Fast forward to today, and the 22-year-old Lavington Hairdressing employee couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

She’s made quite the impression within her chosen profession — so much so, she’s just been named Riverina Apprentice of the Year.

“It definitely was a big surprise,” Miss Bowman said.

“There were that many people nominated that even to get to the finals was a huge deal, and I was happy with that.”

Miss Bowman, who is from Wodonga but lives in Thurgoona, finishes her apprenticeship in less than a week — and she’s come a long way since she first began training three years ago.

“It was just something I thought I’d try and see if I liked it or not,” she said.

“And I found it’s this brilliant creative field that I love being in, and I haven’t looked back.”

Miss Bowman hopes to end up managing a salon one day but at this stage, is happy to just keep doing what she loves.

“I kind of like to take things as they come — to find the opportunities and go for it,” she said.

Miss Bowman will now go on to the NSW-wide competition for Apprentice of the Year and, if successful, would move on to the national awards.