2 mins
Adventures of a ‘Marster’ COLOURIST
Jaymz Marsters, senior stylist and co-owner of The Watt Salon, has broken the myth that you have to be in a big city to be successful
What has been your career journey so far?
After leaving school at 16 without the grades I needed for my chosen career path, I had to think relatively fast about where I wanted to go in life. Luckily, my sister is in the hair industry, so I was guided down the same path. I left college at 18 and got a job. Now the salon where I first began my career back in 2006 has become The Watt, a salon I’m proud to co-own.
You’ve created a reputation as a vivid, creative colourist. What attracted you to this sort of work?
Creative colouring wasn’t something I wanted to go into at the start of my career as it had the stigma of ‘you just slap it on’ by clients and colourists. I saw a gap in the market and a lack of knowledge around this type of colouring in my local area. With the demand for creative colour increasing, thanks to social media, I found this the perfect opportunity to push myself into this area for both skill development and financial gain.
How have you juggled a business in a small town and built a profile?
I’m based in Downham Market, Norfolk – asmall market town with around 12,000 residents and the average age of 69 so building a profile for vivid colour has had its challenges. But I was able to use social media to encourage younger generations to travel, whilst still offering creative colour services to the mature clients in my town. Social media has been my ‘big city’ stepping stone, allowing me to educate colourists around the world and build an online profile.
What was your first big break?
I won a competition on HJ Instagram in 2016, to present my work on stage at Salon International. It was the most nervewracking experience of my life, but it allowed me to progress my career to the next level and evolve in ways I couldn’t have without that opportunity.
What are the challenges you’ve faced?
Despite having a relatively high profile on social media, I still face the same challenges as other business owners in the UK such as COVID-19, finding stylists, rising energy costs – the list goes on.
Do you have any tips for someone who aspires to have a career like yours?
Keep educating yourself. We are always learning no matter how many years we’ve been in the industry. Plus, being able to take a decent photo and being skilled at shooting videos for social media helps!
2006
Started first job in a salon
2016
Presented on stage at Salon International
2022
Became co-owner of The Watt Salon