Welcome to Willomina. We took five minutes with Willomina salon owner Chris Hunter to learn about his salon vibe, his approach to leadership, his thoughts on the industry and so much more.
Describe your salon in three words.
Good vibes, hidden oasis and great hair – but that’s more than three words!
What is the first thing that motivates you most mornings?
Honestly its Fresha – our salon software. I check to see how hectic the salon schedule is. Then coffee comes to mind! At the moment, I’m an iced long black guy.
How would you describe the salon’s aesthetic?
During these beautiful autumn months, our floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open onto a private deck, creating a beautiful indoor-outdoor vibe that our clients and staff love. Think polished concrete floors, exposed brick, custom mirrors, MCM lounges, and an incredible architectural copper exterior. I would say our salon’s aesthetic is a mix of industrial and soft natural finishes making it feel like a home away from home.
How would you describe the work that walks out of your salon?
Effortless and tailored to each client. Whether it’s bold and edgy or soft and natural, our goal is to do hair that looks amazing and that makes you feel great!
What would you like to see more of in hairdressing?
I’d love to see more creativity in hair styling, utilising our client’s natural textures, and
experimenting with unique styles and unconventional cuts to highlight their individuality. I believe the industry is actually embracing a more artistic approach to styling now and I’m loving it!
Our Shark Beauty tools have been a game changer in this department, their hot tools have no heat damage so they allow you to get creative and create bold styles that don’t compromise hair health.
Where do you find the most inspiration?
The next generation of hairdressers! Seeing their excitement while learning and growing is insanely rewarding. Some of my young ones are no doubt going to add a big impact on our industry and they make me want to keep doing what I do.
What is one thing you do for your team that you think is important?
Education! I can’t say it enough. Every hairdresser, regardless of experience, should always be upskilling.
What do you wish you could do more of?
Travel! I’d love to do more overseas fashion weeks, but being a family man has kept me grounded—literally. My boys are getting older now, so hopefully, I’ll be jet-setting again soon. I’d love to take them with me one day and I have an inkling one might even be following in my footsteps!
What ways do you keep your team engaged?
We do a lot of hands-on education. It brings the team together, we have fun and everyone feels really inspired and motivated. I also work extremely hard every day and really do lead by example.
How would you describe your ideal clientele?
I believe I have the best clients! For me, personally, I see my clients as friends who I get to catch up with every few weeks. My clients are why I love my salon so much.
How do you grow without losing the culture of your salon?
We have tried to stay true to our values—prioritising a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere where clients feel at home. As we grow, we try to make sure to hire like-minded people who align with our culture, ensuring that no matter how big we get, the vibe stays the same. My team at the moment are incredible, I am so lucky to work with each and every one of them.
How is it different from other salons in the area?
Beyond the unique aesthetic, it’s the atmosphere we’ve created. Willomina is welcoming, relaxed, yet still professional. We are all about good vibes and great hair, without the pretentiousness.
For more information visit www.willomina.com
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