These top Australian salon owners have seen it all. From impulse bangs, over-processed locks to every latest beauty craze that makes its away across #hairtok.
While still maintaining their own regular roster of clients, these brave few have ventured into founding their own business (or multiple!). Industry leaders and beauty-lovers at heart, these founders reveal their driving inspo, top hair tips and exactly what it takes to excel in this fast-paced, ever changing business!
Koda Cutters Founder: Diane Gorgievski
KODA’s Bondi salon has long been a favourite among A-listers. Now, with a new location in Sydney’s QVB, the salon is set to also service professionals and urbanites.
The Inspiration
I’ve been in the hairdressing industry for 27 years. When I founded KODA Bondi seven years ago, my goal was to elevate salon services to match the level of excellence found in top salons globally.
What’s New
The salon at Sydney’s QVB has been designed by leading interior design studio Arent&Pyke. It’s a seamless blend of nostalgia and futurism, which invites clients to indulge in a state of ultimate relaxation.
Unique Selling Point
One exclusive offering is the hair facial service [blending hair label] Davines Naturaltech and the innovative Maletti steam basin. It fuses haircare with wellness, leaving clients deeply relaxed.
Best Hair Tip
Embrace and work with your natural hair texture. Healthy, well-cared-for hair is beautiful and serves as an excellent foundation for any hairstyle.
Signature Style
Deconstructed hair. And I could not live without Davines Natural tech Calming Shampoo.
Business Ethos
Successful entrepreneurs possess free-thinking and determination. Finding something you truly love and immersing yourself in it every day is key.
Hair Advice
The best hair advice I’ve received is to avoid overcomplicating things. Stepping back and taking another look at your work can provide valuable insights.
Salon HER Founder: Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly found solace in the hairdressing industry as a teenager. Today he owns thriving Salon HER in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, where big names book in for natural-looking highlights, killer blowdries and (yes) cocktails.
Why Hairdressing?
When I first started in the industry I was, like most teenagers, a little misplaced at school. I knew I was creative and could talk under water, so hairdressing as a career path seemed fitting. Quickly I realised that I possessed the natural talent and grit to achieve my goals. That belief in myself was what really catapulted me into the next 20 years of my industry growth and progression.
Business Tip
One of the best decisions I made for Salon HER was not to launch the brand prematurely. I took my time to understand myself as a person first and then as a leader to really make sure that business ownership was the right direction for me.
Unique Selling Point
We offer a boutique salon experience for those who crave a bespoke service in an intimate and relaxed setting. Designed by Folk Studio to emanate the vibe created in chic hotel lobby bars found in downtown LA, your sense of time slows down, you sink in, open your laptop or a magazine and really take the time to check in with yourself and the people around you. We take our drinks seriously too. After-work haircuts [can be enjoyed with] a much-needed negroni.
Secret Weapon
I keep a healthy check on where I’m at with my emotional energy. To do this … I keep my phone on silent and I don’t sleep with my phone in the same room. I wake up early, minimise my time on social media, and keep Sunday as the day of rest. I also meditate daily and only have people around me who believe in me as a person.
Best Hair Tip
We put so much weight on the way we look these days that we often forget to appreciate what we have and the beauty we naturally possess. Whatever it is, enjoy it. If it doesn’t work out or you need to change something about your hair, then do it. You never know unless you give it a go.
Business Tip
Without the team there really is no salon her. I’m very humbled by this realisation and it motivates a lot of the choices I make for the business.
Cole Hair Studio Founder: Mariah Rota and co-owner Jordan Crugnale
Luxurious and modern, Cole Hair Studio’s creative stylists take inspiration from runway-driven trends, new techniques, and the latest technology to elevate and transform hair. The inclusive salon is a must for specialty colour work and hair extensions.
The Inspiration
Rota says: I saw a gap in the market for a luxury salon that was modern and appealed to clients of all age groups. I wanted to create a space where everyone felt welcome. We all like to present well, and when there are special occasions families and friends want to come to the salon together. Cole Hair is a salon where everyone feels welcome. The vibe is sufficiently young if you are on the younger side, but equally calm and attentive if you are slightly older.
Unique Selling Point
Rota says: Cole Hair is a luxury, modern salon based in Double Bay, Sydney. Our salon specialises in all aspects of hair, especially colour and hair extensions. Our senior stylists are internationally trained, all with many years of experience. We are now a salon of 13 hairdressers who work together and inspire each other to create the fabulous vibe that is Cole Hair.
Desert Island Product
Rota says: As someone with frizzy, unruly hair I can’t live without Kérastase Discipline [Keratin Thermique] leave-in heat protector. It reduces hair breakage, and offers anti-frizz and anti humidity action.
Hair Advice
Crugnale says: No matter how shiny it may make your hair, please do not use anything other than salon-quality shampoo. Silicone will be the death of all hairdressers. Also, don’t lie to us, we can tell!
Secret Weapon
Rota says: I was taught resilience and determination at a very young age by my dad. I am the only one who can make a difference to my life, and whatever the curve ball I’ll work through it and come out of the experience more knowledgeable. Being a business owner is about strong leadership, ambition, determination, energy and empathy. My staff and my clients are my world.
Entrepreneur Tip
Rota says: Be brave and believe in yourself. Be prepared for hard work and know that you will make mistakes.
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