In this episode, we sit down with none other than Jules Tognini—a creative force in the hair industry whose career has taken unexpected turns and exciting pivots. Jules is known for being a fearless educator, an innovator in the salon space, and a dynamic presence behind the chair. But before the scissors and the stage lights, he was at a sewing machine in his parents’ garage building a fashion business.

Yep—you read that right. Jules didn’t begin in hairdressing; he started in fashion design. After attending fashion school to learn sewing and pattern making, Jules launched his own clothing label, stocking stores across Australia and even a few in Asia. That early hustle taught him not just about design, but about what it takes to build a business from scratch.

Eventually, the scissors called. Jules found his way into hair and quickly turned heads—not just as a stylist, but as an educator. While still a third-year apprentice, he was already working as an educator with Matrix. That drive to teach and inspire has never left him.

Fast-forward to today: Jules and his brother Christian now run the family salon, having taken the reins from their parents about five years ago. But true to form, Jules isn’t standing still. He’s gearing up to launch a brand-new online education platform—Education—focused on hair cutting. The platform is designed to be accessible and real, and it’s launching in just six weeks. Jules is co-creating the project with longtime friend and fellow educator Lauren McCowan, and the pair will be debuting the program with a live show at Hair Fest.

Beyond the big launches and business shifts, Jules gets candid about the reality of work-life balance. He shares how his perspective has changed over the years—from always grinding, to learning how to manage his time so he doesn’t miss his kids’ school plays or family milestones. He’s honest about the juggle, the guilt, and the growth it takes to create space for both family and ambition. His take? Success doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule—and he’s OK with that.

And if that wasn’t enough, Jules is also relocating his salon. He's moving into Gasworks, a more residential area of Brisbane with better parking and foot traffic. The move reflects a smart shift in strategy as he positions the business to better meet the needs of both clients and the team. Oh—and his former salon space? Recently snapped up by an accountancy firm for a cool $3.6 million. No big deal.

Whether you're a salon owner, an aspiring educator, or someone navigating what it means to do work you love without burning out, this conversation is packed with honest insight, creative energy, and a few good laughs too.

Tune in as Jules talks:

🔹 Building a fashion business from his parents’ garage

🔹 Becoming an educator while still an apprentice

🔹 Taking over the family salon with his brother

🔹 Launching Education, a new online haircutting platform

🔹 Collaborating with Lauren McCowan at Hair Fest

🔹 Reframing success and managing the work/life juggle

🔹 The bold move to relocate his Brisbane salon

This one’s got heart, hustle, and a whole lot of real talk.

🔗 Connect with Jules Tognini:

https://liloffthetop.com/

Email: jules@liloffthetop.com

Instagram:

@liloffthetop

@heducation.hair

TikTok

@heducation.hair