It’s been a big year for Jaimme-Lee. Taking home WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards, and with 2027 plans to take on the illustrious Australian Hairdresser of the Year category, Jaimme-Lee is entering an exciting new chapter.

As Director of Salon Jaimmelee, she has built an award-winning salon career while continuing to expand her creative practice internationally, recently stepping into the role of first assistant to Pablo Kuemin and working across fashion and editorial projects around the world.

We caught up with Jaimme-Lee to talk about balancing salon life with international opportunities, her love of editorial work, and the creative process behind bringing collections to life.

TJM: You’ve built an award-winning salon career while stepping further into international editorial work. How do you balance both worlds?

JLH: I don’t really believe in perfect balance. Life moves in seasons, and different priorities take centre stage at different times. I see it more as a series of choices and trade-offs.

There are moments when the salon and my team need my full attention, and others when my focus shifts to family or editorial commitments overseas.

As Director of Salon Jaimmelee while continuing to pursue my own goals, I work well beyond a standard work week. I’m constantly asking myself: What matters most today? What genuinely needs my attention? What can be delegated?

It’s not about creating a perfect 50/50 split. It’s about being intentional with my priorities, setting boundaries, building strong support systems and giving my full energy to whatever is most important in that moment.

TJM: What initially drew you to hairdressing and the industry?

JLH: What inspired me most was seeing people share their knowledge and help others become the best version of themselves.

I’ve always believed that one of the most meaningful things we can do is inspire the next generation to achieve even more than we have.

Hairdressing gave me the opportunity to combine creativity, connection and mentorship. From the very beginning, I was drawn to the idea that what we learn should be passed on, and that belief has remained a constant throughout my career.

TJM: You’re entering an exciting stage of your career, balancing your own creative growth with continuing to build Salon Jaimmelee. What excites you most about this chapter?

JLH: I’m surrounded by like-minded people who genuinely want to see one another succeed and become the best versions of themselves. That kind of environment is incredibly motivating.

At the same time, I’m excited to continue helping the SJL home grow and evolve. The salon has always been built around developing people, and seeing my team gain confidence, achieve their goals and reach their potential is every bit as rewarding as my own achievements.

To be able to create, learn and work alongside people I admire is something I never take for granted.

TJM: You’ve recently begun working as Pablo Kuemin’s first assistant. How has that experience expanded your creative perspective?

JLH: Pablo is truly one of a kind. He has a rare ability to challenge the way people think, pushing ideas beyond what feels comfortable and helping others see possibilities they might have otherwise missed.

More importantly, he has created an environment where curiosity is valued, experimentation is encouraged, and failure is embraced as part of growth.

That freedom has given me the confidence to trust my instincts, think more boldly, and approach creativity with a deeper sense of curiosity and purpose.

TJM: What have been some of the biggest highlights of working internationally so far?

JLH: One of the greatest highlights has been the personal growth that comes with the experience. Travelling and working internationally teaches you a lot about yourself and reinforces that the hard work, sacrifices and challenges are all worthwhile.

A defining moment was working on the DSM Kei Ninomiya Men’s Spring show in Florence. Seeing such an ambitious creative vision come to life was inspiring, but what made it even more meaningful was sharing that experience with Pablo.

To find myself contributing to a show of that scale, surrounded by world-class creatives, was a full-circle moment and something I never take for granted.

TJM: How do you move between the salon environment and the fast pace of editorial work?

JLH: For me, it comes down to being where my feet are.

Whether I’m in the salon or backstage at a show, I try to be fully present in that moment.

Fifteen years in the industry has given me the ability to adapt quickly, perform under pressure and move between different environments with confidence.

When you stay present, you’re able to get the most out of every opportunity and give your best to the people around you.

TJM: How have your editorial experiences influenced the work you create behind the chair?

JLH: Editorial work has completely changed the way I see hair.

It encourages me to look beyond trends and focus more on shape, texture, individuality and storytelling.

Being exposed to different creatives, fashion houses and artistic processes constantly challenges the way I think. I bring that inspiration back into the salon, which allows me to offer fresh ideas, new techniques and a broader creative perspective to both my clients and my team.

TJM: You continue to develop collections alongside a busy salon schedule. What does that creative process look like for you?

JLH: I genuinely love the creative process and who I become while I’m immersed in it. Collection work isn’t something I have to force time for – it’s something I’m naturally drawn to.

One of my favourite parts of the process is bringing my team along for the journey. They see the early ideas, the experimentation, the setbacks and the constant refinement that happens behind the scenes.

Sometimes they’ll look at an idea and wonder where it’s headed, but then they get to witness how creativity evolves over time.

I think it’s important for people to see that creativity isn’t always linear. The biggest thing for me is being honest about priorities. Once I know what matters most in that particular season, I can commit fully without constantly second-guessing myself.

TJM: Where does the inspiration for a collection usually begin?

JLH: Inspiration usually comes from everyday life. It might come from fashion, architecture, travel, nature or even a simple conversation.

I begin by gathering references and building mood boards before moving into testing and development.

A large part of the process is experimentation, refinement and back and forth with my mentors. I’m always looking for ways to push ideas further while staying true to the story and emotion behind the collection that represents me in its true form.

TJM: How important is having the right team around you when building a career that extends beyond the salon?

JLH: It’s absolutely essential. My team is the foundation that allows me to pursue opportunities outside the salon.

While I’m away, they continue delivering an exceptional experience for our clients and representing everything Salon Jaimmelee stands for.

They inspire me just as much as I hope to inspire them.

What matters most to me is that these opportunities create growth for everyone, not just myself. Whether it’s through education, inspiration or shared experiences, I want our success to be collective.

We grow stronger when we grow together.

TJM: What have these experiences taught you about leadership and growing a salon business?

JLH: Leadership has taught me that success is never about one person.

The further I’ve progressed in my career, the more I’ve realised that my role is to create opportunities for others to grow, succeed and become confident in their own abilities.

A great salon culture is built on trust, accountability and a shared commitment to getting better every day.

Growing Salon Jaimmelee has reinforced that people are always the priority. Skills can be taught, but attitude, passion and a willingness to learn are what truly drive long-term success.

The most rewarding part of leadership is seeing someone achieve something they once thought was out of reach and knowing you played a small part in helping them get there.

TJM: What continues to motivate you creatively?

JLH: Curiosity.

I genuinely believe there is always more to learn, more to experience and more ways to grow. Creativity keeps me engaged because it constantly challenges me to think differently and step outside of my comfort zone.

I’m also motivated by the people around me. Working alongside talented creatives, mentoring my team and being exposed to different perspectives through travel and editorial work pushes me to keep evolving.

I never want to feel like I’ve reached the finish line. The excitement comes from knowing there’s always another idea to explore, another skill to develop and another opportunity to create something meaningful.

TJM: What advice would you give to stylists wanting to explore both salon and editorial careers?

JLH: Focus on becoming exceptional at your craft first. Learn everything you can, stay curious and never stop refining your skills.

Be willing to say yes to opportunities, even when they’re outside your comfort zone. Editorial work often requires long hours, sacrifice and a lot of persistence before the rewards become visible.

Build relationships, find mentors, ask questions and be someone people enjoy working with.

Stay patient, trust the process and focus on continuous growth. If you do that, opportunities have a way of finding you.