Inside Story: Lexi Bannister
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Known in the industry as “Queen of the Blondes”, hairdresser Lexi Bannister has one of Canberra’s most start-studded client books and a waiting list that stretches for four months.
Having styled runway hair for fashion weeks from New York to Sydney, we sit her down to find out the important things in life—who inspires her work, where will she be in 10 years’ time, and how important pizza is to maintaining her stamina.
Where is your salon?
My salon is located in Manuka Village on Palmerston Lane where I work with two staff members and a freelancer.
How is it going, being your own boss?
Work is too busy! The salon is pretty much booked out for the year and I have a four-month waitlist. I have been focussing on my clients here in Canberra but I’ve started doing two days a month in a salon in Sydney with Miss Veyret who I used to work with at Edwards and Co.
What are you reading?
I am listening to an audiobook (does that count?) Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.
Who are you most scrolling on Instagram?
Where do you get your hair inspo from?
I get most of my inspo from Instagram to be honest. It’s such a big platform you never run out of new content.
I’m especially inspired by:
@los_pastel, @lo_wheelerdavis, @emmachenartistry, @michealkellycolorist and @jaye_edwards
Where will we find you unwinding?
I love the Pop Inn! Kimberly has created such a fun, relaxed vibe and sitting in the sun outdoors with a rosé in hand and cheese platter in the other is my fave thing to do!
What are some of the challenges of running a salon?
Opening this business has been a massive job for me! I’m still changing the space all the time ’til it feels just right and making sure the business side of things are set up properly so when I’m not there it still runs smoothly.
I’ve also been really focussing on education, business mentoring, skill-set development and even social media training.
Are you for coffee or for tea?
Oh man cawwwfeeeee! I’m told I drink too much of it though. I love 1or2 in Manuka and Redbrick Espresso in Curtin—we even stock them in the salon now.
Do you prefer blondes?
I love a good beachy blonde! It’s a hard colour to make look natural if you don’t know what you’re doing and it reminds me of our childhood hair which I feel is what were always trying to get back to.
I mostly create blonde or bronde lived-in colour. Hair colour that looks great in six-months’ time is always what I’m creating! I’m not a bright colour or crazy hairstyle colourist.
Work uniform?
I’m a T-shirt, jeans and Supergas kind of gal and always wear beachy, textured hair.
Scent?
Coco Chanel Mademoiselle
How have you changed since you first started out in the business?
Education is such a big part of me growing in my career and I don’t care how old or how much you’ve done you can NEVER stop learning.
My confidence is also completely different—I used to always just do what the client asked but now I’m brutally honest with what’s achievable and what will work with their lifestyle and hair.
Wine or cocktails?
Always wine! Rosé all day.
Last meal on earth?
That’s a hard one! Can I just say Italian food?! Wood-fired pizza I think would have to be it!
Who inspires you?
Two people I have worked with inspire me to this day.
Jaye Edwards who owns Edwards and Co is fearless with his ideas, and whether good or bad, he just goes for what he wants! We could all learn a little from that to make some of our big (or even small) dreams come true.
Also, Michael Kelly who runs education for Edwards and Co constantly works on himself as a person to deliver in the most professional manner and to help grow as a leader.
Where will you be in a year/decade?
I want to say the shop is totally done (hahaha!) and move into purchasing the space. I’m all about setting the business up in the right way to go the distance! A new colourist would be great too—we really can’t keep up with demand anymore.
In 10 years’ time, hmmmmmm…. Gosh that’s a hard question. Maybe, business-wise, to have a great team behind (and beside) me. I see Sydney as a fun side hustle to make sure I’m always getting that creative buzz and have a consistent clientele.
Personally, I would like to keep building my life with my partner Shaun. He puts up with a lot from me including late nights and emotional rollercoasters when I come home sometimes. I think maybe also work on that thing called work/life balance so we can have more time together. That’s such a mushy thing for me to say but it’s definitely a priority at the moment.
PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Bean Photography
This article originally appeared in Magazine: Shine for Summer 2019/20, available for free while stocks last. Find out more about Magazine here.
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