Meet Tracey Hamann, the proud owner of Morningside’s Urban Escape. With an abiding passion for forging connections, Tracey’s affinity for people from diverse backgrounds shines through as a dedicated mother and franchisee. Her genuine interactions and ability to create meaningful bonds make her stand out. Tracey’s unwavering commitment and tireless work ethic define her approach to business. Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Tracey courageously launched Urban Escape as her inaugural business venture. Navigating through uncertain times, she adeptly managed her franchise, emerging resilient and successful. Tracey’s journey exemplifies her determination and adaptability. Her ability to overcome obstacles and her dedication to providing exceptional service has contributed to her personal growth and the success of Urban Escape. Tracey remains a beacon of inspiration in the entrepreneurial landscape as her story evolves.

We posed some questions to this inspiring woman. Here’s what she had to share:

1. What inspired you to pursue your career, and how have your experiences as a woman shaped your professional career?

I have always wanted to own a beautiful space where women can enjoy some ME time away from the stresses of everyday life. A place where woman can put their feet up, enjoy being pampered and feel GOOD about themselves: when I was younger, I always enjoyed spending time in spaces like these; it was such a treat! You walk away feeling content and re-energised. And so it motivated me to open my salon with my business partner.

2. What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced throughout your career, and how did you overcome them? 

Fear! There are many challenges I’ve encountered throughout my career, and when pursuing owning my own business, there were even more. Many No’s came my way, and how I overcame them was through self-belief, perseverance and a lot of love and support from my family. I have also learnt you need to be flexible and be able to pivot where necessary.

3. In a world where gender equality is still a work in progress, how do you advocate for equal opportunities and representation for women in your workplace? 

We are an all-female owned and run business, which we are immensely proud of! Most of our clients are female too. At

Urban Escape is a sisterhood of woman who believes in encouraging and supporting one another.

4. What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance and take care of your well-being amidst professional demands? 

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is the goal for pretty much all women. Few have found the secret to mastering the demands of work and kids; it has been a challenge for sure. Have I mastered it yet? No, but I do make sure I carve out some for ME.

ME time can look different, depending on what I feel is most needed to fill my cup. It could be REST, enjoying some quiet time alone, spending it with friends and family or having my pampering treatments done. I have heard positive things about meditation, so that is next on my list to try.

5. Women have often been underrepresented in leadership positions. How do you navigate the path to leadership and inspire other women to do the same? 

I hope I inspire others to lead by example and stay true to who you are. Every business is made up of the people who work in it. In my case, the woman who works in our business. Understanding and respecting the people who are part of your team’s success and praising that is important. In my opinion, it is important to surround yourself with the right people who are the best at what they do and bring positive energy to your space. It is important to listen to the people who work alongside you. Their perspective and insight are invaluable!

6. Workplaces are evolving, diversity and inclusion are gaining importance. How do you contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment? 

Our working environment at Urban Escape is a happy one. We are a team of all-woman who refer to ourselves as ‘Sisters’. We work together, care for and help each other. We also have an open-door policy when it comes to any questions or concerns that may arise, and we touch base as a team in our staff meetings. We feel it is important to celebrate together too when we achieve; this is usually done with a glass of champers and a delicious cake.

7. Upskilling and continuous learning is essential in a dynamic job market. What steps do you take to stay relevant and enhance your skills in your field? 

Knowledge is power. At Urban Escape, we constantly learn and grow through the training we receive and provide for our staff members. We keep ourselves well informed of new developments and trends in the beauty industry with the support of our wonderful suppliers and brands.

8. As we celebrate Women’s Month, what advice would you give young women starting their careers or aspiring to make a difference in their respective fields? 

To young women who are about to begin their journey, my advice would be to believe in yourself and focus on what you want, as cliche as it might sound. Be realistic in your approach and understand that your path will not be straightforward; there will be many twists, turns, and curveballs, but keep pushing and working hard towards your goals. It is vital to do a lot of research and speak to as many people as you can in your field of interest. Always keep an open mind and learn from others because that is how you grow! Lastly, lean on your ‘people’ for support and guidance; it goes a long way in keeping you motivated!