From humble beginnings to a multi-million-dollar online beauty business, Venessa Nappa is the mother and Australian matriarch behind the founders of leading online retailer Oz Hair & Beauty – Anthony and Guy Nappa.
Starting in 1986, Venessa began helping her husband, Elio manage the first Oz Hair salon. She mastered the art of everything from hairdressing to HR, resulting in her managing 12 successful salons across Sydney – all while raising three kids.
While life was full of the trials and successes of owning multiple businesses – Venessa’s biggest success story? Inspiring her two sons to transform her successful salons into the booming digital beauty business it is today – Oz Hair & Beauty.
What were your thoughts when you found out your sons Anthony and Guy wanted to take Oz Hair online?
I was thrilled but in a way, I was not surprised. Anthony and Guy both had entrepreneurial minds and a great work ethic from day one, so I always knew they would find success in life. When the boys were younger, they spent a lot of time in our salons from cleaning to stacking shelves, they never shied away from a challenge or getting their hands dirty. While hairdressing was my domain and passion, Anthony and Guy took the opportunity at the right time to launch Oz into the world of online retail and I couldn’t be more proud of their growth and achievements.
How has it been juggling parenthood and business?
There is no denying that it can be hard, particularly as a female, to balance family life and business, but I wouldn’t change my journey for the world. My family have been my inspiration and as parents, I’m glad that we got the opportunity to bring our sons in and teach them about the world of business from a young age. The work ethic that I had to adopt, especially while balancing many priorities in life, I now see in my sons, as they grow the Oz Hair & Beauty brand.
What is your favourite thing about owning a business?
The people – the individuals I’ve met and the relationships I’ve made through our businesses are invaluable. Over time, our staff and clients become like family to us and vice versa. In the business of hairdressing and beauty, it’s also great knowing that you are having a hand in making someone feel good about themselves – that feeling is priceless.
What would you say to other females in the industry looking to pursue business ownership?
If you have a passion for something, stay resilient and trust your instincts. I have loved hairdressing since age three and that passion and determination ultimately led me to where I am today. In business and in life, there are going to be many times where you run into obstacles and question your path – but having that passion really helps in navigating through doubts and hard times.