WORK WITH A BUSINESS COACH WHO actually RUNS A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
You've come to the right place if you seek expertise learned from real-world experience. I have over 16 years of experience as a business owner who built my business from the ground up. If you face challenges with staff, marketing, attracting new clients, and finances, trust me, I have been there and met all those same issues. I’m here to help guide you and give you support, so you're not alone when making crucial business decisions.
7 FIGURE ENTREPRENUER
7 FIGURE ENTREPRENUER
MY BUSINESS CURRENTLY TURNS OVER $4 million dollars A YEAR IN REVENUE AND IS GROWING faster THAN EVER
If you want to learn how I have built my brand, Hair Candy, to be turning over more than $4 million a year and how you can scale your business then read on. Since starting the brand in 2007, it has grown slowly but surely to be the industry leader it is today. With 3 salon locations and a thriving e-commerce business, it is growing faster than ever. And the best part? The business runs predominantly without me. I'm still involved in strategy, marketing and financial decisions, but the day-to-day operations and growth happen without me. We recently had one of our biggest, record-breaking weeks yet, and I was overseas on holiday while it happened.
I started my business from the ground up - working from home in my spare bedroom to service clients and build a reputation. I had no financial help or business education, but I knew I had a good business model on my hands and wanted to see how far I could take it. My mindset was always, “What’s the worst that could happen?” I’m so grateful today that I took those leaps into the unknown and overcame those fears. With a thriving business, I can confidently say the risk is worth the reward. Read on to see my journey from home based salon to a multi-million dollar brand.
“ONLY THOSE WHO WILL risk GOING TOO FAR CAN possibly FIND OUT HOW FAR ONE CAN GO.”
— T.S. Eliot
ALLOW ME TO introduce MYSELF
My name is Shakira Jade Dickinson, and I am 36 years old. Before you ask, yes, that is my real name. No, I didn't change my first name; it was the name I was born with. No, I wasn't named after the singer. And do my hips lie? Stick around to find out.
I live on the beautiful Gold Coast of Australia with my husband, Ben, who happens to be American. I also love the US and all things American and have spent much time there over the years. I am passionate about travelling and plan on doing it as much as possible! Some of my favourite places I've explored are Italy, Greece, Bali, Alaska, the Caribbean Islands and the USA.
I started my business Hair Candy back in 2007 when I was only 20 years old. I'd worked since I was 13 to make my own way and earn extra pocket money. I had some, let's say, "unpleasant" bosses that really left me feeling underappreciated and drove me to want to work for myself. My goal was just to make enough money to support myself and be able to set my own work schedule. I never knew back then that my entrepreneurial spirit would lead me to where I am today.
FAST FORWARD TO today
My brand Hair Candy has grown from strength to strength. What started as just me doing Hair Extensions from home has grown into a multi-million dollar empire with 3 locations and a team of over 25. I've also developed my own brand of Hair Extensions and Hair Products. I work directly with the manufacturer to make them to my specifications and ensure Hair Candy remains a premium brand. I've developed signature Hair Extension methods and techniques that are now taught in our education program to salons Australia-wide and online.
Over the years, I have faced countless challenges and setbacks that, at times, have seemed insurmountable. I can't even count the number of times I have been so close to throwing in the towel due to the stress and uncertainty of running a business. But through these difficult times, I've gained strength and confidence in my abilities. They say pressure makes diamonds, and I believe that to be so true when it comes to business. The problems don't get easier; you just get better at facing them. I'm here to normalise challenges faced as an entrepreneur and shed light on the realities of scaling a business. Is it easy? Absolutely not. But is it worth it? 100% without a doubt.
MY JOURNEY
2002
I BEGAN MY CAREER
This was when I started my career as a Hair & Make-Up Artist. I fell in love with transforming women's appearance and making them feel amazing for their special events. I later moved on to hairdressing and discovered my passion for Hair Extensions in which I could give a dramatic transformation which helped increase confidence for women of all ages
2007
HAIR CANDY WAS BORN
I had started getting Hair Extensions and was constantly being asked how I grew my hair so long. I noticed there needed to be more in the market for Hair Extensions service providers and embarked on my journey to learn the skills necessary and perfect my craft. Let me tell you, when I started, my skills were far from perfect! I began working from home in my spare bedroom, servicing clients.
2010
OPENED MY FIRST SALON
After working from home for a few years and building my clientele, I knew it was time to take a leap and open my first salon shop front in Surfers Paradise. This was incredibly scary, but I knew I would be stuck in the same place if I didn't try it. In 2018 after many years of growing the business, I opened my second location in Brisbane. This was much less scary knowing I had created a replicable business model. In 2023 I opened my third location in Burleigh Heads!
2013
OPENED MY ONLINE STORE
This is where my journey with an e-commerce store began. I sourced my suppliers in China and visited them to secure the relationship and ensure we had a consistent, high-quality product. I launched my own brand of hair extensions made to my colour and type specifications. In 2022 I launched my own brand of Hair Candy hair products, including shampoo, conditioner and hair oil.
2023
HAIR CANDY IS A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR BRAND
Fast forward to now, and I have 3 salon locations, plus a thriving e-commerce store that sells my own brand of Hair Extensions and Hair Products. I have a fantastic team of over 25 that support and help grow the business continually. We’re turning over 4 million dollars annually in revenue and growing faster than ever. I could never have imagined when I started my career in 2002 that it would be where it is today.
