by Janine Hill

Pop into Peachy G at Nambour and you might notice a new face brandishing scissors and a foil.

Brooke McLeary, a blonde specialist, has begun working at the Nambour hair salon on a freelance basis, joining owner Juanita Griffin, another specialist in blonde colouring.

Brooke, a born-and-bred Sunshine Coast local, has 10 years’ experience in hair in salons from Noosa to Caloundra.

“It started when I was at high school. It was something I always wanted to do. In year 10, I started a school-based traineeship and I started an apprenticeship after I graduated from year 12,” she said.

Brooke is committed to the profession, after having put her passion to the test during a six-month career break.

In that time, she tried studying teaching at university and a couple of other jobs but realised she missed her clients, missed making people feel good, and missed the creativity of working with hair.

She cranked up her career, working as HBBM, which stands for Hair by Brooke McCleary.

“I found my passion again,” she said.

Brooke discovered Peachy G while attending the gym across the road.

“I saw the products Juanita was using, all natural, organic products. It was something I wanted to get into,” she said.

“I went in there and asked her questions and we went from there,” she said.

Some of Brooke’s regulars have followed her but she is also getting to know new clients. She is offering a 20% discount for her clients during August and September.