Curly GIRL By Louise May
One may be forgiven for assuming Rumbie has only ever been a hairdresser upon meeting her, knowing her passion for artistry oozes, however after taking the time to delve deeper, it is obvious her zest for life, people and community runs far more profound.
Rumbie (pronounced:“Room-B”) became accustomed to a sense of community at a very young age. Originally from Zimbabwe, she now calls Australia home. Before finding her calling in all thing’s hair, Rumbie was certain life in service was what she would find most fulfilling, and so she began a career in geriatrics. The change in direction was not until her sister was facing challenges with her hair, that she unintentionally decided to pursue a different route. There was an apparent lack of hairdressers who specialised in afro hair. Proof of this was when her sister encountered several salon mishaps that forced Rumbie to take matters into her own hands (quite literally). Self-taught in braiding and weaves, the line of family and friends requiring her services soon outgrew her living room. With her family’s support, Rumbie decided to cease her career in geriatrics and began an apprenticeship in hairdressing. After renting chairs in multiple renowned salons and a completed apprenticeship in hand, Rumbie developed a loyal client base of those who shared the same need for an expert in Wavy, Curly, Afro. In 2014 she decided to take the plunge and open her very own Salon, thus Rumbie the entrepreneur was born. 6 years on, the Rumbie & Co expanded into a new location. Your one stop destination for Wavy, Curly, Afro – Rumbie & Co Hair Salon in Sydney’s Chippendale 46
Hair Biz Year 15 Issue 2
pays homage to its original industrial beginning, whilst exemplifying minimalist design that transports you to a true state of relaxation. Circular accents scattered throughout soften the sleek interiors, while providing a sanctuary for your curls to be unravelled by a Wavy,Curly, Afro expert. The monochromatic interior provides an easy backdrop for brass accents, which highlight the Rumbie&Co products on display. Elegant touches of greenery embrace the essence of an inner-city oasis. A hair salon with a difference – After six years, Rumbie & Co have relocated to their forever home on Cleveland Street in Chippendale. Hair Biz Editor Louise May caught up with Rumbie to dig a little deeper and find out more about her story.
Share with us some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the curl journey and how you overcame these?
One of the biggest things that comes to mind is not loving my hair (my true self) and that negative self-talk. If I went natural, and my hair was kinky, who would I then be? Would I be beautiful? Would I be enough? Would I be attractive to myself and others? What if I look like a man? Curly hair doesn’t look good on you etc Before formulating my own products, my fears were based around “where would I find products that suit my hair needs?” and what if they get discontinued and God forbid the search begins
again. My hair was oily but still dry. I struggled finding hairdressers who were confident in working with my hair, even when it was chemically straightened. The hairdressing trips were traumatising. Before getting into hair, there seemed to be a lot that needed to be done to get half decent hair. Everything seemed too complicated because it was! Gave me more reasons to not want to go on that journey.
“I JUST ENJOY THE VERSATILITY OF HAIR, THE ART OF HAIR AND THE ABILITY TO ASSIST PEOPLE IN LIVING THEIR BEST LIVES.” There is a huge following in the Curly Girl Method, what would you say makes you unique to this?
I respect the CGM method and I think it’s helped reveal to others that there is a better way, and
