The Corporate Escapists Podcast
From $860 to 27 Years in Business: How Abbey Shepherd Built a Thriving Salon
What does it really take to build a business that lasts?For Abbey Shepherd, it started 27 years ago with just $860, a handshake, and a whole lot of determination. Today, Abbey is the proud founder and owner of Simply Stunnin’ Hair & Beauty in Melbourne — a multi-award-winning salon built on passion, resilience, genuine customer connection and community. In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine Innes sits down with Abbey to talk about the realities of building a business over nearly three decades — from navigating massive changes in the hair and beauty industry to embracing technology, surviving COVID lockdowns, creating new revenue opportunities and learning when to pivot. But this conversation goes far beyond business.Abbey also shares the deeply meaningful work she does with Hair Aid Australia, using her skills to teach hairdressing and barbering to people in vulnerable communities, including inmates overseas, while supporting community haircut initiatives in Victoria. Because sometimes success isn't just about what you build.It's about the ripple effect of what you do with it. ✨ In This Episode, We Talk About: *How Abbey built Simply Stunnin’ Hair & Beauty over 27 years *Starting a business with just $860 and a handshake *The biggest changes in the hair and beauty industry *Why exceptional customer service matters more than ever *How to build genuine, long-term relationships with customers *Adapting your business during challenging economic times *How Abbey reinvented her salon during COVID lockdowns *The innovative tint and toner packs that created an at-home salon experience *Learning to embrace technology and AI as a business owner *Why business owners need to be willing to pivot *The importance of having a supportive business community *Why collaboration can be more powerful than competition *Abbey's work with Hair Aid Australia *Using your skills and business to create a ripple effect *What aspiring hairdressers need to know before entering the industry *The physical demands and realities of a career in hairdressing *Why understanding colour theory is essential for emerging stylists *The lessons Abbey has learned after 27 years in business Abbey's story is a beautiful reminder that a business can become so much more than a source of income. Through Simply Stunnin’, Abbey has created a place where people feel seen, valued and cared for.And through Hair Aid Australia, she's taken those skills beyond the salon to help people who may never have had access to the opportunities many of us take for granted.Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, service and purpose. One of the Biggest Lessons from Abbey Don't be afraid to change.The business that survives isn't necessarily the business that never faces challenges.It's the business that learns how to listen, adapt, innovate and keep moving. Abbey's experience during COVID is a perfect example. Rather than simply waiting for things to return to normal, she listened to what her customers needed and created a new way to bring the salon experience into their homes. That's entrepreneurship. Not having all the answers. Being willing to find them.❤️ About Abbey Shepherd Abbey Shepherd is the founder and owner of Simply Stunnin’ Hair & Beauty, a beloved Melbourne salon she has grown over the past 27 years. Starting with just $860 and a handshake, Abbey has built a thriving local business through passion, dedication, resilience and genuine connection with her community. A multi-award-winning stylist, Abbey believes hair has the power to transform confidence, create connection and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Outside her salon, Abbey volunteers with Hair Aid Australia, using her professional skills to support communities in need both locally and internationally. Connect with Abbey & Simply Stunnin’ Website: https://www.simplystunnin.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simply_stunnin_hair_and_beauty/
