Hairdressing students in Mansfield get inspired by award-winning stylist

Level two hairdressing students welcomed professional hairstylist Jennifer Low to their online class session to hear all about her career and learn more about her experience in the industry.

Jennifer, who now owns Scott’s salon in Grantham, was invited to speak to the class by personal tutor Suzanne Szepeta, who worked for Jennifer at Toni and Guy salon in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Students learnt that Jennifer’s career, which spans more than 30 years, saw her owning her first salon at the age of just 18 which was supported by funding from the Prince’s Youth Trust.

She then owned a Toni and Guy franchise at the age of 28.

Jennifer explained to the students that one of the keys to success in the industry is to ‘push yourself to try new things and to express yourself’ and how she encourages her staff to enter competitions.

Jennifer herself was a finalist in the 2019 and 2020 Salon Business Awards as well as being in this year’s finals for best education in the British Hairdressing Awards.

Students learnt the importance of creating a photographic portfolio to showcase their work for either competitions or for inspiring clients.

Jennifer also showed them images of styles she has created for competitions and for the London and Paris catwalks.

Student Kiera Durham said: “It was very interesting. I’ve never heard of some of the hair shows and amazing competitions which she spoke about so I’ve learnt something new – they sound so exciting to be involved in and Jennifer is incredibly inspiring.

"For my career I’d love to work on a cruise line and Jennifer’s got some great advice for new stylists to think about.”

Suzanne Szepeta added: “I’ve known Jen for many years and one thing she’s very passionate about is education and investing in her staff’s training.

“We’ll definitely be taking the opportunity in class practicals to explore competition-based looks and take professional-looking images of the results so that students can get a feel for the contest-style environment.”