Meet Kate Mell, the fabulous biz owner at Siva Beauty and Hair – Body and Soul
We caught up with Kate to find out more about how this successful Mittagong business evolved from a home salon to a fabulous space in Mittagong with a big, happy team and a lovely bunch of loyal clients.
1 // So, let’s start with you, Kate! How did you end up opening your own business in the Highlands? Is it something you always wanted to do, or fell [happily] into?
I began with a home salon I set up in Berrima. When my youngest started school, I moved into new premises, starting a little beauty room by myself in Mittagong – he is now nearly 20! That’s how long ago it was.
The business grew quickly and I had to employ other fabulous beauty therapists to help out. I am blessed to still have clients see me from those early days in Berrima.
I loved the salon in the movie Steel Magnolias – remember that? Those little original, beauty salons that gave personalised services and treated you like family. That was what I wanted to create with Siva.
2 // And then it kept growing and growing!
Yes the beauty side was growing and I was chatting to Claire (who has been with me for ten years now) when we were coming back from training together one day and we talked about how great it would be to offer a hair salon service as well. Beauty and hair in one spot made perfect sense.
A few months later, the Siva Hair Room was born and has been part of Siva for seven years now.
3 // What sort of products do you sell? And what’s your bestseller[s]?
We sell Australian made products from cosmedical and cosmeceutical skin care through to make up, body products, hair care and nail polishes. We always look for healthy ingredients that deliver the results.
Our bestsellers are our O Cosmedics and Ginger&Me skin care ranges. Serums and skin hydrators walk off the shelf because they give our customers the fabulous results they’re after.
4 // What makes the customer experience at Siva Beauty and Hair – Body and Soul so unique?
We all love what we do so you feel this as soon as you walk through the doors. We all enjoy each other’s company so it’s like having coffee with your best mate. It’s a little bit of time out for you in a relaxed environment that is comfortable but professional at the same time.
Beauty is about you. We want our clients to feel comfortable in their skins and not feel as though they should be something that society says they should be.
5 // Tell us what you love love love about your business and why you enjoy the world of retail so much?
I love working with incredible companies that see us as partners in the beauty and hair world. Learning about ingredients and sustainability in our industry and teaching others is very important to me.
And working with incredible women, whether they’re colleagues or clients, and learning about their lifestyles and hearing their stories is a real privilege for me. Retail opens so many doors for conversation which leads to so much more – we love connecting with each other and our clients
6 // What’s your favourite item in store right now? Have you bought one for yourself??
We are always buying products for ourselves – how can you not when you’re surrounded by them every day?? I have a few favourite items in store at the moment – sorry, I can’t choose just one!
ASAP CC Corrective cream is an easy tinted base to wear daily with a dewy finish. I love the Gloss &Co quick dry nail polish in fabulous colours (Prom Night is my favourite). The Lük Beautifood Lipstick Crayon in Lychee Sorbert has a fabulous matt finish but is so hydrating. Another favourite is the Eye of Horus Bio Lash Lift Mascara in Black – who needs falsies with this? And my final product I buy for myself from our range in store is the Inika Nurture Mineral pressed powder foundation – it’s a daily act of self-love for my face.
See? I told you I couldn’t choose just one!
7 // What do you love about living and working in the Highlands?
It’s where I grew up, so it is home. I had several years away in my youth but was happy to come back and raise my family here. The Highlands is unique in so many ways, but I love the energy and the souls down here. It is ever changing so keeps me on my feet business wise! And it’s nice to be greeted with a smile by locals entering and even buying you a coffee as they know what you drink – even better is that the coffee shop I go to knows what I drink too!
Relax and unwind at Siva Beauty and Hair – Body and Soul in the Southern Highlands. This eco-conscious salon offers a range of hair, nail and skin treatments to leave you feeling like your best self. The Siva team understand the importance in treating and nourishing YOU – your body and your soul. Find out more information about their fabulous treatments here.
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