Soul Hair Studio

Tell us a bit about your brand and how you came up with the aesthetic?

I came up with Soul Hair Studio after moving to the regional town of Gunnedah, following a lifetime and career in Sydney. By that point, I had been in the industry for around 13 years and had reached a place where I felt truly comfortable and confident in my skill set and what I could offer to the people of Gunnedah. Initially, I attempted to work for someone else, but I soon realized that I craved for more and knew I had more to offer. Thus, I made the decision to follow my dreams, take a leap of faith, and embark on the journey of opening my own salon.

However, just as I was about to sign a lease in early 2020, a little thing called a pandemic struck. With the uncertainty surrounding the whole Covid situation at the time, I decided to step away from the lease, unwilling to take the risk. Fast forward a couple of months, and I found a new space that was even bigger and better. With the help of my husband, his father, and myself, we worked diligently to fit out the salon within a few weeks.

Despite receiving some differing opinions from some lovely tradespeople, I had a clear vision for the salon's atmosphere—I wanted it to feel light, bright, and inviting. My motto was to keep things minimalistic, creating a warm, luminous, and serene space for my clients. I firmly believe that if I can cultivate such an environment, I am already halfway towards achieving my goal.

Throughout my career, one particular piece of advice from a former boss has always resonated with me: "creating good hair is the bare minimum." This notion has shaped my approach as I strive not only to deliver exceptional hair services but also to educate my clients and engage in meaningful conversations. Ultimately, my aim is for each client's soul to feel uplifted after visiting my salon. This is the inspiration behind the name Soul Hair Studio.

‍

What makes a good salon brand in your eyes?

A good brand, to me, is all about clear and authentic intention. I am well aware of my target demographic, the desired feel, and the vibe I want my space to emanate. Most importantly, I have a clear understanding of how I want my clients to feel. I always strive to remain true to my ethos and consistently avoid comparing myself to others.

‍

How do your clients feel the minute they step into the salon?

I recently posed this question on Instagram stories, and I received some fantastic responses. Some of my favorite answers included "welcomed," "calm, safe, and relaxed," "at home," "accepted," and "ready to be pampered."

How do you build team culture within your salon?

I ensure we have a monthly check-in to cultivate a beautiful work environment that everyone enjoys. I prioritise flexibility and understanding, recognising that my staff have lives and families beyond their work responsibilities. Additionally, as a special treat, I take my team to Sydney for hair festival each year - We love to have fun!

What is a hair trend you are looking forward to seeing in 2024?

The early 2000s are back! As much as the low-rider jeans trend scares me, I'm excited to see the Miley Cyrus top deck come back in, and the voluminous side fringes to go along with our big bouncy blow-dries!

Favourite hair industry IG accounts you follow for inspiration?

I've always been a big fan of @natalieannehair. I find her techniques and page really inspiring and educational.

Why did you choose CPR for your salon?

Starting a business in a regional town comes with some differences that I wasn't used to. I wanted to align myself with a company that was as natural as possible without compromising the quality of the product, and also offered support and ongoing education. After my first chat with Natalie, my CPR rep at the time, I just knew the company was the right fit for me. Good people representing an even better brand.