6 minute read
CELEBRATING A QUARTER-CENTURY
HEMISPHERE HAIR’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE
Celebrating a remarkable 25 years of Hemisphere Hair, this milestone marks not only a legacy of excellence in Perth’s salon scene but also a testament to the visionary leadership of coowners Nick Mammoliti and Damien Kabay.
Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Nick to discuss their journey, the significance of Hemisphere Hair’s 25th-anniversary celebration, and the secrets behind its enduring success.
With Nick and Damien at the helm, Hemisphere Hair has become synonymous with artistic innovation and client satisfaction, solidifying its reputation as one of Perth’s most respected salons.
How did you get into hairdressing & what’s your story?
It all started out very unplanned but that has changed with time! I started my apprenticeship because I knew I didn’t want to stay at school past year 10 and I was told that I needed to have a job if I wasn’t going to go to school! I thought barbering would be great but the salon where I got my apprenticeship – Salon Hair International in Perth – said that there was more money to be made in female hairdressing so that is what I did!
I soon learned I had landed on my feet and loved the creative aspect of hairdressing. I broadened my experience working in London and went on to manage salons before reaching a crossroads.
I was wanting a new career path, a new challenge, and realised that owning my own business would bring that challenge but having my own salon would best use my skills – and so Hemisphere Hair was born and here I am in my 40th year of hairdressing and Hemisphere is turning 25!
Hemisphere Hair is celebrating a huge milestone, to what do you attribute this longevity?
It isn’t any one thing but a combination of lots of things. Having great staff has contributed to a great salon culture. Loyal clients have absolutely been a key part of our longevity.
We often hear from clients that they feel very comfortable as soon as they walk in, and we certainly try to make clients feel at home and special from the moment we greet them. For this reason, my focus when interviewing for new staff is on personality and being the right fit, rather than perhaps having every skill, which I know I can train.
Training has always been prioritised, with weekly training sessions. Training takes place in many different forms. As so many pressures are placed on all of us in today’s world, I outsourced a trainer/ facilitator, totally unrelated to the industry, to talk about mental health and mindset and really to be an external facilitator for the salon. We talk through any fears around changes, and problems facing the salon as well as all the team having opportunities to talk about things on a 1 x 1 basis.
Without a doubt the absolute foundation of our success lies with two key people – my wife Jenny, who keeps the whole salon and business admin ship shape and my business partner Damien.
Damien has worked with me in the salon for 18 years and in more recent years has become a business partner. We all work so well together and have our own areas that we focus on, and together we have made Hemisphere Hair the salon it is today.
How will you be celebrating your 25th anniversary?
We will make September a month of celebrating with our clients and we will have a big open Sunday with champagne flowing for all our clients, and staff – past & present – to celebrate with us!
What are the biggest changes you have seen in this time?
There have been big changes around technology and how to run your business. We of course rely so heavily on salon software today and social media is now so important. From a hair perspective – I think the evolution of hair tools, allowing clients to manage longer styles at home, has played a key role in long hair being fashionable for all ages –but I have to say I miss the precision work of short hair!
Is there one piece of advice you wish you had known 25 years ago?
I would definitely have bought my own building rather than rent! I would also have worried less and slept more! It was a big transition to go from turning up do a job, to worrying about how busy the salon was and all the responsibility – I wish that I had just trusted in my craft and ability from the get-go!
You joined the Goldwell family in the last year – what different has that made to your salon and team?
We moved to Goldwell last year and had an extremely smooth transition and we have been so happy with the results. It was a change the whole team embraced and has brought some great opportunities for our team. This has included training for the team and Damian and I joining the Goldwell MBE programme. I
t really is a great way to keep up to date with the latest in all aspects of hairdressing. The speakers at the overseas event covered all different aspects of the business and it was a great opportunity to network with likeminded people.
What is your favourite product?
I just love the Goldwell Bondpro range it’s suitable for all hair types and protects hair integrity.
What trends do you see coming through in 2024?
We started to see more lengths above the shoulder in 23 and see that continuing. These looks also have more volume and movement, colour wise we are seeing lots of more golden and sandy blondes.
What would you say to someone looking to get into the industry?
Do it! It is an amazing industry full of great people and creativity. For me it has also been a tool to travel the world and given me the chance to do the hair of the likes of Dani Minogue and Belinda Carlisle!.
Is there anything you would like to change about our industry?
I wish the general public would perceive our industry differently – I think there is still the perception that if you aren’t doing well at school then hairdressing is suggested.
Kao Salon WA & SA State Sales Manager, Ryan Cicci says “We’re thrilled to have Hemisphere Hair in the Goldwell family. The salon has a fantastic team and a proactive culture.
Together we’re rolling out some really exciting training programs and in-salon incentives to drive the business forward. We look forward to celebrating the success of Hemisphere Hair’s 25th anniversary year and can’t wait to see what the next 25 years hold!”
