My story started in a way I didn’t expect. I was actually studying to become a physiotherapist and continued with it for about a year and a half. However, even while I was deep into my studies, I always had a passion for hair. On weekends, I would help my brother Moe at his barbershop in Bankstown Central, sweeping floors, watching how he worked and soaking it all in. It was something I genuinely enjoyed, and being part of the family business always felt natural. There was a buzz in the shop, a connection with people, and a creativity that kept pulling me in. Still, I thought I would give something else a try and followed the more traditional path, at least for a little while.

After finishing my studies, I eventually found myself helping my other brother Bill at his newly opened shop in Tuggeranong, ACT. At first, I started as an apprentice, sweeping floors, interacting with clients, and helping with day-to-day salon duties. The team was small and the shop got busy quickly, so everyone had to step up. One day, Bill looked at me and said, “Grab the clippers.” From that moment, everything changed. He stood right beside me while I gave my first haircut, guiding me the entire way. I will never forget that moment because it became a turning point that made me realise this is what I was meant to do.

From that day on, I kept cutting and, as a result, built up my skills quickly. I made mistakes, learned from them, and improved with every haircut. Years of watching my brothers work had prepared me more than I had realised. Within a week, I was confidently cutting clients all day. Then I went on to complete my Certificate III in Barbering and, after that, continued to grow. I have now been in the industry for over 10 years.

It has been a journey I am truly proud of. Today, I am a co-owner of four Moe & Co salons and still as passionate as ever. What started as helping my brothers has grown into a career and a dream that I get to live every day. And this is only the beginning because I plan to keep learning, mentoring, and sharing the same opportunities that shaped my own path.

Ali cutting hair in MOE & Co. Salons in 2016.