1. The Truth about Building a Salon, a Brand & a Community you're proud of with Kaine & Ayden Vakai

What happens when you stop shrinking your work down to “just hair” and start owning everything you really are? In this very first episode of Not Just a Hairdresser, Ally sits down with Kaine and Ayden Vakai, the co-founders behind House of Vakai, for a raw, funny, emotional, and deeply honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a career and a business in the hair industry. Kaine takes us all the way back to growing up in a hairdressing family, starting his apprenticeship at 14, hustling weekends, doubting himself, and eventually backing himself to buy a salon at just 22. Ayden shares his very different path, from butchery floors and McDonald’s shifts to hotels, banking, finance, and then unexpectedly finding himself behind the chair, mixing tint and falling in love with the industry. Together, they talk about: Why being “just a hairdresser” is the biggest lie the industry has ever been sold The fear, self-doubt, and money stress that comes with opening a salon young What really happens when team dynamics fall apart and how that moment nearly broke them Mental health, burnout, anxiety, and the pressure of always having to show up Why success doesn’t feel the way you think it will and how that messes with your head The mindset shift that changed how they see work, growth, and ambition How education became the heart of House of Vakai and why access matters The truth about extensions, business myths, and why education is everything Taking risks before you feel ready and backing yourself anyway If you’ve ever: Felt underestimated in this industry Questioned whether you’re “good enough” to take the next step Struggled silently while trying to lead others Wondered if the hustle is actually worth it This conversation is for you. You hear what it sounds like when people stop pretending they’ve got it all figured out and just tell the truth. Kaine and Ayden don’t sugarcoat the journey, but they also remind you why it’s worth staying in it, growing through it, and redefining what success looks like on your own terms Links and Resources Mentioned: Beauty Grail website: https://www.beautygrail.co The Business Series by Kaine and Ayden Vakai: https://www.beautygrail.co/educators/kaine-and-ayden-vakai-d0f1429a Jadore Hair Supplies: https://trade.jadorehairsupplies.com.au Alex Loves Colour (pop-up hair foils & colouring tools): https://alexlovescolour.com.au Natalie Anne Haircare (official haircare range): https://natalieanne.com/ Fone King (creator tools & MagSafe SnapStand accessories): https://foneking.com.au use code BEAUTY15 Haus Of Vakai Community page: https://www.instagram.com/hausofvakai_community