YARRA VALLEY NEWS
Local business owners are such a big part of the community so we thought we do a series of quick fire Q&A’s with some of them while they are at work. Today we popped into have a quick chat with Tracy Vanderzweep who owns Cutt & Runn Hairdressing in Yarra Junction. Hope you enjoy reading a little about Tracy.
How Long have you lived in the Yarra Valley?
My whole life. I was born at the old hospital in Hoddle street, Yarra Junction. It is now Estia Health. I moved away from the Valley for about 4 years and then I come back and opened up my hairdressing salon in Yarra Juntion.
What do you love most about living in the Valley?
I love how open it is and the bushland and the rivers. We are really not far from anywhere.
How long have you owned your business for?
I opened in 2018. It will be two and a half years in December. My Mum and dad own the mower shop next door and they own this shop. It was Dad’s idea. When I moved back I was working at a salon in Lilydale and I didn’t really like it. My dad said “why don’t you run your own business it will do well” and it has. I am currently the only hairdresser here at the moment. My other hairdresser broke her arm but I am looking for a couple other hairdressers to work here.
How long have you been a hairdresser for?
Since 2007, so 13 years. I started as an apprentice in a salon just down the road. I worked there for about 5 years. That time there was really helpful to me when I opened up my own salon. I had built up a reputation with people in the area so when word got around that I had my own business, clients started to book in to see me.
What do you love most about running your own business?
I like to work my own hours. It’s mine, I am my own boss.
What’s the hardest thing about running your own business?
Its just doing it all yourself. Days off are book work days for me. I am responsible for everything that happens in the business.
What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you in business?
Just give it a go. Take risks, you learn from your mistakes that you make. Take the leap, take a risk and see how you go.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to go bike riding. I go for a ride everyday if I can along the Warburton Rail Trail. I also love going to local markets and visiting waterfalls. I like to spend time around the Yarra Valley. We do have a holiday house at Jamieson which I like to visit when I can or I go down to Rye and go fishing. I like to fish in the local rivers too.
What is your favourite song?
Alaska by Maggie Rogers
What is your favourite movie?
The Green Mile
What is your favourite food?
Italian
What is your Favourite drink?
Lemon, lime and bitters.
You are running a non perishable food drive at the moment, can you tell me a little about that?
I thought everyone is doing it tough at the moment. I wanted to help out the single mums in the area. I also know there is a lot of domestic violence in the area too which is very sad. I wanted to give back to the community where I could so I thought I would start a food drive. I rang around to see who I could give the food to and found that All Saints Church which is next door, had their own food pantry. People can go to the church and give a few dollars and pick out a few food items that they need. I am going to run it to Christmas, as I have had such a great response from my clients and the community in general. Next year I am planning on doing a clothing drive.
What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?
Let things go and live in the present.
Thank you Tracy for giving us 5 minutes of your time and sharing a little bit about you and your business Cutt & Runn Hairdressing. It was lovely chatting to you.
