If Virtue® had a home away from home, it would be at our partner salons. In each Salon Spotlight, we love sharing with you the spaces of creativity across the country that echo our belief that everyone deserves to have truly healthy hair. If we could bottle the feeling we get when leaving our favorite salons, we would. These spaces are our respites, and their stylists are our cheerleaders.

Stylist and salon owner, Jordan Doroschuk, of Mr Almeda in Geelong, Australia, was born for a life in the salon industry. “It runs in the family,” he says. “My great aunt, aunti, and sister are all stylists, so I feel like I was destined to do it as well.” He started his training ten years ago, and achieved his dream of opening his own salon in July of 2020. “Smack bang in the middle of the pandemic. But there was a lot of government support to help people open businesses, so I thought, "Why not? When will I ever get this opportunity again?” Here he discusses the rapid expansion of his new business, the joy of cooking in silence at the end of the day, and why, to his own surprise, the mullet is working for him right now.

Q: Is there anyone in the industry or beyond, that you really admire, or someone who inspired you in your career?

My inspirations come from several people I hope to be like. During my apprenticeship, I used to always watch Traci Cunningham’s and Justin Anderson’s videos and learned a lot from them that way. Jaye Edwards is such a powerhouse in Australia, so it’s easy to be inspired by him. 

Q: How do you define a “success” after a client leaves your salon?

I love getting feedback. I love a tagged Instagram story or when they’re paying at the front desk but still checking themselves out in the mirror. 

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after work?

Definitely with wine. I love to come home and cook dinner, no matter what time it is. Even if it’s something really simple. No music, no TV. Just cook, have a glass of wine, and relax. 

Q: If you could spend the day with someone who you consider a “style icon” who would it be? What would you do?

Anna Wintour. I would love to just shadow her all day and see what it’s like to walk into a room and command that kind of attention.  

Q: How do you like to stay up to date on the latest trends, techniques, and styles?

Thank God for Instagram. We get all kinds of free advice. I love going to seminars and online tutorials to ensure I’m not getting complacent. But it’s also nice to not have to rely on what others are doing; I like challenging myself to be innovative in addition to online education. 

Q: What’s a trend that you hope comes back? Never goes out of style?

Never comes back: the spiral perm. 

Never goes: lived-in hair. It’s just beautiful and timeless. I always said I would never want a mullet but here I am with one now. It’s really big in Australia at the moment.

Q: What was the worst haircut you ever had?

I was in America on Melrose Avenue. I specifically asked to not have it shaved in, but I got it shaved in and I left looking like a literal volleyball and it was awful. The color was great, but the cut was not. 

Q: Worst haircut you ever gave someone else?

Probably when I was training. I decided to texturize this girl’s hair when it was wet with the texturizing scissors. As I was drying it, I could see these little teeth marks and just went, “Oh no.” 

Q: What was the first hairstyle or technique that you mastered? 

Balayage. When I started, it was getting so big, so I wanted to be good at it. 

Q: What’s your personal hair routine? Your favorite part of your hair routine?

I’m pretty low maintenance with my hair. I probably only wash it once a week. I spray in some texturizing spray, comb it back, and let it dry naturally. 

Q: What other things are you passionate about that aren’t hair related?

I’m a singer as well. I love music and performing on stage. The gym is also relaxing and a good release. 

Q: What’s your favorite guilty pleasure to indulge?  

I love a nice scotch. I’m a savory person, so I love a bag of chips and popcorn. Or instant ramen.

Q: How do you manage work-life balance?

Very poorly… I work more than I should and I don’t know how to say no. But that’s also because it’s a new business. I love doing what I do so it’s not too bad.

Q: What’s next for your career?

I’m already looking at expanding into my next space. We’ve outgrown where we are, which is amazing. With myself and four other girls, we’re currently booked 12 weeks out, and there’s no room in the salon to bring on extra stylists. Hopefully in the next six months, that will be in the works, and then I’ll be turning the current space into a blow dry and makeup bar.

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t hesitate! Just go for it. Take more risks. 

Q: Why Virtue®?

Jaye Edwards was a big influence on my decision to carry Virtue®. It is the best product range. I’ve never used a range in which I actually liked every product, where they all work and do what they claim. All my clients love it. It’s the perfect combo for between services as well, to keep their hair amazing. I couldn’t do what I do without it. 

Q: What’s your favorite Virtue product?

I love the Texturizing Spray. That and Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner for my clients.