REAL GIRL POWER
A Wishaw primary school pupil’s letter to a local businesswoman asking for a job has inspired the launch of a not-for-profit organisation that helps girls chase their dreams.
Anne Marie McElroy, director of AMM Hair and Make up Team Limited, received the persuasive letter from Emily Fyvie after she gave a talk to pupils in Primaries 5,6 and 7 at her former school, St Aidan’s Primary.
Hairdresser Anne Marie, 41, of Coltness, told the pupils how she left school at 15 with no qualifications and went on to co-found her awardwinning booking and training agency for high end, luxury weddings in Scotland.
The agency, which has worked with scores of celebrities including style guru Gok Wan and Suits star Eric Close, has 25 artists based in Skye, Aberdeen and Central Scotland and has been behind glitzy superstar weddings in castles and luxury locations.
The talk inspired primary five pupil Emily to send the letter to Anne Marie, appealing for a job as a hair and make-up artist with her firm.
Anne Marie was so impressed with the nine-year-old’s ambition and confidence that she decided to launch the Girl Gang Scotland movement to teach girls and teenagers that they can become anything they wish with the support of talented, respected creative professionals in Scotland.
And on Thursday, Anne Marie returned to St Aidan’s Primary School to interview Emily and present her with a certificate naming her as the first member of soon-to-be charity, Girl Gang.
In her letter to Anne Marie, Emily wrote: “I would love to apply for this job as it has been my dream m since I was s four years s old.
“I have e many y skills s such as s creativity y and a good d designer. . I also love e creating g new looks s and making people feel good about themselves. So, you see, I would be absolutely exceptional at this job because just yesterday I created a brand new style which made this person beautiful, which is what I want to achieve.”
Emily’s letter to Ann Marie went on: “I love designing my sister’s hair and also my dolls’. Overall, I would be perfect for this position as I love creating new ideas. I would be better than anyone else as I am unique and my imagination can run free.”
Aimed at inspiring females aged nine to 18, Girl Gang promises to give them access to inspirational achievers that they wouldn’t be able to reach through the education system or through careers advisers.
Supporters include tubers, instagram influencers, bloggers, dancers, musicians, denti dentists, doctors, ha hairstylists, ma k e - u p artists, fit fitness gurus, sp spiritual te teachers, models, marke t i n g an and PR pro professionals, b rand sp specialists, women ent entrepreneurs and athletes.
“I t ’s ho honestly incredible that everyone has the same vision as us to make a difference with the young females in Scotland as we feel there is a huge gap in the education system to inspire our future,” explained mum-of-two Anne Marie, who co-founded Girl Gang with business partner Sarah Scott, owner of B Fierce hair studio in Bellshill.
“Our goal is to open girls’ eyes to a positive, healthy future and educating them in building a career in jobs that are appealing to their needs.
“We are creating a virtual community and holding events at which the young people can listen to professionals telling their stories.
“We want to focus on positive mindset, balance, loving themselves, being kind, being happy, goal setting, meditation, managing stress, anti bullying, zero tolerance to drugs and being unique.”
Anne Marie and Sarah are searching for locations in which to hold events and the pair are seeking to link with more schools and colleges.
Inspired by the boss who nurtured her skills when she was 17, Anne Marie believes she can teach young girls that they can achieve anything they want in life, given the correct role models.
“I am passionate about bringing the best out in people and I am very fortunate to work and know extremely talented professionals that are keen to share this message with our young girls,” she explained.
Anne Marie can be contacted by emailing hello@annemariemcelroy. co.uk