WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

By Kristie Kesic

Success. It’s a word we all crave—something we all want to feel. But what does it really look like? Few people pause to consider what success truly means to them. Often, society equates success with wealth: how much money you have, the house you live in, the clothes you wear, or where you vacation. But recently, I’ve been seeing different perspectives on wealth. For some, it’s about financial riches; for others, wealth means having the freedom to spend time with their kids or enjoy a balanced life.

Another common measure is awards, fame, or social media followers. These are valid indicators of success, and there’s nothing wrong with them—they all deserve recognition. But is one measure of success truly more celebrated than another? Many people climb to the top only to feel burnt out or unfulfilled once they get there, yet others look at their success and would do anything to be in their position.

The truth is success is personal. It looks different to everyone. A client once told me, “Kristie, anyone can put on a suit and look important.” That has always stayed with me. In my years in hairdressing, I’ve learned that it’s often the clients who don’t flaunt their wealth who have the most. The people most fulfilled by their success are the people who are the humblest and it’s those who on the outside look to have endless wealth are sometimes the least happy.

Success in the hairdressing industry comes in many forms, and for every stylist, it’s a personal journey. The beauty of this industry is its diversity—of people, paths, and passions. No two success stories are the same, and that’s what makes each one so inspiring. While some may see success as winning awards and seeing their name up in bright lights, others could not care less and find it in the loyalty of their clients and find fulfillment in the daily transformations that happen behind the chair.

For some, it’s about the high of working on fashion week, while for others, it’s the quiet satisfaction of mentoring the next generation of hairdressing talent. Whether it’s creating artistic collections, running a business, or simply loving what they do every day, success is not one-size-fits-all.

What matters most is finding what drives you and following that vision, be that in the form of creative expression, education, or building a community.

I know so many people in this industry who would be considered successful in every way—they have the money, the accolades, the houses, the families, the followers. But what sacrifices did it take to get there? What struggles did they endure? Success does not happen overnight, and any successful person will tell you that. Behind every success story is a journey filled with failures, lessons and sacrifices.

I wanted to explore what success means to some of the industry’s top hairdressers, each of whom highlights the diverse range of success within our industry. Below are five extraordinary individuals—business owners, award winners, educators, and social media influencers— each contributing to the industry in amazing ways. Despite their different paths, they are all highly respected and recognised for their success.

SHARLENE LEE

Owner of Circles of Hair, one of Australia’s most successful salons, award winner, and industry leader.

“After more than 30 years in the industry, success for me is personal. As the owner of Circles of Hair, I’ve found that true success is about having the freedom to shape my own path without financial stress and seeing my team grow and achieve their own dreams within my brand.

It’s about the satisfaction of knowing that I can step away from the salon for extended periods, knowing that the business I’ve built will continue to thrive.

Sharing my journey and strategies that helped me along the way with other salon owners has been incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see how my experiences can inspire others to pursue their own goals and dreams.

For me, success is a journey that evolves as my goals change year by year. It’s not just about being ahead of the industry but about helping others find their own path to success. Today, success means enjoying the freedom and lifestyle I’ve dreamed of, thanks to the huge sacrifices and dedication I put in from the very beginning. I feel a deep sense of fulfilment in being at the forefront of our industry.

Each step of this journey is not just a personal achievement but a way to inspire others to reach their own dreams”.

Sam James

Owner SJ Establishment, Matrix Global Artist and Educator, Current AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year and 3 x winner of SA Salon on the year.

“Tough question as it looks different all the time. I think it’s important to know that success is whatever your goal is at that time or whatever you’re striving towards, and one month could be very different to the next.

The things that don’t change for me is the quality time I get to spend with my family every week, and the consistency and happiness of my team - Mainly because one helps the other.

Personally, I like to have regular quality time with my family.

In business, I love having a team that feel part of the company and are truly happy achieving their goals in their work life, and how work fits into their lives.

This allows me to have time with my family and travel globally working, doing what I love”.

Bernadette Beswick

Educator Bernadette Beswick Education, Winner back-to-back AHIA Victorian Hairdresser of the Year 2022,2023, Finalist International Hairdresser of the Year.

“To me Success is three things.

1: Watching my students leaving the class full of SWAG ready to take on the world

2: Achieving Goals I never saw as possible Multi Award Winning Hairdresser 12 international front Covers and over 180 international publications

3: Relationships with industry icons where we collaborate to elevate the industry + genuine friendships with industry friends where we celebrate each other’s talents”.

KAINE VAKAI

Owner Kaine Vakai Hair Artistry, International Educator, Redken Artist, Social Media Sensation

“Apart from the usual idea of success within the business like staying profitable and growing the team and myself, I feel most successful when I get feedback and inspire people in my education workshops to go out of their comfort zone. Trying new techniques, getting in front of the camera and growing as an artist.”

FAITH WILLIAMS

Owner of Blondee Morningside, Blondee Newstead and her newest salon Blondee Burleigh

“Success in business is largely about the personal and professional growth and development of myself as the business owner and my team which I believe in turn leads to the success of any business. Seeing them evolve, embrace personal development, building a team with passion and purpose and fostering a strong, positive culture is incredibly rewarding.

Creating an environment that encourages a growth mindset and supports your team's journey is just as important as achieving financial stability. While financial success provides the foundation, true fulfilment comes from watching people around you thrive and knowing that together, we’re building something meaningful.

Success is about balance, living a purposeful life, maintaining a healthy mindset, and being grateful for the team/people that surround you every day”.

The key is this: pursuing someone else’s version of success won’t make you happy. Achieving goals based on external expectations won’t bring you fulfilment. True success comes when we’re crystal clear on what it means for us personally.

Whether it’s building wealth, having a perfect team, launching a multi-million-dollar brand, or gaining a massive following, we must set our goals and paths based on what we truly desire, not what others expect from us.

The beautiful truth is success is personal and that’s exactly how it should be.

Written by Kristie Kesic, Owner of Cobelle Creative @cobellecreative @kristiekesic_colourist