By Carmelle Wilkinson
APPLECROSS hair stylist Virginia Donovan may as well be a fairy godmother.
With the wave of her magic wand (or blow dryer rather) she not only has the ability to make you feel like a princess, she truly believes in empowering her fellow divas.
The mother of two from Brazil opened her new hair salon on Canning Highway earlier this month, six years after migrating to Perth.
“It has always been a dream of mine to open my own salon,’’ she said.
“My mum had a hair salon in Brazil and I remember spending a lot of time there when I was young helping her out.”
When her mum closed the salon due to health problems, Virginia said she started combining school studies with hairdressing at home to help support her mother.
“To me, it’s never been about the money,” she said.
“I just love what I do and I am so blessed with amazing clients.
“Hairdressing is my passion and I love all aspects of it, but in particular colouring.”
Back home in Brazil, Virginia offered free haircuts to the homeless as a way to brighten their day.
“Having your hair done builds self-confidence, and to a homeless person can give them hope,’’ she said.
From the moment you walk into Virginia Donovan Hair Studio, you are treated like part of the family and made to feel comfortable in the gorgeous natural surrounds.
Fitted out in light colours and lush plants, the space is a reflection of the natural, non-toxic products Virginia uses on her clients.
With a wine, coffee or tea in hand, feel the stress melt away and if you’re lucky enough to visit on a day Virginia has made some Brazilian foods, you are in for a treat.
“Mums in particular are incredibly busy and don’t often make time to treat themselves, so when they come here they can relax in the massage chair and enjoy some ‘me time’,” she said.
“My family are a huge support and I really couldn’t have done it without them.”
Virginia Donovan Hair Studio is at 893-917 Canning Highway, Applecross.
Women, men and children are welcome.
