At just 23 years old, Bella Pearson-Lucas is making a name for herself in the hairdressing industry with the opening of her own salon, Bella Eve Hair & Beauty, in Redcliffe.
Bella’s journey to hairdressing was not straightforward. Initially, she was drawn to the beauty industry and enrolled at the Australian Trade College North Brisbane (ATCNB). However, it was during her time there that she discovered her true passion for hairdressing, thanks to an inspiring teacher. “I originally studied beauty because that’s what I was interested in, but I fell in love with hairdressing because of the teacher I had. She was kind and inspiring,” Bella said.
ATCNB stood out to Bella for its inclusive and adult-oriented approach. Having previously attended a traditional high school, she felt it wasn’t the right fit for her. “ATCNB treated us like adults, which helped me feel more prepared for the real world. I made a lot of friends and found what I truly loved doing,” she said. The school’s environment, combined with hands-on training and the opportunity to explore different trades, allowed her to build her confidence and readiness to start her own business.
ATCNB is not your typical school. As part of MRAEL and the IntoWork Group, ATCNB is a purpose-built, co-educational Year 11 and 12 independent trade training centre. It offers a structured and well-supported curriculum focused on trades and business, leading to strong Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) attainment and employment pathways.
After graduating in 2020, Bella began her apprenticeship at a large chain hair salon. “I always knew I wanted to do my own thing,” she said. “I envisioned running a business from home, but when we found this storefront in Redcliffe, it felt like the perfect opportunity.” Bella and her mother, who manages the business, seized the chance, and Bella Eve Hair & Beauty was born.
One of the key aspects that sets Bella’s salon apart is her client-centric approach. “The experience of meeting new people and finding my own way of running things so I can care more about the clients is what I love,” Bella said. “In other salons, it can get so busy that a few clients get put on the back burner, but I can spend quality time with each client, which helps build a strong rapport.”
Bella also recognises the therapeutic role that hairdressers often play. “Hairdressers are like therapists in their own way,” she said.
Starting a business has not been without its challenges. “It’s tough at the beginning, and it takes a lot of emotional and physical effort. It’s very demanding,” Bella said. She faced hurdles such as attracting clients and managing difficult customers, but her determination and resilience saw her through. Despite these obstacles, Bella finds the experience incredibly rewarding. “But it’s very much worth it,” she said.
Bella values the support of her family, especially her mum, who helps manage and run the business. “She loves coming in and helping out. I enjoy teaching her how to wash hair, give head massages, and she handles the tidying, cleaning, and even bakes fresh biscuits each week,” Bella said.
Bella is passionate about education and training and plans to expand her business by taking on apprentices and offering work experience. “I really want to take on apprentices and offer work experience. I love training people and passing on my knowledge,” she said. Her goal is to provide a local, supportive environment for aspiring hairdressers, potentially including students from ATCNB.
Bella’s success is an example of the effectiveness of ATCNB’s approach. “At ATCNB, we believe that education should do more than prepare students for exams. It should connect them to real opportunities, real purpose, and real futures. Our mission is ‘Education with Real Purpose.’ We’re proud to see students like Bella achieve their dreams and make a meaningful contribution to her community,” said Brett Kavanagh, ATCNB College Principal.
Bella’s advice to current ATCNB students is to be prepared for the demands of starting a business but to persevere. “I would listen a little more and take the business certification courses seriously, because they will help a lot,” she said. These courses not only equipped her with practical skills like using Excel and writing business plans but also provided a solid foundation for her entrepreneurial drive.
“This is my first time doing anything like this, and I’m a bit nervous, but very grateful. ATCNB helped me choose my path, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Bella Eve Hair & Beauty is located at 107 Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.