Entreprenuers are alive and well on the Gold Coast. One Gold Coast local exceeding in the hair and beauty industry is Emilly Hadrill, owner of Emilly Hadrill Hair & Extensions. Starting her first salon on the Gold Coast in 2007 the business has now grown to include four salons nationally and more than 40 staff. While some industries struggled through 2020, Emilly has seen this as her biggest growth year with plenty more to come. We recently caught up with Emilly to chat about how her business has evolved, what you need to know about hair extensions and her favourite places to visit on the Gold Coast.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local? 
I moved to the Gold Coast in 2006 from Tasmania.

What do you love most about living here? 
The temperate climate, the convenience of it being a smaller city but still with plenty to offer, great restaurants, and of course the beautiful beaches.

Tell us about your business Emilly Hadrill Hair & Extensions.
I started Emilly Hadrill Hair & Extensions in 2007 when noticing a gap in the market for a hair salon offering specialised service of hair extensions. This grew to a heavily booked Gold Coast salon with clients coming from Brisbane and other cities for our extensions services. As the demand grew, I made the move to open a small Brisbane salon which we quickly outgrew, so we made the decision to expand to a larger salon space short time later. From here, we started creating pop up salons in Melbourne to test the market and there was huge interest, which led me to open our Melbourne salon, following by the Sydney salon in 2018 to meet the demand of the enquiries we were receiving.

What’s been your journey to get to where you are today? 
I’ve really been learning as I go, I started Emilly Hadrill Hair & Extensions at 19 so it has been a constant rollercoaster of learning curves. Growing the business from working on my own, to having a team of more than 40 has been a big journey.

How did you go from being a local Gold Coast business, to a nationally recognised brand?
We built a strong presence and reputation for quality work here on the Gold Coast, which really laid the foundation for us to become a nationally recognised brand. As more clients began to travel from far and wide for our services over competitors who were in much closer vicinity’s, we realised the opportunities to grow and expand our salons to make Emilly Hadrill services easily accessible to more women. Our growth has always been a response to the demand of our clients, so we’re really lucky to have so many incredible women who have backed Emilly Hadrill to get us to where we are today.

Tell us about your proudest business moment.
I couldn’t put this into just one moment, but I am very proud to have created a business that has supported so many hair stylists, especially through COVID. COVID proved how robust the business is, which was really special after 13 long years of building it.

Talk us through your favourite trends for the upcoming season..
I’m always a long hair lover, but I do absolutely love the new bold move of Ellie Gonsalves’ pixie cut. It looks incredible on her (but then again, what wouldn’t?) and I think others should follow her lead in doing with their hair what they’ve always wanted to do but might have been afraid to do as it doesn’t fit the typical mould. And for when one wants it longer again, hair extensions are here!

What do we need to know when considering getting hair extensions? 
We always recommend that your natural hair is at least shoulder length to achieve the most natural results, if you’re aiming to add length and thickness to your locks. It’s also really important to find out what hair quality the salon you’re visiting is using, not all hair extensions are created equal and great quality hair will completely change the look and feel of your hair. Our salons offer complimentary consults for new clients to ensure all of your questions are answered and to help you determine the most suitable extension method for your hair and lifestyle needs.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start their own business? 
Make sure it’s something you’re passionate about, that doesn’t feel like work. Having a business is extremely hard work – both mentally and physically – so you need to love what it is otherwise you might not want to do it long term.

What does 2021 look for you? 
Hopefully an end to COVID! 2020 was a tough year, so we are all hoping 2021 is a little easier and people can live without any more lockdowns. We have a big year planned with some salon renovations, new packages, lots of beautiful hair, and possibly even another location- but you’ll have to stay tuned on our instagram for updates! 😉

Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Restaurant for dinner: Gemellini in Nobby Beach
Cafe for breakfast: Tarte Cafe in Burleigh
Coffee spot: Tarte Cafe in Burleigh
How does your weekend usually look: I have a 7 month old son so my husband and I will usually take him out for breakfast, then spend the day looking after him for his naps, and spend the in-between going to the beach or catching up with friends.

Summer is almost over and it’s safe to say that we have spent way too much time in the sun (as usual). Which means our skin has taken a bit of a battering and it’s time to give it some love.

In honour of that, we’ve found six of the best natural treatments from around the Gold Coast to help you get your glow after all that summer salt, sand and sunshine.

An Earth and Skin Experience
Ideal for newcomers to organic skincare, the Earth and Skin Experience consists of a Mini Earth Massage to ease the (no doubt ever-present) tension in your back, neck and shoulders followed by a customised Refresh Facial using organic skincare and a Jade stone facial massage. If you’re an old hand at the organic skincare thing, there are MANY incredible treatments available, including some for the fellas.
Where: Earth and Skin, 2 Regency Place, Mudgeeraba

Acupuncture at Nüwa Natural Health
A traditionally eastern medicine treatment, acupuncture has taken the western world by storm. It works by balancing the energy systems within the body, enhancing relaxation and increasing energy. The name Nüwa is derived from the goddess of ancient Chinese Mythology best known for creating mankind and repairing the pillars of heaven. Put simply, it’s a necessary personal investment.
Where: Nüwa Natural Health, 4/784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Manicure and Pedicure at ERVA
Is there anything more relaxing than a manicure slash pedicure complete with a luxe massage and the prettiest nails at the end? We think not. At ERVA you can expect exactly that without the use of toxic products and with the addition of experiencing one of the most beautiful, love-infused treatments of your life. The team at ERVA are the best there is and no matter which treatment you choose, you’ll walk out feeling like you’re floating on a cloud.
Where: ERVA Nail Spa, 3 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads

Organic Infusion at endota spa
endota is an oldie but a goodie with several locations across the Coast. They have a few standout treatments but the Organic Infusion is their signature facial created to relax and rejuvenate. Using certified organic skincare, containing powerful botanicals and antioxidants infused using jade rollers to give you a clear complexion and restore calm. Skin is nourished. Mind is nurtured. The end.
Where: endota spa, Shop 1, Oracle South 17 Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach

A head spa treatment at éva organic hair and beauty salon
This beautiful little salon in Palm Beach is turning heads for all the right reasons. Using only natural, organic, cruelty free and vegan friendly products éva organic hear and beauty salon came about after owner Indre starting looking into the cause of reactions to common hair products. On top of your regular cut and colour try the Head Spa Treatment which includes the main reason everyone goes to the hairdresser, a heavenly head massage.
Where: éva organic, Suite 2 / 1154 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Reiki at Earth Energy Medicine
You may not have heard of this one but Reiki is becoming popular amongst those willing to try something a little bit different. The ancient Japanese technique is used for stress reduction and relaxation while healing the body on all levels; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It’s known as the art of gentle hands on healing and it’s actually quite an interesting experience if you keep an open mind. Give it a try, you only live once right?
Where: Earth Energy Medicine, 7 Correa Court, Elanora

Words by Kirra Smith

Self tanning is a thing we Gold Coast gals wholeheartedly get behind and for good reason, it’s summer all the time here and everybody knows how harmful it can be to lay outside for hours on end just to perfect that perfect glow.

Self tanning is a much better option. It’s quick, easy and it looks great too.

What’s not to love?

Besides that time when your tan starts to wear off and you’re due for another round but you can’t quite find the time to fit it in and have to walk around with streaks of tan in places you’d rather there wasn’t streak of tan. Yeah, that.

Well that stage of your life is over friends, thanks to a brand new product called Tan Bomb, which is not only made by a couple of local ladies, it comes in the prettiest of packaging, it works AND you get to enjoy it while also soaking luxuriously in the bath.

It’s the perfect time.

The exciting new product was dreamt up by Amelia King (along with her product/packaging guru and business partner Candace Cronin), a local gal with a background in the beauty industry who loves fake tan as much as the next person but hates the side effects of other tan erasers on the market that leave her skin red and itchy without removing the tan properly.

Like so many of us, Amelia is also passionate about animal rights and has sensitive skin, so it was important that her product was cruelty, chemical and alcohol-free.

The Tan Bomb recipe is the work of Amelia and it’s packed with soothing Epsom salts, magnesium and almond oil so it has a therapeutic effect on the skin. Sounds heavenly.

All you need to do is run yourself a warm bath, drop a tan bomb into the water and let the beautiful aromas envelope you while you soak for 10 minutes, then simply wipe off the excess tan.

It’s beautiful, ethical and it does the job you need it to do, all in the relaxing surrounds of a bath that smells amazing.

Their debut signature Raspberry and Vanilla scented bomb is here and it’s just $16.95 for all that goodness.

Get yours here.