Nat James has never been afraid of hard work.
Through heartbreak, hardship and the challenge of rebuilding her life from scratch, she has remained determined to create a better future for herself and her family.
Today, that determination has paid off with Nat achieving a lifelong dream of opening her own business Nat’s 4 Hair in Beaudesert.
Early days
Born in Beaudesert Hospital and raised in Rathdowney alongside her five siblings, Nat remembers growing up in a close-knit community where everyone looked after one another.
“Our family was situated in northern New South Wales, so the people of the town became your family,” she said.
“Even today, my kids still call people that I grew up with Aunty and Uncle because that’s just their name.”
Creativity was a constant throughout her childhood, inspired by her father’s timberwork projects and encouraged by teachers at school.
Her art teacher Miss Sandstom recognised her artistic talents and suggested a future in the fashion and beauty industry.
After graduating from Beaudesert State High School in 1999, Nat began a hairdressing apprenticeship at local salon Hair at the Fair and Barber Shop.
More than two decades later, she still loves the profession, particularly the connections formed with clients.
“You get to do counselling to a degree… [listening to] the trials and tribulations of everybody’s life. It’s a big element of hairdressing,” she added.
“I really enjoy meeting different people and being part of their journey.”
A dream worth pursuing
Her career took her across Queensland in the early 2000s, travelling with her fiancé and gaining experience with different clients, styles and techniques.
The couple shared a dream of opening a café and hair salon under one roof, combining his skills as a cook with her passion of hairdressing.
Tragically, those plans were cut short when he died suddenly from a brain aneurysm.
“That was a dream that I had with him, to have my own hair salon,” Nat said.
“I feel like I’m able to do that little bit in his memory. It gave me drive to create my own little business.”
Starting over
Nat later settled in Emerald for 13 years, where she raised her four children before leaving an abusive relationship in 2019.
Returning to Rathdowney in 2022, she and her children faced the challenge of rebuilding their lives.
“Because myself and my children walked away and lost everything, they’ve had to rebuild life from scratch,” she said.
“Not everyone’s story is peaches and roses. Some people really have to fight for survival and fight to be where they are.”
In October 2025, Nat opened her salon.
She credits hairdressing with giving her the flexibility, independence and purpose she needed throughout life’s toughest moments.
“It’s not a high-paid income, but it’s a rewarding job,” she said.
“That’s why I say follow your heart, like I do.”
