Good Humans | Paloma Garcia
We believe that style is about more than what we wear - it's how we move, create and connect. It's the choices we make, the energy we bring and the stories we tell. Good Humans is a journal series exploring just that: the intersection of self-expression, purpose and the quiet power of living with intention.
In this chapter of Good Humans, we meet Paloma Rose Garcia - a hairdresser, founder and creative whose vision has shaped one of Australia's most synonymous salons, Paloma. Known globally for her refined eye and effortless touch, Paloma has built a space that balances excellence with ease - where craftsmanship, community and care intertwine.
From early memories of salon visits with her mother to leading a team that now sets the standard in modern beauty, her story is one of intention. Of creating lasting, not seasonal. Of leading with integrity, and finding calm within the chaos.
Foundations & Story
Can you take us back to the beginning - what drew you to hair, and what led you to opening Paloma? For as long as I can remember I have always been drawn to hair. My earliest memory dates back to when I was eight years old, growing up just my mother and I, I naturally did everything with her. Salon visits with my Mum lit up my world. They taught me how to sweep hair and cut catering foil for the colourists.
Starting my own business and brand was a natural progression for me, after being in partnership for 8 years prior. My vision for the way I wanted my business to look, feel, smell, the community I wanted to create was very clear to me. There was absolute no grey area. I knew what I wanted to create.
When you opened the salon, what was the vision, and how has it shifted as you've grown? It has always been more than just hair for me. It's the experience, the touch points, the impacts we have on our guests and community. I wanted to create a holistic approach to beauty that goes far beyond a great haircut. Giving back is also very important to me and this has now become very important to my team. We engage in haircuts for the homeless, cooking meals for families at Ronald McDonald House to name a few.
The vision for PALOMA has turned into our core pillars of the business, they feed through into our team culture, training sessions and the values and belife system of myself and my team.
What does it mean to you to create something that feels lasting, not just seasonal? For me that is always the goal. I am anti-anything complicated, trendy, wasteful and exclusive. I believe its cool to care - about what you do, who you love, the planet, the future, but first we must all care for ourselves.
Paddington has its own creative energy - how does being in that neighbourhood shape the salon? Paddington has such a beautiful community. I have worked here for 15 years. I know business owners and their team's by first name bases. We all support each other. I only buy flowers from Bess, they come and get their hair done with us, same goes for Lucy Folk and her partner, the owner of Ariel book shop, the coffee shop down the road.
Our business is shaped by the team and every guest that walks through our doors and lots of that being locals.
Leadership & Business
Running a salon means balancing creativity with business. How do you navigate that tension? I don't see them as tensions. I wear many hats, and I try to wear them all to the best of my ability. And if there are certain aspects I know aren't my strength's well then I bring in wiser and more knowledgable professionals to lead me. I actually find business to be very creative. It's eps and flows, it takes weird unexpected loops, and I am still learning every single day.
My boundaries are clear though. I spend 50% of my time doing hair. 50% on everything else!
When you're bringing someone onto your team, what matters most to you? Integrity. Always. Doing the right thing when no one is watching.
What do you hope your team takes away from working with you? Fun. Growth. Inspiration.
What's one lesson about running a business you wish you'd known earlier? Earlier on in my business I was too hard on my team. My ex-business partner was male, and very masculine in his approach which definitely influenced me. Over the years I have softened as a woman, and softened in my approach to my team and my interactions with them. I prefer it so much more. Less go go go, getting things ticked off. More loose days, less schedule, casual check in's.
Style & Expression
How would you describe your personal style, and how does it influence the salon? Casual and easy. Life is busy so it has to be. As I matured, I prefer to look less 'done'. It makes the team and the energy in the salon feel warm and approachable.
Hair is such an expression of self - how do you see it shaping confidence? Oh it's intrinsically connected to our confidence! Much like a beautiful piece of clothing, it's an accessory that has a huge impact on how we feel, which impacts our confidence.
What does timeless style mean to you? Everything. Pro timeless. Anti trends!
Motherhood & Balance
You're a business owner, creative, and a Mum. How do you hold all of those roles at once? Not sure I do! Days can be marathons, and overwhelming. I try and keep it pretty simple. One thing at a time.
Has having different roles (mother, leader, creative) shifted the way you see time, energy or priorities? Of course. Time is the most precious thing to me. Between family and the salon there isn't much else going on. I have non-negotiables with self care and exercise. Being short on time makes it pretty easy to weed out any friends you feel ho hum about!
I value great catch ups with dear friends, even if it's been a few months, it never feels like that with friends you are deeply connected with.
What helps you create space for yourself in the middle of it all? I make the space! I have to. I need to lead at home and in the salon. So caring for self is vital. I don't like out of balance. Pilates. Solo walks with noise cancelling headphones. Ocean. Sauna and ice bath. Date night. Catch ups with friends either at the farmers markets or over a delicious meal.
Community & Connection
Salons are places of intimacy and connection. What do you want people to feel when they step into Paloma? Calm. Relaxed. Uplifted. A moment for self is most important to me. From the auyvedic oil shoulder and neck massage to the beautiful incense burning by AYU, I have created small and meaningful gestures to help guests connect to self.
Where do you find your own sense of community - inside or outside of work? With my family and my friends. Eating, laughing, swimming and being merry!
Paloma wears the Atlas Tee in White and Black, the Noa Skirt in Nude and Black, the Jaime Shirt in White, the Coast Pant in White and the Kember Tee in White.
Images by Sage Hammond