Sandra's Remarkable Journey

In the early 1980s, Sandra Bayer embarked on a remarkable journey in the hairdressing industry. Leaving school at the end of year 10, she commenced her apprenticeship in her hometown of Nowra, NSW, working at a small salon named Trish’s Clip and Snip. In 2023, Sandra still maintains a special connection with her first employer by cutting her hair.  

After a brief hiatus to explore the world for six months, Sandra returned to Australia and joined Hair Trend, a bustling salon in Canberra. It was here that she developed a taste for the fast-paced, high-energy atmosphere of a busy salon. Sandra dedicated two years of her life to Hair Trend, but she always found time to return to her family’s dairy farm in Tapitallee, Nowra, during Christmas and offer her services at a local salon called Scruples.

Sandra’s journey led her to the Gold Coast, where she worked for the John LeCourt Group. It was during this phase that she immersed herself in comprehensive training, seizing every opportunity that came her way.

Having spent a few years on the Gold Coast, QLD, Sandra returned to Nowra permanently. She re-entered Scruples as a senior hairdresser and quickly ascended to the role of manager. Eventually, Sandra, along with her parents, acquired the salon, with her mother handling HR and business matters, and her father serving as the full-time handyman. With the support of her parents, Sandra was able to focus solely on hairdressing and taking care of her team of 10 stylists.  

Over the next decade, Scruples experienced considerable growth, expanding to include three salons on the South Coast of NSW, with a team of approximately 30 staff members. During this period, Sandra placed a significant emphasis on training. Over 30 years, she has personally mentored more than 75 apprentices. The staff were consistently trained in a specific manner, allowing them to develop their unique style of hairdressing while maintaining fundamental principles. Senior team members contributed to training and supporting the apprentices by explaining their choices, such as colour selection, mixing with correct developer and process timing.

During this period, Sandra placed a significant emphasis on training. Over 30 years, she has personally mentored more than 75 apprentices.‍

Ten years later, the Scruples salon had expanded beyond its initial capacity. Sandra and her parents made the strategic decision to merge all three salons into a single location. It was at this point that a significant opportunity emerged, presenting them with the chance to secure a spacious new premises right on Main Street.

Sandra acknowledges that the world has undergone substantial changes during her extensive career in the hair industry. She believes that salon owners must adapt to evolving work conditions. Her enduring commitment to empowering the next generation is both inspiring and commendable. She encourages all salon owners to take on apprentices, understanding that not all will be successful, but every attempt is a rewarding experience.  

Scruples decided to become a CPR concept salon as Sandra felt CPR aligned with her Australian family business values. The hybrid nature of CPR's colours captivates her stylists, offering unmatched versatility. She states that her business development manager, Gem, has been a key factor in the seamless experience, effortlessly fitting into the salon and providing an unparalleled, tailored service.

Sandra's passion is still in the world of colour and training, where her expertise shines brightly. Her journey through the hair industry is not only a testament to her dedication but also an example of how one individual’s commitment to quality training can help shape the industry.

@scruplesnowra