The Art of Holding Space
In an industry built on transformation, South Coast hair stylist Grace Roby has discovered that the most profound changes happen not through what she does to her clients, but through the space she creates for them to simply be themselves. In this intimate conversation, Roby shares how her philosophy of "holding space" has built a thriving salon business where clients don't just book appointments—they seek sanctuary. From her coastal Milton studio, she reveals why choosing presence over pressure became her competitive edge, and how relocating from Sydney's pace to the South Coast's rhythm transformed both her life and her business model. The story includes Roby's own words on what it truly means to hold space for others, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional intelligence that's made her salon a sought-after destination and positioned her as a quiet revolutionary in the beauty industry.
In a world that rewards the loudest voice in the room, a new breed of leaders is discovering something counterintuitive: the most powerful influence comes not from speaking, but from creating space for others to be heard.
The best leaders aren't loud. They quiet their voice so others can find theirs.
It's a radical idea in our attention economy, where personal branding and "owning the room" have become business gospel. But across industries, from boardrooms to hair salons, a quiet revolution is taking place.
Grace Roby built her thriving South Coast hair business on this principle. Over fifteen years in the industry, she's discovered that the most successful enterprises aren't always the loudest, they're the ones that truly understand their clients.
"I can feel it the moment someone walks in," Grace says, describing the business intelligence that's made her salon a sought-after destination. "Sometimes it's in their eyes before they've said a word." This intuitive approach to client service has become her competitive edge.
What Grace has mastered is creating an environment where clients don't just receive a service, they receive an experience that keeps them returning and referring others. "Holding space means creating an environment where people feel completely safe to be seen, heard, and celebrated exactly as they are" she explains. It's a business philosophy that's proven remarkably profitable.
Her one-on-one salon model was a deliberate business decision. "Being one-on-one is welcomed by my clients, I can be completely present with each of them” Grace explains. This premium positioning allows her to charge appropriately for the personalised experience she delivers. "While someone may book in for a haircut, what they leave with is often something much deeper."
When Grace relocated her business from Sydney to the South Coast, it wasn't just a lifestyle choice, it was a strategic business move. "There's a slower rhythm to life here. It invites stillness, softness, and presence," she says. The coastal location aligned perfectly with her business vision and allowed her to build the practice she'd always envisioned.
The move also catalysed another business venture. Frustrated by mainstream hair care brands that prioritised profit over quality, Grace developed her own product line. "I wanted to offer my clients something Australian-owned and made that ticked all the boxes, paraben and sulphate-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and organic," she explains. "Something I could use myself and be confident giving to my clients."
“Holding space means creating an environment where people feel completely safe to be seen, heard, and celebrated exactly as they are”
The Grace Roby Hair product range represents everything she stands for as a business owner: quality, authenticity, and genuine care for her clients' wellbeing. Soon to launch on Shopify, the line will extend her reach beyond the salon chair to customers across Australia.
"I've laughed with clients. I've cried with clients," Grace reflects, describing the deep client relationships that form the foundation of her business success. This emotional connection translates directly to business outcomes, client retention, premium pricing, and powerful word-of-mouth marketing.
Grace's willingness to share her own journey, including the challenges of building a business while raising her son, creates authenticity that clients connect with. "Moving to the coast brought me and my son back to what matters. It shifted how I show up in life and business," she shares. This transparency has become part of her brand story, the successful entrepreneur who chose presence over pressure.
Her business model challenges industry norms about volume and efficiency, proving that focusing on quality over quantity can be highly profitable. The approach has created a waiting list of clients and established Grace as a leader in her field.
"Intentional. Nourishing. Empowering," Grace says when describing her business approach. "I want people to leave feeling more themselves." It's a philosophy that's built a thriving enterprise and positioned her as an innovator in the beauty industry.
Grace's success demonstrates that in an age of connection scarcity, businesses that master creating space rather than noise will thrive. Her quiet coastal salon proves that the most powerful influence isn't about how loudly you speak, it's about how deeply others feel heard in your presence.
Grace Roby Hair is located in Milton on the NSW South Coast. For bookings and to explore Grace's natural hair care range, visit gracerobyhair.com.au
This story celebrates the deeper currents that flow through our coastal community, the healers, the space-holders, the quiet revolutionaries who remind us that true luxury lies not in excess, but in presence.
