On last night’s season finale of Shear Genius, 37 year old stylists Denise “Dee” Adams was named the winner, prevailing over finalists Charlie Price and Nicole Overt. For their final challenge, the stylists had to create 4 different looks and tell the story of one woman, as she progressed through life. They had to present hair styles for an 18 year old, a 30 year old, a 45 year old, and a 60 year old. As the winner, Dee will receive the grand prize of $100,000 from Nexxus, an internship with the salon care company, and the opportunity to style hair for an Allure magazine feature. Today, Dee spoke to BuddyTV in an exclusive interview, dishing on the feedback she didn’t agree with, the contestant she couldn’t click with, and her big plans for the future!
Below, you will find the complete transcript and mp3 of the interview.
Hey everybody, this is Gina from BuddyTV and today, I’m talking to Dee, the winner of Bravo’s Shear Genius. Well congratulations, I absolutely love the show. I watched it all season and I’m happy for you!
Great, thank you!
Can you tell me a little bit about your background in hair design and styling and how you got started?
Yes, I’m originally from San Antonio, Texas and moved to Miami, started in the industry in ’98 and been trucking ever since. I truly have a passion for the industry. I got involved with Paul Mitchell and became a task force member, a premiere member, so basically, just taught other hairdressers to update their skills. But behind the chair, I rock and roll, man, I love what I do.
Did you watch the first season of Shear Genius?
Yes, I did, and I was hooked! It was something that I knew that I had to do and I felt that, if I was on the show, I could definitely win and go all the way.
When you got there, and you met the other stylists, were you nervous at all or how did you feel you stacked up against the competition?
I wasn’t nervous. If anything, I was more focused. I definitely feel like this was more of a … it was right up my alley. I’m quick, I have a strong vision, I’m extremely talented, and I just had to believe in myself.
Did you get along with everybody on the show this season?
I did get along with pretty much everyone, with the exception of Charlie. He had a way of getting under my skin but I just had to prove that, at the end of it all, I was a better stylist.
Going up against Charlie and Nicole, in the finals, were you nervous at all?
I was more nervous about just getting the job done, more than them winning. I was just more timing of the actual timing – 3 hours to do 4 people, color, cut and style, is almost nearly impossible.
What was the most difficult challenge for you this season?
The most difficult challenge, I would say, would have to be the dog challenge just because I’ve never cut a dog before. I don’t even own a dog, I have a cat! That was definitely something challenging, something out of my comfort zone I’ve never done before but I nailed it.
Is there a particular judge on the panel that’s the hardest to impress?
Definitely I would have to say Kim Vo. Looking back at the show, I don’t think that there was one thing that he said nice … anything that he said that he agreed with what I did, with the exception of birds of paradise. He’s definitely a tough one to impress.
Is there anything that was said during the panel and judging that you didn’t agree with?
I would have to say I did not agree with the birds of paradise decision, as far as Charlie winning that one, the color challenge. Also, the photo shoot. I did not agree with what they had to say as far as the cut being avant garde.
Is there a particular challenge that you’re the most proud of?
I’m definitely the most proud of the birds of paradise, with the edgy haircut and the bright colors. I think that stood out the most and that’s something that’s one of my favorite things to do.
So what happens to the winner of Shear Genius now that the show is over? What’s in your future?
What’s in my future? Definitely opening my own salon, it’s called D&L Hair Studio in Miami, Florida. Doors will be open right before the holidays.
And do you have any advice for stylists who are looking to become big in the industry?
Stay focused, dream big, never give up, and don’t ever say “I can’t.”
Well, thanks again, Dee and congratulations!
Thank you so much, Gina, I appreciate that. Have a great day!
– Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of Bravo)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
