Ten minutes with WADE-WILLIAM AMBLER

By Louise May

In this edition of “10 Minutes With,” we delve into the dynamic world of hair with none other than Wade-William Ambler. From his earliest days, Wade’s passion for hair ignited a journey uniquely his own. In 2013, alongside his business partner, he sowed the seeds of entrepreneurship, giving rise to WAK The Salon.

This venture served as the launching pad for Wade’s evolution into a multifaceted entrepreneur, as he expanded his portfolio to encompass five businesses across the realms of hair, beauty, and hospitality.

HERE’S WADE’S JOURNEY…

Where did it all begin, what inspired a career in hair?

I always loved hair as early as I can remember I was never book smart and struggled in school as I was super creative and loved to mix things up which in turn made me the perfect fit for the hair industry.

You opened your first business WAK in 2013, what inspired you to go into business originally and can you tell us about your entrepreneurial journey to date?

With my business partner, currently we hold 5 commercial leases that span over 6 separate businesses, most of which are hair and beauty related, but most recently we opened a Cafe /bar/ restaurant abroad, which has been going amazingly! as well as taking over a makeup school that was founded 21 years ago. The main reason that we opened our first business at the beginning of our careers, is because we didn’t have the best work environments. We wanted to create our own, which in turn was able to create a better work environment for other people as well.

You’re also a brand ambassador, can you tell us about this, and why you have chosen the brands you work with?

Regardless of the amount of money offered, I would not promote a brand I didn’t truly believe in. The brands I am an ambassador for are NAK Hair and EVY PROFESSIONAL. These relationships were formed naturally and organically and turned into a beautiful partnership because I genuinely love both the brands and believe in their products.

You also educate Australia-wide; can you tell us about this?

I feel extremely privileged to work alongside my hair bestie Loz Main, the mastermind behind the Rumours Are True and Fake Rumours. Running education together all down the East Coast, we run our businesses very differently but have the same core values, and why we educate so well together is we know that no 2 businesses are the same and everyone has different ideals so we share what works for us, in hope that we can share some insights into things that can make your business run how you would like it to.

Our education is 2 days. Day 1 is all things business with no gatekeeping, we bare it all… trials, tribulations, triumphs, and mistakes and share all our apps and processes that help us navigate the world of business. Day 2 is all things hair and capturing content, the trends change almost daily so it is only expected that the hair we present does too. We always have a blonde, but we like to keep it fresh by always having an array of models from blonde to brunettes to coppers and pinks, we show you how to get great images of your work and how to elevate your style and attract the clients you want.

As someone who loves mentoring small business owners, what are some key pieces of advice you often find yourself sharing with them?

DON'T BE SCARED to be you! don’t focus on what others are doing, be true to yourself in business and life. Brand identity is integral, it’s not just about pretty pictures of hair anymore. If you are going to work every day and faking it in a place you don’t like, that’s not sustainable. Make it fun and make it you, because you are selling a feeling, not just a service.

When people look you up online, they want to see who they are going to and what to expect, not just with hair but the whole vibe and client experience. It’s not about being “booked and busy” it’s about attracting the clients you want to work with and don’t miss an opportunity. Fear can be debilitating, but if you take opportunities that come your way, you never know how far you can go.

Diversifying income streams is important to you, can you tell us more about this?

I love a challenge and throwing myself in the deep end, and I know it's super important to branch out, not just in business but as an individual. I don’t just work in salon, but I also work mobile on weddings and photoshoots as a stylist. I am also a Makeup Artist along with many other things, and I also have an agent working as a commercial model and actor and have worked in campaigns as the talent for the likes of Myer, Woolworths, and McDonalds.

What drives your passion for innovation within your business endeavours?

I love that our industry is always changing, and all people have different “why’s” so just like the industry, our business models are different and always evolving. Alongside WAK the salon, which is 50% commission-based staff and 50% staff on wages, we have a Maosom Salon, which is fully staffed and on wages and My Salon HQ which is purely rent a chair all of which are stand-alone businesses.

Business needs to be fuelled by passion, the why of your passion is always different. Passion to be a leader, passion to make people feel good about themselves, passion to make a change, passion to not work for someone else, passion to train apprentices to be great stylists.

Best piece of advice you have been given along your business/personal journey?

Firstly, treat your clients’ issues and the things they share as a backpack. When they are there, you are simply holding onto it temporarily, but always give it back, as you have your own backpack you have to carry, and you can’t have all that weight on you. And secondly, Comparison is the thief of joy! If you are constantly comparing yourself and your business to others, you are wasting valuable time. Don’t focus too much on what others are doing, do what is true to you and what feels right.

What’s on the agenda for the next 12 months?

I aim to focus on further nurturing the businesses we have established so far and I have made it a goal to not sign any more commercial leases or buy any more dogs!

QUICK FUN FAVES…

What is your favourite way to spend a Sunday?

I love doing a grocery shop and doing a Sunday reset and getting ready for the week ahead and spending time with my 5 dogs.

Favourite place to Holiday?

Bueng Kan, Thailand. Which is far north away from the hustle and bustle.

Favourite food & drink?

I love mixing it up, Newcastle is growing at a rapid rate, so I love trying new places locally.

@wadeambler