- 02 February 2025
- Success Stories & Apprentices & Careers &
WE SAT DOWN WITH APPRENTICE JESS DENNIS AS SHE REFLECTS ON HER BUSY HAIRDRESSING CAREER SO FAR AND SHARES HER EXCITING FUTURE PLANS.
Kleek: Hi Jess, so tell us a little about your journey into hairdressing.
Jess: I’ve always dreamed of being a hairdresser—it’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. I was planning to go to Middlesbrough College, but then I met my future boss, Kelly Rowney, on holiday in Tenerife. We started chatting, and she shared how an apprenticeship would be the best way for me to train and really boost my chances of getting a job. I ended up doing a trial day at her salon, and when the time was right, I became her apprentice!
Kleek: What do you love most about the hairdressing industry?
Jess: Everything! I love the creativity and the fact that it’s changing all the time, with new styles and trends, and new takes on the classics too. I work at Tate Hair in Stainton, and I’ve been able to assist Kelly on photoshoots for the British Hair Awards and on stage at events. I really enjoy working in the salon and providing services to all my clients, but I’ve also been doing a lot outside of the salon too. I’ve been really lucky to be a member of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s ClubStar Art Team 23/24. It’s a mentoring programme for under 25s that’s designed to help develop artistic talent. I saw the competition advertised on social media and so entered and amazingly got a place on the team! I’ve attended events with the team in salons across the country and learnt new skills in each session that I wouldn’t normally learn at work in the salon. These have included: • A wig-making and photoshoot day with Josh and Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy in Swindon • Learning the origins and techniques of a Wolf Cut from Simon Tuckwell, at Tuckwell & Co in Nottingham • Learning all about textured hair, techniques and cutting Afro Caribbean curly and coiled hair with Olivia Brady, Creative Director at Honeycomb Hair Doncaster • Styling and shooting a collection with Marlon Hawkins, Artistic Director at Brooks & Brooks in London • Discovering more about avant garde hair creations using hair sheets from hair extensions and scalp pigmentation specialist, Emma Holt We also attended national hairdressing events. I got involved on the Stage at Haircon in Manchester in June, when we showed a collection and I did some hairstyling on stage. I feel like I’ve been able to try so many things and I’ve gained so many skills to allow me to grow and develop as a hairdresser. It’s been so exciting!
Kleek: Do you have any advice for someone considering hairdressing as a career?
Jess: Do it! And/or push yourself! Enter Kleek and national competitions. Just have a go at everything, as that way you can open all kinds of opportunities! And just keep on learning too. They say the best hairdressers never stop learning, so that’s what I intend to do, and you should too! Also be active on social media like Instagram – not just to get noticed, but to attract new clients as well.
Kleek: What are you most proud of to date?
Jess: Well, in addition to being part of ClubStar, I was thrilled to win Apprentice of the Year – County Durham at the Salon Awards in 2023 and in 2024, and to get to the final of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy Star Award this year (see entry opposite). Working at Tate Hair alongside incredible colleagues has been amazing. I was honoured to assist my boss, Kelly, with some of her shortlisted looks at the British Hairdressing Awards finals in 2023 and 2024.
Kleek: Do you have any future hopes or plans?
Jess: I really enjoy building my clientele and contributing to making our salon a great place to visit. I will always want to work in a salon as it keeps me up to date with trends and helps me continually develop my skills. I’d also love to explore more session styling, as planning and creating looks for campaigns and shoots was a lot of fun!
