By Peter Owen
LISA Pedder’s first hairdressing salon was an open, isolated beach in West Africa, and her first client was her dad.
She was a 16-year-old schoolgirl on holidays from England, visiting her father Dave, the chief engineer of a helicopter company servicing the oil industry in Nigeria.
It was a special moment for a girl who had dreamed of becoming a hairdresser since she was a toddler. And it’s a cherished memory she recalls every time she opens the doors of her brand new Noosa Springs salon.
The salon is called Azummini, the name of that faraway beach where it all began for Lisa, a globe-trotting adventurer who has found her destiny in Noosa.
Lisa Pedder grew up in Lincolnshire, the Midlands region of England which produced Margaret Thatcher, and Elton John’s lyricist Bernie Taupin. When she left school at 17 she landed a job in a local hairdressing salon.
Within a few years her skills had taken her to London, Sydney and around the world on a cruise ship.
She first visited Australia as a young backpacker and promised herself she would return one day and open her own salon.
That opportunity presented itself five years ago. “I sold up in Britain and committed to a new life in Australia,” she said.
It was only recently, though, that she discovered Noosa, which she now describes as her “forever home”.
“I approached Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort,” she said. “I was surprised they didn’t already have a hair salon.”
In fact they did. A salon had been incorporated into the design of the resort’s renowned day spa. It had just never been used.
“It’s a beautiful space,” Lisa said. “Peaceful and serene and separate from the Spa, it’s private for our clients.”
Before moving to Noosa, Lisa taught at the Brisbane School of Hairdressing, and mentored apprentices in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast.
She is a master colourist, specialising in colour and cutting, and says she treats every client as an individual. Each appointment begins with an analysis of the client’s hair, resulting in a cut and treatment that targets what the client is seeking, and what their lifestyle suits.
“My clients want to feel noticed and heard. I don’t assume anything,” Lisa said. “They know their hair – I like finding solutions to their problems with their hair style or colour.”
Lisa loves the family atmosphere of Noosa Springs. “Everyone has been so friendly and so supportive,” she said. “It’s a pleasure to come to work.”
Azummini Salon is open from 9am to 6pm from Tuesday to Sunday. For bookings call Lisa on 0423 222 503 or email azummini.noosa@yahoo.com.
