When Colour Is In Your DNA

Colour has always been front and centre from the beginning for Leigh Spencer and taking up her new role as Affinage Professional National Product, Brand & Technical Manager sees a new challenge for this focussed and well respected individual.

“As soon as I hit the salon floor at Glemby International (part of the David Jones and MYER stores) I felt most excited with a tint brush in my hand.” Says Leigh. “When I moved into the corporate world, I maintained my focus. New formulation swatches landing on my desk inspired me as much as frantic fashion weeks. I also loved finding people who felt the same way I did, colourists who had a really solid understanding of the foundations and then a curiosity to create. My time with Guest Artists, Ambassadors, and Technical Educators is where my best memories have been made. From bringing International collections to the stage, through to late-night conversations over a cocktail or two, hair people are my people, always have been, always will be.”

Whether it’s working with international R&D teams or local supply chains and customer services teams, Leigh has always maintained close contact with salons, the owners, managers, senior stylists, and next-gen. “I think it’s important, to never lose sight of the hairdresser, from those with 20 staff to single operators. Their needs change as the salon operations differ, but the drive to discover, create, to serve, to deliver technically sound standout hair, that is a shared value system, and keeping their DNA as a priority in product development should never shift.”

Affinage professional National Product, Brand & Technical Manager - Leigh Spencer

What do you hope to bring to Affinage from your wealth of experience?

I have always worked closely with Brand Managers and the best brand story is one that starts with a technically superior performance and am looking forward to bringing fluidity to the relationship in my role with Affinage. My approach has always been - what is needed to get the job done. I think it’s often overcomplicated. I wouldn’t say I am a minimalist (ask my husband about my shoe collection!) but I think a Marie Kondo approach to product development might be a refreshing approach. Brand Evolution is a key focus. We know where we are in the market and via our distributors, we have a good idea of our audience, but we want to connect more, share more, and celebrate the smaller operators. The population of super successful sole traders and dynamic duos are relevant and worth investing in and I want to pursue that more.

What interested you firstly in terms of joining the Affinage Team?

The people, it’s always the people. My first introduction to the company was with Richard Jolly, we met up 4 or 5 times prior to me coming on board. He has an unwavering commitment and passion for the industry. He is charming and articulate and whilst incredibly experienced 100% open to new ideas. The business is an Australian family-owned and operated, that’s a really nice thing to be part of. Employees have been with the company a long time; an indication of the strength behind the brand. With a head office in Brisbane, it’s unreal to be so close to the head office team day to day. Finally, I would have to say that the agility of a smaller organisation with no-corporate Red Tape policy is refeshing! We can have an idea in the morning and start bringing it to life by the afternoon.

What are Affinage Professional’s nonnegotiable values?

Social and environmental responsibility is at the heart of everything that we do. We are 100% cruelty-free as a proud member of the PETA Beauty without bunnies association. We look at the changing values of our customers, their changing habits and behaviours, and respond with our product offering and HOW we supply. These values include vegan-friendly, ammoniafree, paraben-free, and sulphate free ranges. Supporting Sustainable Salons to rescue up to 95% of salon resources from landfill and find repurposing solutions that benefit our planet. One of my favourite affiliations is the support of Orange Sky, supporting its effort to connect people experiencing homelessness through free laundry showers and conversation.

Will the education on offer be live in the flesh, at the HQ premises, in salon, online, and/or all of the above, and what can be expected here?

The landscape of education has drastically changed, and we now need to accommodate the learning style of the individual we will cover off all aspects of delivery mentioned - the up close and personal live element I believe is still the most effective & engaging. Digital has come into its own since COVID. It has made us realise what an important tool it is in Education. Digital – can be more conducive to the individual – view when they are ready - so a range of prerecorded & live Seminars will be available moving forward. We are developing an Interactive Online Learning Platform for all things Affinage Professional for 2021/22 – very exciting

DIGITAL HAS COME INTO ITS OWN SINCE COVID. IT HAS MADE US REALISE WHAT AN IMPORTANT TOOL IT IS IN EDUCATION.

What do you love most about the colour performance and what would you say is its most important point of difference?

It works! 100% EVERY SINGLE TIME. People who have worked with me before, know that I am a stickler for colour performance.

Will you be involved in future developments in colour, trend forecasting, etc with the brand?

This is one of the key areas of the role – future developments are key to our success for the future we have already begun work on several NEW colour initiatives for 2022 which are very exciting for the company – I am a firm believer in “If You Always Do What You’ve Always Done, You’ll Always Get What You’ve Always Got.”

Who will you be working with within your EDU team?

Aside from the highly skilled and experienced Education Team around Australia, we are starting to engage and develop a new Creative Team of very talented individuals from within the industry for 2022 SO WATCH THIS SPACE!