, offers us an exclusive glimpse into the fashion world and hairstyling. With his years of experience and creative approach, he has shaped numerous catwalk shows and photoshoots. Discover the secrets behind his success and the challenges of his impressive career in this inspiring interview.

Linda (Interviewer): Hi, I'm Linda, a fellow hairstylist at The Insiders and part of the co-creation team. Today, I have the honor of interviewing Andy Uffels, the founder of The Insiders and an award-winning hairstylist.

Andy, thank you for taking the time to talk with us! You’ve had an incredible career in various aspects of the hair and fashion industry. You’ve experienced so much in the fashion world, from the runways in Paris to TV appearances in New York, working in salons in the Netherlands, a shoot for Vogue, and much more. Can you tell us about your experiences at the fashion weeks in Paris and Milan?

Andy Uffels: Thank you, Linda. It’s great to be here with you in the salon and share my experiences. Working at fashion weeks in Paris and Milan is definitely one of the highlights of my career. It’s a hectic but incredibly inspiring time. You collaborate with the best designers and stylists in the world, and it’s an honor to be part of such a creative process. The atmosphere backstage is always electric. Everyone works under high pressure, but there’s also a great sense of camaraderie. Gucci, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent were among my favorite shows.

Linda: That sounds really exciting! Can you give us a behind-the-scenes look? What makes it so special to work there?

Andy: What truly makes it special is the 100% energy and 100% passion that everyone puts into it. You see models, designers, stylists, hairdressers, and makeup artists all coming together to create something beautiful. There’s an enormous focus and professionalism, which allows everyone to bring out their best and feel genuinely proud when the models walk down the runway.

One of the most memorable moments was working on a show for Valentino in Paris. The attention to detail and creativity put into each look was phenomenal. And to see everything come together on the catwalk, that’s truly magical.

Linda: You’ve also won many awards, including World Champion Hairstyling and 3 X Hairdresser of the Year. How has that influenced your career?

Andy: Winning both the world championship and the title Hairdresser of the Year was a huge honor and certainly gave my career a boost. It was also a recognition of my hard work and dedication to the craft. It has given me the opportunity to work with some of the best people in the industry and to share my knowledge and passion with others. But the best part is always making clients happy in the salon. That direct contact and the smile on someone’s face as they leave happy, that’s priceless.

Linda: You’ve had the chance to work with many celebrities, models, and high-profile clients. Can you share some standout moments?

Andy: Working with celebrities is always exciting because of the high stakes and creative challenges. The most memorable experiences include styling HRH Princess of Thailand, which was an enormous ritual. Also, the car ride from Paris to home with Doutzen, very special. The show about 10 years ago with all the icons from the ’90s, including Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, and Claudia Schiffer, is something I’ll never forget. It was an honor to work with these people.

Linda: That sounds wonderful. At The Insiders, we also collaborate on creating products. How do you find that process?

Andy: It’s fantastic to lead an expert team that’s so passionate about hair care and styling. We work with the best colleagues and incredibly inspiring women who provide input for our products and test them for us. This co-creation process ensures that we develop products that truly meet our customers’ needs. We want everyone to feel heard and valued.

Linda: You also have a personal life outside of work. Can you tell us a bit about that?

Andy: Absolutely. Balancing work and family is crucial for me. My wife Penny and daughters Lola and Quinn are my biggest supporters. And not to forget my parents. We cherish the time we spend together and love traveling, good food, sports, yoga, and we greatly enjoy our holiday home in Spain. But honestly, my scissors and laptop always come with me. The working life of an entrepreneur never stops, and that’s precisely why I enjoy life so much. Like everyone, I also experience sadness and pain sometimes. Through conscious inner reflection, I try to turn everything positively and draw strength from it.

Linda: That sounds like a very beautiful and full life. Do you have any last tips or inspiration for our readers?

Andy: How wonderful it is to always keep learning and surround yourself with people who inspire you? Stay curious and experiment with new things. And above all, enjoy the process.

Linda:Thank you, Andy, for sharing your story and insights. We look forward to creating many more beautiful things together with you and The Insiders.

Andy: You’re very welcome, Linda. Let’s keep growing and inspiring together!