We were thrilled to sit down with Costa Zacharia—Australian Barber of the Year, entrepreneur, and the heart behind UNOIT, a hair and skin haven that’s been transforming the Surry Hills community since 2020.
With a focus on creating a welcoming experience filled with those unforgettable “wow” moments, Costa and his team have built a space that’s more than just a salon—it’s a vibrant hub where style meets care.
When he’s not winning accolades like Best Team Collection and Best Customer Service, Costa enjoys spending time with his partner Colin and their cat, Tina Turner. A self-proclaimed lover of good vibes and great service, Costa embodies the values we cherish at Sage Space. We caught up with him to discuss his journey, rituals, and the ethos behind his success.
LIFESTYLE
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER? WHAT PRESSURES COME WITH THAT?
Running a small business is always challenging, but alongside that is fulfilment and satisfaction. I’m always learning but enjoying the experience at the same time.
HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY BEEN SO FAR?
We opened in 2020, so that obviously came with its own serious challenges, but the fact that we’re still around and thriving has given us a lot of confidence. I constantly assess the experience and ensure we stay focused on what’s important.
WHAT’S A PHRASE OR IDEA THAT KEEPS YOU GOING/MOTIVATED IN TOUGH TIMES?
“This is how you get thick skin!” and “Resilience is only achieved by toughing out the hard times.”
WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE?
Watching my team help each other, watching our guests appreciate the little things that we do, and transforming a shy guest into a confident one by the end of the service.
WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR IN LIFE?
My partner, my family, my free time, my passion, and my health.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE OTHERS LOOKING TO CREATE THEIR OWN BRAND/BUSINESS ETC?
Do your research, do your numbers, keep your overheads low because they only go up, and take your heart with you.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL THING IN LIFE?
Love (and my cat, of course).
RITUALS
WHAT IS A MORNING RITUAL YOU LIVE BY?
Weet-bix and muesli with honey.
WHAT IS YOUR ORAL HEALTH RITUAL?
Brush and floss twice a day.
HOW DO YOU SWITCH OFF AT THE END OF THE DAY?
Change into comfy clothes and hit the couch.
RECOMMENDATIONS
WHAT IS THE CURRENT SHOW YOU’RE WATCHING?
Emily in Paris and Monsters (talk about a juxtaposition).
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT SONG OF CHOICE?
Seek & Destroy by SZA.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL SPOT?
Gelato Messina (and Sage Space, of course), but Speedos Bondi is the one for a sunny day.
YOUR BUSINESS
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER AT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU?
UNOIT is a hair and skin hub offering services from microdermabrasion to routine haircuts, anti-wrinkle to laser hair removal. Explore the epic menu at Unoit.com.au. We have a full skin team, including skin therapists and a cosmetic nurse. Pop in for a complimentary consult or check it all out online.
ALIGNMENT WITH SAGE SPACE
HOW DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE OF SAGE SPACE ALIGN WITH YOUR OWN VALUES?
I love when a brand reshapes the guest’s expectations of an otherwise standard service. Sage does a beautiful job of ensuring guests are comfortable first and then delivering a thorough dental service. A lot like UNOIT does. Not going to lie, the older I get, the more value I see in treating myself!
