Good Vibes Only at PIPSQUEEK in Saigon

Belinda Mills is a master hair stylist, colourist, social media expert extraordinaire not to mention salon owner of Pipsqueek in Saigon, a gorgeous creative hair space in South Australia.

If you had told her at the age of 10 that she was going to be a hairdresser, she never would have believed it, growing up heavily into sport, drama and art. “Fashion and style was most certainly not my thing,” explains Bel. In year 10, however, she had to do work experience for school and ended up completing it at the salon where her mum used to go. “Funnily enough, it was love at first sight,” she says. “I loved everything about salon life and shortly after got offered an apprenticeship.”

We spoke with Bel to gain some insight into how hair life, team culture, inspiration and so much more became and still is a passion for her.

Belinda Mills

Was business ownership always a priority for you?

Not in the beginning! As time went on, there were certain things that didn’t sit well with me within the industry. Mostly culture related. It then became my mission to create a salon that I loved to work in. And here we are :)

Share with us some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the journey and how you overcame these?

There’s been 100’s lol! Having a business from such a young age and having no training in anything has proved to be interesting. I’ve learnt a lot and am learning everyday. I lost both my parents when I was young so making a life to support myself was always a priority. I’ve definitely worked my butt off. I’ve had two children and I’m sure all mothers would understand the juggling of kids and running a business is a wild ride. This brings me to my team. I have amazing people around me with similar views. We band together and support each other. We are patient with one another as we all know every day we are learning and striving to do the best we can. All of my ups and downs have been celebrated and overcome because of these legends. And my husband of course. He’s my support person. He probably cops the worst of me.

Who inspires you to be the best you can possibly be?

I guess the obvious answer is my family and friends but also weirdly enough myself. I strive to be the best not only for my own happiness but for those around me. I’ve been given a gift to be able to employ some of my nearest and dearest. I take being able to help create someone’s livelihood, daily happiness, and achievements super seriously. I get inspired by how I can make people feel. From clients in my chair, those who get inspired by my work from near and far and people in my personal life.

What do you feel is so unique about the Pipsqueek in Saigon brand?

The culture! We celebrate everyone’s quirks. There’s no cookie cutting at Pipsqueek. Everyone has their strengths and their weakness’s. We embrace everyone and work together as a team. There are no egos. Good vibes only!

You are very well-known for your social media expertise; how did this develop?

Most certainly over time. Considering I’ve had Pipsqueek for 17 years I only really delved into social media in the past few. It took me a while to get my head around it and understand the power it can have for your business and as a stylist. I’m still learning, I’m still excited by it. I guess for me it’s an artistic platform for me to document and express my creativity. I love inspiring people. That’s what has become my driving force. It also turns out I can do hair alright and take photos. That’s helped my journey hahah.

Why do you feel the partnership between yourself, and Evo is such a good fit?

Firstly, Evo is based in my hometown which I love! Furthermore, I love Evo’s ethos and vibe. Everything they create resonates with myself as an artist, my team, and my brand. They are super fun to work with and embrace my quirks too, which I love. I love their whole range, so it makes working with it so enjoyable.

What would you say are the core values or philosophies which define your business?

I’m going to say it in a few words. Inclusive, respectful, caring, humble, passionate, and FUN.

How would you describe your team culture?

I think I’ve touched on this a lot. I think my team have respect for me because I do for them, so much! We work together to ensure everyone has a work life balance and that their goals at work are achieved but also their personal ones. I think this is the root of everyone’s happiness. The core values of a business are where it grows from. Needs to start from a positive and caring place.

What are your main focus areas when recruiting and training your stylists?

I look for a good heart. I was going to say passion but that can come after. I’ve hired a lot of stylists on the brink of throwing in their black basin towel. They may have lost their passion because of the environment they were in. I think if you are a good caring person and don’t mind a laugh Pipsqueek will reignite the passion. The Pipsqueeker’s are infectious. We all love being there. We also look for talent. We have high expectations for our services, so skill is very important, however we offer all the training. We are all still improving. We love learning together.

What do you love most about what you do?

Too many things to list but if I can say one thing at the moment. I love content creating. I love hair obviously, but I LOVE photography and video making too. I guess social media has allowed me to explore other interests of mine.

How have you noticed the industry changes over your years in business?

It has changed enormously. We have greater choice for what we use. We have almost 100% of Australian brands now at Pipsqueek. All of which care about what ingredients they include in their products. We are a sustainable salon. These organisations weren’t around when I began. When I was younger, I hid from the industry because it was flooded with egos. I feel now, maybe due to social media. Communities have formed. I feel like hairdressers are friends. We celebrate each other and support one another. I’m proud of our industry.

How do you achieve your balance between the creative and the commercial needs of your business?

I have set days where I’m on the floor and set days I can use for content, shoots etc. I’m in a lucky place at the moment.

What has been your greatest lesson or piece of advice along your business journey?

Get a good accountant. Hahaha!

What advice would you give others who dream of emulating your success, and building an impactful brand?

Oh wow. I still feel like I’m a baby when it comes to business. I feel like I’ve fluked it! I will say, start small. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Businesses can grow over time, I’m 17 years in and I feel like my career is only just beginning. Create the salon you want to work in. Be the boss you would like to have. Rather than aspiring to create something cool, create something wholesome.

When you are not at the salon or making content, how do you like to spend your spare time?

With my family. We head to the country whenever we can. Usually, coastal. I love nature and fresh air.

What are you most proud of in your business or career?

I’m proud of everything. I’ve been so fortunate to have done amazing things with amazing people. I started out in a tiny salon, and I had the belief I would never be able to get where I am now. I didn’t think I’d ever be good enough. I’ve proven to myself that I can run a business, I can create amazing hair and I can be whatever I set my mind too. That is something I strive to show my team and all stylists. If I can do it! You can do it!

Of all the work you do, whether it be in salon, Fashion Week, photo shoots, educating, is there one you especially enjoy above all others?

I love being in the salon. I always have the best days. I also Love educating. I love inspiring people and making them excited about their careers. I love photoshoots and fashion week too. I’m basically a frother and love everything haha!

What career and life goals do you have for the next few years?

To be honest. I have no idea. I feel like at the moment I’m on a hairdressing roller coaster and I’m just enjoying the ride.