6 minute read
Salon Spotlight: Toni Hilton’s “Beautiful You Hair and Beauty”
By Anthony Gray – MIG Training
Nestled by coastal Redcliffe and embodying the essence of holistic beauty, “A Beautiful You” is more than just a salon—it’s a sanctuary where hair, beauty, and spa services come together in perfect harmony. The driving force behind its success is owner Toni Hilton, whose journey spans over three decades of passion, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.
Anthony chats with Toni about her career highlights, her salon, charity work and what’s on the horizon.
What attracted you or inspired you to consider hairdressing?
Hairdressing was a calling for me from a young age. I was surrounded by friends in the industry and marvelled at the creations walking out of their salons. I loved the atmosphere, the sense of community, and the energy of a thriving salon. It’s something I’ve never stopped loving—even after 30 years in the industry, I still feel that same excitement.
How did the opportunity arise, or how did you get your first opportunity?
My journey began when I enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship course at TAFE. Back then, you left school early and went straight into an apprenticeship. I quickly showed signs of “just having it” and was lucky to land a position at Stefan’s. By the time I finished my apprenticeship, I was managing my first salon.
Tell us about your apprenticeship journey.
My apprenticeship years were the foundation of my love for the holistic client experience. Hairdressing isn’t just about creating beautiful hair; it’s about the entire experience—from the moment clients walk in until long after they leave.
What were the biggest challenges of your apprenticeship?
One of the toughest things was learning to adapt to all ages and backgrounds. Clients need you to be who they need that day— whether it’s a confidant, a cheerleader, or just a quiet presence. That skill comes with time, but it taught me so much about respect and empathy.
How has your career unfolded, and what experiences have you had?
My career has been rich with learning and growth. After managing salons and expanding into beauty services, I decided to take a leap of faith. When my youngest was three, I was driving past an empty shop overlooking the beach. I thought, “What a great spot for a salon and spa.” I called the agent, signed the lease, and “A Beautiful You” was born. We’ll be celebrating 15 years in January.
Who are the mentors, friendships, or connections that have shaped your career?
My first manager, Michelle, taught me the importance of respect and love for clients and teammates. Even the tougher experiences along the way have shaped me, pushing me to be better and to value integrity in every interaction.
What is one of the challenges you have had to face?
COVID was a major challenge for all of us. But it taught me so much about resilience and adaptability. I’ve learned that you can’t stay in a place of stress—you have to keep moving forward, try new things, and find creative solutions.
What has kept the flame alive and kept it fun?
My team keeps me inspired. Mentoring young stylists and watching them grow into confident professionals is incredibly rewarding. Our charity work in Cambodia also adds a deeper sense of purpose to what we do—it’s a reminder that our skills can truly change lives.
How do you attract and retain great staff?
Culture is everything. We create an atmosphere where our team feels supported, valued, and inspired to grow. Integrity is a big part of it—doing the right thing for and by our staff helps us retain a loyal, talented team.
How do you approach education in your salon?
Education is at the heart of “A Beautiful You.” I lead weekly one-on-one training sessions with apprentices, ensuring they stay on track and feel supported. I want them to be fabulous hairdressers—not just passable ones. Partnering with brands like Redken, Kerastase, and MIG allows us to provide diverse training opportunities, keeping everyone engaged and motivated.
Even after 30 years, I’m still learning. Attending courses and staying ahead of trends isn’t just for me—it’s about setting an example for my team. Education is what keeps the passion alive.
What particular service or skill do you love most?
I still have a soft spot for perming. It’s a craft I’ve always enjoyed, and it’s great to revisit it every now and then. Beyond that, I love learning new techniques and seeing how the next generation uses tools like TikTok to market their skills. It keeps me on my toes!
Tell us a little about your salon.
My vision for “A Beautiful You” was clear from the start: a boutique space offering hair, beauty, and spa services in one.
We’re still the only salon in the area offering this combination. Over the past 15 years, we’ve built a community of loyal clients who love that they can have a facial, their hair done, and a little pampering all in one visit.
What makes you famous?
Our reputation is built on the care and love we show our guests. Our core clientele are women rediscovering self-care after years of focusing on their families. They love the sense of community and connection we’ve created here.
What inspires your charity work?
One of the most unique aspects of “A Beautiful You” is our commitment to making a difference beyond the salon walls. My team and I have worked extensively in Cambodia, using our professional skills to empower women rescued from exploitation.
Using our skills, brand, and passion, we aim to give these women the tools to take control of their destinies. Working with these girls is life-changing—for them and for us. To help someone escape a terrible situation and step into a brighter future through something I love—hair and beauty—is a privilege.
The impact of these trips resonates deeply with my team. It’s humbling to see how people live in other parts of the world. It changes your perspective and inspires you to do more. It’s about creating a ripple effect—empowering one woman at a time to lift others up.
What’s on the horizon for you and your salon?
As I reflect on the past 15 years, my focus remains on the future. I hope the legacy of “A Beautiful You” continues to grow. I want to see the next generation of hairstylists uphold the values of care, connection, and empowerment that we’ve built. It’s been an incredible journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
