Q & A MEDITATE TO CREATE

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!

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. 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.

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 solutionoriented 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.

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.

‘What truly gets my juices flowing is working on the job and being presented with an obstacle’

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.

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.

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

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.