SCOUT COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT - An Ode to Colour

In this month’s community highlight we chat with Ingelise, a super creative and talented hairstylist who founded an Ode to Colour, a creative Hair, Make-up, and Events studio nestled in buzzing Newtown. True to her studio’s name, Ingelise’s talent lies in creating remarkable colour work. Keep on reading to learn more about her and her inspiring work!

Hi Ingelise, can you share a little bit of your background and what brought you to your passion for hairstyling?

I feel like I've always been creative. I really just fell into the hair industry in my last year of high school. Trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life - like we all are at that age - with little life experience and a thirst for individualism. I had a strong want for financial independence, which ruled out going to art school and made me consider an apprenticeship. I considered hospitality and cheffing but then a weekend job was going at a local hair salon and I had a lightbulb moment. I’ve been in the hair industry ever since and I still have a passion for cooking and food, which I've managed to balance. It's been a wonderful way to use my passion for creativity. To use the hair and skin as a canvas. I get to make people look and feel good for a living, how good is that!

Can you tell us more about the story of An Ode to Colour and what makes you different from other hair/beauty salons? Any hairstyle service you specialize in?

An Ode to Colour is a creative studio. Hair, makeup, and events! For client work, I run the space by appointment only, creating a safe and sacred space for my clients. They can truly unwind and enjoy the one on one experience, pamper, and transform themselves. 

Regarding what I specialise in, the clue is in the name. I’m super passionate about creative and custom colour work. From soft and natural blondes, blended brunettes and rich coppery redheads all the way through the spectrum to the super vivid rainbows, galaxies, and watercolour paint jobs.

What does your typical week look like as a hair & make-up artist?

I like to keep myself busy! As well as running my creative studio I also co-own a Micro Bakery next door with my partner called Juniper & Rye. A typical week will find me at the bakery in the morning, preparing delicious sandwiches, slinging coffees, and chatting with our delightful locals, then popping next door to create hair magic with my clients in the afternoons and evenings. I also enjoy running creative events at An Ode to Colour including art therapy sessions, crafternoons, and clothes swaps.

What do you most love about your job?

I love the people and the creativity. I get to meet lots of different people, hang out and catch up with my clients on a personal level. While I do that I also get to make people look and feel good. Whether it's maintenance or a full transformation I don't think you can ever underestimate how good taking some time out for yourself can be for your soul. I really enjoy the puzzle work of what I do. Taking someone's idea for their look and working with that vision and their lifestyle parameters to create something that feels personal and unique to them.

What past hair or make-up work are you most proud of?

I absolutely love it when clients give me a guide but free reign means I get to just let the creative juices flow. Here’s a selection of really fun work I've done in the studio in the last few months.

What qualities would you say are required for your job?

Easy-going and personable. Hard-working. Creative.

What goal do you hope to achieve in 2023? Any exciting projects coming up?

I’d really love to do some more fun events at the studio. I have some ideas for gallery exhibitions and workshops.

When you’re not working, what are you up to / how do you like to spend your free time?

I don’t really have a lot of free time at the moment but when I do I really appreciate seeing friends, cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones, taking our greyhound on an adventure, spending some time in the garden, and exploring new places to eat and drink.

Finally, where can we find you if we want to try out your services?

An Ode to Colour is at Shop 1/104 Alice Street, Newtown. The best way to get in touch for appointment availabilities is via the contact form on the site www.odetocolour.com or DM via my instagram www.instagram.com/an.ode.to.colour 

You can find Juniper and Rye next door at 2/104 Alice Street, Newtown and @juniper.rye on Instagram.