In just two years Flayr has over 800 stylists across Australia and has raised half a million dollars in seed capital
A couple’s genius idea has disrupted a billion dollar industry, not just for customers but experts too — and Aussies women can’t get enough.
If you can get your food delivered to your door, why not a beauty stylist and while the service has been around for a while, this couple has found a unique way in.
Turning over around $7 billion each year, the beauty industry is one of the most buoyant sectors in the market with the demand for “at your door” growing rapidly.
Taking advantage of the thriving sector is Subhaga Amarasekara and Roshan Mahanama who have created a business customers and stylists can’t get enough of.
The Sydney-based couple created the platform Flayr in 2017 with the simple aim of helping Roshan’s mum, who is a trained makeup artist, drum up more business.
The unique online platform connects mobile hair and makeup artists with those seeking a glamorous look.
Two years on, Flayr now has more than 800 stylists across Australia and has raised half a million dollars in seed capital.
“Flayr was started to help my mother-in-law — she is passionate, talented and works really hard, so we would help her with her quotes, reminder emails, would drive her around and even attend appointments so we could understand the difficulties of running her own business,” Subhaga told news.com.au.
“We started with four stylists in Sydney and used our own funds to grow the business.”
Sri Lanka born, Subhaga said one of the major point of difference from other mobile beauty services is that they empower stylists to make the most of their skills by giving them free leads, the power to be self-employed and to set their own prices and travel range.
Makeup and hair usually starts from about $60 with packages at $100.
“When we first launched, we were extremely price competitive and had one standard price point, but after discussions with various makeup artists and hairstylists, stylists can now set their own prices and travel range,” Subhaga explained.
“We are in a constant process of consultation with stylists to improve features for professional artists and stylists, which in turn allows us to deliver a better customer experience.”
The stylists specialise in varied looks from wedding, party, editorial to even film and television.
The reason behind Queensland stylist Sarah Boules jumping on-board was that despite her 10 years’ experience in hair and makeup, and an extensive client database — she ultimately had to start from scratch having been on maternity leave for a year.
“I was coming out of maternity leave so it helped me get my customer base up again and after being out of the loop for a year it gave me that confidence,” she said, adding she didn’t have to go through the stress of marketing and advertising as the business does it for you.
“They gave me leads without having to worry, which is great as I could spend more time with my daughter.”
Ms Boules, who makes up to $1000 a week, divides her time between Flayr clients and working on major movies including King Kong 3 which is currently being filmed.
“It’s a great platform — I wish I came up with it myself,” Ms Boules said laughing.
She said that at one point, the side hustle was her only source of income right after having her baby.
“It helped me feel proud because I was making money and being a mother.”
“With Flayr I could earn anywhere between $200-$1000 a week if I have the time to take on all the jobs when I’m not on set.”
The 30-year-old said its success is largely based on its convenience and efficiency in connecting stylists with customers — whenever, and wherever they wanted.
“Woman like continence, they like getting pampered in hotel or their own home and you get anything from weddings to a girls night out to a professional business women needing to get ready for her keynote.”
Subhaga said that they were fortunate enough that the first few stylists they started with delivered great customer experience — which allowed the business to immediately become recognised.
“And it just rolled on from that. We started in Sydney before soon expanding to Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, bootstrapping the business with our own funds.”
“We then got funded by Sydney Angels, the Sydney Angels sidecar fund and private investors to help increase expansion. We now have over 800 makeup artists and stylists registered and over 3437 verified customer reviews through the platform.
“To put that in perspective, that’s more verified customer reviews than all the other Australian beauty platforms combined.”
More than 10,000 customers have used Flayr, with almost 40 per cent of customers requesting a “natural look”.
The pair hope to expand its areas of operation to the rest of Australia and beyond.