Raising the bar in beauty

EMMA McFarlane, director of Blush Group, has achieved incredible success with her third salon opening and has no plans yet for slowing down.

Blush Bar was born in 2014 when Emma saw a real need for high quality professional hair and makeup salon styling.

Prior to this, Emma was leading a bridal freelance team of hairstylists and makeup artists and wanted to bring the excitement and luxury of “getting ready” to everyone.

“I have such fond memories of getting ready to go out with my girlfriends and wanted to recreate the atmosphere,” she said. “I wanted to create a welcoming, fun space where guests could start their special occasions with us.”

Emma’s mission is to set the standard for exceeding expectations and to really create an extraordinary experience that builds on empowering women by providing the confidence that comes from great hair and makeup.

“I hate the cliche, but we really are a one stop shop for all styling needs including full service hair colour bar, brow, tan, wax and skin services,” she said.

Blush Bubbles Bar has also been a great addition to the Newtown location, born out of COVID times, with a full renovation of the outdoor space to create a fancy little wine garden in the sun.

Catering to hens groups and intimate functions, it’s yet another girly space to enjoy.

Fast forward 10 years, with numerous business awards under her belt including Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards Entrepreneur finalist, Emma has expanded her reach into Torquay and now Ocean Grove with the launch of her third salon space.

“My hope is that our guests enjoy the experience of getting ready with us as much as our team enjoy getting them ready,” Emma said.

“Think friendly faces, amazing stylists, a fun vibe, great wine list, girl anthems playing and great hair and makeup – what more could you want?”

Emma admits that being a small business owner comes with a multitude of challenges and pressures.

“It is hard. I work hard. It is constant. But I do enjoy every minute of it,” she said.

“Being able to dream up and create spaces and experiences that I know I would enjoy myself and then bring them to life is very satisfying.”

The fact that she started with a team of four and has now grown to lead more than 30 is not lost on her.

“The joy I get from my team is what it’s all about. We have created something very special and I couldn’t have done it without each and every one of them,” Emma said.

“Everything that goes into making the Blush Bar brand what it is today has been vetted by me, so to that extent I’m very humbled that so many of our community enjoy what we have created. Here’s cheers to many more!”

You can find Blush Bar and Blush Bubbles Bar at 320 Pakington St, Newtown (phone 5298 2263), 1B Zeally Bay Rd, Torquay (phone 5261 5725) and 2/70B The Terrace, Ocean Grove (phone 5255 3084).

For more information, head to blushbar.com.au