Like many fateful events before it, Evalyn Parsons‘ career in hairdressing and wedding hair styling came about unexpectedly. What started out as what Evalyn believed to be a temporary career to pursue creative interests 18 years ago, has turned into a lifelong passion and successful business.
For 12 years now, Evalyn has dedicated her every weekend to travelling all over the Sunshine Coast to look after brides, creating gorgeous hairstyle after gorgeous hairstyle, sending each down the aisle with a skip in her step, feeling glam. All while raising a large family and running her hairdressing salon in Caloundra’s prettiest coastal corner, Moffat Beach.
I took some time to find out how this powerhouse woman has achieved all she has, still has a deep-seated fiery passion for what she does, and remains one of the loveliest, most ethical and professional businesswomen around.
Trust me, you really need to learn more about Evalyn and her team at Evalyn Parsons Hair.
Images by Terri Hanlon Photography.
Evalyn, your salon is located in one of our fave Sunshine Coast spots, Moffat Beach. Tell us what you love most about the area.
Ahh, Moffat Beach. Such a beautiful spot to call home for our business. I love the small, personal community of cafes, shops, businesses and just locals who call it home. There is a very stylish but still relaxed feel to this little community and everyone feels it. From the salon we can walk to the beach in less than 2 minutes and grab a coffee or lunch from one of the local cafes or juice bar.
Tell us about your recent salon renovations.
On top of my wedding hair styling, my salon at Moffat Beach has been open for 5 years now and started with two casual staff and big dreams. Over that time we have been continually expanding and renovating the cool 50’s beach shack that we are in and most recently added a new front foyer and a specialised bridal room for our wedding trials. We now have 11 chairs and 3 basins in the salon space and six staff, who work in there on a full-time basis looking after our regular clientele as well as pre-wedding colours and treatments.
“Don’t be afraid, you are beautiful and really anything is possible these days with hair styles as we have the best products and equipment that hairdressers have ever had.”
What are your hot tips for 2016 brides?
This is the year to go for it. I feel like there is a lot of change going on in the styling world and I am seeing a real mix of looks coming through. I would love to see brides be bold and strong with their styling choice and stand out from the crowd. Don’t be afraid, you are beautiful and really anything is possible these days with hair styles as we have the best products and equipment that hairdressers have ever had. 
“I love when I can make a style work for a bride when they thought their hair just wouldn’t be able to do it.”
What is your absolute favourite hair style to do?
Mmm.. so many favourites. I would say at the moment that I am loving the glamorous red carpet waves but also really enjoying the comeback of the high updo or big classic bun… and then there are braids… Like I said, where do I stop!
When does a head of hair truly excite you?
I get excited about challenges and love thinking about and coming up with a new way to style a look. I also love when I can make a style work for a bride when they thought their hair just wouldn’t be able to do it.
And you have two little assistants full time now, and two at school. How do you juggle being a mum and working in your business?
Yes, four beautiful children have come along as I have grown my business from its humble beginnings at home. I love leading a full life and I have found that while it takes some organisation and planning, I can definitely have the best of both being a mum and a business owner. I have an amazing husband, who supports me in my role and is very hands-on with the kids. Plus these days I have a very capable and efficient team behind me.
How do you continue to stay on top of wedding hair trends and new techniques?
Training and practice definitely. I attend training events and education on a yearly basis to keep my work current and my ideas fresh. Training and practicing looks with my staff keeps me sharp as well. My little three-year-old princess gives me a lot of practice time now, as she gets a new style very morning and as she gets older the requests are now coming from her about what she would like.
How did you choose your wedding hair styling team?
I handpick my hair styling team and work closely on training them before I entrust my brides personally with them. I am always looking for strong styling skills and creativity, a passion for their craft and also a great people person. I genuinely care about each of my brides and their wedding day and it’s really important to me that each of my team have the same care and passion for what they do.
Where to next for Evalyn Parsons Hair?
Evalyn Parsons Hair is going to keep building on our level of experience and luxury for our wedding styling. We are introducing some gorgeous extras for our brides in 2016, including a welcome pack to help each bride navigate her way through the pre-wedding hair journey. We are also close to releasing a new website, which we are very excited about, and there are some new things still to be revealed within that. Stay tuned…
“I genuinely care about each of my brides and their wedding day and it’s really important to me that each of my team have the same care and passion for what they do.”
Any local tips for out-of-towners?
The ocean walk that takes you from Moffat Beach to Kings Beach is a must if you have a little bit of time. Walk 500m or the full 3kms and you walk directly beside the ocean all the way and you can just take in all its wonder. Otherwise grab a great coffee or snack while you watch the waves roll in.. my faves are coffee from the Pocket Espresso, juice from Coco Loco or yummy fish and chips from Moffats Takeaway. And don’t forget to come to us before or after that for your wedding trial, a great hairstyle, cut or colour or even just a little wash and blow dry.
Thank you to Sunshine Coast wedding photographer Terri Hanlon Photography for these beeyootiful images of Evalyn Parsons, her salon and team, and the very pretty Moffat Beach in Caloundra.
