Q&A: Conor James Doyle is ‘In the salon chair’

Conor James Doyle is a hairstylist, educator and content creator, and the owner of Conor James Education.

What’s your earliest memory?  

Being pushed off a chair by a girl in  Montessori. I’m sure it hasn’t shaped my  emotional development in any way!  

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?  

I wish I had a meta answer, such as the  buildings hitting the skyline or autumnal  forestry. What truly gets my juices flowing is  working on the job and being presented  with an obstacle. I’m a very solution oriented person and I love sinking my teeth  into a good project. I learn the most when  a client is sitting in front of me looking for  the impossible, and I try to map out all the  possibilities.  

What was your first job?  

It was in Build-A-Bear and I even had a little  name tag that said ‘Conor Bear’!  

Ideal holiday destination?

I’m privileged to have a lot of travel in my  life. Myanmar is a place I will never forget  and I would love to return there some day.  

Favourite food?

I’ve discovered homemade guacamole  about 20 years too late, so I am now  drowning in buckets of experimental  combinations. In general, I love seafood  as I don’t eat meat, and I am a big fan of  Italian and Spanish cuisine.  

Favourite drink?

Espresso martini, much to my detriment.  I’m not a huge drinker, but these bad boys  really sneak up on me when they’re  available.

How do you relax?  

I’m big into meditation. Nature really  grounds me and reminds me that most of  what we do is made up.  

What was the last great film or series  you watched?  

Hacks on Amazon Prime Video. It is funny,  poignant, diverse and captivating.  

Do you cook and, if so, do you have a  signature recipe?

Yes, I’m actually pretty lit in the kitchen. I  just get stressed about timing. I love to just  prepare ‘bits’, such as salads, roast  vegetables, a hunk of fish and some dips.

Best piece of advice you've ever  received?  

Be suspicious of emotions that have  urgency. It’s very easy to make terrible  decisions, both business and personal,  when you’re activated. Learning to jot  down some thoughts and sit on feelings  before making a plan of a action has  saved me from myself many times.  

Best piece of advice you've ever given?

 Oh who knows! I’m insufferable at dishing  out advice. It’s probably my consistent recruitment of people into breath work. It  changed my life and has helped many people manage the challenges that  come with just existing in the world as it is.  

Have you changed the way you run  your business/work since the  pandemic?  

Yes. I regularly have to remind myself the  world exists outside of what is online, and  that connections happen outside of social  media. The real world is more important  and business should reflect that. It's easier  said than done, but we’re getting back out there.

Favourite thing about yourself?  

I’m very determined. If I get something into  my head, I'm like a dog with a bone, and it will haunt me until I get some result.  

What's the one hair product you can't  live without?  

Eleven Australia Miracle Spray. It’s magic,  both for my own hair and my clients’ hair.  

What, if anything, would you now tell  your 16-year-old self?  

Nothing! My 16-year-old self wouldn’t listen  anyway.  

How would you like to be remembered?  

As someone who tried to make a  difference, in my own way. Underneath all  the social media faff, our business is  designed to empower and help people in  our community. I’d like to know we’ve  done that for some, and it will continue to  live on in our work and teachings.

This article was published in the September/October 2024 issue of PB/HJ Ireland.