After decades of success in the global beauty industry, renowned Dutch hairdresser Rob Peetoom has embarked on a heartfelt mission to give back by empowering the next generation of hair professionals.
His latest endeavor, the Rob Peetoom School in Bali, reflects a commitment to using his extensive knowledge and resources to offer life-changing opportunities to those who need it most. This project, developed in collaboration with the Widya Rikma Nawasena Foundation, seeks to provide young Indonesians with top-quality hairdressing education, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in the salon industry.
The newly opened school, located in a fully equipped facility in Denpasar, Bali, stands out not only for its exceptional training programs but also for its focus on providing students with professional-grade tools and techniques. “We realize the importance of giving our students the best possible learning environment, with quality resources and the latest tools to help them thrive,” Peetoom explained to Estetica Magazine. Located in a region where many families struggle financially, the school offers a pathway out of poverty by providing full scholarships, tools, and essential training. The 21 students, hailing from 15 different cities, represent a diverse group of talented young individuals who now have the chance to pursue a meaningful career.
For Rob Peetoom, this project is much more than just a school—it’s a way to give back after a lifetime of success in the beauty industry. With salons across the Netherlands, New York, and Bali, Rob Peetoom is a recognized leader in the world of high-end hairdressing. But Peetoom’s vision extends beyond business success. “After being in the industry for over 60 years, I wanted to create something that would truly make a difference,” he says. “This school is my way of giving back to the community, especially to those who may not have had the chance to succeed without this opportunity.“
The Rob Peetoom School is designed to benefit not just the students, but their families and communities as well. Many of the students come from underprivileged backgrounds where stable, well-paying jobs are rare. By training these young individuals to become hairdressers, Peetoom is helping them secure a future where they can support themselves and their families. “A hairdresser here can earn up to three times the minimum wage,” Peetoom notes. “That makes a huge difference in their lives and the lives of their families. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change.”
The Widya Rikma Nawasena – Rob Peetoom Foundation, co-founded by Peetoom alongside his partners Lina Mulyani and Dayu Adnya, shares the goal of transforming lives through education. The foundation ensures that the selection process for students is thorough, focusing on those who demonstrate true passion and talent for hairdressing. Full scholarships cover not only school tuition but also lunch, training equipment, and, in some cases, accommodation and pocket money, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of success.
Ultimately, the Rob Peetoom School in Bali embodies a powerful legacy of giving back. By creating opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, Peetoom is not only elevating the standard of the hairdressing profession but also leaving a lasting impact on future generations. “This school is my way of ensuring that the profession I love continues to thrive and be respected. We’re not just training hairdressers; we’re building futures,” Peetoom says proudly.