10 Minutes with Natalie Anne

By Louise May

In a world where hair is an art form and beauty is an expression, Natalie Anne stands as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and empowerment. Beyond her impressive title of an internationally acclaimed hair artist, Natalie Anne is a dedicated wife and mother to two children, exemplifying that success knows no bounds.

As a leading hair artist, expert, and social media educator in Australia, Natalie Anne has left an incredible mark on the beauty industry.

Her pioneering use of social media, video content creation, and her dedication to teaching women and hairdressers how to style their hair at home led to unexpected international recognition and her unwavering commitment to her craft culminated in the establishment of a 280-square-metre salon housing 15 exceptionally skilled staff and 24 chairs.

In time, she earned widespread acclaim as a preeminent Australian hair artist, expert, and social media educator. Concurrently, she collaborated with celebrities, models, music artists, and social media influencers, consulted with major haircare brands, and successfully launched her own line of hair care products, now available in over 200 salons across Australia.

With a staggering 1.5 million social media followers, Natalie Anne utilised her voice to support small businesses during lockdowns, something that was further underscored during the devastating 2020 bushfires in Australia.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, she leveraged her digital platforms to mobilise her followers. This collective effort resulted in the filling of nine semi-trailers with over 20 tonnes of bottled water, canned food, baby supplies, first aid kits, pet food, and more.

This crucial aid was swiftly delivered to families who had lost their homes on the south coast. She has also shown her support for the Australian Breast Cancer Foundation by creating a limited edition Pink ribbon collectable item, donating 8% of its proceeds to breast cancer research.

In 2023, Natalie Anne embarked on a remarkable partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, aptly named “Run a Van with Natalie Anne.” This initiative, launched in December by herself and Led by her dear friend Joise Charbel in 2022, carries a profound objective: to raise awareness about the increasing rate of homelessness and displaced families across Australia.

The ambitious goal of this initiative is to raise $250,000 to fund the operation of additional vans dedicated to feeding between 200 to 500 people each night. What sets this endeavour apart is the personal involvement of Josie Charbel, Natalie Anne and her husband, Arthur, who actively participate in these initiatives, joined by a dedicated team of volunteers, including their own staff, brand ambassadors, stockists, and influencers.

With her remarkable journey spanning from branded collaborations to gracing red carpets, runway shows, global campaigns and humanitarian work, Natalie Anne has proven time and again that her prowess in the world of hair transcends all boundaries.

As she continues to nurture her passion, she is also pioneering her own line of haircare products, all the while prioritising innovation, long-term hair health, and sustainability.

Yet, what truly sets Natalie Anne apart is her unwavering commitment to sharing her experiences, styling tips, and tricks through awe-inspiring hair content and tutorials.

Editor Louise May spends 10 minutes chatting with Natalie Anne.

The Natalie Anne brand has truly evolved into a powerhouse, encompassing the Salon, Education, and Haircare/tools segments. Could you share your current role within the business and your focus on the brand’s development?

The brand has significantly grown year after year, and I take immense pride in that. I’ve transitioned away from the salon business to concentrate on giving back to the industry through education and product development.

My main goal is nurturing the next generation of exceptionally talented hairdressers and content creators. Natalie Anne Haircare has received a warm welcome from the hairdressing community, and we’re committed to expanding our professional brand further.

As one of the mentors for the recent 2023 Hot Shots Weekend in Melbourne, what were your top three pieces of advice for the Hotshots, and why?

Certainly, here are my three top pieces of advice:

1. Remember, it doesn’t get easier. To become the best, you must consistently put in the effort, keep learning, and never accept “no” as the final answer.

2. Cultivating your personal brand is paramount. It’s about how people perceive and speak about you when you’re not in the room. Your reputation is everything.

3. Collaborating with brands is an exciting opportunity. Start creating content that aligns with the brand’s values and know when to advocate for fair compensation.

Balancing daily life with two beautiful children and a business can be challenging. How do you manage this juggling act?

I’m not one for balance, but I don’t pressure myself as a mother. I believe that as long as I’m happy, my children are happy. Love and mentorship are what they truly need, and I’m fortunate to provide both.

Does your husband also work within the business?

Yes, indeed! He is the backbone of the NA brand, overseeing financial aspects, HR, and everything in between. He’s a logistics guru and manages my expectations, which can be quite a task! (laughs)

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

I’d like to see brands working closely with hairdressers to help grow their businesses. Many salon owners are in need of a strong network and leadership.

Hopefully, I can play a part in bridging that gap. Additionally, our industry should evolve beyond the belief that a single brand can provide everything a salon or customer needs exclusively.

What valuable lessons have you learned along your business journey?

Every day, I learn new things about my business and the power of building relationships. Building relationships is the superpower that propels an incredible business forward.

Who inspires you personally and professionally?

Personally, my husband is my source of inspiration as an exceptional father, husband, leader, and friend. Professionally, my best friend Daniel Mostyn inspires me.

He’s a true artist with expertise in product development, branding, hair cutting, photography, and celebrity transformations. He has worked across all facets of our industry and is forever evolving and sharing.

You recently had a collaboration content day with Bel from Pipsqueak. Can you tell us more about that?

Collaborating with Bel is always a delight. Our recent victory in the B2C extension category strengthened our partnership in the eyes of the industry. It’s more than just collaboration; it’s a friendship that allows us to create extraordinary hair while having a lot of fun.

Is there someone you’d love to collaborate with in the future whom you haven’t worked with yet?

I’m excited about collaborating with the next generation. I’ve already started by inviting young artists to join me in my masterclasses for education. Watching them grow into powerhouses is incredibly rewarding.

What hair trends do you anticipate for 2024?

In 2024, I foresee fewer trends, with a greater focus on hairstyles that complement individuals’ face shapes and boost confidence.

What’s next on the horizon for the N.A brand?

Our next step is international distribution, starting with New Zealand in 2024. We aim to be present in as many NA-loving salons as possible and share our brand with them.

When selecting ambassadors for the N.A Haircare brand, what qualities do you look for and why? I look for ambassadors who share a deep passion for NA, allowing me to guide them in their careers.

Independent educators who value education and create high-quality, value-driven content for their audience are what I seek in our ambassadors. Oh, and most importantly good humans!

OK AND NOW FOR A COUPLE OF FUN QUESTIONS...

Describe your ideal Sunday.

My ideal Sunday involves sleeping in until 8 am, having breakfast with my family, and then taking a trip to the city to buy new kicks for all of us.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

We have a family holiday house on the coast, and it may not be luxurious, but it’s perfect because I’m with my family.

What’s your favourite meal and drink?

I adore Japanese cuisine, especially raw food. Lately, coconut water has been a life-changing favourite of mine.

@natalieannehair