PALOMA Profiles: Matt Lennon

Creative Director and Brand Consultant, Matt Lennon is one of those people born to a rock-star name, with the style, charisma and aura that one naturally gravitates towards. Matt is a beautiful human on the inside, as he is on the outside.

As one of our star guests at PALOMA, we are honoured to debut the inaugural PALOMA Profiles with Matt Lennon alongside Sydney WorldPride 2023. PALOMA Profiles is a space to share the epic people we have in our PALOMA Community, and to collectively engage around the things we value and care about - ‘Self’, Wellbeing, Inclusivity and Sustainability. You, our community, are so important to us. PALOMA Profiles exists for us all to connect on a deeper level that brings greater meaning into our lives.

We are committed to giving back to our community to make for a better world we live in. Enjoy our very first PALOMA Profiles with the ever so suave Matt Lenon.

At PALOMA, the idea of ‘SELF’ is a core pillar to our brand, our service, and our community. What does ‘Self Care’ mean to you? How do you take care of yourself, and what are your ‘Self-Love’ practices and rituals?

Self-care to me is quite simply about feeling good, in my body and in my mind. It’s about understanding the tools we have at our disposal to stay in balance and to help better mitigate times we experience heightened anxiety. For me, this might be an early morning swim, a hike out of the city, or taking time to cook something delicious and comforting like my grandma’s bolognese.

Beyond a hair salon, PALOMA is a ‘Wellbeing Destination’ - we believe by investing and taking care of yourself - your wellbeing, you create the space to be the best version of yourself. What does ‘Wellbeing’ mean to you? How do you cultivate this state within your life?

I think about being well a lot more these days – perhaps as I’ve gotten older – similarly to self-care, for me this means tending to all aspects of health; physical, mental, social and spiritual. I’m working on getting better at checking in on these things, especially when life gets busy, as it tends to do, but it’s definitely a work in progress!

We love that you are part of the PALOMA community - can you share with us who you are, and what you do, so we can share with our wider community?

I’m a creative director and brand consultant. Over the years I’ve worked with a number of wonderful brands, most of which are purpose-driven businesses across fashion, lifestyle and design. For the majority of my career I worked primarily in-house, however, over the past few years it’s been refreshing to be able to split my time between different brands, industries and disciplines.

What do you value in life?

My partner and myself. 
Friends and family. 
Travel, nature and creativity.

Inclusivity is a huge pillar of the PALOMA brand - from a societal perspective, what does ‘Inclusivity’ mean to you? What hopes and wishes do you have for the future to invite a more inclusive society?

For me, inclusivity is about embracing the things that make us different. There’s a beauty and a power in otherness that should be celebrated. As a visual person, it feels refreshing to see more diverse storytelling in television and films, in brand campaigns and in print publications; I got goosebumps reading Vogue Australia’s Pride issue this month!

In support of Sydney WorldPride 2023, what does this event mean to you and how will you participate and celebrate?

For World Pride I’m attending a couple of events hosted by friends, spending time with my boyfriend (and our new kitten!), and as always, hanging out with my chosen family here in Sydney. For me it’s less about the partying and more about connecting with people that you love.

We love Mother Earth, and as a salon, are activists for ‘Sustainability’. What is your personal connection to ‘Mother Nature’? What does ‘Sustainability’ mean to you, and what practices do you incorporate in your life (or your business) to support this cause?

My relationship to nature is largely found in the ocean. I grew up in a small beachy town in New Zealand called Mount Maunganui; as a kid my days were spent surfing, swimming, snorkeling and exploring the coastline with friends. Here in Sydney, this connection deepened. At times being in the water is a form of therapy and a chance to completely disconnect, at other moments it’s a way of tapping into something much bigger than myself; a true north for creative and spiritual thought. 

Sustainability to me is the action required from all of us, and especially those in power, to ensure our planet remains livable for generations to come. At times trying to keep up with all the ‘should do’s’ at home feels a bit overwhelming – but over the past couple of years I’ve switched to an ethical power supplier, moved my banking to an institution that doesn’t fund fossil fuels, and taken up riding my bike again which I love! I’m also proud to work with two B-Corp certified Brands – IN BED and Armadillo – who have been a big part in changing the way I think about consumerism.

Since we are about practicing ‘Self-love’ and ‘Self-care’, what is one thing you love about yourself?

Well, I have LEARNT to love my hair. In many ways thanks to Paloma. Growing up I struggled with it being – wavey, thick, unruly – and tried everything to tame it. But over the years I’ve come to embrace it. I love that my mum had the same wild hair, and honestly, I’m thankful that it’s stuck around for my thirties!

This year, what is one thing you are working on within yourself? It could be an external attribute - a goal you have, on an internal attribute - something you are working to evolve within yourself?

This year I’m looking forward to deepening my love of the ocean – quite literally – I’ve enrolled in a free diving course next month which is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time! I’m excited to learn a new skill and explore our underwater world a little bit more.

Lastly, of course we have to ask. Who does your hair at PALOMA Salon, what do you get done, and what hair products do you use?

Paloma does my hair and she is just as incredible as you’ve heard! I’m still not sure how she manages to translate my random requests and unrealistic references into an actual hair style but I always walk away feeling like a new man!

Thank you so much for sharing your insights, wisdom and self with us!

Love the PALOMA Community.
Follow us on @paloma_salon for behind the scenes and other PALOMA Profiles to come.
Keep in touch and follow Matt’s Journey @matthew_lennon_

Matt is using Oribe Curl Gloss & Curl Control.
Curl Gloss: This lightweight glossing gel shapes and shines for ultra-hydrating control. A blend of Brazilian extracts, including passion flower, jicama and cupuacu fight humidity and deeply condition for soft yet defined curls that hold all day. For those with curly hair who want glossy shine and hold.

Curl Control: Offering the perfect balance of hold and moisture, this silk-light crème glides through hair to style and nourish with ultra-hydrating avocado, apricot and coconut oils. Curls and waves are given instant, touchable definition, with all-day frizz-control and support. For those who want to hydrate and control their curls.
Available at Paloma Salon.

Credits
Photography: Jay Patel from The 10th Letter | @10thletterau