Salon Purpose Founder Nicki Ranatawake is intent on continuing to redefine what a salon can be. Not just a place for transformation in the chair, but a vehicle for impact far beyond it.

Through the annual With Love campaign, that philosophy comes to life in a way that connects clients, community, and cause in a tangible way. In 2026, more than $10,000 was raised, continuing the evolution of a purpose-led model built into everyday salon life.

This year, funds raised during Salon Purpose’s two week campaign helped fund 131 days of domestic violence healing workshops for First Nations women, 40 maternity care appointments for women in Uganda, and 111 nights of safe housing for Australian families experiencing homelessness.

Here, we speak with Salon Purpose Founder Nicki and unpack her passion for purpose, the origins of the campaign and what motivates her to give back.

TJ: What sparked the “With Love” campaign?
NR: The With Love campaign was born from a belief that business can be a force for good. When I opened Salon Purpose, I never wanted us to be just a place where people came to get their hair done. I wanted every appointment to have the potential to create impact beyond the salon walls. It gives clients a tangible way to be part of that impact, and shows how small acts can create meaningful change.

TJ: How has it evolved over time?
NR: In the early days, it was about raising funds for causes we cared about. Over time, it has become a partnership with grassroots charity partners through Pro Purpose. Clients now actively engage, learn about the charities, choose where support goes, and follow the impact. What remains unchanged is the heart- bringing people together to create positive change.

TJ: How do salon appointments translate into real-world impact like this year’s $10,530 raised?
NR: Every client becomes part of the impact. During the campaign, $25 from each appointment is directed toward our chosen charities. Individually it’s small, but collectively powerful. This year it supported domestic violence healing workshops for First Nations women, maternity care in Uganda, and safe accommodation for Australian families experiencing homelessness.

TJ: How do you decide where the funds go each year?
NR: This is part of our Purpose Pledge as a Pro Purpose business partner. We choose to support projects locally and globally that help people experiencing poverty and disadvantage. It’s about responding to real needs in a meaningful way.

TJ: What’s stayed with you most from this year’s campaign, personally?
NR: The generosity of people never stops amazing me. It’s not the dollar figure- it’s watching clients choose to invest in others while investing in themselves. Every dollar represents someone choosing kindness, and that stays with me.

TJ: With more than $136,000 raised to date, what’s next for purpose-led hairdressing?
NR: We’re only scratching the surface. For us, purpose-led hairdressing is a business model, not a campaign. The goal is to show that profitability and generosity can coexist, and to inspire other businesses to embed purpose into what they do. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that when people are given the opportunity to make a difference, they will.