Meet the Founder: Cameron Stananought

I’m Cameron, the founder and director of Swanky Malone. My journey in the hair industry has been driven by a deep passion for creativity, style, and exceptional customer service. With well over a decade of experience, I’ve worked around the world, honing my skills and learning from some of the best in the industry. My goal has always been to create a space where everyone feels valued, heard, and welcomed—regardless of who they are or where they come from.

The Story BEHIND THE SWANKY MALONE NAME

One of the most common questions I get asked is, "Where did the name Swanky Malone come from?" The answer lies in my love for the golden eras of the 1920s to the 1950s. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been captivated by old-school gangster movies—where men dressed sharply in tailored suits, and women radiated elegance with their immaculate hair and vintage-inspired fashion. The way these films portrayed style, class, and an unspoken code of respect fascinated me.

Beyond the fashion and aesthetics, these upmarket establishments always welcomed guests with the utmost politeness and hospitality. It didn’t matter who you were—if you walked in, you were treated with dignity and respect. That’s exactly the kind of environment I wanted to create at Swanky Malone: a space where everyone is equal, where every client feels like they belong, and where excellence in hairdressing meets an old-school approach to customer service.

The name itself is a fusion of influences. "Swanky" was a popular 1950s slang term for being ‘smartly dressed’—a nod to the stylish, polished look we aim to deliver. "Malone" is inspired by my love for classic gangster films, and yes, I’ll admit, Bugzy Malone played a part in inspiring the name too! I must give credit to my dad and his family’s creative genes—he put the two together to create the stage name, the brand, Swanky Malone. When I heard it, I felt it—I knew I had something that matched the fire in my belly.

SWANKY’s Journey: From Apprentice to Entrepreneur

Now, let’s go back further than just the name. Back to my college days as an apprentice at Andrew Collinge. It was here that I formed a friendship that would last a lifetime—a friendship that led to a strong business partnership. Let me introduce Laurence, my right-hand man and confidant. I owe a lot to Laurence for his insight, incredible hairdressing skills, and his loyal client base when we set up the shop after I returned from living in Australia and New Zealand for just over two years.

It’s funny how things work out and how people become such integral parts of your life. I am the proud Godfather (not gangster-related!) to two of his three beautiful children. Laurence, if you’re reading this, I profoundly and wholeheartedly admire and respect you!

The Evolution of Swanky Malone

Swanky Malone was born in 2013, the year I returned from my travels, eager to create something unique. From the very beginning, we were more than just a salon—we were a team, a family, committed to growth and excellence. We took on staff and welcomed apprentices, investing in the future of the industry. One of our proudest milestones is seeing our very first apprentice return to us, now working as a self-employed stylist. It’s a full-circle moment that speaks to the kind of community we’ve built.

In 2023, we transitioned into a chair rental salon, a decision that reflected the changing landscape of the industry. Each of our talented stylists is now self-employed, benefiting from the financial freedom that comes with being their own boss while still having the security and support of a well-established brand. At Swanky Malone, independence doesn’t mean isolation—our salon thrives on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared passion for the craft.

This shift has proven to be the right move, perfectly aligning with the current economic climate of the hair industry. The energy within the salon is electric—where ambition, skill, and the drive to be the best version of yourself meet in harmony. Every stylist at Swanky’s is pushing boundaries, refining their craft, and creating incredible hair while being backed by a salon owner who genuinely wants the best for everyone who walks through the door.

A Passion for Travel and Adventure

Australia and New Zealand, you ask? If I’m being completely honest, if you were to ask me, "What is your biggest passion, Cam?" I would say—travel. I love exploring the world, meeting new people, and hearing their stories. I often tell myself, "Heaven is a place on earth." I believe the world is full of exciting adventures and people with unique perspectives, and I love nothing more than jetting off to somewhere new and unexplored by me.

Life is for living—living it to the best of your ability. Hairdressing has provided me with the life I want to live. It has allowed me to create friendships that last a lifetime and to learn from people with diverse knowledge and perspectives.

Our Philosophy

At Swanky Malone, we’re all about delivering more than just a haircut—we’re about creating an experience. Our team is made up of passionate, highly trained professionals who specialise in colour transformations, advanced cutting techniques, and men’s barbering. We’re constantly learning, evolving, and staying ahead of the latest trends to ensure that every client leaves our salon feeling confident, refreshed, and ready to take on the world.

We invite you to step into Swanky Malone and experience the perfect blend of classic charm and modern expertise. Whether you’re after a sharp fade, a lived-in blonde, or a complete restyle, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s make Swanky hair happen.

Get in touch today and become part of the Swanky Malone family.