Blow Bar Co is Australia’s original blow dry bar, providing a place for women to connect, celebrate, and empower one another. With venues located in Bronte, Balmain and Sydney CBD (David Jones), we combine hair styling with makeup and bubbles and send clients on their way with confidence.
We are an all inclusive club – offering everything from exceptional style to champagne, cheese and massages. It is the ultimate place where you can relax, celebrate, or simply connect with other women in a beautiful way.
When did you start your business?
Founded in 2015, I opened my first Blow Bar Co venue in Bronte, followed thereafter by Balmain and David Jones (Sydney CBD – Elizabeth St flagship) – with interstate expansion currently underway.
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
After owning traditional hair salons (cut, colours), I rediscovered my passion for the styling (the feel-good) side of hairdressing, and the dream to launch a concept where women could gather, feel confident and empowered was manifested.
I learned of a gap in the market for a non-traditional hair salon that focused on creating a personalised beauty experience which was the start of Blow Bar Co.
I was also inspired by the core memories my clients and friends shared with me, and how getting ready for their first date, their engagement, or their formal, was an experience to be celebrated and cherished for years to come.
Through combining my love for beauty with my Italian heritage of sharing food and wine, my vision to build a place where women could gather came to life.
What are you most excited about in your business?
The partnerships and brands that we have worked with have been incredible, with upcoming, exciting brand partnerships in the pipeline. This has greatly expanded our connections with like-minded businesses who share our values, working together to make women feel and look good, both on the inside and out.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
When I first launched Blow Bar in 2015, I wanted to capture all of the special moments of a woman’s life and put them in one place – a safe and feel good space, however this (hair styling + bar with liquor licences) had never been done before. There was 18+ months of negotiating before I was able to open the doors in 2015 as a licenced bar.
More recently, it has been challenging to operate a business through the COVID pandemic which has proved to be my biggest challenge yet.
It was during this era where we, as stylists, developed a greater understanding that these appointments were more than just a blow dry, but rather restoring the confidence and giving women a place to seek comfort during a distressing time. Blow Bar Co became a place where mutual bonds and trust was established, harnessing real connections between women.
Through sharing a glass of bubbles and giving women the undivided attention they deserved during this time, we were able to cement greater connections with our clients and cement our core ethos of how we are more than just a salon.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Follow your heart and trust your gut. Very early on I would at times doubt myself… but trust your instincts and pursue what you’re passionate about. Everything starts somewhere, and it may be scary to bring an idea to life and go against the norm, but taking risks and following your heart is ultimately the greatest gift you can give yourself.
There will always be challenges that you will need to overcome during the planning and launch process. However it is through this process, you must approach it with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, adapt and overcome it all.
And lastly, making choices that align with your values, interests and desires are the ones that you should chase. Listen to your instincts and trust them!
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
As a mum of four girls and the Founder of Blow Bar Co, I really love how the AusMumpreneur Awards are all about supporting Australian mums in business.
It is never an easy job to juggle all roles succinctly and I loved the idea that this event celebrates working women and provides a unique opportunity for women from all over Australia to come together to promote their business and connect with fellow mums in business.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
Being in an environment filled with like-minded women, it was inspiring talking and meeting with entrepreneurs who can relate to your achievements and struggles in business.
Hearing women talk about their own personal experience and learning about how they overcame various hurdles to be where they are now was intriguing.
What surprised you most about the awards?
The large selection of awards! AusMumpreneur is all about inclusivity and celebrates women of all different categories, acknowledging this in a diverse way. The wide range of awards definitely reflects AusMumpreneur’s dedication towards acknowledging everyone.
How did the awards help you in your business?
The AusMumpreneur Awards have given Blow Bar and myself the recognition that is a reason to celebrate and for our Blow Bar community to be elevated. I love to inspire women and empower them and when my work is recognised and celebrated, it is magnetic and encourages other women to take a leap of faith as I did.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Give it a go! Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small. Share your experiences with others and put forward yourself and your business, you never know what you might come home with.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
Definitely the relationships that I have made along the way with our customers. When women come in for a blow dry, it’s not just a normal appointment where you walk in, have your hair styled and walk out. At Blow Bar we really get to know our clients one on one – they’re each women who we get to know like our family.
I’ve always thrived by human connection and making people feel and look good. Whether it’s a job interview, formal, a wedding, or just a catch with the weekday blow, we share their journey while making them look good and feel beautiful. Our community of women leave feeling empowered and confident and the joy we receive from this is like no other.
What’s happening next in your business?
As interest in Blow Bar is continually growing in the broader community, we are now focusing on the company’s growth trajectory with new locations in the works. Blow Bar Melbourne is next on our list of expansion, with additional venues in NSW also upcoming in the next few months.
Watch this space!
What are your big plans for the future?
The big picture is around growth.
In continuation with salon expansion, I want to continue making a positive impact in the beauty industry through education of the next Gen. I am excited to launch Blow Bar Academy – an educational platform for underprivileged Australians to learn, educate and grow professionally in the areas of retail, beauty, hospitality as well as personal growth.
What is your website and/or social media links?
