Moments of inspiration sometimes occur at odd times. For Joanna Meiseles, the idea for her multimillion-dollar business struck her after she took her son Ben for his first haircut.

Ms Meiseles was determined that it would be a special occasion, just as his first smile, first steps and first word had been. “Ben was my first baby,” she says. “He had these beautiful golden brown curls that were halfway down his back.” Planning to document the event, she strode into the salon – armed with nappy bag, camera and Ben in tow – expecting the stylists to fuss over her one-year-old baby.