ALL ABOUT SOUL

By Louise May

Soul Hair Studio in Gunnedah, born in 2020, wasn’t just a salon—it was a dream realised amidst shifting landscapes, even before the chaos of COVID. After a journey of exploration through different locations, owner Andrea Mackellar finally found her perfect spot, where Soul now thrives.

Andrea’s drive wasn’t just about styling hair; it was about crafting an experience that resonated deep within. Having worked in various salons, she knew she wanted Soul to be more than just a stop for a haircut. It had to be a place where people walked out feeling as good on the inside as they looked on the outside.

Andrea’s vision was simple: create a space where her team and herself loved to go to work at each day. Andrea believed that if they genuinely enjoyed what they did, that passion would naturally transfer to their clients. At Soul Hair Studio, it’s not just about the scissors and the dye—it’s about the energy they bring, the connections they make, and the confidence they inspire.

Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Soul Hair Studio owner Andrea…

How do you define the holistic approach of your salon? What makes your services and philosophy stand out?

At Soul Hair Studio, our holistic approach revolves around the satisfaction of both our team and our clients. We pride ourselves on being a client experience-focused salon, where every moment, from the booking of an appointment to the final farewell, is infused with love and passion

While great hair is undoubtedly essential, we believe it should merely be the starting point. Our philosophy centres on creating an environment where every interaction leaves a lasting impression of care and dedication. I consistently remind my team that our goal isn’t just to deliver exceptional hairstyles but to ensure that every client feels valued and appreciated throughout their journey with us.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering genuine connections and providing unparalleled service. Our dedication to client satisfaction goes beyond the chair—it permeates every aspect of our salon experience, creating a space where clients not only look fabulous but also feel truly cherished.

How does it feel to be selected as the very first CPR Hair Signature Salon? What do you think this status will bring to your salon and clients?

Being selected as the very first CPR Hair Signature Salon is an incredible honour— one that fills me with immense pride and gratitude. It’s a testament to the dedication and talent of our team, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

This recognition isn’t just about us; it’s about showcasing that exceptional talent and experiences aren’t confined to metropolitan areas. By receiving this prestigious status, I hope to shine a spotlight on the thriving beauty scene in regional areas, demonstrating that top-notch, high-end experiences can be found right here in the countryside.

For our salon and clients, this status signifies not only a validation of our commitment to excellence but also an exciting opportunity to elevate our standards even further. It opens doors to new possibilities, collaborations, and connections within the industry, while also reassuring our clients that they can expect nothing but the best when they walk through our doors.

In what ways do you believe your salon’s ethos and practices align with CPR Hair’s values and mission?

The alignment between our salon’s ethos and practices with CPR Hair’s values and mission is truly remarkable, and it’s what initially drew me to collaborate with CPR in the first place. At the core of both our salon and CPR Hair lies a shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and genuine care. We believe in creating not just beautiful hairstyles but unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact on our clients. This dedication to exceptional service and genuine care is at the heart of everything we do.

Working with CPR Hair isn’t just about business; it’s about forming meaningful partnerships with like-minded individuals who share our passion for making a positive difference in the industry. Their focus on fostering relationships and supporting the growth of salons aligns perfectly with our own values, making it a natural fit for collaboration. Ultimately, our shared belief in the power of good people and genuine care forms the foundation of our partnership with CPR Hair, and it’s what drives us to continue striving for excellence every day.

Can you describe your salon’s relationship with the local community? How do you engage with and contribute to the wellbeing of your regional town?

Our salon’s bond with the local community is like family. In a small town, connections are everything, and we’ve built ours on trust and genuine care.

We focus on making every client’s experience unforgettable, and it’s been our community’s heartfelt word of mouth that’s fuelled our growth. We’re not just about hair; we’re about being there for our neighbours, whether it’s through events, charity work, or simply lending an ear.

We’re proud to say we’ve gotten involved with local charities, such as supporting the women’s shelter for DV survivors. Plus, we celebrate important events like International Women’s Day and Pride Month, because inclusivity and empowerment matter to us. In our salon, everyone’s treated like family, because in a small town, that’s what it’s all about.

Education seems to be a core part of your mission. Can you elaborate on the type of educational space you’re aspiring to create for the rural area?

My own journey began with a fortunate start in an apprenticeship that deeply valued both internal and external education. It instilled in me the importance of laying a solid foundation of skills and knowledge that you continually build upon. This philosophy has guided me throughout my career.

For our salon, I envision an educational space where apprentices and seasoned professionals alike can come together to expand their horizons, refine their techniques, and stay on top of industry trends. Whether it’s through hands-on workshops, seminars led by industry experts, or collaborative learning sessions, our goal is to provide a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential.

What kinds of programs, workshops, or training sessions do you offer?

The programs, workshops, and training sessions we offer at Soul Hair Studio are designed to cater to both aspiring hairdressers and seasoned professionals, ensuring continuous growth and development for everyone. For our apprentices, we have dedicated training sessions every Thursday morning, spanning 3-4 hours. During this time, they receive my full attention as we focus on learning and perfecting specific skills.

This personalised approach allows them to receive hands-on guidance and support tailored to their individual needs. In addition to apprentice training, we hold monthly team meetings where we come together to discuss salon operations and goals. These meetings also serve as an opportunity to link in educational sessions, providing ongoing learning for the entire team.

A recent and significant initiative we’ve implemented is the Soul Hair Studio Salon Roadmap. This comprehensive training manual consists of six phases, covering everything from fundamental skills to advanced techniques. What sets it apart is the inclusion of monetary incentives along the way, rewarding not just competency but excellence.

The roadmap encompasses a wide range of topics, including professional attire, client communication, and intensive colour theory, ensuring that every aspect of our craft is thoroughly explored and mastered. By offering a combination of structured training sessions, ongoing education, and a comprehensive training manual, we aim to create a learning environment that caters to the diverse needs and aspirations of both aspiring hairdressers and seasoned professionals. Our goal is not just to develop skills but to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement throughout our team.

Reflecting on your journey since opening, what have been some of the most significant milestones and learning curves?

Looking back on the journey since we opened, one of the most significant milestones has been building my team. Initially, I never imagined myself as someone who would take on staff. I simply opened the salon because of my passion for hairdressing and creating an environment where I could enjoy my work every day.


As demand for our services grew, so did my team—gradually, one by one. This forced me to adapt and learn how to integrate new talent, each with their unique personalities, into the fold while ensuring they align with the ethos of the salon. It’s been a journey of growth, both personally and professionally, navigating these learning curves and building a cohesive team that shares our vision.

Where do you see your salon in the next five years, and what steps are you taking to realise that vision?

In the next five years, I envision our salon becoming a pioneering standard-setter in the area. My goal is for quality service to be accessible regardless of where you live. Additionally, I anticipate seeing more “Soul babies” being born, as it’s crucial for me to provide a safe space where mums can balance their careers and family growth seamlessly.

To realise this vision, we’re taking proactive steps. We plan to expand our educational efforts by running workshops, and sharing our expertise with others in the industry. Furthermore, we’re exploring the potential for opening a new location, broadening our reach and impact while maintaining our commitment to excellence. These steps are all geared toward solidifying our position as leaders in the industry and ensuring that our values of quality and inclusivity remain at the forefront of everything we do.

@soulhairstudiogunnedah @cprhair