Feature Profiles
11 December, 2025
Celebrating Growth, Community and a Luminous Year Ahead
Ergo & Mane in Bridgewater has capped off an extraordinary year, marked by heartfelt connections, community contribution, expanding talent and international acclaim.
What began as a small eco-luxe salon has continued its evolution into a true destination space, drawing clients from near and far seeking bespoke services, organic colour expertise and the salon’s signature pampering rituals.
The team expressed deep gratitude to every client who walked through the doors in 2025, acknowledging the trust, loyalty and support that continue to fuel the salon’s growth. They also paid tribute to cherished clients Jane and Heather and Mrs Reynolds, whose warmth, humour and presence remain a treasured part of the salon family.
Supporting the Community
Giving back is central to Ergo & Mane’s ethos, with the salon proudly supporting Bridgewater Bowls Club, Bridgewater Netball, Charlton Netball, the Calder Lions Netball Club and the Marong Ladies Football team throughout the year.
Emerging talent also played a major role in 2025. Work-placement student Caitlyn from Boort District School quickly became a client favourite with her impressive braiding skills and soothing head massages. As she heads into TAFE next year, the team says they could not be prouder.
Growing the Team
Ergo & Mane welcomed new stylists and celebrated major staff milestones. Qualified hairdresser Bree joined the team part-time, Eloise arrived as a talented third-year apprentice, and Zoe successfully transitioned from a school-based apprentice into full-time employment. Mary completed her first year of apprenticeship and stepped confidently into her second this month.
Awards, Education and Global Recognition
On the national and international stage, Ergo & Mane made headlines. In May, owners and stylists Chanara and Amanda were announced in the global Top 10 of the Natulique Colour Innovation Awards, with Chanara earning an impressive 2nd place worldwide.
Throughout the year, owner education work continued up the East Coast of Australia, sharing low-tox knowledge and advanced colouring techniques with salons across the country.
A standout highlight came in October at the Natulique Retreat in Mackay, where the team was part of a major national education event, delivering workshops and connecting with passionate hair professionals.
November brought another career-defining moment when Chanara, Shonel and Amanda travelled to Thailand to represent Natulique Australia at the World Beauty Forum in Bangkok. The four-day celebration of global industry excellence culminated in the presentation of the 2025 Brand Ambassador Award — an honour described as “a moment to cherish forever.”
New Luxury Salon Experiences
To elevate the client experience even further, Ergo & Mane recently invested in brand-new luxury wellness equipment, including a professional scalp and hair steamer designed to deeply hydrate, calm sensitivity and support healthy hair growth. A specialised Head Spa shower attachment has also been introduced to enhance relaxation at the basin.
The salon will launch six Scandinavian-inspired Scalp Spa Rituals this week, each crafted to soothe, revitalise and nourish both hair and scalp.
They will be available as premium treatments — and as beautifully presented voucher options, just in time for Christmas gifting.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The coming year will focus heavily on training and developing the next generation of hairdressers. Weekly model training will run each Thursday from 1.00pm to 5.30pm, covering all service areas.
Community members interested in joining the model call list are encouraged to get in touch.
With the beauty room now ready for a new chapter, the salon is also seeking a massage therapist passionate about wellness and community to join the Ergo & Mane family.
Now, as we step into the Christmas rush, our busiest time of the year, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding. There are very limited appointments remaining. If you can’t find a space online, please call the salon directly and we will do everything we can to look after you.
If you visit during December and notice the Ergo & Mane team looking tired and fueled heavily by caffeine (Thanks Coffee on Loddon) thank you for loving us through the magic and the mayhem. This is that time of year where we say a brief farewell to our families and also our housework and promise to see them again on Christmas Eve!
A few more important updates from Ergo & Mane as we head into the festive season:
• The salon will be closed from Christmas Eve until the New Year so our team can rest, recharge and reconnect with family.
• Our beautiful range of organic and sustainable Natulique products is fully stocked, and we can bundle them into gorgeous custom Christmas gift packs.
• We also have a selection of luxury favourites — hairdryers, brushes, tools and accessories — all ready to wrap and place under the tree.
• And to truly spoil you, we’re offering 40% off our OrganicSpa skincare while stock lasts.
Bridgewater and our surrounding communities — thank you for choosing local. Thank you for uplifting us, supporting us, and helping us give back to the sporting clubs and community groups that make this town so special. We look forward to strengthening those partnerships even further in 2026.
To our incredible community — thank you.
Thank you for choosing local. Because of your loyalty and belief in what we do, our boutique salon proudly provides employment to six amazing women right here in Bridgewater. Every booking, every visit, every product purchased keeps money circulating within our local economy — supporting families and strengthening our community from the inside out, rather than sending those dollars back into Bendigo.
With gratitude and excitement,
Amanda & the Ergo & Mane Team