Freelance Salons & Co-Working Spaces
The Rent-a-chair model is taking the industry by storm and many salon owners overlook the most important part.
LEGAL CONTRACTS
Getting the legal side wrong can cost you everything......
KNOW THE RISKS
The Sham
Contract Trap
If your business structure isn't set up correctly, you could be exposing yourself to serious legal risks.
This isn't something to figure out later.
Under Australian law, treating a worker as a contractor when they're actually an employee is called a sham contracting and Fair Work Ombudsman and the ATO take it seriously.
Backpay claims — Workers can claim unpaid entitlements including superannuation, leave, and penalty rates.
Fines and penalties — Businesses and individuals can face significant financial penalties from Fair Work.
Legal disputes — Without a compliant contract in place, you have very little protection if something goes wrong.
Tax obligations — The ATO has specific rules around contractor arrangements and super contributions you need to be across.
Australian Authorities
We align everything we do with the official guidance from the bodies that regulate this industry in Australia.
Fair Work Ombudsman — employment conditions, awards, and contractor rules
Australian Taxation Office — tax obligations, GST, and super
Safe Work Australia — workplace health and safety obligations
MEET our legal team
Hey, I'm Heidi
Founder of Law X Design.
With over 15 years’ experience working both in-house and in private practice, I’ve seen how overwhelming and complicated legal support can feel for business owners… especially in industries like hair and beauty where things move fast and no two businesses look the same.
I’ve worked closely with entrepreneurs across the hair and beauty industry, so I understand the unique challenges that come with running a salon and co-working spaces. When it comes to contracts and compliance, protecting yourself properly can feel daunting. I know how important it is to get it right from the beginning and to have someone in your corner who can guide you through it.
Book A Contract Consultation
Have questions about drafting, reviewing, or negotiating contracts? Schedule a quick 15-minute call with us to discuss your needs.
We’ll help you understand your options and guide you toward the right contract solution for your business
CONTRACT SUPPORT
How We Can Help
Indie Hair Academy's legal support has specific experience in the hair and beauty industry.
We speak your language and we know the nuances that generic legal advice misses.
We got you....
Review Existing Contracts
Already have a freelance / rent-a-chair contract in place?
We can review your contract to ensure it is drafted the right way so you wont come into any sham contact issues down the track.
Draft New Contracts
New contracts and agreements for freelancers.
We'll draft new contracts that are clear, professional, and legally safe that protect you and your business.
Ideal for freelance salons and salons transitioning into a co-working space.
Industry-Specific Legal Guidance
Heidi understands the hair and beauty industry not just the law. That means the advice you get is actually relevant to how your business works ensuring your contracts will protect you and not be misclassified as a Sham Contract.
A well drafted contract will protect your business and provide clarity for all parties involved. As they create legally binding obligations on your business, it is always best to have a written contract which has been prepared by a specialist lawyer.
TESTIMONIALS
What our INDIES are saying
"It's such a great, supportive community and if you have Angela help you set up your business, you will fly right from the start."
"When I found Angela, I was so happy to know that there was someone in the same position who could give me that guidance, who'd already walked these steps and knew what to do." - Rebecca | Four Palms Hair Co.
"Without Angela's constant support, I would not have been able to do this."
"She constantly guided me. She constantly made me feel confident within myself and always backed me whenever I had a question. And still to this day, I will message her asking for advice and she will go above and beyond to give me the best answer." - Georgia | Glossed Freelance Hairdresser
"I just feel so much more aligned with my business values."
"Before I met Angela, I felt really stuck in my business, and I just didn't know where to start or I was very overwhelmed. I got in contact with her, started up in the indie program. I just feel so much more aligned with my business values. I know where I'm going with my business. She's just an amazing person, really." - Adele | Independent Hairdresser
"Having Angela as my mentor and my coach has been amazing."
"The best thing about joining indie for me is that I wanted to be surrounded by like minded people, people that understood what it was like to be an independent, to be on your own, to not have support from fellow work buddies because it can be really lonely at times." - Brea | Indie Hairdresser
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