FROM INSURANCE UNDERWRITER TO SALON OWNER - KELLIE NOONAN’S INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY

In the world of hairdressing, success stories often start with a passion for creativity and a desire to make people feel beautiful. Kellie Noonan, the owner of two thriving salons “Dirty Little Secret” on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, has a story that defies convention. Her journey from being an insurance underwriter to a successful hairdresser and salon owner is nothing short of inspirational.

Kellie’s life took a different turn after a series of life-altering events. She candidly recalls, “I turned the big 50 last year. I haven’t always been a hairdresser.” Kellie’s early career saw her globe-trotting through Europe and Asia before returning to Australia to work in the insurance industry. She climbed the corporate ladder, becoming an Insurance Underwriter for one of Australia’s largest insurance companies, all while enjoying her role in the bustling city of Melbourne.

Her life took a dramatic turn when she fell in love, got married, and welcomed three children into the world—two boys and a girl. However, her world was shaken when her youngest child arrived prematurely by emergency and both she and her newborn daughter fought for their lives in hospital. It was not long after her marriage broke down and she ended up a single mum of three small children.

Kellie’s determination and resilience shone through. She had little money and had to move in with her parents, with her three children in tow.

It was during this challenging period that Kellie discovered a lifeline— a Hairdressing Cert III course in Melbourne that offered flexible learning. This unique program allowed her to attend practical sessions at the school while completing most of the theory at home. It was a lifeline for a mother of three, seeking a way to support her family while nurturing her passion for creativity.

Although she was told that “she would never become a hairdresser” Kellie threw herself into the world of hairdressing with unwavering dedication. Her creativity blossomed, becoming both her passion and her outlet. Despite the typical 24-month duration for the part time course, Kellie completed it in just 12 months, determined to create a better life for herself and her children.

As she learned the art of hairdressing, Kellie set up a makeshift salon at home, complete with a mirror on the pantry door and a portable basin that drained into her bathroom. Friends became her first clients, allowing her to practice the skills she acquired at school.

Despite her limited resources and the doubts of others, Kellie remained undeterred.

She sought guidance from mentors, including Daphne Savage and Wade at Professional Haircare. These friendships and guidance were invaluable as Kellie embarked on her journey to becoming a skilled hairdresser.

Kellie’s passion for hair extensions emerged, driven by her own desire for thicker, longer hair. She was determined to find better options for her clients, focusing on perfect colour matches and undetectable extensions. Her clients quickly grew in number as word spread about her skills and dedication. Before she even completed her course, Kellie had established her own home-based hairdressing business, a testament to her talent and the trust of her clients. To further her learning, she offered her services for free at various salons to observe and ask questions.

Kellie’s path wasn’t without its challenges. She faced rejection when a local salon deemed her too slow and unfit for a job due to her certificate-based education rather than an apprenticeship. Instead of being disheartened, Kellie continued to practice and learn from anyone and anything she could.

The entrepreneurial spirit in Kellie led her to open her first salon, housed in a portable building in an industrial area. She employed her first apprentice and brought in part-time hairdressers to assist. Although the business struggled, Kellie’s determination remained unwavering.

She made the bold decision to move her business back home while her children were still young. Financially, it made more sense, but it came with its own set of challenges, particularly with disgruntled neighbours regarding parking.

Kellie’s breakthrough came when a storefront became available in her hometown. She seized the opportunity to open another salon, this time in a shopping strip. Starting with just four staff members, she grew the business to employ around ten people.

While the financial aspects of business management became clearer to Kellie, managing people presented its own set of difficulties. She faced staffing issues for a couple of years, seeking guidance from various business coaches to overcome these hurdles. It was the coaching from Julie Piantadosi and Daphne Savage that truly made a difference in her ability to manage her team effectively.

In 2020, Kellie faced a significant staff change due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the hurdles, she expanded her empire, opening her second salon in a beautiful seaside location in Mornington in October of that year. Her team grew to include 20 staff members, including five apprentices, reflecting her commitment to nurturing the future of hairdressing.

Kellie’s journey from insurance underwriter to successful salon owner is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the support of the right people. She not only raised her three children singlehandedly but also created a thriving business empire that continues to flourish.

Today, Kellie resides in Tyabb on the Mornington Peninsula, enjoying hobbies that include tennis, gym, beach outings, saunas, shopping, indulging in British dramas, and savouring the pleasures of sporty cars and travel. Her family, including two beloved dogs, Bella, and Toby, bring immense joy to her life.

Kellie Noonan’s story is a testament to the transformative power of determination, passion, and an unwavering commitment to one’s dreams. From her early struggles to her current success, she serves as an inspiration to anyone pursuing their passion, proving that with the right mindset, even the most unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary achievements.

@dirtylittlesecret