A haircut at Manly’s Salon Purpose delivers more than just a style refresh—it creates meaningful change for chosen charities.
Founder Nicki Ranatawake transformed her vision of purpose-driven hairdressing into reality during COVID, establishing a unique salon where beauty services directly support communities in need.
As Salon Purpose celebrates its fifth anniversary, Ranatawake notes: “We’re rapidly closing in on $100,000 in total charitable donations—a milestone that feels as humbling as it is motivating.”
The salon’s innovative “One Chair One Child” program currently sponsors eight children in Zambia and Uganda, matching each stylist’s chair with ongoing support for a specific child.
From today Monday April 28 to May 10, clients can participate in Salon Purpose’s annual “With Love” campaign. During this period, the salon will donate $25 on behalf of each client to one of three humanitarian initiatives—with clients choosing which cause receives support:
- Water Well Repairs in Northern Uganda — bringing safe, accessible water to communities where clean water is still a half-day walk away.
- Safe, Supported Maternity Care — funding essential maternity care for women and their babies in remote areas of Northern Uganda.
- Domestic Violence Healing Workshops for First Nations Women — supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women impacted by family violence.
Nicki Ranatawake is thrilled and excited as this year’s campaign coincides with the fifth ‘birthday’ of her thriving business – and says “we’re rapidly closing in on $100,000 in total charitable donations as a salon – a milestone that feels as humbling as it is motivating.”
While there might be strong demand for bookings during this period, Nicki says she’ll do whatever she can even if it means staying open later.
“Absolutely – if the demand is there, we are here for it!”
To book an appointment click here.
Nicki says the fifth anniversary of her salon is a ‘pinch me’ moment.
Salon Purpose was conceived during COVID – Nicki had spent almost 20 years in hairdressing when time came for a change.
“Although it was a very tough time for myself and many others, I knew it was time for me to move. I left my previous salon of 19 years and decided it was time to be a mum and stay with the kids (now aged 11 & 9) at home.
“I very quickly became bored and missed connecting and the creativity of hairdressing. Eight months later Salon Purpose was birthed!
“It was a small backyard salon servicing my local community at Allambie and it grew from there! It was a whirlwind two years – I worked from home and then decided it was time to spread my wings even further and relocated in the heart of Manly. I’ve never looked back.”
“It was a small backyard salon servicing my local community at Allambie and it grew from there! It was a whirlwind two years – I worked from home and then decided it was time to spread my wings even further and relocated in the heart of Manly. I’ve never looked back.”
Nicki says Salon Purpose was conceived with purpose and intentional generosity at its heart – an approach that engenders deeper connections with staff and clients.
.“I believe our clients like to support businesses that have good intentions. We have a heart for people and that will never change.”
“Our annual ‘With Love’ campaign is a perfect example of our commitment to this belief, it’s an opportunity to support causes that are close to our hearts. Purpose is not just a part of who we are; it’s at the very core of everything we do and every decision we make. It’s what sets us apart: high-end hair with heart.”
Nicki’s staff of 19 stylists are just as motivated by the sense of purpose in their work- and are involved in deciding which charities and projects will be support each year for the ‘With Love’ campaign.
“With so many deserving charities it’s always so hard to choose. I always let my staff pick.”
Feedback is always valued and Nicki says clients are often “mind blown! One of our clients now sponsors a child in the same village as our kids because of what we do!”
“Receiving letters from our kids is always so encouraging to keep up our good work! As a team we take turns to write to our kids and all be a part of their journey.”
Salon Purpose supports local charities as well.
“We have given a few thousand over the years to Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter and Bear Cottage,” Nicki says. “And we often host charity hair evenings when all proceeds get donated to these two.”
Over the past five years, through various charities and community programs, Salon Purpose and their clients have made quite an impact:
- Eight children sponsored every month
- 399 nights of safe house for families experiencing homelessness
- 53 birthing kits for mothers with newborns in Uganda
- 190 days of domestic violence healing journeys
- 18 start-up loans for women in Asia to open their own businesses
- 3000 people provided with clean water in African nations
Nicki says there’s more to do.
“What does the next 5 years look like? Ow tricky question! Growth, growth in enabling my staff to flourish and be the best versions of themselves. To grow the business to create more impact and to grow as a business person and be heard around the country as a business that is for good!”
Before we go – what are some tips for hair care between visits to your favourite stylist?
“Always look after your hair at home, use salon quality products and ask for advice if you’re not sure – we are always here to help!”
And heading into winter, what are current trends in hair styling looks/colours?
“The natural wave/curl, short lobs and cute bangs are always a win!”
Salon Purpose
Website:
https://www.salonpurpose.com.au
Sponsored article washed, trimmed, styled and blowdried on purpose.
