Meet Clementine Bastos | Clementine – business owner, mother of two, and hair loss warrior – is the heart behind Goldylost

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clementine Bastos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clementine, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Goldylost has been genuine connection and lived experience. I didn’t start this brand because I saw a business opportunity—I started it because I needed it myself. As someone living with hair loss, I knew exactly what was missing in the market: natural-looking, comfortable, high-quality hair that actually made you feel like you.

That personal experience shaped every decision I made—from product design to how we speak to our community. Our customers can feel the heart behind the brand, and that authenticity builds trust.

I’ve also stayed close to our community, listening constantly. Every new product or improvement has come from real feedback and real stories. That, paired with an unwavering commitment to quality and service, has created a brand that doesn’t just sell wigs—it changes lives.

And finally, I’d say our success comes from never losing sight of the why. For me, it’s never been just about hair—it’s about helping women feel confident, seen, and beautiful again. That’s what drives everything we do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career began in the not-for-profit sector, working in early childhood education with refugee families—something I was deeply passionate about. I worked my way up to General Manager, overseeing multiple centres and leading teams through incredibly meaningful work. But everything changed when I experienced significant hair loss myself. I struggled to find a solution that felt natural, comfortable, and truly me.

When I couldn’t find a wig I felt good in, I started making them myself—and that’s how Goldylost was born. What began as a small side project during maternity leave quickly grew into something much bigger. Women from all over the world were reaching out, saying they finally felt seen.

What sets Goldylost apart is that this isn’t just a business—it’s built from lived experience and deep empathy. Every wig and topper we create is designed with heart, with real women in mind. We don’t use models—we use our clients. We don’t promise perfection—we promise authenticity.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I wore all the hats at first—while juggling motherhood, a difficult pregnancy, and a rapidly growing business. There were sleepless nights, tech frustrations, moments of burnout, and many lessons learned the hard way. But with each challenge came growth.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned?
– Done is better than perfect—just keep moving.
– Systems matter—build them early.
– Community is everything—listen to your people.
– You don’t need to do it all alone—ask for help, hire well, and treat your team like gold.

What I want the world to know is this: Goldylost is more than wigs. We help women see themselves again after hair loss. We give confidence, dignity, and joy back. Our salon is often filled with tears, laughter, and life-changing moments. And I’m endlessly proud of that.

This business has changed my life—but more importantly, it’s changing the lives of others. And we’re just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want to show them the real Sydney—the version I live and love as a mum of two young kids, a bit of a homebody, and someone who values simple, beautiful moments.

We’d spend time wandering through Erskineville and Marrickville markets, picking up fresh produce, homemade treats, and flowers. I love cooking homemade organic meals, so a lot of our time would be spent at home sharing nourishing food, chatting over tea or wine, and just enjoying slow, intentional living.

Of course, I’d take them to the Goldylost salon in Chippendale to see the heart of what I do. We would pop next door to have a Toby’s Estate coffee (which was recently voted the best coffee in the World). You cant visit Sydney without checking out the beaches, we would skip the busy Bondi and instead take the Ferry over to Watsons Bay (a great way to see Sydney water). Fish and Chips on the beach and a swim.

I’m not really into big nights out, but I love a good breakfast or sweet pastry and Sydney has so many great options such as the Grounds of Alexandria, Bourke street bakery, Tuga pastries and Merchants of Ultimo.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely—I could never have built Goldylost alone.

First and foremost, my husband deserves a huge shoutout. He believed in me from the very beginning, left his corporate finance role to join the business, and has been the engine behind so many of the systems, strategy, and support that allowed me to focus on our clients and vision.

To my community of women with hair loss—you are the reason this brand exists. Your vulnerability, stories, and trust have fuelled every step of this journey.

And finally, to my children—for reminding me daily why freedom, impact, and joy matter so much. They’re the reason I’m building this life on my own terms.

This journey has been full of people and purpose, and I’m so grateful to all who’ve walked beside me.

Website: https://goldylost.com/

Instagram: @goldylosthair

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldyLostHair

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goldylosthair

Other: TikTok Goldylost hair