They say if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life. Dalby hair stylist and makeup artist Chantal Hart, then, has not worked a day in more than 10 years.

Living and working in Dalby, Chantal provides the local community with high quality hair and makeup services. She says she has always loved hair and makeup and feels it is something she was meant to do. “I first started out in the hairdressing industry doing a four-year apprenticeship. I have now been doing this and also been self employed for over 15 years,” she said. In 2008, her passion for makeup sparked an idea. “I thought it would be great for business having qualifications in both hair and makeup, so I decided to do a makeup course.”

After receiving her certificate, work took a back seat for a while. Hart instead focused on her home life for a few years, with two beautiful daughters who needed her attention. Now, she has re-entered the professional world and is finding it challenging and rewarding. “Since the girls have started school I have heavily started focusing on hair and makeup again. It’s really only been two years since I have started full time makeup and I am blown away at how busy it has become.” Continually looking to update and improve her skills, Chantal has invested time in professional development. “I have completed masterclasses with Mia Connor, Merton Muaremi and Sheridan Myers and have also attended many look and learn classes with other well-known artists.”

Born and raised in Dalby, Chantal loves the sense of community in the region. She says living in a small town has its benefits, affording her a recognised name and many loyal local customers. “I am very lucky I have been so well supported,” she said. Chantal has had many of her hairdressing clients for more than 10 years, following her from her first salon in Jandowae. “They are like family now. I’ve also been fortunate to meet so many new faces in the past three years since owning my current studio and I feel so blessed.”

Hart believes the intimate nature of her studio and services set her apart from other hair and makeup artists in the area. “My current studio is based at home so it’s a little more personal. I only do two hairdressing clients per day and really focus on that one-on-one attention. I love offering my clients the best service possible using only high end, top quality products. If I wouldn’t use it on myself, I sure wouldn’t use it on them.”

Chantal’s personal styling tip is to keep it simple. “I think nothing ruins a look more than when the makeup is on point and the hair has been overdone.” This year, Chantal hopes to add to her suite of professional talents, gaining experience in fashion and editorial.

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