Lex’s journey from Innisfail to the International Stage

Invited by TAFE Queensland Cairns campus hairdressing teachers Fe Holden and Paul Pardini, Lexie led an inspiring session where she shared her career journey and asked each student to reflect on what drew them to hairdressing in the first place.

“I told them to always remember their why,” she said. “Especially on the hard days. That passion is what carries you through.”

Lex’s visit was more than a career talk – it was a moment of connection, encouragement, and truth-telling. For the students, it was a chance to see firsthand what’s possible. For Lex, it was a full-circle moment, returning to the place where her dream began.

“I wanted to see my name in lights,” she told the group. “And I was constantly told that wouldn't happen to a girl from Innisfail.”

Now 34, Lexie is living proof that it can.

A proud TAFE Queensland graduate, Lexie completed her apprenticeship and graduated in 2010. She grew up in Innisfail, where her love for hairdressing was sparked by her aunty.

“I saw how people would walk in looking down, and walk out shining,” she said. “I wanted to be part of that.”

After finishing her studies, she moved to Brisbane for more experience – then made the leap to the United Kingdom with a dream and a pair of scissors.

“I used Instagram to promote my work and literally walked the streets of London,” Lexie said. “If I saw someone with a great haircut, I’d ask them where they got it done – and then I’d apply for a job at that salon.”

Her boldness paid off. Lexie found success in the UK, even landing a spot on the Salon International mainstage, showcasing her work to over 5,000 people.

When personal circumstances brought her back to Far North Queensland, Lexie didn’t slow down. She founded Vault Ninety One in Cairns – a salon she calls “a safe space for everyone to be themselves,” “a no-judgement zone,” and “for the misfits.”

“I get to yap to my best friends every day,” she laughed. “It doesn’t feel like work.”

Now, Lexie is giving back by mentoring the next generation. One of her team members is a current TAFE Queensland apprentice from the Cairns campus, and she’s proudly helping him build his career.

“He learned the core skills and the basics at TAFE Queensland,” Lexie said. “Now I get to hone into his strengths and help him elevate his craft.”

She’s even involving him in major events like Hair Festival Australia, giving him the kind of exposure that once launched her own career.

Adding to her long list of achievements, Lexie was recently selected from thousands of applicants to join the prestigious FAME Team – becoming one of only four hairdressers chosen, and the only one from regional Australia.

Since then, she’s toured the country, represented Cairns on national stages, and is preparing to showcase her work internationally at HairCon in Manchester, UK.

“I was put on this earth to spread my knowledge,” she said. “Hairdressing is creating art – a different kind of art, but it’s still art.”

Lexie is known for blending hairdressing and barbering techniques, challenging norms, and encouraging others to do the same.

“Put yourself out there,” she told the students. “Do it for your industry and your region.”

Fe Holden said Lex’s visit reminded her apprentices of the importance of unity and boldness in the industry.

“Lexie showed them that you don’t have to be from a big city to make it,” she said. “It’s about passion, connection, and backing yourself.”

For Lex, that all started with a strong foundation.

“The possibilities in hairdressing are endless,” she said. “But you’ve got to perfect the basics first.”

Whether she’s on stage or behind the chair, Lexie remains committed to her craft, her community, and the students following in her footsteps.

“You’ve got this,” she said. “Keep showing up. Keep learning. Don’t try to fit the mould – just bring your passion and let that be enough.”