Meet the AHIA 2024 Hotshots Team Winner - DOMI CHERIE

By Louise May

Domi Cherie isn’t just a hairdresser; she’s a multi-award-winning Master Colourist who has spent nearly two decades perfecting her craft. As Brisbane’s go-to expert for colour correction, Domi has built a reputation that’s second to none. Her journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of continued education and a deep love for the art of hairdressing, honed alongside some of Australia’s most celebrated hair artists.

With a Diploma of Visual Arts under her belt, Domi seamlessly blends technical expertise with a profound understanding of colour science and the creative process. Her unique approach to hair and her dedication to each client’s journey make her a standout in an industry brimming with talent.

But Domi’s talents don’t stop at colour. As a sought-after extensionist and Brand Ambassador for Amazing Hair, she’s a master of multiple extension methods, including the world-renowned “Genius Weft” and UV-Light extensions. She also serves as an ambassador for YS Park, staying deeply connected to the industry through year-round participation in various events, ensuring she remains at the forefront of trends and technology.

Crowning her achievements, Domi Cherie is one of the four winners of the prestigious AHIA 2024 Hot Shots team, a testament to her exceptional skills and industry impact.

Hair Biz Editor Louise May recently caught up with Domi to chat about her journey and what she is looking forward to as one of the 2024 Hot Shots.

What made you want to be a hairdresser?

I’ve always known I wanted to be a hairdresser. There are photos of me as a toddler, already styling my grandmother’s hair, as if it was second nature. Growing up, I often heard, ‘But you could be so much more than a hairdresser.’ But for me, hairdressing has always represented the perfect blend of intelligence, creativity, and limitless potential. I’m passionate about showing just how far this industry can take you.

Hairdressing isn’t just about cutting and colouring hair - it’s a beautiful fusion of art, science, mathematics, and technique. It challenges both the creative and analytical sides of my brain, keeping me constantly engaged and evolving. And beyond the technical aspects, there’s the social side. I get to be a social butterfly, connect with people, positively impact their lives, and in some ways, be a rockstar in my own right. When you combine all of that - the artistry, the science, the personal connections, and the pure excitement - why wouldn’t you want to be a hairdresser?

What kind of hair work is your favourite and why?

My favourite type of hair work has to be colour corrections and transformations. These services really challenge my technical skills, and I love the precision and creativity they demand. It’s like piecing together a beautiful, intricate puzzle on a living canvas, where every decision impacts the final masterpiece.

When paired with hair extensions, the transformation becomes even more powerful. The instant gratification of seeing a client’s reaction when they achieve the hair of their dreams is something that never gets old. There’s nothing quite like the moment when they look in the mirror and see a version of themselves, they’ve always envisioned. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey.

How do you manage life and work balance?

I don’t believe in the traditional notion of balance. True success often requires extremes - sacrifice, consistency, and unwavering discipline. It’s not about maintaining a perfect equilibrium every day, but rather understanding the ebb and flow of those intense moments over time. Success is about mastering the art of balancing these demands, knowing when to push hard and when to pull back.

I’m incredibly fortunate that I genuinely love what I do, and I’ve built a life where my work and personal passions are so intertwined that they complement each other rather than compete. For me, it’s not about one area of life taking from another, but about creating a harmonious flow that fuels my drive and keeps me inspired.

Who inspires you in the creative field of hairdressing and why?

I believe that inspiration can come from every creative individual you encounter. Our apprentices, for example, are a constant source of motivation for me. They approach the world with fresh, innovative perspectives that remind me of the boundless possibilities within our craft. The beauty of our industry is that you can learn something valuable from everyone you meet.

I have an extensive list of inspirations in the world of creative work. Renowned artists like Mark Leeson, Errol Douglas, Angelo Seminara, and Anthony and Pat Mascolo all have had creative impact on me with their exceptional skills and unique approaches. Additionally, the industry leaders in Australia continue to push the boundaries and set new standards. The list of those who inspire me could go on indefinitely, as each name represents art that enriches my own work.

If you could spend a day with anyone from a business or lifestyle mentorship perspective, who would it be and why?

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of relentless determination and success across multiple domains—bodybuilding, acting, politics, and business.

His ability to transcend his early life challenges and redefine what’s possible in every field he touches is incredibly inspiring. Spending a day with Arnold would allow me to absorb his mindset on discipline, resilience, and the art of reinvention. Along with overcoming challenges of public adversity in the face of mistakes.

His philosophy of ‘no limits’ is not just about physical strength but also about the strength of character and the will to achieve greatness. These principles are integral to both my personal fitness journey and my professional aspirations, especially in the competitive and creative world of hairdressing.

By learning how he balances his various roles and stays driven, I could gain invaluable insights to apply not just in my bodybuilding career but also in leading my salon to new heights, continuously evolving and pushing the boundaries of creativity and excellence.

How important are competitions and awards to you?

Competitions and awards hold significant importance to me because they validate the hard work, creativity, and dedication that go into mastering the craft of hairdressing. They’re more than just accolades; they are milestones that reflect the growth and evolution of my skills. The creative process involved in preparing for these competitions is intense and transformative, and what you learn along the way deeply influences your everyday work on the salon floor. They provide a unique platform to showcase my abilities, pushing me to innovate and refine my techniques. They also allow me to set new standards for myself and inspire others in the industry.

Can you tell us a little about what you are most looking forward to being a member of the Hot Shots team?

Joining the Hot Shots team is a remarkable opportunity for both personal and professional growth. I’m excited about the mentorship that comes with it, the chance to connect with other talented professionals, and the opportunity to further push the boundaries of my creativity. My goal is always to strive towards being the best version of myself, and being part of this team is a crucial step on that journey.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

I aim to have consistently achieved a goal and hit my target of half a million in revenue annually in the near future, increasing from the six figures I turn over now and solidifying my position as a key contributor to Tsiknaris Hair’s success. My goal is to drive Tsiknaris

Hair’s creative direction in photoshoots and campaigns, making a significant impact on the global scale.

By having and establishing my financial position, I feel this will pave the way for my future allowing me to choose and decide what opportunities come my way.

Beyond financial goals, I envision myself mentoring the next generation of colourists, sharing my passion and expertise in colour and extensions to help them reach their full potential in creative work along with commercial viability.

Creatively, I aspire to have my work featured in international publications and to be recognised as a trendsetter in the industry. Ultimately, I want to ensure that my career not only provides financial rewards but also fulfils me personally by allowing me to continue growing, learning, and making a lasting mark on the hair industry.

FUN SNAPSHOT…

Favourite Holiday Destination? New Zealand to see my family.

Favourite Drink? Coffee

Favourite Food? Pizza

Favourite Music/Song? 90’s/2000’s RnB/ Hip Hop/Electronic

If you weren’t a hairdresser, you would be a? A lawyer, in marketing or a businesswoman.