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Jenny Pelter
Technical Director

Jenny is now co-franchisee of Westrow Street Lane, North Leeds, with business partner Amy Lopez. She is also Technical Director of the Westrow Artistic Team and is constantly honing and toning her colour skills at a whole host of industry initiatives.

Describing herself as hardworking, loyal and creative, Jenny's forté is her versatility, her vocation creating colour that truly complements the hair’s shapes and textures, bringing it to life: “a good colour has to work in synergy with the haircut,” she says. Not afraid to make mistakes, she loves breaking free from her comfort zone, and takes her inspiration from the Fashion Weeks around the globe: "I love seeing catwalk trends, and working on colour techniques to accompany them is a great motivator," she says.

A self-confessed fashion-lover, she cites Poppy Delevingne as having effortlessly chic style, and thinks Gisele Bündchen’s locks rock. She loves creating seamless, beautiful colours using the French freehand Balayage technique to create the inner Gisele in everyone.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A HAIRDRESSER?

After completing two years at college, and just about to start studying nursing at university, I did a complete u-turn and, much to my parents annoyance, applied for a job to train as an apprentice at Westrow. I was 18 at the time and, after eight years with the brand, I have never looked back. My mum has since said she is glad I rebelled as she loves that I love my job.

HOW DID YOU GET ON THE TEAM?

After completing my Colour Specialist Degree, I spent a year working in the salon using my new-found colour knowledge on my clientele, but it wasn’t enough for me. Gaining a place on the L’Oréal Professionel Colour i-D team gave me the confidence to help out with the colouring opportunities on the Westrow Artistic Team, providing the perfect platform for me to develop my creativity outside of the salon. I love taking charge of helping the team create beautiful, fashion-forward colour for shows, or to educate on platform. It’s the perfect complement to working in the salon.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON THE TEAM?

I have been on the team for five years – and I’ve had the most incredible time. I have been fortunate enough to travel the UK and overseas working on platform delivering colour techniques that we have developed for the new seasons. We do so much, but the highlight was working in Milan – it was such a wonderful experience.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT IT?

I love being part of such an incredible team, and creating the looks and concepts for the shows we work on is amazing. I’ve learnt so much from everyone since I joined, which is great in itself, but we also get to travel around the country doing something we love, which is a bonus. It’s hard work and can be challenging, but it’s so rewarding to see the finished looks on stage and the memories are one of the best things.

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THIS YEAR AS PART OF THE TEAM?

We’re constantly working on shows and developing concepts for our photographic shoots, and we will hopefully be entering a few competitions this year too.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I have been fortunate enough to be trained by some of the lead colourists in the industry, who have each inspired me, but for me the other members of the Artistic Team have offered me the most inspiration and encouragement.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES HAS IT PRESENTED?

Steve (Rowbottom) has given me such amazing opportunities. He took a chance on me – I had never worked on shows before so didn’t have a proven track record. My hard work seriously paid off though, as after doing shows in Leeds, Manchester and London, he asked me to take on the job of lead colourist for the eight models we worked on at the Creative Crash show we did in Milan, which was amazing.

HOW HAS IT CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK IN THE SALON?

My confidence grew rapidly and my creative side has also had a chance to flourish; I’m not as safe with my colour as I used to be, and I have the confidence to experiment and try new techniques. I have also launched a dedicated colour salon on Street Lane, North Leeds, with my business partner, Amy Lopez.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT OF YOUR HAIRDRESSING CAREER TO DATE?

With the Westrow Artistic Team, the highlight was working in Milan. It was great to feel that Steve had put his trust in me creatively; it was a huge responsibility, but I loved every second, and ended the year on such a high.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE THIS YEAR?

The past few years have been amazing, so my aim is to continue working as part of the Westrow Artistic Team and to enjoy the opportunities it has to offer. I want to develop my techniques and the new salon business – and maybe another little trip to Europe would be nice!

Meet the Creative Team

Steve Rowbottom
Creative Director
Hollie Watson