At Ella Baché, we believe in the power of skin confidence and in the people who bring that philosophy to life within their communities. The recent opening of a second salon in Orbost by franchise owner Bec McConachy, following the success of her Bairnsdale location, is a true reflection of passion, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Bec’s journey began through connection. After taking over the Bairnsdale salon in 2024 and transforming it into a thriving, high-performing business, an opportunity naturally unfolded. A neighbouring hairdresser, inspired by the salon’s growth and energy, approached Bec with plans to expand into Orbost. While a shared space wasn’t aligned with the Ella Baché experience, a vision quickly formed: two complementary businesses side-by-side, offering clients a complete and elevated beauty destination.
With the support of the Ella Baché network and her Business Manager, Bec explored the opportunity with care. Research confirmed a genuine need for clients in and around Orbost had limited access to professional beauty services. When the perfect space next door became available, Bec confidently set her plan into motion.
Transforming the building into a beautiful salon was not small undertaking. The character-filled, older space required significant renovation, bringing unexpected costs and challenges. There were moments, Bec admits, where she questioned the process, but her vision remained clear. Determined to open before the Christmas season, the team worked tirelessly. A soft opening in December 2025 proved worth the effort, with strong gift voucher sales affirming the community’s excitement and demand.
“There were moments where I wondered why I was doing it, but seeing the doors open and the community walk in made every challenge worth it. The support has been incredible, and it reminds me why I love what I do,” Bec reflects.
Since opening, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Bec describes the reception as one of “relief and excitement,” with the salon offering a much-needed service to the region. Clients both women and men have embraced the Ella Baché difference, particularly the personalised skin treatments and results-driven facials. Already, a loyal and growing clientele is taking shape.
Already, a loyal and growing clientele is taking shape.
Behind this success is Bec’s dedicated team. Managing two locations in regional areas requires thoughtful planning, flexibility, and trust. Bec credits her expansion entirely to the support of her therapists, who embraced the opportunity from the outset. By structuring rosters across both salons, no team member is isolated, and the culture remains unified with one team, two locations, and a shared purpose.
This commitment to excellence is reflected in ongoing recognition. Bec, who was awarded Therapist of the Year for Victoria in 2024, continues to inspire her team, with multiple therapist and salon nominations highlighting their dedication to client outcomes and professional growth. These achievements are not only milestones but motivators encouraging the entire team to strive for continued success.
Beyond business performance, Bec has made a meaningful investment into the Orbost community. A once-vacant building has become a welcoming, professional space. Through involvement in local fundraisers, sponsorships and community events, the salon has quickly established itself as a valued local presence, one built on trust, care, and genuine connection.
For therapists considering salon ownership, Bec’s advice is both simple and powerful: believe in your vision and surround yourself with the right people. With support, passion, and persistence, growth becomes not only possible but deeply rewarding.
While Orbost is a smaller and more intimate salon compared to bustling Bairnsdale, it represents something truly powerful. Under Bec McConachy’s leadership, it stands as a testament to what’s possible within the Ella Baché network where expertise meets opportunity, and where owning a salon becomes a pathway to both personal success and meaningful community impact.