In this episode, Hayley Mears sits down with Shakira Dickinson, the founder of Hair Candy, an award-winning hair extensions business with three salons across Queensland and an e-commerce education brand. Shakira shares her 18-year journey from working out of a spare bedroom to building one of Australia’s leading hair extension empires.

She opens up about the power of consistency, adapting to change, and learning on the job — even when faced with challenges like team turnover, economic downturns, and the constant evolution of digital marketing.

From surviving the chaos of COVID-19 to mastering Meta ads and embracing AI in creative development, Shakira’s story is a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience and reinvention.

✂️ Highlights from the Episode

The 18-Year Journey of Hair Candy

Shakira shares how she started Hair Candy at just 20 years old, working from home and slowly building her client base. What began as a single-person operation has grown into three salons across Brisbane and the Gold Coast — plus a thriving wholesale and education business.

Consistency, Persistence & Growth

Shakira believes consistency is the real key to success — choosing one thing, sticking to it, and growing within it rather than constantly chasing new ideas. She reveals how this focus allowed Hair Candy to expand sustainably, even during uncertain times.

Adapting to Change in Business & Marketing

From industry shifts to the rise of rent-a-chair models and changing consumer behaviour, Shakira explains how she keeps Hair Candy relevant. She also discusses how authenticity on social media now outperforms polished marketing.

Mastering Meta Ads

As the upcoming speaker for Salon Forum 2026, Shakira will share her talk “Meta Moves” — diving into how salon owners can take control of their business growth through Meta advertising. She discusses how ads can act like a “tap” for client flow — and why personally managing ad campaigns can make all the difference.

AI, Canva & Creative Innovation

Shakira and her team use AI and Canva to streamline their creative process, from quick content editing to adding realistic elements to brand visuals. She highlights how AI is reshaping creative work for salon businesses by making design faster and more intuitive.

Overcoming Setbacks & Rebuilding Leadership

Shakira reflects on one of her biggest challenges — when her entire team left during COVID-19. Instead of folding, she rebuilt stronger, using the moment to refine her leadership style and align her team with Hair Candy’s long-term vision.

Learning by Doing

Shakira embodies the philosophy that “everything is figureoutable.” She shares how on-the-job learning and failure have been her best teachers — and how embracing uncertainty has allowed her to evolve alongside her business.

🔗 Useful Links

Connect with Shakira Dickinson & Hair Candy:

@haircandyextensions

@haircandyaustralia

@_shakirajade

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