A Haven for the... Body & Soul

By Louise May

Situated in Fremantle Perth, Djurra is a haven for body and soul. From as far back as owner Anita Sutton-Galloway can remember, hairdressing was the only career she ever dreamed of pursuing. Growing up in Broome, Western Australia, Anita always had a deep curiosity about hair and beauty. When she moved to Perth for boarding school, her passion only grew stronger. Anita knew that as soon as she finished school, she wanted to dive headfirst into the industry and turn her dream into reality.

Anita was determined to find an apprenticeship, even though opportunities were scarce at the time. She pounded the pavement, handing out her resume to salons and applying to every job she could find on Seek, alongside countless others chasing the same dream. Her persistence paid off when she was offered an apprenticeship at a small salon in Scarborough—a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her hairdressing career.

Djurra is the second salon Anita has owned, but it’s the first to combine both hair and beauty services under one roof. The inspiration for this concept came from her own experiences. Like many hairdressers, Anita has faced physical challenges, including back and shoulder issues, from years of working on her feet. Regular massages became essential for her well-being, and she always left the spa feeling renewed and recharged. That feeling sparked an idea: why not create a space where clients could experience the same rejuvenation?

Anita wanted to offer a haven where people could enjoy both hair and beauty treatments in one seamless experience. In today’s busy world, time is precious. By combining services, clients can maximise their visit—enjoying a spa treatment while their colour processes or seamlessly transitioning from a haircut to a massage.

Opening Djurra was about more than convenience; it was about creating a holistic space that nurtures both body and spirit. Watching the vision come to life has been incredibly fulfilling, says Anita, and it’s a privilege to share this journey with the wonderful clients and team who bring Djurra to life every day.

Editor of Mocha Hair - Louise May, chats with Anita...

With a philosophy of harmony with nature, how do you bring this to life at Djurra? What services are on offer?

Our philosophy of harmony with nature is at the heart of everything we do. It’s about creating an environment where clients can reconnect with themselves and the world around them, using products and practices that are gentle on both people and the planet.

We bring this philosophy to life through a curated range of services designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. From the moment clients step into Djurra, they’re surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquillity inspired by nature. Our treatments incorporate natural, sustainably sourced products that enhance well-being while reducing our ecological footprint.

In our hair salon, we focus on personalised care, offering everything from precision haircuts to bespoke colouring services, all using environmentally responsible products. For those looking for a deeper sense of relaxation and renewal, our spa services include massages, facials, body treatments, and rituals designed to restore balance.

One of the ways we merge harmony with practicality is by offering clients the ability to enjoy multiple services in one visit. For example, while their colour is processing, they can transition to the spa for a manicure, pedicure or some waxing—saving time while enhancing their overall experience.

At Djurra, harmony with nature isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a lived experience that we share with every client, ensuring they leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and reconnected to themselves and the world around them.

Across the salon and spa, you use 100% vegan products with Aveda being a longterm partner. What do you love about Aveda and the working partnership?

Our commitment to harmony with nature is exemplified through our exclusive use of 100% vegan products, with Aveda as our longstanding partner. Aveda’s dedication to environmental responsibility and high-performance, plantbased formulations aligns seamlessly with our salon’s values. Their cruelty-free and sustainably sourced products enable us to provide exceptional hair and beauty services that are both effective and environmentally conscious. This partnership not only enhances our service quality but also reflects our shared mission to care for the world we live in.

Djurra is situated in a 100-year-old building in Fremantle’s West End. Tell us about the design and features of Djurra?

We are nestled in a beautiful 100-year-old heritage building in Fremantle’s West End, a location that already exudes character and charm. When designing the space, I wanted to create an environment that felt warm, welcoming, and familiar—like stepping into a cozy home.

Most of the furniture at Djurra is the kind you could find in your own house, fostering a sense of comfort and ease for our clients. This personal touch helps create a relaxed atmosphere where people can truly unwind. I also envisioned a loft apartment aesthetic, combining the heritage building’s historic features with modern, openplan design elements.

The result is a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort—a space that’s as inviting as it is inspiring. At Djurra, it’s about more than just the services we offer; it’s about providing a sanctuary where clients feel completely at home.

What has been a career highlight of yours and your greatest challenge?

One of the standout highlights of my career has been traveling with Aveda. Experiencing the rich cultural diversity of places like Japan and India was truly inspiring. These journeys allowed me to connect with Aveda’s global community, learn from different traditions, and deepen my appreciation for the artistry and sustainability that define our industry. Each trip reinforced my commitment to bringing those values back to Djurra, enhancing the services we offer and the way we work.

On the flip side, one of my greatest challenges has been balancing the demands of running a business while still being hands-on with my clients. Like many salon owners, I wear multiple hats every day—servicing clients, managing the team, and overseeing operations. It’s a constant juggle, but I find fulfillment in both aspects. My clients keep me grounded in the craft I love, while running the business allows me to bring my larger vision for Djurra to life.

You have highly experienced team across both hair and beauty, how do you retail great staff and clients?

The team and clients are the heart of everything we do, and building lasting relationships with both is a priority. For our team, we focus on creating a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels valued. We also prioritize work-life balance and open communication. For our clients, it’s all about delivering an exceptional experience.

From personalized consultations to the seamless integration of hair and beauty services, we go above and beyond to ensure every client feels cared for and appreciated. Using high-quality, vegan, and sustainably sourced products like Aveda reinforces our commitment to their well-being and the environment, building trust and loyalty over time.

Ultimately, retaining great staff and clients comes down to shared values. When people feel aligned with your vision and appreciated for who they are, they’re more likely to stay and grow with you. At Djurra, it’s this sense of connection and community that sets us apart.

Client Experiences at Djurra?

We strive to make every client’s visit truly special by focusing on personalised care and holistic well-being. From the moment clients step into our heritage space in Fremantle, they’re welcomed into an environment that feels warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed to be their sanctuary. What sets us apart is our seamless integration of hair and beauty services. Whether it’s enjoying a spa treatment while their hair colour processes or transitioning effortlessly from a haircut to a relaxing massage, we value our clients’ time while enhancing their overall experience.

We also take pride in using only 100% vegan and sustainably sourced products, primarily from Aveda. This ensures our clients not only look and feel amazing but can also trust that their treatments are kind to the planet.

Our highly skilled team takes the time to understand each client’s needs, offering tailored advice and services to help them feel their best. At Djurra, it’s more than just a visit—it’s an experience of connection, renewal, and care, leaving clients refreshed and uplifted every time.

Who inspires you in the industry?

Other business owners, Eugene Solomon, Anthony Mascolo and the late Trevor Sorbie.

Can you share your favourite Aveda products and why?

Invati Ultra Advanced Shampoo and conditioner Light- What I love most is how lightweight and refreshing they feel while delivering real results Botanical Repair bond-building flash treatmentI love how quickly it delivers results, making it perfect for busy lifestyles

How do you stay ahead of hair and wellness trends?

Staying ahead of trends in hair and wellness requires a combination of constant learning, curiosity, and connection.

Traveling and engaging with the global hair and beauty community has also been instrumental. Visiting places like Japan and India with Aveda, for example, exposed me to different cultural approaches to wellness and beauty, which I’ve incorporated into Djurra’s services.

Finally, listening to our clients is key. Their feedback and evolving needs help us adapt and refine our offerings, ensuring we remain relevant and innovative in providing both exceptional hair services and holistic wellness experiences.

What’s Next for Djurra?

We have some incredibly exciting developments lined up for next year, though I can’t share all the details just yet. What I can say is that we’re introducing a new service to the salon called RISE, which I’m particularly passionate about.

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