Growing up on a farm in country NSW, June Irving dreamed of using colours and scissors to make people beautiful. For the past 45 years, June has been doing just that, working her way from apprentice to owner of the thriving salon – Bentleys Hair of Canberra at Jamison Plaza. She is also dedicated to teaching up-and-coming stylists the best in hairdressing techniques.

Tell us about your career path. What led you to where you are now?

“I started my apprenticeship 45 years ago at Jamison Centre with Jan Bartholomeaus. The salon was known as The Mop Shop. The name was later changed to Hair Vogue Jamison and I managed the salon for the previous owner. I later purchased the salon and changed the name to Bentleys Hair of Canberra.”

Tell us about your organisation and your role within it

“I manage the salon on a daily basis and have built it up to a thriving business. Our team are well trained in all aspects of hairdressing. I have had a passion for training and have trained for the College of Transformation, Education and Training for the past 10 years. I won the John Scott Award for training in 2017, and the Canberra Business Award for Outstanding Hairdresser in 2019 and 2021. I have also been nominated two years in a row for the Australian Small Business Awards. I have so much confidence in my senior hairdressers that I have gone into partnerships with several in other hair salon ventures.”

What inspired you to start Bentleys Hair?

“I have always had a passion for hairdressing and have lived my dream and continue to do so.”

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

“My passion for training young stylists, watching them grow from school children to passionate stylists.”

Who inspires you?

“Gerald Scott, one of Australia’s greatest hair colourists.”

To book an appointment with one of Canberra’s finest hairdressers at Bentleys Hair of Canberra, visit bentleys-canberra.edan.io or call 6251 2681.

For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.