Jaimme-Lee is the owner and creative director of hairdressing salon, Salon Jaimmelee, and is also an ELEVEN Australia Educator for WA.

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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

I’m currently the Owner and Creative Director at Salon Jaimmelee, located in West Leederville, Perth. I started my career as quite a young teen, pursuing my passion for hair at just 14 years old!

I had a real hunger and drive for the industry and was fortunate enough to begin training under some of the most respected artists in Western Australia. Now with over 10 years experience as a Hair Stylist and Colourist, I’ve been fortunate enough to start my own salon and grow a team of talented hairdressers to work alongside me.

My dedication to the industry has seen my work widely published editorially, commercially and showcased on runways around the world from Australia to New York.

All of this led me to start working with ELEVEN Australia and not long after, I became an ELEVEN Australia Educator for WA. I regularly contribute to the future generation of hairdressers through various workshops throughout the year. 

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

At home, I’m a mum to our 4 month old, León and partner to my forever and always. Work for me never feels like work. I get to go to work with a team that I call family and create beautiful hair for my clients. It feels more like hanging out with friends all day whilst “working”. 

A typical day normally starts off with a feed and nappy change for León, followed by coffee and breakfast for my partner and I. We’re actually quite lucky, my partner generally works afternoon/evenings, so I can get ready and out the door, while he tends to our son.

I typically arrive at the salon at 8am most mornings and begin setting up for the day ahead. The day can be anything from back to back clients, to a styled shoot with local creatives such as Natalie Rolt or leading a Pop Up Education workshop for ELEVEN Australia.

The evenings are far more relaxed, I make dinner and hang out with León and my partner. 

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?

Unfortunately, my team and I aren’t able to directly work remotely. We only work from the salon to ensure a strict hygienic process can be followed at all times. It’s not ideal during COVID times, but we believe the care and health of our employees and clients is far more important.

I’m lucky to have an incredible team outside the salon too. My business coach, brand guru (Paige Tuzee) and PR agency (Evolve PR Studio) support me with the business side of the salon, allowing me to focus on what I do best.

Yes, it’s a financial cost but it means I can live a more balanced and flexible work-life and be fully present during family time.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

Work-life balance is always going to be a struggle when you’re a business owner, but as cliché, as it sounds, if you love what you do it doesn’t actually feel like work. Of course, some days are harder than others, juggling a baby into the mix definitely creates more time constraints,  but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As a new mum, I’ve recently learnt that it’s absolutely okay to say no and how important it is to set boundaries, to not only take care of myself but also my family. It doesn’t happen like that all the time but I do my best and forget the rest. Being kind to yourself and having a positive mindset goes a long way.

5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?

I’ve been working for myself for five years now so my routine and habits have evolved over time. I’m a big believer that you choose what makes you happy and you have the power to change your life, so if something isn’t working, I analyse what it is and make a change. 

There have been a lot of changes over the past 12 months, as mentioned I became a Mumma for the first time so my normal cruisy work life has had to change so I can spend as much time at home.

León occasionally joins me in the salon too, the team and clients love getting to see him and he’s such a chill babe it works really well (lucky for me!). 

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

It really depends on what mood I’m in but I’m currently reading, for the thousandth time, Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.

I’m also hooked on the Mamamia Lady Startup Podcast series, listening to the stories of other entrepreneurial women and how they’ve navigated their way through being a business owner is really inspiring. I often listen on my way to work which gets me in the right headspace for the day ahead. 

7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

ELEVEN Australia’s Dry Finish Texture Spray comes everywhere with me! I literally couldn’t live without it these days, I highly recommend it for anyone who hasn’t tried it yet. 

8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?

I love reading relatable stories from other business owners or entrepreneurs. Hearing their experiences of working and managing a team or tips on how to juggle between home and work life is really comforting as we all experience the same ups and downs.

Sports athletes are an interesting one too, how they manage to juggle home and work life whilst training and touring is incredible. Michael Jordan has always been someone who inspires me, on and off the court.

9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

Embrace individuality and difference, find something that you’re passionate about and work will never feel like work. I’m a realist who accepts life can’t always be balanced but that we choose where we put our energy and who we choose to give it to. Be kind to yourself, do your best and forget the rest! 

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