Nicki Ranatawake – Salon Purpose

What’s your favourite place on the Northern Beaches?
Has to be Manly!

Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I tattooed by husband, one hit wonder!

It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
It would defiantly be at home, clean house, music on, spending time with my family and dog just enjoying the calm before the crazy week begins again.

If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
Definitely a loaf of sour dough bread and salt reduced butter.

Business

How did Salon Purpose happen?
It was planted out of my home/backyard as a very small start up, ground roots, in the middle of Covid-19. We started with 12 local Allambie clients and decided when we reached over 1000 clients and 6 staff working from my small suburbia home in Allambie, it was time to find a bigger salon. We decided to moved to Manly, 20 incredible staff later and a show stopping Salon my husband built…Rialto Square is where you will find Salon Purpose.

How long have you been operating?
Almost 2 years

Best business experience?
Winning the local business awards 2 years in a row now 2022 & 2023.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I always thought a job as a police officer would be fun!

Best part of your job or most enjoyable part of your job?
I LOVE people. Serving all our people is my greatest joy! Our incredible clients, our staff and all the people we look after locally and globally with our initiatives that we run annually.

Most stressful part of your job?
I don’t often call myself stressed, and it takes a lot to get me in that state, but if I had to pick one, finding the juggle with motherhood and running a business, it definitely takes an army and I’m incredibly blessed to have a fantastic husband, and family & friends around me to help all the time. I’m a firm believer in life isn’t meant to be done alone, both in business and personal.

Weirdest thing that has ever happened at work?
So far, nothing weird enough for me to remember.

What’s the best part of working on the Northern Beaches?
The best part is all amazing community. Has to be the people that walk in and out of our doors from all over the Northern Beaches. I choose Manly, because I feel like it’s a central location and the positioning of the salon makes it easy for our clients to get public transport or park in the council car park for free straight underneath the salon,

Personal

What would you rate 10/10?
Owww gosh! Does anyone really rate themselves a 10? I’m sitting around a 7-8 “personality plus” gets me there! haha

What is the best advice you’ve received?
Swim against the grain…have faith and watch what magic can happen.

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?
I’ve attended an incredible conference in Noosa all based on being a Pro Purpose business.

Greatest strength?
Determination

Greatest weakness?
Worrying what people may think of me.

What’s your most treasured possession?
My children

What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Being able to impact people’s lives more than I could ever ask, think or imagine…

Which two famous people would you choose to be stuck in a lift with?
Justin and Hailey Beiber.

What travel experiences are on your bucket list?
The Maldives

How do you switch off?
Being somewhere where the reception is terrible seems to be the only way.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Reflexology

Who’s your personal hero?
I have so many I couldn’t name one in particular. They are just everyday people living out their best lives.

If you were an animal, what would you be?
Dolphin

How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who made a difference in the world.