Shereen Shabnam
From the grand reveal of Atlantis The Royal to the dazzling TikTok Awards, Jamilla Paul has mastered the art of storytelling through hair. As Schwarzkopf’s Regional Creative Director and the visionary founder of Artilla – The Art of Hair, she has become the creative force behind some of the Middle East’s most iconic looks.
For Jamilla, hair is never just about beauty. It is about translating the essence of an event, a person, or even a cultural moment into a living narrative. Whether orchestrating backstage teams of 25 stylists for Dubai Fashion Week or mentoring the next generation of talent, her artistry lies in blending craft, culture, and collaboration into unforgettable expressions of style.
In this interview, we gain unique insights from Jamilla about her career journey, her creative spark, and the legacy she continues to build in the region.
From the Atlantis The Royal reveal to the TikTok Awards 2025, how do you translate a venue or event theme into a narrative told through hair? What’s your creative spark for crafting that story?
Every event has its own personality, whether it’s the TikTok Awards, a high-profile fashion week, a celebrity appearance, or a VVIP wedding. But no matter the scale or setting, it always comes down to the people. I am just one part of a much larger team that makes the magic happen, collaborating with stylists from around the world who each bring their own specialties and flair. For us, crafting a hair story is all about personalization, tailoring every detail to the individual guest, client, or talent involved.
We begin with inspiration: mood boards, references, and a deep dive into the guest’s wardrobe and the message they want to express through their look. It’s not just about beautiful hair — it is about storytelling. Whether we are creating looks for hundreds of celebrities at a royal reveal or interpreting runway trends at Fashion Week, we’re always focused on the unique narrative each person wants to tell. Hair becomes the final touch that brings that story to life.
You orchestrated backstage teams of 20–25 stylists and delivered some 120 unique looks per evening at Dubai Fashion Week. What rhythms both logistical and emotional do you establish to keep such high-pressure environments flowing?
Every season brings a new rhythm, and for me, it is about evolving creatively and professionally. I am constantly seeking to diversify my skills and expand into areas that aren’t always explored within our industry. There are some exciting projects on the horizon that I can’t speak about just yet, but they reflect that drive to innovate and push boundaries.
What remains constant is my desire to grow the community. There are so many brilliant freelance hairstylists and salon teams out there who are underutilized. I want to create real opportunities for them and be the go-to team that supports a wide range of events, from VVIP weddings and celebrity moments to hotel openings and bridal showcases.
Each event demands something different. It requires a unique approach that is completely tailored to the audience and the occasion. Thanks to the incredible network I have built over the years, with artists from all over the world, I am able to bring together the right talent for each moment. It is about crafting not just the look, but also assembling the right team to deliver it flawlessly.
Mentorship is clearly part of your legacy. Can you share a moment—perhaps behind the scenes of a large-scale show when one of your mentees surprised you or elevated the vision in unexpected ways?
Absolutely. Mentorship is at the heart of everything I do now. It is no longer just about personal success; it’s about sharing knowledge, nurturing others, and creating a space where people can thrive. There is no greater reward than watching someone you’ve supported go on to achieve incredible things. I have had so many emotional moments watching others grow, but two really stand out.
One is a young woman who joined my salon business in Dubai around 18 months ago. When she started, she didn’t speak a word of English but she had this radiant smile, an incredible energy, and a deep passion to learn. Fast forward to today: she speaks fluent English, she is a junior stylist, and she is now confidently offering services from hair to nails to brows. Her transformation has been extraordinary, and witnessing her journey has been deeply moving.
Another proud moment came through my work with the Schwarzkopf Professional Art Team. I mentored a young stylist who started out quite shy and uncertain. Today, she is traveling globally, leading seminars and representing the brand at an international level. Seeing her step into her power has been amazing.
Whether it’s backstage at Fashion Week or behind the scenes of a major event, the real magic for me is watching someone light up when they realize what they’re capable of. That’s the legacy I want to leave, by creating opportunities and helping others become the best version of themselves.
Founding Artilla – The Art of Hair and leading The Art of Education, you are redefining hairstyling as both craft and culture. How do those philosophies manifest uniquely in your event work?”
I have been deeply involved in the educational side of the industry for over 30 years, and one belief has always guided me: you earn what you learn. Knowledge isn’t just power. It is profit, growth, and sustainability. That principle is the foundation of everything I do through The Art of Education and Artilla – The Art of Hair.
Through education, I am not just teaching techniques. I am crafting programs that reflect both the artistry and the cultural context of our region. What works in Europe doesn’t always resonate here, so I create tailored courses like The Art of Styling and The Art of Curls, which are not only highly relevant but also in demand. These programs fall under my role with Schwarzkopf Professional, as well as my personal mission to elevate regional talent.
The connection to events is powerful. Many stylists I meet through seminars express a desire to break into the events space, from high-profile shows to bridal and celebrity styling. Through mentorship and hands-on education, I help them build the structure and confidence they need to succeed.
Sometimes, these moments come full circle. A stylist I once trained might end up backstage with me at a major event, and watching them apply their skills in real-time is incredibly rewarding. So for me, education and events are not separate worlds. They feed into each other, creating a culture of growth, collaboration, and artistry.
Jamilla Paul’s story is one of artistry, leadership, and mentorship, but above all, it is a story of vision. Her ability to create iconic hair moments while also elevating the people around her reflects a rare balance of creativity and purpose. From high-fashion runways to intimate mentorship journeys, she has redefined hairstyling in the region as both craft and culture. As she continues to inspire, innovate, and nurture new talent, Jamilla’s influence is certain to leave a lasting imprint, not just on the industry, but on the many lives she touches through her passion for the art of hair.
