HAIRBIZ Year 16 Issue 6

Be an individual, be natural, be beautiful, your way.

Coming November 2022

PUBLISHER

Linda Woodhead linda@mochagroup.com.au

GENERAL MANAGER

Jarred Stedman jarred@mochagroup.com.au

EDITOR

Louise May louise@mochagroup.com.au

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Nina Barbara nina@mochagroup.com.au

ART DIRECTOR

Kellie Woodhead kellie@mochagroup.com.au

ADMINISTRATION

Jess Richmond jess@mochagroup.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS

Louise May

Anthony Gray

Clive Allwright

Gary Latham

Brodie Lee Tsiknaris

Paul Frasca

Hayley Mears

Nicole Healy

Angeli Marie Shaw

Kirstie Kesic

Lisa Conway

Tamara Reid Ryan Maddock

Kerrie DiMattia

Kym Krey

Jenni Tarrant

David Watts

OFFICE PO BOX 252

Helensvale Plaza Qld 4212 P: 07 5580 5155 mail@mochagroup.com.au www.mochagroup.com.au DISTRIBUTION Australia Post - Print Post 100005498 PRINTING

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LETTEREDITOR’S

This industry certainly has talent, and this is an issue that celebrates that. From the recent 2022 AHIA Business winners, to showcasing our Hot Shots… take note of the names featured, they are the greats of our industry! It’s fantastic to see new names amongst the finalists and winners of the awards too. Our most recent awards were our biggest to date! It is so exciting to see so many new salons and stylists entering!

We also congratulate the winners of the 2022 Australian Modern Barber Awards, just recently held in Melbourne, being the first ‘in real life event’ with the inaugural awards having to be held virtually in 2021.

Speaking of the industry’s finest, we feature Show Pony as our front cover story, looking at the history of the brand and their stunning new collection that was shot overseas. Also in this issue, don’t miss AHIA 2022 finalist for Best Salon Design “The Disco” where we chat to Mikey Forster about his rebrand and new salon design. We celebrate Lee Preston and 25 years in business, we feature CEO of Tony & Guy, Sara Langford, and we go across the ditch to visit Sara Allsop in New Zealand!

We spend 10 minutes with Salon Educator Rebecca Woods, and get deep with the legend himself, Nathan Yip, and we also feature UK’s up and coming talent from Tony & Guy Salisbury, George Smith!

With a plethora of business advice, social media tips and tricks, and some kick arse blogs, 2023 is set to be an awesome year if you plan right and set goals and track as you go. (Remember this… you can’t manage what you don’t measure!)

It’s an absolute joy to hear so much talk about apprentices lately.. At the AHIA Business Gala Event, the gorgeous Brodie-Lee Tsiknaris made an amazing speech, and spoke of the importance of new talent to our industry, and

she also spoke about great Leadership.

You only have to scroll through your socials to see the enormous amount of advertisements, of salons looking for staff. We have an industry crisis that is not going to change, until you all realise that the only way that change is going to occur, is if you grow your own!

In my private mentoring business group alone, there are 11 apprentices within the salons! This warms my heart big time… My prediction is that our industry is going to flourish with a crazy amount of new talent! I can feel it in my bones!

Apprentices are not a cost to the business, they are a long-term investment.

Change your mindset and collectively we will change the industry.

To those of you who have endured the recent floods, our thoughts are with you.

If there is anything we can do to support you, please reach out to us here at mocha.

As we head into what’s set to be our busiest time of the year, kindness and compassion is something we all need to remember to practice.

I wish you lots of luck for the crazy Christmas rush ahead, and also wish you a safe and fabulous New Year!

See you in 2023!

Louise May, HAIRBIZ EDITOR louise@mochagroup.com.au

JUST HIS LUCK.

It was perhaps inevitable that George Smith would end up in the world of hair. Like so many other hairdressing dynasties - The Mascolos, the Collinges, the Eatons – George’s destiny was shaped by the legacy of his parents. His father, Phil Smith is British Hairdresser of the Year nominee nine times over, has two successful product ranges and is seen as one of the smartest brains in the business. Plus, mum Louise is an award-winning hairdresser and successful salon owner in her own right. While you could argue hairdressing was in his blood, George didn’t come around to the idea without a little resistance.

“Both of my parents influenced me in a big way,” George admits. “They would always cut my hair as a kid, so I always had an interest in it. I went on Dad’s photographic shoots too and I’ve always been around hair. I just wanted to prove that I could do something else if I wanted to.” With typical teenage bravado, George took a job as a car salesman, but it was mum, Louise who convinced him his talents lay elsewhere.

“I had a conversation with my mum who said, ‘you are going to do hair’. My parents signed me up for some training with Toni & Guy’s Dexter Dapper Johnson and Charlie Cullen - big names in the barber world. On that very first day I knew I was in the right place; it was a great atmosphere.” With not just an acceptance, but an enthusiasm and - importantly – excitement for the hair industry unleashed, George says, “I’ve never looked back since.”

Determined to make his mark straight away, George took a three-month intensive course at the Toni & Guy academy in London – the very same place his mum, dad and sister had all trained. Culminating in a big presentation with three models, he loved the buzz and creativity of stage work and also knew his passion was for barbering. As a fledgling stylist, he took up a position at Louise’s Toni & Guy salon in Salisbury and today, three years on, he is the salon’s men’s specialist.

With an award win under his belt and a product range in development, it seems that George Smith’s career in hair so far is living up to his nickname of Lucky Smithy.

With nothing but admiration for his two teachers and mentors, Charlie and Dexter, George reflects, “If it wasn’t for them, it could have been a different story. It’s not necessarily just about their work, but the type of people they are too. And wow, they’re talented.” He’s also in awe of barber and men’s stylist, Kevin Luchmun. A name known for his skills both in front and behind the lens, George is keen to embrace the entire creative process of image creation. And his first attempts have certainly shown his potential.

During lockdown, George entered the Wella Trend Vision UK & Ireland awards and won the Men’s category. “I knew I needed to take this seriously to stand a chance of winning,” he recalls. “My girlfriend was entering too, and we got really good models and it all just clicked and came together.” With this award win already under his belt, George is notching up further award nominations at an impressive rate - in the running for Creative HEAD Most Wanted and at this year’s Fellowship for British Hairdressing photographic awards. It seems there’s no stopping this rising star. In fact, tapping into his intuition for men’s trends, a product range is in the pipeline.

“The one that knows everything about products is my dad,” he says. And it goes without saying that George’s own range – Lucky Smithy (a nickname that has become his brand name) is more than likely being formulated under his father’s watchful eye. “All I knew previously about products is what I have put in my hair in the past,” he confides. “So far, I’ve had the logo designed and am working with a small batch company looking at packaging. I’m having a wonderful time playing around with product formulations.”

Packaged in eco-friendly aluminium tins and with an initial raw, street vibe, George will start road testing the range with his audience and fellow hairdressers to hone where his products fit in. “Having said that, I don’t want to fit in anyway,” he laughs. “I want to focus on my own thing and get on with it without distraction.”

Whether you put his achievements so far down to luck, good judgement or talent, one thing is sure, George Smith doesn’t come with a big ego. “I think I am just a straight down the line barber, I have good chat, but bottom line, I’m just a normal guy that really likes cutting hair,” he says. With an attitude like that, you have to wish him all the luck in the world.

“I THINK I AM JUST A STRAIGHT DOWN THE LINE BARBER , I HAVE GOOD CHAT, BUT BOTTOM LINE, I’M JUST A NORMAL GUY THAT REALLY LIKES CUTTING HAIR”

LEE PRESTON

Celebrates 25 Years!

The duo began their careers in the UK before emigrating to Australia in the 90’s. At just 13 years old Lee’s passion for hair was ignited by her then hairdresser. Drawn to, in her own words “a creative and cool industry”, Lee started working Saturdays in a local salon before joining a West End salon, under the wing of an ex-Vidal Sassoon Director. From the early days Lee worked closely with the leaders of the industry, opening her eyes to what opportunities hairdressing could bring.

The London born creatives opened Lee Preston Hairdressing in Perth in the late 90’s. While

running the Salon, Lee’s career has spanned the runways of Paris, New York & Sydney with her editorial work gracing the pages of Marie Claire, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Elle. Driven, passionate and hard-working, Lee has always pushed herself creatively and has had the support of Simon to run the business side of the salon. Along the way they also had two daughters!

Lee believes in honesty, service, and loyalty alongside doing beautiful hair that makes clients feel good about themselves. So, it’s not surprising that the salon’s success has been built on a genuine commitment to treating people

with kindness, equality, and respect. Creating a workplace where staff enjoy coming to work and that happiness is passed on to clients. Lee has seen many staff go through long service leave at her salon and will this month celebrate their 25 years in business with staff past and present!

Today Lee Preston is happy to let her team shine. Their enthusiasm inspires her. She is content and grateful for the opportunities and people that she has met along the way in her career. It’s seen her travel the world and work with people from all walks of life, proving that hairdressing is an industry where you really can carve your own path.

Iconic Perth salon, Lee Preston Hairdressing celebrates 25 years in the industry in 2022. Founded by Lee and husband/business partner, Simon Preston, this family owned, multi award-winning salon is situated in South Perth.

Lee also recognises the unwavering support and product quality from Kao Salon Division.

“We have been with Goldwell consistently for 25 years. The truth is we love the product, it works, and we get 100% support for both the creative and business side. Goldwell has always listened to us, and it’s been a great partnership” says Lee.

“What a pleasure it’s been to work alongside Lee, Simon, and their team for the last 25 years. Lee’s powerful work ethic, passion, and commitment to bringing out the best in herself and her team has positioned Lee Preston Hairdressing as one of Australia’s leading salons. Kao Salon Division is honoured to have been a part of this trailblazing journey and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. Warmest congratulations to Lee and her team” said Rita Marcon, General Manager Kao Salon Division ANZ

Hair Biz Editor Louise May caught up with Lee recently to chat about her journey in the industry over the last 25 years…

How did you first get into hairdressing? What drew you to the industry and what do you love most about the business?

I was influenced at a young age by my hairdresser that worked at Molten Brown in London. Being 13 years old at the time, I thought it was amazing that you could change people’s looks through hair. I thought it was a very cool and creative industry, and I would ask him so many questions about it. My career began as a “Saturday girl” at a local hair salon close to home and then I moved to a salon in the West End run by a previous Vidal Sassoon Director. I was introduced to significant names in the industry and from there, incredible opportunities opened up to me at an early age.

What has been a career highlight of yours? And what’s been your biggest challenge?

I’ve had many career highlights, but the top would be winning the inaugural L’Oréal Color Trophy in Australia. I had never won anything before that had been judged internationally and it opened many doors for me in Australia, particularly in media and fashion. In 1996, competitive work was very new in the industry and the only other competition at the time, on the same level, was the Schwarzkopf Awards. Also, winning the Salon Team for Australia in the AHJ Awards was very memorable. I can’t remember the year, but it was such a proud moment for my team.

The biggest challenge would be running a big team efficiently and keeping a happy working environment. I’m no different to any other salon owner trying to juggle work/life balance for myself and my staff.

This month you celebrate 25 years of the salon – to what do you attribute your success?

Not thinking I’m bigger than my team – being humble and happy to share success and not make everything about myself.

You’ve worked on runways in Sydney, New York and Paris as well as national editorial shoots – what do you love

about this work and who inspires you most?

At this stage in my career, I’ve retired from runway work. I still do editorial shoots because I enjoy the challenges and working with creative people – as long as they treat my team with kindness. It’s a blessing to be able to take my younger team members to shoots and see how enthusiastic they are. I’ve had my time in the spotlight and enjoyed it, but I don’t see it being important for my own personal development anymore, so I’ve scaled back and let the younger team members take over. Helping them grow and succeed in the industry is inspiring to me.

How do you keep ahead of trends in the industry?

I don’t think I need to keep ahead of the trends. I think if you’re a creative and give your life to honing your craft (putting in the work, know your stuff and do the research on the industry – past and present), it comes naturally. Keeping an eye on the fashion world is definitely a natural progression of developing trends though. Now at 53, I refer to my younger staff to discover and set trends, and that helps me keep my own career fresh.

We have always treated everyone with the upmost respect and as an equal. You have to try and create a workspace where your staff enjoy coming to work and from that, their happiness is passed on to the client. Hairdressing is not a complicated business, but it involves a lot of relationships that can be complicated. I’ve had many staff members go through long service with me and have become very close. It’s those people that have been part of my own, and the business’, success story.

Even past staff members who have gone out own their own salon are treated like family. I couldn’t be happier or prouder. We’re actually about to celebrate the 25th anniversary with all our past and current staff. Being true to myself has led me to have my incredible business which wouldn’t exist without my staff.

Our clientele is very loyal and has been since our doors first opened. We treat every client honestly and respectfully with superior service. That is what they want at the end of the day and why they keep coming back. Not every client wants the same thing but as long as we deliver beautiful hair that the client wants and they leave the salon feeling good about themselves, then we’ve done our job.

How would your team describe you?

I don’t know – you would have to ask them. I know they would describe Simon (my business partner and husband) as a joker with a really wicked sense of humour.

We’ve been a Goldwell and KMS partner for 25 years and I’ve never wanted to change. I’ve been approached by many different brands, but the truth is we love Goldwell and KMS products! The products are fantastic, and we get one hundred percent support with the creative aspect of the brands and with the business. I’ve always been supported by Goldwell and KMS and they’ve always listened to us. It’s been a great, strong partnership where we’ve been loyal to them, and they’ve been loyal to my business.

If you hadn’t become a hairdresser and business owner, what do you think you might have done instead?

I definitely would be working in the fashion industry somehow. I would’ve gone to the London College of Fashion or St Martin’s. It’s what I originally wanted to do when I left school, but I didn’t want to go study straight away and wanted to get a job. I found the best opportunities in the West End of London and went for it with hairdressing, working for leading salons in the West End before moving to Australia. I always knew from a young age whatever I was going to do with my career, I would give it my all and be successful. I just had passion and I was never going to sit back and think opportunities would find me. I’ve always pushed myself and worked hard with

a very supportive partner by my side. He’s supported me, helped build my confidence and run the business as well as being an awesome dad to our two daughters.

What’s next for Lee Preston?

I wish my daughters had shown an interest in my industry. One of them works in the salon while she’s finishing off Year 12, but she will go on to university to study marketing. My youngest daughter wants to be a chef. I’m not sure what happened with passing on the legacy, but you never know! Hopefully one of my younger team members will carry on the name.

Right now, I’m happy taking a step back but continuing to support my team and the dealing with the challenges that come with running a business. The industry is different to when I first started so I’m watching from the sidelines of what the younger generation are doing. I just wished that more hairdressers would start cutting hair again instead of just colouring it!

I’ve had an amazing career and have worked with some amazing people from all walks of life. Our industry is amazing; there’s not many jobs that you can do that take you around the world and give you so many different opportunities. You can go into the photographic and editorial side of hairdressing or go into education. You can just work on the business side and build a fantastic clientele and name for yourself and earn a great living. More than anything, Simon and I are grateful for the people we’ve met along the way that have supported us and become good friends. We’ve had an incredible ride in this business.

You have long standing staff and clients; how do you keep your team motivated and passionate and retain clients?

You’ve been a long-standing Salon Partner with Kao Salon Division, using Goldwell Color, Dualsenses, Kerasilk and KMS in your Salon and your services. What makes this a great working relationship?

G

WE CARE ABOUT WOMEN AND THEIR HEALTH!

The Hairdressers 4 Health Study aims to recruit women over the age of 45years that attend your salon in NSW. They scan a QR code, read an information sheet and fill in a short 10-minute survey online. Please sign your NSW salon up to this exciting study. Many health conditions are preventable if risk factors are identified early. Australian women have a high burden of modifiable risk factors including 60% being overweight or obese, and 20% having uncontrolled high blood pressure. Unfortunately, there are many barriers that prevent women from visiting a health care professional and discussing their health. There is a clear need for novel approaches to engaging women on health issues.

The Hairdressers 4 Health study is a new study run by The George Institute and University of New South Wales researchers looking to make the ‘healthiest’ use of the time Australian women spend at the hairdressing salon. Hairdressing is one of the most common paid services used by women across the country, so salons present a unique opportunity to reach a large proportion of women from diverse backgrounds and geographical areas across NSW. It is also a trusted and safe environment for many women. The Hairdressers 4 Health study will use this setting to give women a gentle ‘nudge’ along with their cut, blow dry and colour to encourage them to focus on their health.

Salons are reimbursed for their time ($25 per woman enrolled).

For further information about the study and benefits to your salon, staff and clients please contact:

Hairdressers4Health@georgeinstitute.org

Or IG: @hairdressers4health

*Endorsed by the Australian Hairdressing Council.

With remote working as the new normal, time-poor clients also want to work from the salon chair to overcome difficulties finding time for their appointments. Future salons should include workstations to meet this demand, offering power points, charging cables, easy Wi-Fi access and laptop-friendly surfaces.

L’Oréal’s findings also revealed that clients want more out of their visits, with 85% interested in additional in-salon beauty services, such as massages, nail, and skin treatments. Thanks to social media filters, three-quarters of those surveyed also want a virtual ‘try-on’ of cuts, colours, and styles before their appointments. While the technical capabilities for this have existed for some time, salons of the future may look to have software overlays built directly into workstation mirrors to achieve this.

Clients also want to feel ‘rejuvenated and refreshed’ long after their in-salon pampering sessions, with 75% of those surveyed wanting their salons to feel more like a day spa that is luxurious, calm, and relaxing as opposed to a busy pub vibe.

With three in five respondents needing to carefully consider how much they can spend ahead of booking, salons must ensure they get the basics right so clients can book as effortlessly and efficiently as possible. Salons should transparently communicate the duration and cost of their services via online platforms to ensure time-poor clients can plan ahead.

AHC LAUNCHES SOLO OWNER SELECT MEMBERSHIP FOR SOLE TRADERS

The Australian Hairdressing Council was created to represent the WHOLE industry when it comes to uplifting standards, being a voice to Government, and supporting ethical businesses, in whatever form they take.

Our industry landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years. “As a result of the pandemic, it is estimated that around 70% of our hairdressers have become solo operators without staff,” says AHC CEO Sandy Chong. “This could include being a freelancer, rent-a-chair, mobile hairdresser, or working from a home salon or commercial suite. “The AHC is concerned about the lack of qualified operators in our industry, which is why we are excited to launch our new AHC membership for sole operators - SOLO OWNER SELECT.”

Solo Owner Select - or SOS for short - has been created for this significant, however largely unsupported sector of the hair and barber industry, due to demand. Solo Owner Select membership is for sole traders that hold a hairdressing qualification and ABN. They can complete a business accreditation checklist plus register their hairdressing qualification on the AHC Hairdressing Australia Industry Register (HAIR).

SOS will have several membership benefits uniquely for the sole trader market. These include:

Research from L’Oréal Australia has revealed that Australian hair clients want more personalised salon experiences to maximise their post-pandemic time in the chair.

As caution around COVID has decreased in recent months, many clients have abandoned DIY hair products in favour of a return to the salon.

However, just as hairdressers get back on their feet, research by L’Oréal Australia has found that 95% of customers are worried about the rising cost of living, with over a quarter of Australian hair clients predicting they will spend less on salon services in the coming year.

L’Oréal Australia’s Business Development Director, Professional Products, Alison Lim, welcomed the timeliness of the research saying, “It’s exciting to find out what customers want in their hair and beauty services. Now we can figure out how to deliver those experience in a way that delights them.”

According to L’Oréal’s research, clients are increasingly seeking personalised salon experiences, with 9 out of 10 respondents wanting to customise their experience ahead of time, knowing how busy the salon will be, climate and lighting control, choice of music and volume. Future salons could achieve this customisation through zones, offering a physical space or a time slot where client experiences could be specialised, ensuring that salons are more inclusive, especially for those with sensory issues.

• SOS private Facebook group so members can be part of a community of industry experts and likeminded business owners to ask questions, share information and be supported.

• Access to AHC discounts and special offers from our Associate Members exclusively for SOS businesses, including a wide array of products and services.

• Free and discounted education programs from industry leading educators.

• Invitations to exclusive AHC events such as Schmoozefest and the Leadership Summit.

• A designated SOS membership manager who understands your business to answer questions and provide support.

• Unique marketing content and regular newsletters.

• A specially created and ever-growing SOS Resource Library containing dozens of templates and documents essential for running a sole trader business.

• Access to one complimentary call to the AHC HR team included in your membership.

• Accreditation from Australia’s leading national industry body to endorse members as a quality, ethical business. For a limited time only, AHC SOS membership is just $365 per year www.theahc.org.au/solo-owner-select

HAIR CLIENTS WANT TO CUSTOMISE THEIR SALON EXPERIENCES

SALON LANE CELEBRATES MILESTONE AND HOSTS COMMUNITY EVENT

SLOANS STYLIST MAKES HER MARK ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

On Wednesday 12 October, Salon Lane celebrated two years since its flagship site in Surry Hills opened doors and welcomed its first members into the luxury coworking space.

Jared Keen, Co-Founder & CEO of Salon Lane says “revolutionising how the Australian hair and beauty industries work was always going to be an formidable task, however the added challenges of the past two years make this milestone extra special.”

The vibrant community of over 80 independent professionals who call Salon Lane Surry Hills home, enjoyed a special members’ brunch event to commemorate the day, before its back to business as usual, serving their clients and enjoying the freedom and flexibility of being their own boss. Salon Lane member, Sarah Wall states ““The experience I’m having at Salon Lane is life changing! I am so glad I made the move and actually call it my home away from home.”

COLOR WOW WELCOMES JAYE EDWARDS AS FIRST COLOR WOW AUSTRALIAN HAIR AMBASSADOR

Color Wow is proud to announce leading Sydney colourist, Jaye Edwards, founder of EdwardsAndCo as the brand’s first Australian hair ambassador.

As a pioneering force in the hair industry with eight thriving salons, a cult social media following and an internationally recognised team of educators, Edwards will be joining Color Wow’s roster of worldrenowned talent including Chris Appleton, Global Creative Director and hairstylist to Hollywood’s hottest celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and more.

Known for his signature looks including sparkling brunettes, creamy blondes, killer curls, and textured beach waves, Edwards will be showcasing his world-class technique and education with Color Wow’s sciencebacked, game-changing formulations and product range within the Australian & New Zealand markets.

“There is such strong science behind Color Wow, and I want to show Australia how to unlock previously impossible results. I’m a Colourist first and foremost, and Color Wow is fanatical about the ingredients that go into their products. The brand has identified and banned over 60 ingredients found in most hair care and styling products because they can stain, darken and distort hair colour. That is something I need to share with the entire Australian colour industry,” says Edwards. www.thehaircaregroup.com

Russell,

her incredible talent at the esteemed WorldSkills Competition for 2022 in Finland. In an extremely competitive year she placed 7th in the world at the global championship, as well as being awarded a Medallion of Excellence, marking the first since 2017 in this category. Representing Australia as the best in hairdressing, she was proud to appear alongside the leading trade and skills talent from around the world with thousands of spectators watching on. Anne joined the Sloans team back in 2019 as Junior Stylist, fresh from a move from her hometown of Wagga Wagga. Mentored by Sloans Owner and Director Scott Sloan, also a Wagga Wagga hometown local, she has thrived. Now a Senior Stylist she is a key part of the Sloans Creative Team and consistently assists on editorial shoots and campaigns as well as working with her loyal North Shore clientele. She started her WorldSkills journey back in 2019 when she competed in the regional competition and won gold, before taking out silver in the national competition in 2021. Based on her stand out talent and technique she was chosen as a Skill Squad member before being selected as one of the elite ‘Skillaroos’ with Team Australia.

Anne will now inspire the next generation of regional hairdressers when she returns to Wagga Wagga to help judge the next round of competitions, back where she started her journey three years ago. With this achievement coming off the back of numerous other Sloans accolades over the past few years, it’s a been another big year for the Sloans salon brand, which places emphasis on being one of the best places to work, develop and grow in the country.

SUSTAINABLE SALONS AND MOCHA GROUP COMBINE TO PROVIDE 2000 MEALS

Anne

Senior Stylist at Sloans of Lane Cove, has just been recognised for

In 2017, Sustainable Salons co-founder Paul Frasca proposed an idea to Mocha Group; Instead of lavish floral arrangements that cost a fortune to procure, why don’t we create something purpose driven? Sustainable Salons Creative Ambassador Shawn McGrath handmade table centrepieces out of materials from the Sustainable Salons depot, working with TAFE students, from concept through to design and delivery, creating stunning floral repurposed centrepieces made from back issues of Hair Biz and Beauty Biz with a valuable message. Sustainable Salons continued to create repurposed centrepieces for a couple of years until the ABIA’s in 2019 when it was decided that a more meaningful idea would be to donate the money spent on creating the centrepieces, directly

to someone in need. Sustainable Salons attends and supports both ABIA and AHIA awards each year, along with sponsoring an award category, true to their mission of injecting their values into the industry. During the ABIA and AHIA evenings guests are provided with a warm meal, so what better way to celebrate and give back to the community than a hearty meal donation to OzHarvest! OzHarvest are dedicated to feeding vulnerable people across Australia with fresh nourishing surplus food that was otherwise destined for landfill, Sustainable Salons make a donation to their cause every year and every $1 donation is equal to 2 meals. The centrepiece for the ABIA and AHIA evenings equated to a donation total of $1,000 to OzHarvest, providing 2,000 meals to Australia’s most vulnerable people. How great is that!

NEW PODCAST

The launch of the greatly anticipated, “Cutting Through The Noise” Podcast dropped on October 6th. The podcast is co-hosted by three industry veterans: Stephanie Mason, CEO of Showpony Hair Extensions, Nadine Johns-Alcock, owner and director of Dorothy Jean Salon in Brisbane (also the global education manager for Showpony), and Hayley Mears, the owner and founder of leading industry marketing agency Six Underground Media. This dynamic trio of women bring a wealth of knowledge and experience about the market space. All women, individually known for their unique approach to business, will dissect their highly adaptable skill sets and will share their strategies and approaches to pivoting and reinventing their offerings as needed in this ever-changing market.

No commercial topic is off limits, with the @CuttingThroughTheNoise podcast keen to explore the impact of current supply chain issues, the latest e-commerce trends and their introduction into the beauty market, and the changing shape of salon culture and workplace flexibility.

With three unique career perspectives, there is sure to be an abundance of knowledge from the aspects of salon ownership, business-to-business, marketing and digital content.

You can follow the podcast on Instagram for the latest episode news and outtakes. You can subscribe to the podcast here https://rss.com/podcasts/cuttingthroughthenoise/

DARIO COTRONEO GETS READY FOR 2023

Dario Cotroneo, founder and educator for DCI Education, celebrates a monumental year receiving awards this year for his outstanding contribution to the hairdressing industry. After receiving the Hall Of Fame Award at the Creative Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA), in June, he was awarded winner for Individual Educator Of The Year, Business AHIA’s, acknowledging his commitment and dedication to education within the hairdressing community.

Dario’s enthusiasm towards educating is forever evolving. He is excited and already developed new techniques for 2023, to keep elevating industry standards. His extremely popular yearly programs - Elevate and Mentor, will continue to provide mentoring to students nationally with 10 face to face classes throughout the new year. Included within the programs is access to the online learning platform to help solidify techniques taught in the workshops. 2023 dates have been confirmed and bookings can now be made.

Dario’s 1 Day workshops for 2023 have been added into the DCI Education calendar. The 3 cutting workshops - BUILD - GROW – THRIVE allow those that are unable to commit to a full years program to be part of the DCI community and upskill their cutting techniques, from long through to short hair. As always within these workshops, Dario will cover extra topics such as Consultation’s, Self Love, and coping with the ever-changing world we live in.

Dario says, “I’m all about supporting passionate people. My positive message is to constantly evolve my students and our industry, encourage hairdressers to step up and adapt to change without fear, and to attract more aspirational, young and talented people into hairdressing. I am thrilled to share my education, to help our amazing industry be positive and a sustainable one, that we can all be proud to be a part of.”

DCI Education provides a wide variety of quality, salon-relevant education via face-to-face, and online platforms. Whether it’s a 1 Day Workshop, Yearly program, Seminar or In-salon training, Dario will elevate skill set and confidence, solidifying a successful and sustainable career for every student.

DCI Education 2023 dates, online bookings and information is available via the website www.dcieducation.com or email veronica@dcieducation.com

LOVE THEY NADER

Award-winning hairstylist and owner of the esteemed Surry Hills salon RAW Hair, Anthony Nader, recently launched his haircare brand, ltn (love thy nader).

Knowing how often his clients ask for recommendations for at-home hair care, Anthony felt it was a natural fit to launch ltn with two hair stylers. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and it’s a no-brainer to release hair care essentials that I can recommend to my clients in the salon,” he explains. “Over my 30+ years in the industry, I’ve always been using other brands in the salon, on shoots, and backstage at fashion shows. The salon’s silver anniversary felt like the perfect year to launch my own brand.”

The ltn Hair Straightener has ceramic plates which creates sleek and smooth looks and maintains constant heat for impeccable and consistent results, heating the hair from the inside out. The temperature-controlled hair styler ranges from 100 °C to 230°C to suit all hair types and needs.

This tool is perfect for straightening and the rounded barrel allows for adding waves or curls. It is available in two plate sizes (25mm and 38mm) and has universal voltage (110-240V) making it a suitcase essential for international travel!

For wholesale enquiries contact info@rawhair.com.au

Across The Ditch

SARA ALLSOP

In this new series of articles, we put the spotlight on New Zealand and over the coming issues will look at the extraordinary talent… across the ditch!

Sara Allsop has obtained her reputation as one of New Zealand’s top Editorial and Session Stylist, through her relationships with leading fashion magazines and designers as well as her many award wins. Sara leads by example by working internationally each season at New York, London, Paris, and Milan as well as Couture Fashion Weeks, assisting top Hair Artists on shoots and shows such as Luigi Murenu, Guido Palau, Anthony Turner and Tina Outen. As well, Sara has led on shows at NZ Fashion Week since 2005.

Co-owner and founder of Dharma salons, Industry Extracted Event and Industry NZ Hairdressing Awards, Sara is dedicated to the growth of the NZ Hairdressing Industry in its entirety.

Sara has art directed and produced shows and shoots both locally and internationally for leading product companies, and the best NZ Hair Stylists. Having developed many initiatives for young NZ hairdressers over the years to include the Industry Creative Young Artist Team, Protege Competition, and the Hair Expo Australia Gen Next NZ, Sara is driven to providing platforms for young NZ talent to show case their work.

We recently caught up with Sara and got to ask her about her journey thus far in the industy..

Tell us about how you started in the industry, where did it all begin?

My journey started back a long time ago when World Cup Hairdressing was the biggest competition for hairdressers globally.

I did my apprenticeship with NZ’s best World Cup hairdresser, who also happened to have both of her parents as hairdressers, my training was exceptional, as all three of them had travelled extensively, mostly to Europe for work, comps, and training, I was very lucky.

What excites you most about your work?

Always learning and pushing myself to do more, I particularly like it when people tell me something can’t be done, it challenges me to do it.

If you had to name one skill that got you where you are today, what would it be?

The ability to make people look the very best they can through creating shape, balance, and texture in hair.

Can you share with our readers a time when you overcame a challenge?

The biggest challenge I have faced is being based in NZ, it took me a long time to realise that I was good enough to travel and work with teams of hairdressers from all over the world, as well as present education on global stages.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given in your career?

Probably a conversation I had working backstage at Australian Fashion Week in about 2009, with a hairdresser who just happened to mention that his boss was going to work at NY Fashion Week, that was when I thought I was going to do the same…in 2010 I was there working on shows, and I have done it every year since.

Where do you find your creative inspiration for your collection work?

Mostly through old films, particularly Alfred Hitchcock movies

Who do you look to for inspiration, or who has guided your career?

I have guided my own career with the huge support of my Husband Jock.

Inspiration comes to me from traveling, I don’t really get inspiration from a particular person

What are your top tips for the planning and execution of a collection?

Start with the overall concept, then build your hair looks from there.

Work with the best people, makeup, models, photographers…let them do what they do best, hairdressers should stick to doing hair

Do you find the Hair Trends in NZ different to what’s trending here in Australia, or are our fashions the same?

I think our hair fashion is very similar to Oz, I prefer more editorial hair myself, so the hair I create is usually dictated from fashion that is coming off the runways.

How do you achieve your balance between the creative and the commercial needs of your business?

I’m lucky, my husband is a hairdresser, and we have worked together for 25 years. We have a great balance in our working relationship

What’s on the agenda for the future?

Now that the world has opened back up, I’m keen to get back overseas to the Fashion week circuit.

Plus, I have a few ideas for 2023, I’m about to go into some meetings to work out what we can do to inject creativity into the NZ hairdressing Industry.

10 MINUTES WITH

REBECCA WOODS

Rebecca grew up on a little hobby farm of 10 acres in a tiny place called Lyndhurst in southeast Victoria.

Despite her childhood being pretty tough, and her family having very little money, they did own every animal imaginable; she says, always bringing home strays, even getting a pony for her 3rd birthday.

“My bedroom was all pink, floors included. I remember cutting my barbies hair, my hair, and my imaginary friends hair. Funnily enough though I really wanted to be a criminal prosecutor, but by around year 9 I had lost interest and got my first job at Maccas…. Where I learned the importance of customer service!”

Where did your journey in the industry begin?

My first salon experience was as a shampoo girl for work experience in 1996 in a big shopping centre salon in Frankston Victoria, called Barry At Work. I remember thinking how cool it was. Pink salon, many stylists, nail techs and receptionists…. So fancy! It was here I first read about the great Antony Whitaker who almost 30 years later has become a mentor and idol to me. I knew then that I could be great at this career.

Starting my apprenticeship in the mid 90s for the Myer/David Jones conglomerate of salons, I was lucky to score a young boss who believed in sending me to all the education the company had to offer. I have worked from

the Mornington Peninsula to Black Rock and Bentleigh and Melbourne CBD.

Now a little over a decade later, I have owned two salons, became a colour educator for a brand, closed the salon, became a freelancer, beat cancer, lived through a pandemic, and now have my own private studio for hair clients 3 - 4 days a week… And launched my very own independent education company.

Was business ownership always a priority to you?

Owning a business came as a necessity to survive and build something to support not only me, but my beautiful daughter. In 2009 I found myself back on the peninsula fresh out of a domestic violent relationship with a newborn baby girl and not a dollar in the bank.

I did hair in my mums kitchen, with a babe at my feet and a tail comb in my hand. After a while, word got out and everyone was keen to get their colours rinsed off over the bath. I offered colour that no one else in my hometown was doing, so after a year or so I borrowed $30k from my mum and with a bit of sass, opened my

first location. (also, I still have clients from the hair bath era hahaha)

Share with us some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the journey.

Oh there’s too many f$$king challenges to mention. On top of standard biz owner shit, I have had many and constant personal challenges ranging from legal to health wise. I used to overcome these by drinking heavily and popping Valium’s every night after work, which eventually ended in a complete and proper breakdown in November 2017. This was all because I had no idea how to control a salon, let alone the monster my tiny business had become. Overcoming all of this was a longdrawn-out process. Deciding to walk away, being diagnosed with cancer, the whole world shutting down was an absolute blessing for me!

I had no choice but to lay on the couch and just rest. I lived sober for 2020 and that forced a lot of mental change.

Psychology, yoga, sound healings, meditation, cold water swimming. You name it I have done

it lol. But really, its believing in yourself. Forgiving yourself and allowing yourself permission to just be safe and ok.

(f#@k, that was deep… like we were on an episode of Oprah lol)

Who were your industry heroes in your early years and who inspires you today?

You know I don’t actually remember having any ‘heroes’. I admired my first boss, whose hair I still do today. But now, Gah I am obsessed with Antony Whitaker, he will vouch for this haha. Tabatha Coffey, who I used to watch on TV with that newborn baby of mine, went on to become my business coach and life mentor for a while… beautiful woman.

Sarai Speer, known as The Platinum Giraffe, also as she has a similar story of battling drug addiction to then changing her life around and be super successful.

Yovanka Loria, Emily Ciardiello, and Caitlyn Menzel are all amazing lady bosses who might not know it, but inspire me to keep going!

There are soooooo many amazing people in our profession. It’s really everyone. Everyone has a story, the mums trying to balance it all, the junior hairdressers trying to work out how to hold a foil, on a board and their tail comb all at once, and the biz owners who have been in the game for the long haul.

Were you always interested in becoming an educator?

I have wanted to be an educator for many years, I just never knew how, nor did I have the bandwidth.

But I knew I didn’t want to die behind the chair.

I knew there was more out there for me.

So, at the beginning of 2020, I got to work.

I started by identifying what was missing within the education realm in our profession. Education was always in Sydney or Melbourne. Owners having to close, travel, cover staff expenses. Lack of rural education.

Time poor bosses not able to give their staff the dedicated training they needed, thus in turn frustrating for everyone. The rise of social media and the demise of old-fashioned business ethics. The amount of home salons and mums in business floundering their way through running a home and a biz…Big, intimidating classes. So, I came up with a solution.

What would you say are the core values or philosophies which define your business?

I can be the one who travels.

I can be the educator who is on the grass roots level out on the road.

I want to help other owners to train their staff to help ease the pressure.

I did my apprenticeship and worked in subsequent businesses without social media.

I was a mum, who started in her kitchen and

built a business that has given me financial freedom.

And I run my education with a lot of laughs, a lot of kindness and a lot of love.

What has been your greatest lesson or piece of advice along your business journey?

Ignore the naysayers! People will try to pull you down, f@#k them! Stop crowd sourcing prices on forums. Get yourself a financial team.

What’s on the agenda for the future?

The future, OMG SO MUCH! Planning on touring more of Victoria and Tasmania with my Education. Speaking events in the works at 2 different locations. Starting a podcast ( if anyone wants to be on it shoot me a message on the gram.) Overseas adventures with my family. A hair shoot I have been trying to plan for 5 years (hello procrastination).

And heaps more…. I have like 85 journals filled with ideas.

YOU CAN ONLY LEAD, AS FAR AS YOU GROW.

‘You can only lead, as far as you grow’ epitomises TONI&GUY Australia’s newly appointed CEO, Sara Langford. Starting her career in the Hairdressing Industry as an apprentice, Sara has paved a journey that has growth, people and culture at the heart of what she does.

A driving force behind Sara’s leadership style is her understanding and ability to decode the way her teams think, improving how they work together and amplifying what they accomplish. Sara has intertwined her knowledge from her time studying an Education/ Psychology Degree, now embarking on her MBA along with her experience as a Hairdresser, manager, and Business Owner to effectively promote thinking agility, teamwork, and leadership. Wearing many hats throughout her career has allowed Sara to gain the knowledge and skill set that only stems from immersion in all facets of the business. From running a busy column colouring hair, to working closely with management teams, Sara has accumulated the tools and acumen to effectively run a profitable, sustainable business where people love to work, and clients love to be.

Over to you Sara…

MY TONI&GUY JOURNEY

Believe it or not, my journey with TONI&GUY started as an apprentice! After I completed my training, I pursued other endeavours in the hair industry, including managing a group of salons in London and heading up their Education. I returned home to Australia and went into partnership with a dear friend and bought into her salon.

Like many others, Dennis and I crossed paths in the weird and wonderful world

that is the Hair Industry. It didn’t take much convincing and before I knew it, I was part of the TONI&GUY family. Dennis’ passion was infectious, he lived and breathed the TONI&GUY essence - and I wanted to be part of it too. When I parted ways with my business partner I purchased the Bondi Junction salon, just like everyone else I went through the traditional technical Varder process so I could be educated with the TONI&GUY techniques. - nothing was handed to me on a silver platter. Vardering was a little daunting at first, but the skills and techniques I learnt were invaluable and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Varder has now taken on a new form to be more flexible and bespoke to each person, it’s never been about retraining. The true purpose is to empower each new teammate with new collections and techniques to add to their repertoire.

In the last 4 years I gradually stepped the stones into the TONI&GUY Australia Support Office - all whilst running two salons and a busy column of clients. I quickly realised that Dennis’ energy, business values and for helping other Hairdressers build successful businesses was in line with my values and professional goals - and I would now do this too by his side. I transitioned away from being on the salon floor every day and focused on developing the people, culture, and growth arm of our business. I feel so grateful that over the years Dennis imparted his wisdom and his mentorship to me - I just wish he was able to witness his ultimate plan come to fruition.

KEY MEMBERS BEHIND THE BRAND

Marie - General Manager

There are a few diamonds within TONI&GUY that have been with the brand since its inception in Australia. Starting with TONI&GUY as an Apprentice, Marie stepped the stones to become one of TONI&GUY Australia’s most successful Salon Partners, Technical support a leading colour brand and now to General Manager of the company. With a reputation for her ability to run a salon like no other, and her warm approachable personality, Marie is the fundamental support pillar to TONI&GUY Salons. Marie plays a pivotal role in mentoring not only our Salon Partners but our Staff too through the creation and implementation of programs that focus on enriching our people with the tools and skills to be effective communicators, leaders, business owners and colleagues.

Salon Partners

Nothing we do is possible without the salon partners that lead our salons and teams. We have partners that have recently moved up the ranks from staff to partners/salon owners in the last few months and some that have been business owners for over 20 years. Many of them consult our support team on education / staff development / the partner leadership team and client initiatives. Their unwavering support and hard work

Our Plans for the future. Mentorship and nurturing young talent are one of the main focuses for our brand moving forward. The hairdressing landscape is evolving and in turn, so are we.

We are nothing without our current and future team. We invest a lot of resources into mentoring and upskilling our teams. We do this across our Assistant Management Program, Personal development Program, our Breakthrough team, and a plethora of both individual and business opportunities that have our people’s best interest at heart. We are so lucky to have the history and legacy to build on.

The future of TONI&GUY looks like an empowering, positive, and fresh environment - Toni Mascolo (founder of TONI&GUY) and Dennis lived by the philosophy “To grow the best, most respected, creative hairdressing company on the planet, where people love to work, and clients love to be.”

We are furthering this vision by creating a supportive, innovative, and collaborative business that is constantly evolving to the needs of the individuals who are our company… With a lot of fun along the way.

Our business management software is seamless, super-easy to set up and simple to use.

Which means you’ll have more work time for your clients – and more free time for yourself.

More technology doesn’t have to mean more hassle. gettimely.com

BOOTLEG BOSS

Nathan Yip is a father of three young kids and owner of Pretty Vacant salon suite and customised education business. There are two things in life that he loves the most, and is really good at, and that is being a dad and being a hairdresser.

He joined the industry late after experimenting in many different industries, and finally “fell” into hairdressing, where he found a place where he belonged and felt accepted, but also allowed for all his skills and natural abilities to culminate into one

use.

Since joining the industry over a decade ago, he has worked for, and alongside, some of the world’s best artists in-salon, on stage teaching and presenting, and backstage on fashion shows and photoshoots.

Nathans purpose and passion now lies in education, helping uplift and up-skill hairdressers to feel more validated and valued in themselves, and in their work. He specialises in customised in-salon education, where salons hire him to come and work with their team and he delivers a truly tailored class for the salon, and for each individual, depending on their learning and communication styles.

Nathan says… I am 100% committed to raising the profile of hairdressing and believe this will come through the power of community. This is why I have co-founded a series of events under the brand “The Bootleg Project” which is a community focused education evening/house party designed to create a safe and comfortable space for hairdressers to gather, talk and learn, at the same time offering an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to present their work.

My approach to hair is, first of all make it suitable and customised to the person in front of me, but my aim when cutting hair is to offer the highest amount of versatility and ease. Just simple low maintenance beautiful hair.

Editor of Hair Biz Louise May sat down with Nathan to find out more about is industry mission and future goals.

Can you share with us how your journey in the industry began?

My pathway has been a unique journey for sure, from massage therapist, builders labourer, forklift driver to DJ and party promoter. By the age of 24 I had explored much of what life had to offer, after a 12-month stint back packing and bar tending in London, I returned home supposedly for a few months when I took a job in my friends hair salon on reception to fill in the days while I DJ’d at night. I started dating a hairdresser and we had a dream of opening a salon, I started my apprenticeship solely to understand the business better. The relationship failed; however, I was introduced to the Enigma Clive Allwright, who changed my life and career path in ways impossible to express!

Fast forward more than a decade I am a father of 3 and I now run my own customised cutting and styling education business called Pretty Vacant. I am an educator and sales agent for The ANTI Collective, Excellent Edges, piiq and Timely and most recently I have become an independent stylist and opened my own salon suite in the Freedom Suites in Brisbane and have just been in the finals for educator of the year for both AHIA and AHFA.

It’s hard to pinpoint the most rewarding aspect of my career so far but I guess to compile it down would be meeting my wife at my very first stage show with Clive, getting incredible opportunities to travel both nationally and Internationally many times working on stage, being able to have so much diversity in all the different work that I do and being able to utilise all my natural skills and abilities in these different flows. At the moment though the most rewarding aspect in my life is being able to share all my knowledge and experience with others and to help guide and mentor them on their journey.

Hmm, I actually think running a successful business and a successful team are two very different things. They definitely both affect each other however I think they both require a completely different set of skills and energy. The secret sauce to running a successful business in my opinion is have great people around you and know your numbers! I don’t claim to be a business guru at all, but I do love it! My first recommendation is building a great team of advisors around you. Accountant, business coach, make proper relationships with

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career to date?

What do you think is the “secret sauce” when it comes to owning and running a successful salon and team?

your sales reps and brand partners and again know your numbers!

The most common thing I hear from salon owners is how they hate the numbers and that they always turn a blind eye, guess what… the numbers won’t pay you the same respect and will bend you over ten-fold. Also understand and utilise the power of recommending salon treatments and at home hair care! The industry has a horrible association with “sales” but guess what, if you recommend Shampoo and Conditioner to your client, you are facilitating an essential NEED to your client and making a profit on their need instead of supermarkets or chemists. Its literally money for nothing and essential to ever increasing costs of doing business.

I think running a successful team takes time an energy. I don’t think there are many people that put enough of either into this area! I think the three keys are incredible leadership, communication, and venerability (unfortunately I think these are 3 of the 4 key areas that are lacking in our industry). I don’t mean to trigger anyone this comment however I have come to realise leadership is something that is learnt and earned, some people are more natural than others, but I think most take being an owner or “boss” for granted and its simply means paying wages and doing rosters. Another thing I have observed is that hairdressers are great conversationalists but not always great communicators when trying to get their point across or negotiating. Venerability is a hard one

because it means dropping your ego. By this I don’t mean arrogance I mean the deep-seated defence mechanism that protects the artist within and rears up when it is questioned. The best leaders I know, acknowledge that they are a leader, they work on themselves, understand there is more than one leadership style and when to employ each one for each situation. They have high EQ and employ empathy in every situation but also know how to communicate their point of view or decision assertively and with great communication.

What are your philosophies around education and staff development?

To me education is the key that will get us out of the current situation we are in! This is the 4th area that I think we are most lacking in, really good education system and educators. When I say this, I don’t just mean great technical education because that is around, what I think we need is more education around business (the nuts and bolts - numbers, profit, and loss etc), culture (leadership, understanding people and motivations) and how to be a proper educator (How to teach people in a way they understand)

For the last few years, I have spent a disproportionate amount of time learning about human psychology, how people learn, how they communicate and how to teach people better. This includes coaching sessions on presentation and facilitation and voice coaching, on top of a serious debrief after every session I teach on what I did well, what can I improve on and what did I learn.

I have been listening to many podcasts recently

which have been bringing up the same idea of career progression and areas of excellence. Let’s think about a lawyer for instance, they go to uni, get a job, excel at what they do, make lots of money for the firm and then get tapped on the shoulder to move up the ladder, however they were really great at litigation not so good at managing and leading a team so all of a sudden, their billables go down, turnover decreases because they are spending all their time and energy doing something they aren’t necessarily good at. Then they are more stressed and don’t have the skills to lead so all of a sudden, the whole team isn’t preforming, and the gun lawyer is burnt out and either leaves or gets fired.

Sound familiar? How often does that happen in our world, you have a staff member that is the best haircutter/colourist in the salon so you make them the trainer and or manager and all of a sudden, they have to action a heap of responsibilities that they aren’t qualified for or might not want to do but it’s the only way to justify higher pay or career progression. I think we should look at just paying people more to do the things they are really good at and identify the leaders and invest in training them to do the job really well!

I am working on a salon mentoring program that does that, trains the trainer around how to teach and facilitate well, understand different peoples learning styles and work on communication and leadership skills. Then we co-facilitate a few sessions together with the intention for them to do it all themselves really well with a whole new tool kit of skills.

What’s the most valuable lesson you have learned along your journey?

The most valuable lesson I have learnt in on my incredible journey is to find and pick your mentors well, when you do, align with them, give them just as much as you get if not more and really absorb everything you can from them! They don’t have to be the best technical operator but someone who will invest in your growth and progression and someone who understands you and communicates with you incredibly!

What have been some of the best decisions you have made in business?

The best thing I did for my business in the last few years was outsource and get great coaches and mentors. First was get a great accountant and definitely get Xero, I’m a self-confessed xerophile! I am so fortunate to have two particularly amazing coaches in my life Richard Kavanagh who I have a monthly call with where we cover presentations skills, education, and business, the other is Glenn Ruddle CEO of The ANTI Collective, his wealth of business knowledge and the industry is paramount and has literally taken my business to where it is!

The last essential to my business is Hayley and Stasa from Six Underground Media, they have brought all my branding, design and marketing to life and develop, curate, and schedule my social media (This is my biggest pain point but biggest need)!

If you had the power to change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

If I could only choose one, it would be culture!

If I could choose four it would be better leadership, communication, education, and culture.

Culture is such a broad concept, but I want to change the culture in salon, in the industry and in the individual!

I am using the power of community, connection, and collaboration to create the change in the hair industry to destroy competition between salons and stylists.

To be the conduit between salon owners and stylists to create good communication channels and help establish clear motivations, mutual needs, and healthy boundaries.

I plan to do this is through my role as an educator, instead of teaching finite rules and techniques I have realised my role as an educator is to rehabilitate stylists in their own confidence, mind set and creativity and to help retrain business owners and salon trainers to rethink training, business practice and culture. Allowing and giving stylists the “permission” to be themselves, harness their own problemsolving skills and trusting their intuition and creativity. Building a stylists self-esteem so that they understand a great hairdresser isn’t someone who holds a section of hair like Vidal Sassoon but someone who makes their client feel great about themselves, who their clients are happy to spend their hard-earned money with and who are booked up and happy!

What is your mission, or what have you set out to achieve in your career?

The last 12-24 months have been the biggest periods of growth and maturity for me in my whole life and through this work I have constantly developed and refined my life’s purpose which I now have nailed down to two things and two conversations.

To be the best father and family man I can and to positively impact the hair industry!

I want to model and embody these two things and actively work on them!

I want to change two conversations we all hear at BBQ’s:

1. “Oh, you’re just a hairdresser” Like we are second rate citizens

2. I used to be a hairdresser for 2 weeks and it was the worst experience of my life and I still have PTSD from how I was treated!

What is on the horizon for yourself?

There are many things on the horizon for me but I’m actually in the process of taking a step back, taking stock of what I’m doing, doing a helicopter review (Where you look at your business from 15000ft) of what I do in my business, where I make my money and trying to consolidate it all and focus my attention more to the things that bring me most joy and most profit! I’m reading a book at the moment called “The One Thing” and I’m sure if you’ve read this far you will understand focusing on one thing is not my strong suit, but I am working on discipline.

I want to build financial freedom for myself and my family! I think because of Australia’s tall poppy syndrome we demonise success and money. I don’t plan to be “rich” I want to not have to worry about money and give all the opportunities I can to my kids so why not live in purpose, do exactly what I want, create the change I want to see and profit from doing it! I think this conversation needs to happen more often!

My immediate goals for 2023 though are to get into the FAME team, win one or both Educator of the year awards and book as many gigs as I can to impact as many people as possible and create the change I want to see!

“I AM 100% COMMITTED TO RAISING THE PROFILE OF HAIRDRESSING AND BELIEVE THIS WILL COME THROUGH THE POWER OF COMMUNITY !”

Individual, natural, beautiful, your way.

Stephanie Ann Mason, developed an interest in the fashion and beauty industry at an early age through her professional modelling career and exposure to her family’s business of over 35 years in the creative world of wig manufacturing and importing.

Known for her unique ability to thrive under pressure, Stephanie spent the next few years travelling across Australia to build the business one salon relationship at a time, with hard work paying off, exhibiting at Sydney’s Hair Expo in 2010, and within just a few years, she was leading a thriving, million-dollar business.

All Showpony Hair Extensions are made from 100% ethically sourced human hair. “We have chosen a blend of Indian and European hair,” says Stephanie, “as Indian hair supplies strength and European hair adds to the softness of our blends.”

The brand has seen immense growth since launching in 2009 and is found in salons across the UK, Europe, the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

Key personnel

Joining Stephanie in recent years are two power house women, known and respected in the industry and adding extensive knowledge across educ ation and business development.

Ann-Maree Mason, General Manager:

With over 20+ years of multi-faceted experience within the hair and beauty industry working for a multitude of globally recognised market-leading brands, Ann-Maree works closely with Stephanie and the entire Showpony team to support the connection between our innovative products, creating service opportunities for our network of amazing salons and end users, and ensuring that the brand’s strategic priorities remain steadfast.

Nadine Johns-Alcock, Global Head of Education: Recognised for developing impactful, exciting, and effective training programs across a diverse range of businesses and backed by her own experience as a successful salon owner, Nadine brings a wealth of knowledge to the team with a unique ability to apply an allencompassing view of the industry and its needs to her education programs.

Showpony continues to partner with carefully selected distribution and salon channels around the globe, with continued expansion plans in motion and while currently based overseas, Hair Biz caught up with Stephanie to chat about Showpony’s ongoing mission to supply high-quality hair extensions, superior product quality, education and excellent customer service to trade and consumers.

Stephanie, how has the world of hair extensions changed in the last ten years?

Hair extensions are no longer just about length and volume. It is clear to see that hair extensions are going through a massive growth phase, which is why we want to work closely with our salon partners to make hair extensions a success for their businesses too. There is a growing demand for quality human hair extensions and wigs across the globe. Showpony’s innovative products combined with talented stylists turn the Showpony products into services; filling gaps, creating fullness in finer hair and shorter styles, indulging in non-committal colour, and fixing a bad haircut, the possibilities are beautiful and endless!

With a range of methods to suit all hair types, hair extensions are now popular among clients of all ages and lengths. The market continues to grow with the importance of online and offline presence. Women of all

ages are searching for a solution for fine or thinning hair, solutions are needed for people suffering hair loss due to illness, consumers are looking for chemical-free hair solutions and are time-poor, having little or no time to sit in a salon chair for a colour for 3 hours.

What is the Showpony point of difference?

Showpony offers a range of premium hair extensions using the highest quality hair. We are the world’s first eco-friendly and sustainably packaged hair extension company globally, eliminating individual use of plastics, being conscious of our impact on the environment and always looking for new ways to improve as a collective effort. Showpony only use safe hair extensions and application methods, encouraging hair growth through high-quality salon education. Our online and in-person education is available globally for salons, hairdressers, and consumers and we have a unique 6 step ‘world leader quality assurance program’ to maintain consistency in quality and results.

The dynamic team behind Showpony, including industry leaders, qualified hairstylists, and professionals in their field, share their passion for the industry. We all love to connect with our customers on a more personal level, listening to their in-salon challenges, and innovating products to specifically meet their needs and drive the industry forward.

How does the company support salons?

At Showpony, we believe in the transformative power of education, which is why we have developed a range of education programs designed to enhance the expertise of stylists and salon owners around the world. Our current education offerings are forward-thinking, with digital sessions, on-demand webinars, online courses, and in-salon training to suit all schedules and capabilities. From basic applications and cutting techniques to session styling and creating runway-worthy trends, you will have access to our educators’ endless, transformative ideas.

What opportunities are there for salons in terms of partnering with the brand?

Having a premium product in their salon, leading to satisfied and returning customers goes without saying, but more importantly we are committed to help salons grow their own business, offering new services, repeat customers, instant length and colour in as little as 15 minutes. Discounts and exclusive offers, first access to new products, knowledgeable customer service support, marketing and events support and collateral are all part of the package.

Price point, how do you compare?

Our products are priced to align with the premium quality our customers receive, along with product consistency, world-class education, marketing support, a global community of salon partners and opportunities, premium customer service support, and reusable hair extensions with a focus on reducing our global footprint along with an ethical focus in everything we do.

Can you expand on the importance of collaborations?

Absolutely! We collaborate with creative salon partners so that we can showcase their beautiful work and the latest trends and how it was achieved using our professional hair extension methods. Also with loyal influencers who align with our core values and vision to demonstrate how temporary methods can be applied with ease at home.

The new collection graces the cover of HAIRBIZ, can you tell us a little about this came about.

In our most recent campaign called YOU, being released this month, we worked with internationally recognised fashion photographer Ezra Patchett. We decided to work with Ezra for his ability to capture authentic and truthful emotions delivered through his images. The direction of this campaign is different to anything we’ve ever done before. Shot in the beautiful seaside streets of Barcelona, the campaign aims to showcase hair extensions in a new way, creating beautiful, effortless, natural looks. You wouldn’t guess that the models are wearing hair extensions, that was the goal.

And whats on the horizon for Showpony?

In the coming months, we have our New 26” lengths in weft and mini micro bead hair extensions – our longest length yet! New colours in 14” tape and skin weft tape hair extensions, including ombres, to create timelessly beautiful, natural-looking hair. New tools and accessories – Tape Extension Removal Tool and Hair Extension Holder to make reapplications a breeze in the salon. We are also launching in new countries across Europe and the US with new global partnership opportunities. We will also continue to expand on our current ranges with new innovative technologies, lengths, colours, professional tools, and accessories, with new education offerings and events.

The new Campaign launch, Be an individual, be natural, be beautiful your way. Launches on November 21

Stay tuned to Showpony socials @showponyhairextensions www.showponyaus.com.au

“My mission as the founder and Global CEO of Showpony is to create a community of master extensionist salons that provide dream results to clients to make them look and feel the best they can feel. We are focused on providing solutions to give people the hair that they never dreamed they had. This is our global mission, and we are looking for salons to partner with us so we can provide this solution to people globally. We are going to have a strong focus on community and how we develop global relationships and education between our network to have united success. There is a lot in the pipeline.” Stephanie Ann Mason

“At Showpony, we believe in the transformative power of education, which is why we have developed a range of education programs designed to enhance the expertise of stylists and salon owners around the world. Our current education offerings are forward-thinking, with digital sessions, on-demand webinars, online courses, and in-salon training to suit all schedules and capabilities. From basic applications and cutting techniques to session styling and creating runway-worthy trends, you will have access to our educators’ endless, transformative ideas.”

Nadine Johns-Alcock, Global Head of Education

“Some of the results I see in the salon can be life-changing. And that, as a hairdresser, is the most amazing feeling. When your clients in the chair can walk out of the salon with the hair that they never, ever dreamed that they could achieve, that’s why we do what we do at Showpony.”

Jake Williams, Master Extensionist

“For me, Showpony is more than just hair extensions. It’s the quality of the hair, it’s the education, and it’s all about building your business within the salon.”

Peter Thomsen, Chelsea Hairdressing

THE BEST OF THE BEST IN AUSTRALIAN HAIR HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR 2022!

Combining opportunities for individuals of all levels as well as categories for salons, specialist businesses, educators and professional products, they provide an exciting snapshot of the impressive quality of the industry. The awards were launched due to industry demand for a platform to highlight business achievement and are judged by an independent panel of judges, media, PR and business specialists.

The AHIA’s Business were proudly sponsored by Timely, Redken, Kitomba, Sustainable Salons, Excellent Edges, Matrix, Schwarzkopf Professional, Goldwell, L’Oreal Professionnel, Revlon Professional, HairBiz, Shortcuts, DNA, The Zing Project, KMS, EVY Professional, Comfortel and Wella

Founder AHIA, Linda Woodhead2022

AUSTRALIAN SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Elysium Hair Brisbane

VIDAL SASSOON HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR: Brendon Mann

2022 AHIA BUSINESS WINNERS

2022 AHIA CARE TREAT AND STYLE PRODUCT AWARDS

Sponsored by HAIRBIZ

BEST IN CARE

Semi di Lino Smooth Shampoo and Mask By Alfaparf Milano

BEST IN TREAT

Hydrating Mask By Arvo Haircare

BEST IN STYLE

Colorful Glow Beyond Anti Fade Serum By Joico

SALON TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Excellent Edges Evie Golding - Rokstar

SALON MANAGER/CO-ORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Wella Professionals Kim Hazelton - Jack Horton Hair

BUSINESS DIRECTOR/OWNER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Kitomba Brodie Tsiknaris - Rokstar

SOLE OPERATOR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by HAIRBIZ Amberley Macpherson

BEST ECO SALON

Sponsored by DNA Organics Little Birdie Hair Co

BEST BUSINESS NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by KMS Mamawest

BEST SALON DESIGN

Sponsored by Comfortel RocaVerde

BEST MARKETING

Sponsored by Shortcuts SJ Establishment

BEST CUSTOMER CARE

Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional Elysium Hair Brisbane

SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Goldwell Jack Horton Hair

BEST IN SALON TRAINING

Sponsored by The Zing Project Co and Pace Salons

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – INDIVIDUAL Sponsored by Redken Dario Cotroneo

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – ORGANISATION Sponsored by HAIRBIZ Total Coaching Academy

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR - PRODUCT OR EQUIPMENT COMPANY Sponsored by HAIRBIZ L’Oréal Professionnel Education Team

BEST BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Sustainable Salons EVY Professional

AUSTRALIAN WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Mocha Group Salon Cosmetics

STATE SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NSW/ACT Sponsored By EVY Professional DiMattia & Co.

STATE SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR QLD Sponsored By Wella Professionals Elysium Hair Brisbane

STATE SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR SA/TAS Sponsored By Timely SJ Establishment

STATE SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR VIC Sponsored By Revlon Professional AMD Hairdressing

STATE SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR WA/NT Sponsored By Matrix George & Ivy Hairdressing

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Sponsored By L’Oréal Professionnel Anthony Gray

VIDAL SASSOON HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Mocha Group Brendon Mann

AUSTRALIAN SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Mocha Group Elysium Hair Brisbane

Facebook: Mocha.Hair.Ausnz Instagram: @mochahairaustralia #ahia2022

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE AUSTRALIAN HAIR BUSINESS INDUSTRY WE PRESENT TO YOU THE WINNERS!

SALON TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Excellent Edges

Evie Golding – Rokstar

Evie’s list of accolades belies her age, and as the reigning AHIA Salon Team Member of the Year 2021, to take out this award for a second year running is a true testament to the impact she has on her local Brisbane hair community. Working in the award-winning salon Rokstar for the last three years under the careful mentorship of Director Brodie Tsiknaris, she has developed a cult-like following among her loyal clientele thanks to the stunning work she produces in the salon. Also a Finalist for AHIA New Creative Talent of the Year for the last two years in a row, he success in the competitive arena looks set to continue. Her list of achievements also includes her work with L’Oréal Professional, Oribe, GHD and Amazing Hair Extensions and she has learnt from some of the best as part of the HOT SHOTS team in 2021 including Dee Parker Attwood, Errol Douglas, Dario Cotroneo, Caterina Di Biase, Lorna Evans and Jayne Wilde to name a few. This Principle Stylist and Art Director is also dedicated to inspiring the next generation with a growing passion for education.

SALON MANAGER/CO-ORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Wella Professionals

Kim Hazelton - Jack Horton Hair Kim Hazelton joined the Jack Horton Hair team in 2021 and was enlisted to customise her new management role by taking advantage of her creative background and innovative approach. A hairdresser for 15 years her focus as a manager is about making sure the team feel safe, nurtured, and supported everyday. Testament to her impact as a leader in boosting team morale and maintaining a harmonious and creative workplace is seen in Jack Horton Hair’s most recent accolades- both AHIA Creative Australian Creative Team of the Year 2022 and AHIA Business Salon Team of the Year 2022. She has also made her mark behind the scenes as Lead Stylist for White Label Noba, the 2019 Miss Universe educator for GHD and various shows for the 2019 Brisbane Fashion Festival and editorial shoot. This talented multi-hyphenate has even been published in the New York Times for her impressive work and is truly a talent both inside and outside of the salon.

BEST ECO SALON

Sponsored by DNA Organics

Little

Birdie Hair Co

Little Birdie Hair Co. have yet again taken the industry benchmarks in sustainability and exceeded them, setting themselves apart as industry leaders for the eco movement. Little Birdie Hair Co is a sustainable hair salon that is proudly vegan-friendly, eco-conscious, low-tox, and carbon-neutral. They are proud pioneers of sustainable practices and their eco policies extend to everything they do. Constructed using recycled and upcycled materials, the salon was carefully designed with long term sustainability and ecological impact in mind, from the way the towels are washed, the hair is recycled, the materials which are used day to day, right through to the way clients are educated around sustainability. With staff who are genuinely passionate about playing their part, eco-awareness is a way of life for this salon, but above all, they also create some of the best hair in Queensland using their eco-friendly products and extensive skills.

BUSINESS DIRECTOR/OWNER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kitomba

Brodie Tsiknaris – Rokstar

Owner of Rokstar in Brisbane’s West End, Brodie works above and beyond to create a safe haven for creatives to flourish and succeed and understands the tricky balance of work and life.

As an award-winning salon owner, national educator, brand ambassador and mentor she has put in the work, made her mark and cemented her reputation with her salon, being one of Queensland’s most awarded, successful and acclaimed salons.

She is dedicated to empowering the entire team with their skills, from apprentice and beyond, with each team member given an individual training plan which is created in consultation with them and based around their professional and personal goals.

She is constantly pushing herself creatively and keeping on top of global trends and techniques so that she can keep the whole team at the forefront of the industry, devouring all sources of social media and using her roles as Ambassador and Mentor for L’Oreal and ghd to bring this back to the team.

She recently became a certified NLP Coach to take her leadership skills to the next level when dealing with all walks of life, has rebranded herself as an artist not to mention realising her goal of being recognised as a leader in the eyes of her team, clients and the industry at large. Obsessed with all thing’s hair and the power of scissors in her hands since the age of 13, Brodie started running her own salon at just 18. Learning as she went through trial and error with intense dedication to personal development, she has brought all of her hairdressing dreams to life, cultivating an award-winning team, impeccable client care and a salon culture to be proud of.

SOLE OPERATOR OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by HAIRBIZ Amberley Macpherson

Formerly of Rubi Hair in Richmond, Amberley created her new venture, Amberley Rose Hair, in 2021 working out of One Maples Lane salon as an independent sole operator. Over the past 12 months she has built up a beautiful community of clients, friends and advocates whilst creating some of the most beautiful hair in Melbourne. Unfortunately, Amberley faced tragedy just days away from the one year anniversary of the new business with the sudden passing of her husband. Testament to her skill and relationships with her community however was being able to take much-needed personal leave and have people lining up to see her when she returned with open arms and beautiful caring smiles and support. This award is just the nest step in her journey.

BEST BUSINESS NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by KMS

Mamawest

Founded by Sheridan Rose Shaw, a hairdresser with more than 16 years industry experience and a niche in creative colour, MAMAWEST is Melbourne’s first EVER collaborative co-working hair salon, which is home to 4 individual women-led businesses. And, where ‘life’s too short for sh!t hair!’ Launching something so dynamic and creative was an ambitious undertaking in any environment, but to successfully launch, then grow in every way during a global pandemic was a true achievement. The demographic is as diverse as the community, with business owners, mums, rebels, people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community making up the bulk of their clientele. The salon is a true expression of Sheridan’s exuberant personality and is painted in vibrant pinks, greens and blues, with beautiful murals featuring bejewelled animals and artwork from local artists. Through radical authenticity and generosity, dedication to inclusivity, a commitment to excellent working conditions, genuine connection to the community and industry, and business practices that have true integrity, MAMAWEST is much more than a local hairdresser.

BEST SALON DESIGN

Sponsored by Comfortel

RocaVerde

Created by Sara Briscoe, Roca Verde Hair Studio is found within The All by RocaVerde- a customised space which exceeds the traditional limits of what a salon can be. It was born from the desire to create an all-inclusive experience for guests in an artisan-inspired venue. It features double-story towering ceiling lines with an oversized roof height of 8m and an incredible 26 skylights and 137 solar panels, allowing an excess of natural light which creates the perfect environment for creating hair magic whilst reducing their footprint. Unique features abound including the stunning arched doorways, three customised ateliers used by beauty experts, the 4m custom concrete table, lounges imported from italy, bespoke artwork and handcrafted tiles. There are also unique furniture pieces including a vintage Isamu Noguchi couch and microcement coffee table with every fine detail carefully considered.

BEST BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored By Sustainable Salons

EVY Professional

Tracey Bazzano Lauretta’s passion for healthy, shiny hair coupled with decades of experience and expertise as a hairdresser and salon owner culminated in the evolution of EVY Professional and a love affair with promoting healthy hair whilst heat styling. Created by stylists for stylists, EVY Professional is a proudly Australian-owned product range that truly understands the pivotal role that hair play, with a good hair day having the power to boost confidence and self-image. Since launching in October 2014, the brand has curated a cult following, carving out a reputation for delivering innovative technology in thermal styling and safe smoothing systems, always listening to the styling needs of clients, salons and consumers and going the extra mile to research and deliver the very best. With current distribution in 13 countries, at the core of the business is the commitment to delivering creativity and excellence to ensure the ultimate in hair health and delivering pure inner hair hydration with no product or tool hitting the market until it is perfect.

AUSTRALIAN WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored

By Mocha Group Salon Cosmetics

SALON COSMETICS began with a desire to bring salon professionals only the very best hair and beauty products. They continue to be inspired by regions all around the world and the team is driven by a desire to not only offer the finest products, but a level of service that goes beyond expectations. A family owned and run business spanning two generations of hair and beauty professionalism they understand that people matter, which is why every member of the team shares the same passion always striving to give expert industry knowledge and exceptional customer service. With both an online store as well as a physical shopfront, the company is truly able to reach nationwide. SALON COSMETICS is also a proud member of the Australian Hairdressing Council.

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – ORGANISATION

Sponsored by HAIRBIZ

Total Coaching Academy

Total Coaching Academy has been in operation for 18 years. Launched by CEO Julie Piantadosi, when she was a successful and eager young hairdressing professional. At the time Julie was a successful hairdressing salon owner, the largest sole trader in Australia with 26 thriving salons. Coaching had always been a dream and aspiration of Julie’s, but her busy business meant this was put to the side. After a near death experience at New York 911, Julie’s perspective on life and business was forever changed. Recognising a gap in the professional hair and beauty market for no-nonsense business coaching, Julie’s newfound career quickly prospered. Fast forward to 2022 and Julie is a published author, CEO, business consultant, speaker and trainer, has taken the stage in over 22 countries and has presented over 800 seminars and workshops around the globe.

Trophy collected by Fabian Fuentes

Trophy collected by Daphne Savage

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – INDIVIDUAL

Sponsored by Redken Dario Cotroneo

Already awarded AHIA Hall of Fame at the AHIA’s Creative earlier in the year, this is yet another accolade with which Dario rounds out 2022. With over 32 years of industry experience, he is the owner of the acclaimed DCI Education and has created hairdressing education for over 26 years. His work is truly his soul passion. Dedicated to continually giving back to the industry, chances are that he is the reason why you left your local salon and loved what you saw. A global multi-award winner, Dario has worked on fashion weeks, worked across magazines and TV, partnered with the most high profile brands in the industry, travelled to over 15 countries to educate and that’s just a few of the highlights. He also still puts his expert skills to work taking bookings at the exclusive Public Salon.

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR - PRODUCT OR EQUIPMENT COMPANY

Sponsored by HAIRBIZ

L’Oréal Professionnel Education Team

L’Oréal Professionnel is a company that supports salons through the distribution of premium hair colouring and hair care products. Their products deliver in their performance whilst embodying the very nature of the brands French heritage. The first professional hair colour, which has continuously focused on technology and delivering the best results in its 113-year history. Products are developed by professionals for professionals, with a goal to inspire hairdressers and encourage creativity. With the tag line “Beauty that moves the world”, they actively promote and embody inclusivity, individuality, sustainability and technology. In education L’Oréal Professionnel have set the benchmark, with a National team of 15 educators, that provides tailored shoulder to shoulder sessions, where the aim is to coach and develop the future talent of the industry. L’Oréal Professionnel also offer a complete range of digital seminars in a variety of formats to cater for the different learning styles of individuals. This variety of education means that LP can reach hairdressers in far remote locations, even during Covid-19 lockdown, maximising engagement with the industry. The purpose of their education is to encourage salon owners and hairdressers to be their best, whilst also enabling businesses acumen, which not only improves the industry intelligence but allows them to further define areas of development in recruiting people into this vibrant and creative industry.

SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Goldwell Jack Horton Hair

Multi-award winning and certified Wella Master Colourist, Jack Horton opened his boutique style salon located in Brisbane inner-city suburb of Albion in June 2014, but 12 months later he relocated to a much larger space catering to the ongoing growth and recognition as one Brisbane’s up and coming colour experts. Jack Horton Hair is now an intimate salon located in Red Hill which specialises in personalised haircutting, and creative colouring - along with a sincere approach to every individual’s hair service. Renowned for their creative nuance, the team have a stellar reputation within the industry and are no strangers to awards having already taken out the creative version of this award- AHIA Creative Team of the Year 2022 earlier this year. These latest awards only seek to further their standing within the hair community.

BEST IN SALON TRAINING

Sponsored

The Zing Project Co and Pace Salons

Owner and Creative Director Justin Pace began Co and Pace Salons back in January 2020, with the Ann Street, Brisbane City site the same premises patronised by clients of Justin’s former salon Papas and Pace. Co and Pace Salons is the fundamental expression of Justin’s three decades’ experience in the hairdressing industry. There is an emphasis on his rigorously educated and trained, practically skilled team delivering personalised and tailored looks using the latest techniques and trends. Education forms the cornerstone of every hairdressing journey and it is from within the salon that the most transformative change can occur. Justin’s unwavering commitment to his team and their career growth continues to position this luxurious salon as a true industry leader.

by

Trophy collected by Sandy Chong

STATE

team have truly discovered the secret to merging sustainability and style with ease.

STATE SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NSW/ACT Sponsored By EVY Professional DiMattia & Co.

Established 18 years ago, DIMATTIA & CO is a uniquely progressive salon and one of the most sought-after destinations for style in the beautiful Clarence Valley. Hidden away from the hub of everyday life, the urban loft style salon was created by Owner and Creative Director Kerrie DiMattia and is no stranger to industry accolades. The salon culture is one of warmth, love and genuine hospitality and this is perfectly reflected in the luxurious décor, relaxed atmosphere and the extremely loyal and dedicated clientele. During the pandemic, the team also created something incredibly innovative with the introduction of the unique pop-up space downstairs from the salon, with an express menu that provides not only flexibility for clients but also provides a space for the most exciting up and coming team members to create stand out looks. This is not just a salon, it’s a culture, a hangout, a family and a creative playground for Grafton’s most passionate hair artists.

Establishment

Owner and Director Sam James and her team are renowned for their experience and extensive accolades it’s no surprise this salon team have already made their mark yet again this year. Designed with the ultimate client journey in mind, whether the time-poor professional, busy mother or cool young fashionista SJ Establishment is a stunning salon and from moment you walk inside, you realise you are in for a special experience. Gone is the old-fashioned check-in desk, instead guests are welcomed into the space immediately to feel part of the fun and relaxed vibe. The salon is ever evolving thanks to the monthly featured artist works lining the walls and features the PIIQ digital mirror technology. The team are industry leaders when it comes to creating trend focused cuts, colours and styles, but also for their business knowhow, taking out AHIA Best Marketing and SA/TAS State salon of the year 2022.

STATE SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR VIC

Sponsored By Revlon Professional

AMD Hairdressing

AMD Hairdressing is more than just a salon, it is a space where any human is welcome and where they can feel completely at ease while the team of 10 work their magic. The phenomenal customer service process is second to none and is designed to deliver a 5-star experience, beginning with a warm welcome and continued with an incredible level of care. Not only were they the first ever Sustainable Salon in Geelong, but they are now 100% waste free. They believe in building a better future for the industry, the planet and the community so also support charities close to their hearts. They are proud to have donated to Geelong Soroptomists who support domestic violence victims, hosted social media influencer @thattazbloke supporting The World’s Greatest Shave, donated to Healthy Minds Geelong supporting mental health as well as Miracle Babies Foundation to raise money for premature babies.

SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR SA/TAS Sponsored By Timely & BEST MARKETING Sponsored by Shortcuts SJ

AUSTRALIAN SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored By Mocha Group AND STATE SALON BUSINESS

Sponsored By Wella Professionals AND BEST CUSTOMER CARE

OF THE YEAR QLD

Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional Elysium Hair Brisbane

Kate and Oscar Henderson created the Elysium Hair Brisbane brand after purchasing an old salon back in 2008 and now manage a thriving hair hub. A highly successful hair salon with 13 team members, the stunning space features 24 hair stations, a dedicated consultation area, eight private electric reclining basin lounges, retail zone, toolbar, customer kitchen and large dispensary. The team also blend passion and purpose in doing good for people and the planet by recycling up to 98% of all salon waste as a member of Sustainable Salons Australia. They have firmly positioned themselves as industry leaders in minimising carbon footprint through waste reduction, recycling, reduced energy consumption and green purchasing. The team were AHIA Best Customer Care 2022 and it isn’t hard to see why, with the delicious snacks, glasses of bubbles, sensory experiences and personalised rituals available for all clients. Also taking out the best state salon award for Queensland, and then the biggest award of the night- AHIA Australian Salon of the Year 2022

BRENDON MANN AND ANTHONY GRAY HONOURED AT THE 2022 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS 2022

As well as all of the pomp and ceremony guests have become accustomed to at any of the mocha group events, two very special highlights of the AHIA gala night held recently was the presentation of the Special Recognition Award and the Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian Awards for 2022

AHIA Special Recognition Award 2022 - Anthony Gray, MIG Training. Sponsored by L’Oreal Professional Anthony is renowned across the global hair industry for his dedication to the power of education. As Managing Director of MIG Training, he has played a key role in the graduations of over 3000 hairdressers and barbers. MIG work with over 300 salons and barbershops across Queensland and help them to grow teams of highly productive stylists and barbers. He is also the Education and Training Board Director of The Australian Hairdressing Council, guiding the country towards innovative and effective education. A specialist education writer for leading industry he has been featured across Instyle, HairBiz, Barber Shop and Style Icons and is consistently called upon to comment on the nature of the industry.

AHIA Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year 2022 - Brendon Mann, Epic Hair Designs.

Sponsored by mocha group After having a hairdressing client who lost her live as a victim of domestic violence, acclaimed salon group owner, Brendon made it his mission to make a difference. He has since worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for women and children, raising awareness and much needed funds for Women’s Legal Service Queensland. The owner of 16 successful salons throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast, he has facilitated charity galas, fundraising walks, and designer donations, raising literally hundreds of thousands of dollars from Share the Dignity, where staff and clients donate #ItsInTheBag collections, providing dignity to homeless as well as support the Carers Foundation Australia which provide unique wellness programs to support the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of unpaid carers of the community. Most recently he took to the stage at Brisbane’s City Hall in front of a glittering 1100 audience to support the prevention of domestic violence, battling it out against nine other business leaders for the 2022 Dancing CEOs competition, raising a record-breaking $242,000.

ELLE COCO

Elle Coco started her hairdressing career in December 2011 at her mother’s salon in central Queensland called HotHeads on Eclipse, in a small town called Springsure. Even though her career started in the small town, she was given so many amazing opportunities and education.

Within the first month of her apprenticeship, she was flown to Las Vegas to the Redken Symposium, sat in crowd of 20,000 hairdressers from around the world and visited the Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica in LA and San Francisco. It ignited her fire and passion for the industry and for education, and being able to educate, inspire, entertain, and create art, all at the same time, resonated with her deeply. Prior to starting her hairdressing career, she was studying a Bachelor of Creative Art majoring in theatre, minoring in multimedia with the ambitions of pursuing an acting/circus career and training in her spare time in aerial acrobatics and fire twirling! “Let’s just say there was a time I ran away with the circus so to speak”, she says.

Elle has been a part of the 2021 Wella Fashion Week Team, Assisted Sophia Hilton, and Harriet Stokes on their tour of Australia for Not Another Salon in 2019 and in 2020, and now just short of 11 years later she is a Director Stylist at Jack Horton Hair, QLD finalist for the Matrix collective colour competition, 2023 Fame Team Finalist, 2022 AHIA New Creative Talent of the year and 2022 Hotshots Team member!

Let’s find out more…

What made you want to be a hairdresser?

I remember always nagging my mum before I started my career if I got go to hair expo or any other hair events that were happening and she would say no because I wasn’t a hairdresser. One day after relentless nagging she finally let me, and it was the Chromatics Launch in Brisbane at the Light Space in Fortitude Valley. Needless to say, it was fabulous! I remember watching Kristina Russell presenting her model on the runway and we had an amazing chat about the industry that evening, and I remember thinking I want to do that, I want to educate, create art, inspire, and entertain all at the same time and I loved hair.

What kind of hair work is your favourite and why?

I find this a really hard question to answer because I loved every aspect and kind of hairwork, I always have! And I have always strived for excellence in everything I do, and I love it all! Behind the chair I love being on the whole journey with my guests, but I do also love collaborating with other stylists too!

How do you manage life and work balance?

I am big on scheduling and routine, I have nonnegotiable selfcare days scheduled throughout my calendar now and my morning routine of either FaceTime or Pilates with my bestie and a coffee is sacred to me. but I am still learning on how to balance them both, it’s definitely a juggling act! But when you are so passionate and love what you do, it’s hard!

Who inspires you in the creative field of hairdressing and why?

Gosh I have such a long list! There are so many people I admire in the creative field, At the moment I am feeling very inspired by Angelo Seminara, Jose Garcia, BeniTez, and Errol Douglas. There are so many layers to their work from a creative and technical aspect that inspires me, and I am bit obsessed with how an artist conceptualises their work… it fascinates me.

If you could spend a day with anyone from a business or lifestyle mentorship perspective, who would it be and why?

Hands down! Jen Atkins! from the very beginning and before my career I have always admired her and her career, She is a boss! for multiple reasons and after reading her book “blowing my way to the top” Her work ethic and drive is really admirable, She is driven! passionate, self-made and has worked hard to be the international celebrated stylist and entrepreneur that she is.

How important are competitions and awards to you?

They are extremely important to me; they are our creative outlet to really push the boundaries of what we do on a day-to-day basis and express ourselves and our skills as Hair artists!

Like other Artists using different mediums we get the opportunity to create something beautiful, inspiring, and emotive. I can’t begin to tell you the personal growth that is also intwined with the creative process. But I love that we also get to celebrate our industry all at the same time.

Can you tell us a little about what you are most looking forward to being a member of the Hot Shots team?

I’m looking forward to the growth! personal and professional. I don’t know how/what that looks like or what to expect and I find that really exciting. Spending time with the other hotshot members and creating meaningful connections with them. I also can’t wait for Louise’s iconic Spaghetti! I keep hearing about how amazing it is!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Being a Global creative director leading a creative team, working with fashion and other creative industries, Educating and mentoring, Entrepreneur, creating collections and of course still being behind the chair. I have always been told to dream big, aim for the moon and land on the stars.

FUN SNAPSHOT:

Worst fashion moment My emo phase in my teens... I used to wear Emily Strange and Spikes you name it.

Worst Hair day Having a I guess what you would describe a skunk tail mohawk for a while during my apprenticeship

Fave Destination Paris or Barcelona Fave Drink Cognac Blazer or Iced latte with macadamia milk

If you weren’t a hairdresser, you would be a… A video editor or content creator.

THE DISCO Coming of Age at

After 10 years in business, owner, Mikey Forster and the team couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate such a milestone than with a beautiful fresh space. The new Disco Salon is an evolution of the brand; a ‘coming of age’; The new brand identity and name change has been designed to complement, and in some ways, take a back seat to the salon artistry that they are known for.

The new font type and logo emulates the salon design - refined with soothing curvatures and striking geometries. Sophisticated and modern, The Disco is almost like a polished, grownup version of Horse Meat Disco Salon, yet still maintains its roots and familiarity for their clients and team and recently celebrated finalist status at the 2022 Australian Hair Industry Awards for Best Salon Design!

Hair Biz Editor, Louise May , caught up with The Disco owner & founder, Mikey Forster, to chat about the industry, the new refurb, and his philosophies around building a strong brand and salon culture.

Tell us a little about your career prior to opening your salon.

I had been working in the industry for 8 years at the same salon I started my apprenticeship in. I knew at some point in my hairdressing career owning a salon would be my next goal. I had entered local competitions in the past and had done

well, but this time I entered a national competition and I won ‘People’s choice of the Year’. I knew at that moment it was time to change. I had the support of some of my clients and I have financial support from my family, so I started looking around for vacant shops.

Was business ownership always a priority for you?

I believe for me it was the next step in my career. I had never imagined or planned to have a salon this size, the growth happened organically. I always thought that as long as I made enough money to pay the bills , initially, that would be amazing. After 10 years I now have a salon with 14 stations and employ 11 people.

Share with us some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the journey and how you overcame these. Staff 100% of the time lol No one told me that staff would be the biggest challenge. Business I think is relatively easy, but dealing with so many personalities in a creative environment can be challenging.

I have been working with my business coach, Faye Murray, for 6 years and she has helped me so much. I owe a lot of my success to Faye; she is an absolute icon! Love her

Who were your industry heroes in your early years and who inspires you today?

In the early days of my career, it was pre social media, so I got all my Inspo for my team I worked with and from industry magazines. People like Renya Xydis, Marie Uva and Joey Scandizzo have alI always been inspiration for me. And I can’t forget about all of the books, and DVD’s I studied from Vidal Sassoon. These days, Renya Xydis, Monique McMahon, Lyndal Salmon, Jack Morton, Lauren McCowan, Mark Lesson, Keiran Street, Lo Wheeler.

You have recently rebranded and had an amazing refurb! what inspired you to rebrand and talk us through your stunning new salon fit out. It’s next level! Thank you so much! The rebrand came about while we were working with our architect. We had our mood boards and inspirations and when I was imagining what the new space was going to be like, I just didn’t feel like ‘Horse Meat Disco Salon’ suited the new space. I like to think of it as the brand growing up and evolving. Jared Webb (@j.ar.office) was great to work with. He hadn’t designed a salon before, so it was so nice to work with someone with a different way of thinking of how salons need to look. Essentially, I said I want a basin retreat area separate to the main room, 14 stations including a colour processing table, a staff room and laundry and a lovely waiting area. I also

wanted everything to have a ‘home’, so nothing is out of place, and everything is seamless and tidy. Jared has done an incredible job at bringing our vision to life.

What would you say are the core values or philosophies which define your business and leadership style?

Respect, communication, fun, knowledge, and care. All of these things are so important to our culture at The Disco and when all of these core values are followed, it leads to a fabulous time in salon. The team get on, the clients can feel the great energy. It’s a big vibe.

in the future. I like to know how I can help them grow and what we need to do to get them there.

What are your secrets to juggling the demands of running a busy salon and large team?

Always communication. If there is open communication, I generally find that there is less issues. Once communication slows, the culture and vibe starts going downhill. I’m lucky to have a great leadership team who help me stay on top of this, especially when I’m out of the salon travelling for work or unable to be there in person.

What has been your greatest lesson or piece of advice along your business journey?

Business is hard, but it’s also fabulous! There’s highs and lows. There’s happy and sad. I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Education has always been paramount at The Disco since day one. Without knowledge and education, it’s the beginning of the end. The Disco is able to offer all education to the team for free, we pay for it all. I do this because these are opportunities I would want as an employee.

I know I won’t have all team members for ever, but while I do have them, I want them to be amazing! Not just good stylists.

When hiring I look for personality and assess whether I think they will fit in with the team.

I don’t usually hire on skill. Skill can be taught (if the stylist is willing), personality can’t be taught.

All team members are giving all opportunities, and I like to know what their personal goals are

What advice would you give others who dream of building an impactful brand?

Go for it!! It will be the best decision of your life. If you have the drive and skill to run your own business, it’s the perfect place to start. I have so much support around me from my beautiful husband Jonathon, my family, friends, and very loyal clients. It’s been a dream and I can’t wait to see where The Disco goes next.

What’s on the agenda for the future?

I want to travel more with work. I want to work internationally and be recognised on a global scale. This will take time. It will be hard work. But I’m so ready for it!!

Share with us your philosophies around staff selection and development. How do you find, keep, and grow high performing staff?

Milan FW

NADER AND PALAU

At the recent Milan Fashion Week, Anthony was backstage working with hair director and industry legend Guido Palau on three of the most iconic Italian fashion brands; Versace, Fendi and Dolce Gabbana!

We caught up with Anthony all the way from the very beautiful Milan, Italy.

What hair looks are trending based on Milan Fashion week?

The trend was keeping your hair not as overworked and more undone. Let your hair move, and let it have its time this season. A lot of the shows I saw all had the same vibe. Bottega Veneta, Benetton, Ferragamo and Sportsmax, for example

What were the hero looks you created for Milan Fashion Week?

I felt that the hair for the Fendi show related perfectly with our Aussie culture in many ways, especially us Sydneysiders. Hair had a slight and sometimes irregular bend to it, and the finer detail of hair really hugged around the forehead and framed the face. Using a flat iron or fat curling iron just on the mid-lengths was key, and the top was kept flatter but not stuck to the head.

Versace hair always has that strong presence of shine and health. If models needed a weft or two of extra hair, that was the key to making the girls’ hair look fuller and with a centre part placed in. Some models also had a very tight upstyle with a twist on the crown with again a centre part. I really loved this show as it was quite gothic and rock and roll but the Versace way, of course.

With 86 models – but who’s counting? – all girls for Dolce & Gabbana had hair tweaked to some degree to look like that authentic Italian iconic style that the duo designers are known for. I loved that this show bought together every different culture and hair type and hair length on the planet, so to speak, and how you can wear that texture for SS23. Dolce is sensual and strong, which is wonderful.

What was the overall vibe with hair at Milan Fashion Week?

I feel a lot of the looks out of many of the shows in Milan weren’t over-stylised and coiffed, if you will. Hair texture was kept more underplayed and low-key, which I enjoyed because, as hairdressers, it’s always tricky to find that right happy medium of refining a client or model’s hair without having

hair strands look overworked with a tonne of hair product. The Spring/Summer ‘23 shows really were about embracing your natural texture, so if hair is wavy, then fine-tune strands with a moisture cream and let them have their time. Hair has an innocence this season.

What was the experience like of styling Milan Fashion Week?

It’s always fun. In saying this, though, it’s hard work to get a place on the shows with such a brilliant hair genius like Guido. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on his team in previous years. I think that when you work backstage in Milan or Paris, everything is magnified by a thousand. The venues are breath taking, the models are the best in the world and, of course, the fashion designers are the dream. It’s what hairdressers dream of. Working on shows to me is something I’ve done for at least 20 years, and still, to this day, I get butterflies each time I walk backstage. I’m still learning on every show, and I’ve been hairdressing for 30 years.

Out of all the Fashion Weeks you have done around the globe, what has been your most favourite?

The Marc Jacobs shows in New York. It’s always the last show of the season and the production of the show is so cool as only Marc can do. It’s every Hair and Makeup artists dream to be working backstage on this show.

Not only has Anthony Nader firmly made his mark in the industry in Australia as one of the most in-demand, admired and successful hairstylists, but he has also made a global impact.

Station

Styling Chair

Create a beautiful and artistic statement with the transparent accent Erica Clear Styling Chair With its intricate curved design and modern shape, you'll fall in love with the Erica Clear The transparency of the Erica Clear

Erica Clear Styling Chair

Como Shampoo Unit

Luca Styling

Palette

EDUCATION TAKES A COMMUNITY

By Anthony Gray, MIG Training

Each of the award recipients and presenters were impassioned in their call for a commitment to the training and nurturing of our apprentices and new stylist entering the industry. What also stood out was how our hairdressing community, on the industry night of nights is supported by an incredible array of companies and suppliers. Through their significant investment in sponsorship and the education platforms developed to support their brands, these companies help salons and individual stylists to grow and access a level of education that is world class.

As an educator working is the apprenticeship education space these standout messages highlight the opportunity that exists for educators across all parts of the industry to collaborate and provide the very best education experience possible for apprentices and the salons, they work within. All too often the apprenticeship training is delivered by the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) while at the same time the apprentice and salon team are receiving extensive training from suppliers and independent educators. The outcome can be like ships in the night or to coin another phrase, the left hand not always know what the right hand is doing. And as such the risks are twofold.

Firstly, supplier or independent education that is not provided at the right time in the apprentice’s development can lead to confusion and the apprentice feeling out of their depth.

Secondly RTO training that does not take account of the education received from suppliers and independent educators can result in frustration from the apprentice and salon over wasted time and the relevance of the training delivered.

The good news though is that through

collaboration and communication not only can these risks be averted but a formidable education and training program can be developed to support the apprentice journey to becoming a qualified, competent stylist.

The key building block to allow this to happen is to develop an in-salon training plan. And more specifically the in-salon training plan needs to cover three components.

1. A timeline for in-salon skills development over the duration of the apprenticeship.

2. Aligning the formal training delivered by the RTO with the in -salon skills development

3. Scheduling expert and supplier education into the skills development timeline to complement and support both the in-salon education and the formal training provided by the RTO.

Sounds good in theory I know, but what does that look like in practice?

An example that is highly relatable is that of colour education. An in-salon skills plan created by the salon may include the following timeline:

6 - 12 months: Basic Colour and Toning 12-24 months: Intermediate Colour 24 – 36 months: Advanced Colour

Once a timeline has been established, the individual skills sets can be matched to the units delivered by the RTO as part of the Certificate III in Hairdressing. For example,

working through the units, Shampoo and Basin Services and Colour and Lighten Hair at the same time as the Basic Colour and Intermediate Colour Skills set are being developed in-salon.

The final step is then to work with your supplier to coordinate the technical training so that the colour education delivered by the supplier is undertaken at a time that supports the training that has already been delivered in salon and is in line with the formal training that is being provided by the RTO. It is also important to ensure that the technical level of the training undertaken matches where the apprentice is at in their in-salon skills development timeline.

When all these stars align the outcome can be startling. The apprentice has a structured timeline where in-salon mentors build real skills on the salon floor. Skills are then developed in line with the formal training and assessment undertaken by the RTO. These skills are backed up by contemporary technical training which builds confidence and proficiency. But above all else a timeline that aligns all parties provides a tangible guide to progress, building in reward and recognition as skills develop. Skills that are developed in-salon and through supplier education are recognised both in-salon and with progression through units of competency from the training package.

The coming together of the community to celebrate our industry at the AHIA’s brings into sharp focus what it takes a community to develop and grow the future of Hairdressing. A shared sense of purpose coupled with a plan, coordinated by the salon provides an amazing opportunity to retain and develop our future workforce.

Still basking in the collective glow of the industry coming together to celebrate all things business at the 2022 Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA) the one thing that stood out was the constant reference throughout all of the acceptance speeches to education.

SALON HAIR CARE

Taking Care of Business

Salon Hair Care is a South Australian “3 generations” family owned and operated hair and beauty wholesaler that’s been serving salons for 44 years, since it first opened in 1978.

The business extends across metropolitan Adelaide with 5 stores located in Edwardstown, Holden Hill, Reynella, Salisbury Plain and Welland.

At Salon Hair Care headquarters, in the Edwardstown warehouse, they also house studios for extensive education programs and training and in our fast-paced hairdressing world where evolution is constant, they offer an innovative education program designed for you to be ahead of the trends. They stand firm that education is the primary key to business success.

Salon Hair Care have formulated a progressive curriculum to give you the competitive edge and to be a leader in the industry. With tailored education programs for beginners through to advanced industry professionals, and courses designed to integrate new skills with new technology, new techniques, and new products.

recently chatted with owner Michael Harris wholesale business.

Was business ownership always a priority for you?

It was something that evolved naturally for us, it felt like the right move. We started first as a manufacturer and took over an existing wholesaler, and here we are all these years later, continuing to evolve.

What inspired you to build a Salon Hair Care wholesale business?

My father, Paul Harris was a hairdresser, trade school teacher and owned a chain of salons in the 60’s and 70’s, so I think I grew up with a role model that really showed me to push the limits and create something new so to speak. So, when the opportunity came up, I realised there seemed to be a gap in the market, there weren’t many of us [wholesalers] around at the time, so I was excited about what we could create.

What do you feel is so unique about the Salon Hair Care concept?

I’d say our extensive range of products. With over 15,000 products, we really do believe we have the right product for every

What is your preferred product range

We stock a fantastic range and have built great relationships with our suppliers over

all these years. We can’t look past M&U for their extensive range of products.

Out of all the brands you have seen come and go, which brand has stood the test of time and why?

When selecting brands to stock, we look for products that provide longevity, therefore allowing us to provide a product to salons consistently. HI Lift would be a standout in that regard, offering consistency in the products they stock at a great price.

From bleach and colour to retail and sundries, Hi Lift really covers all bases. The new release shampoo, conditioner and styling ranges are an exciting addition.

What has been your greatest lesson or piece of advice along your business journey?

Don’t give anyone a reason to shop anywhere else!

What’s on the agenda for the future?

To continue to provide exceptional customer service is always at the forefront of our minds. We believe that education is the key to success, and our education program is going from strength to strength. Our 2023 program is going to be bigger and better than ever.

Our Cash & Carry store located at Reynella will be making an exciting move to a bigger location, so stay tuned for that one!

Hair Biz Editor

Michael Harris

With a gorgeous new range of fast-acting NG and NV shades delivering luscious, natural gold and natural violet tones with the same predictable results you’ve come to love from the LumiShine collection, and now with the speed of JOICO LUMI10, you can slide last- minute clients into your schedule with ease! Cover grey on the fly, amp up your creativity, and maximise your productivity.

JOICO LUMI10 Permanent hair colour develops in just 10 minutes, with 100% grey coverage in a fraction of the time of traditional permanent colour. Reduces breakage and restrengthens hair, leaving strands soft and luminous. Ideal when you want to fit more clients into your daily schedule, and you and your client want to minimise person-to-person contact from time spent in the chair.

Creating cool, smouldering, smoky looks, and controlling unwanted brassy tones with the NV series. Nailing those natural golden-blonde and brunette tones with the NG series.

Perfect for when you want the results of a traditional root touch-up in a speedy service, and for when you’re looking for a fast colour option so you can still accommodate those late-arriving clients or unexpected walk-ins!

We chat with Kerrie DiMattia from Di Mattia & Co about her thoughts on JOICO LUMI10 and how it’s been a gamechanger for her business.

Why did you choose JOICO LUMI10?

We have always had Joico Vero K-PAK Color in salon, but it was the arrival of JOICO LUMI10 that really made us sit up and take notice and consider changing lanes into the full Lumishine range. We were experimenting with putting together an express menu at the time JOICO LUMI10 was launched, grey coverage in just 10 minutes was a game changer for our time poor clients and it was the perfect fit for what we were trying to achieve.

What do you love the most about the JOICO LUMI10 Range and why?

There are so many things we love, Its Predictable and reliable which is so important to us, its Pre blended, the shades are beautiful, it has a liquid Demi DD cream + Demi Gloss which has been on our wish list for a while now and as I mentioned above, the JOICO LUMI10 range for grey coverage in 10 minutes, time is money and being able to have a client in your chair for less than an hour from application, to leaving fully blowdried, has given our salon the edge with time poor clients who just love being able to get their roots done in their lunch break!!

How is Lumi Colour different to others in the current professional market?

For us it’s all about the Healthy hair journey, the technology behind Lumishine is next level, and it’s evident in the end results, the look, the feel, the shine, the strength and the coverage, it’s all there in one brilliant package!

What is your favourite trending hue right now?

We love the NWB and NW tones in Lumishine, across the range from grey coverage to sheer gloss they are just beautiful and have a natural multifaceted glow that is hard to describe but that just works on any skin tone, any client, of any age. They are our go to!

time and although it has higher price point as a service, they are so grateful for the time they are saving they are happy to pay more.

They also say IT SMELLS AMAZING! There is no caustic odour, it has a fresh fragrance and actually smells like subtle essential oils.

Why do you feel the partnership with Joico is such a good fit?

Joico has been part of my life for since I had my first salon in Sydney in 1988, I know it and I trust it.

The support is fantastic, the Home Care is incredible, and my team totally believe in it which shows in our retail sales.

But more importantly the salon industry and how we operate has changed over the past few years, our clients are looking for flexibility and choice from us as their salon and we are looking for the same from our brand partners. The team at Sabre Haircare get that we like to give our clients and our team options and carry a few other brands, and they are fully on board and supportive. They get that as a salon owner the days of feeling locked in by restrictive contracts are (or should be) well and truly over.

AUSTRALIAN MODERN BARBER AWARDS 2022

Sunday 6th November saw the announcement of the winners of the hotly contested Australian Modern Barber Awards 2022 at Melbourne’s Plaza Ballroom. Honouring the very best barbers, barber shop owners, products and educators that this country has to offer, this is the premium awards program for the fastgrowing male grooming industry. The two biggest awards of the night were taken out by Costa Zacharia of Darlinghurst’s Unoit Barber for AMBA Australian Modern Barber of the Year 2022 and Berwick’s New York Barbers for AMBA Australian Modern Barber Business of the Year 2022.

The AMBA’s were launched in 2021 to provide men’s hairdressing trailblazers with a much needed and often requested benchmark of excellence and platform to showcase their creative and business skills. Created by esteemed trade visionaries Mocha Group, owners of the Australian Hair Industry Awards and Australian Beauty Industry Awards, these are just the latest initiative revolutionising the way our local visionaries engage with consumers and show off their creative and business talents.

Guests were treated to an exciting awards event, marking the first-time finalists were able to gather in person after the inaugural awards was cancelled due to COVID and instead took place digitally. MC Jules Tognini, Togninis hottest stylist and cult favourite educator, alongside co-host Kellie Woodhead, Mocha Group Art Director, oversaw a glamourous night of celebration with a delicious sit-down meal complemented by a visual feast and sublime soundscape produced by director Adam Williams. This elaborate show featured a special guest performance from underground superstar Clara Fable up close… and extra personal, as well as a dance party DJ set, before guests kicked on at the afterparty at Lumia Bar, Melbourne Casion.

Consisting of 14 categories the awards were deliberated on by an independent panel of judges including media, PR and business specialists, international barbering icons and specialists in the barbering industry. With men’s grooming an increasing player in the global beauty market this is a timely marker of the industry’s importance and an exciting sign of things to come.

The AMBA’s were sponsored by Le Barberie, Wahl Professional, Babyliss pro, American Crew, STMNT, Depot Male Tools, American Barber, Shortcuts, Excellent Edges, mr muk, Andis and Barbershop Magazine.

Instagram: mochabarberaustralia

Facebook: Mocha Barber

2022 AMBA WINNERS

Care, Style and Beard Product Awards Sponsored by Barbershop Magazine

Men’s Hair Care Product of the Year Vitaman – Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner

Men’s Hair Style Product of the Year mr. muk – Gritty Paste

Beard Care Product of the Year Pure - Walnut Scrub

Best Men’s Collection – Junior Sponsored by Depot The Male Tools & Co. Raiden Stone - Barber Boys & Co Newton

Best Men’s Collection – Freestyle Sponsored by STMNT Clint Wallace - Barber by Design

Best Business Director/Owner of the Year Sponsored by American Barber Anna De Sanctis - Barber Boys/Barbery the Craft of a Barber Academy

Best Customer Care Sponsored by Shortcuts Grand Royal Barbers

Best Men’s Collection – Classic Sponsored by Babyliss Pro Stacy Fernandes - The Barber Academy & Beards, Blondes and Blush

Best Men’s Educator of the Year Sponsored by Excellent Edges Barbery the Craft of a Barber Academy

AMBA Special Recognition Award Sponsored by Andis Collette Saunders

Best Barbershop Design Sponsored by mr muk Jimmy Rod’s, Paddington

Best Team Collection Sponsored by American Crew Unoit Barber Team

International Modern Barber of the Year Sponsored by Mocha Group Christian Wiles, UK

AMBA Hall of Fame Sponsored by Mocha Group Lino D’Adderio - Luigi and Sons

Australian Modern Barber Business of the Year Sponsored by Wahl Professional New York Barbers

Australian Modern Barber of the Year Sponsored By The Barbiere Company Costa Zacharia - Unoit Barber

Australian Modern Barber of the Year Sponsored By The Barbiere Company Costa Zacharia - Unoit Barber

Australian Modern Barber Business of the Year Sponsored by Wahl Professional New York Barbers

Proudly owned by mocha group

Kasho scissors are not like anything I have ever used before. They just carve though the hair so effortlessly. I can tell the amazing quality of blades and how sharp they are. It’s a real game changer to my haircutting.

HAIR SHOP

ERICA CLEAR STYLING CHAIR BY JOIKEN

Create a beautiful and artistic statement with the transparent accent Erica Clear Styling Chair. With its intricate curved design and modern shape, you’ll fall in love with the Erica Clear. The transparency of the Erica Clear allows it to take up less space visually as with a solid chair. The Erica Clear Styling Chair was crafted with elegance in mind and features Streamline Design with Seat Made from ABS Polymer/ Acrylic and Tint Resistant. Various coloured Hydraulic Base Options are Available and Chair is also available in White or Black. www.joiken.com.au

LAVENDER VIOLET TONE CORRECTING LEAVE IN SPRAY BY ANGEL EN PROVENCE

The lavender tone correcting spray removes unwanted yellow and brassy tones from blonde hair. Contains lavender extract, grapefruit extract and rosemary leaf oil to nourish the hair leaving it feeling healthy and shiny. No Sodium lauryl sulfate. No Paraffin Oil or Vaseline. No Propylene Glucol. No Cocamide Dea. www.joiken.com.au

CHRISTMAS PACKS BY REVLON

WALKER BY COMFORTEL

A refined beauty with its natural build, the Walker Reception Desk boasts retail storage space and pure, contemporary design. Naturally inviting, the salon reception desk is perfect for displaying your retail or keeping essentials at hand.

When first impressions count, it’s ash timber look finish allows you to create a natural look in your salon space. Front shelving for display, Flat countertop with cable management, • Loads of Storage space with 2 cupboards, cash drawers and shelves and Ample open shelving for retail product display www.comfortel.com.au

Color Protective Micellar Duo kit offers a dual-action protective hair treatment that helps to protect coloured hair against oxidising agents.

Color Protective Sulfate-Free Duo kit is a must-have for anyone with delicate, coloured hair to maintain optimal health.

Eksperience Color Protect Duo kit offers users a sulphate-free cleansing and revitalising hair treatment that can prevent premature colour loss.

Eksperience Intense Blonde Duo kit has the added benefit of neutralising yellow tones to maintain light, bright colour for longer.

Eksperience Hydro Nutritive Duo kit provides deep hydration and nourishment for dry, treated hair.

Eksperience UniqOne treatment pack in either original or travel size, ontaining the original hair treatment and either a travel sized version, or a hair treatment with an all-in-one shampoo, perfect for those who love to travel.

As an added bonus, each kit comes with a Revlon Pro Champagne stopper. www.revlonprofessional.com

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION BY EVY PROFESSIONAL

The exclusive 2022 Christmas Collection from EVY PROFESSIONAL is fuelled with festive fun and frivolity!

Every purchase of the award-winning iQ-ONEGLIDE (1” & 1.5”) is gifted with a complimentary dazzling orange thermal bag, and the iconic E-STYLER and RESTYLE Hot Brush with a complimentary orange thermal clutch bag, ensuring Christmas will definitely be merry & bright!

For the salon, purchase 4 or more EVY PROFESSIONAL thermal tools –excluding the E-CURL PRO, INFUSALITE Dryer and theBOSS Dryer – and receive a complimentary thermal clutch bag/purse valued at $59.95 for each tool! www.evyprofessional.com

IMPORTS

CASCADE INTO COMFORT

Classic design meets incredible comfort, balance and lightness. Brand new Brushworx Cascade brush collection is a sleek, professional styling range featuring texturised, rubberised handles for optimal control.

LUXURIOUS BEAUTY FOR HAIR

Screen Legerity Beauty

Hair Collection is where passion, luxury and expertise meet. Regenerate, strengthen, soften and illuminate all hair types. Made in Italy, Screen has swept across 68 countries.

VIBRANCE, THE VEGAN WAY

Get ready for incredible colour intensity. Echos has reformulated their beloved Color range. With updated packaging, new 100% vegan formulations deliver improved colour intensity and duration across every single shade.

UNPARALLELED POWER

The most powerful clipper and trimmer ever made. Silver Bullet HeadLiner Clipper and Trimmer are powered by super high torque 11,000 RPM motor for unbeatable performance. Cord/cordless, lightweight and ergonomic.

POWER-PACKED PREP

Perfect pre-service prep with Mini Malibu C Rehab Remedies. Six treatment types: Blondes, Curls, Swimmers, Hard Water, Wefts and Extensions. Ready hair for treatment by removing damaging impurities and discolouration.

ONE STEP STYLING

One step to fast, easy styling. Dry, smooth, volumise and shine with BaBylissPRO Hot Air Styling Brush. High performance motor meets Nano Titanium technology. Available in 38mm, 64mm, 76mm or 89mm.

DESIGN YOUR OWN BEAUTY

Clean, innovative haircare for your salon backbar. New professional-sized, 1 litre DesignME shampoos and conditioners, including BOUNCE. ME for curls, PUFF.ME for volume and GLOSS.ME for hydration. 100% vegan.

UNLIMITED CORDLESS RUNTIME

You don’t quit and neither should your tools. The power of unlimited cordless runtime is now in your hands with BaBylissPRO SNAPFX Dual Battery Clipper and Trimmer. Revolutionary industry first!

THE CURL EXPERTS

Ouidad, curl experts since 1984. The Ouidad philosophy knows curly hair inside and out. The Advanced Climate Control range tames every curl’s nightmare: humidity. Sophisticated ingredients meet decades of curl experience for scientifically based haircare. Let curls be curls.

CONSCIOUS HAIR CARE

THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION

Parlux goes digital. Parlux DigitAlyon Air Ionizer Tech Antibacterial Hair Dryer is MORE powerful, MORE lightweight and MORE quiet. Longer-lasting digital BLDC motor propels blow-drying to new heights.

Free from sensitising fragrance, Zenz Pure range is a powerful source of nourishment for hair. Includes Pure No. 01 Shampoo, No. 02 Conditioner, No. 03 Treatment, No. 14 Salt Water Spray and No. 97 Oil Treatment. Made in Denmark from nature’s best ingredients.

ABSOLUTE STYLE

More reasons to love Australian-owned 12Reasons. Arriving in November, 12Reasons Absolute Styling is a collection of amazingly affordable, professional styling products, including dry shampoo, texturiser, amplifier and more.

JOIN THE HAIR FORCE

Elite precision in shining armour. Silver Bullet Grenadier Metal Hair Clipper is an outstanding salon clipper for all hair types. Multiple speeds to 6,500 rpm and 3 hours cordless runtime.

SCIENCE MEETS LUXURY

Created in Demark. Built on experience. Made for professionals. This is the world of HH Simonsen haircare, brushes and electricals. A luxurious combination of the best performance, science and technology.

For more information: Call Dateline Imports on (02) 9666 3611 or visit datelineimports.com.au

BEST IN CARE, TREAT AND STYLE PRODUCTS NAMED AT AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS 2022

Each year as part of the AHIA Business, hair product companies are invited to put their products to the test in this exclusive, unique ‘Clean-Skin’ Competition where judges rank their preference based purely on the product alone without any knowledge of the name or brand.

Open to PROFESSIONAL SALON-ONLY PRODUCTS only, companies send their products to mocha group who in turn contract a repacker to re-package entries into clean skin bottles, jars or pots and simply number that package.

For 2022, products needed to have been launched or relaunched/packaged during the awards period of Jan 2021 – July 2022

Judges were asked to use and test all products over a 6-week period and then rank them in order of preference without knowledge of the product name, manufacturer or distributor and based on aroma, use, preference, value for money and performance.

THE 2022 WINNERS:

BEST IN CARE – A SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER PAIR

Semi di Lino Smooth Shampoo and Mask By Alfaparf Milano

The shampoo and mask are created to control rebel and difficult to manage hair. When used together as a routine, they hydrate the hair, align the fibers and counteract frizz, restoring natural beauty. Powered by naturally obtained and vegan ingredients to envelop the hair fibers and enable optimal level of hydration and to protect the hair as climatic conditions change, depending on humidity and temperature. Hair is also protected from pollution and heavy metals, it enhances natural shine, leaving hair radiant from root to tip. Contains UV filter and antioxidant for beautiful long lasting color.

BEST IN TREAT – A CREAM MASK OR TREATMENT

Hydrating Mask By Arvo Haircare

* Vegan – Cruelty free – Colour Safe

* Infused with Hyaluronic Acid to retain and seal moisture

* Enriched with certified organic coconut extract to boost hydration and promote scalp health

* Ideal for normal to dry hair

* Recycled and recyclable plastic

* Australian Made and Australian Owned

A moisturizing hair mask that deeply conditions, restoring hydration and helps repair damage. Adding intense hydration without adding weight. Helps smooth the hair and deliver a silky, soft feel.

BEST IN STYLE – AN OIL, CREAM OR PASTE

Colorful Glow Beyond Anti Fade Serum By Joico

Imagine an instant, noticeable, stunning hit of vibrancy – the kind of punch that boosts the brilliance of haircolor. That’s what you get with Glow Beyond, the anti-faded serum that puts the spotlight on radiance, while helping to protect hair against harsh, color-fading UV rays. Formulated with rich Camellia Oil and Pomegranate Fruit Extract, this glossing serum highlights and helps prolong the freshness of fabulous haircolor.

IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPIER AT WORK? IT WILL REQUIRE

MAKING SOME CHANGES.

By Clive Allwright

If you had a child born in the UK within the last four months. Your child would have lived through four chancellors, three home secretaries, three prime ministers and two monarchs during the past four months alone. (I am writing this in Oct 22)

Things will always constantly evolve and change, regardless whether we want change or not. For example: The weather, your social media feed, the tide, politicians, house prices, your age, your health etc

So, if you find yourself watching rolling news channels, scrolling through social media feeds, or getting into debates with our friends over politics?

I now understand, that being a better-informed person has no relevance whatsoever in me becoming a happier person.

Remember when we were kids and your Auntie or Uncle asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Instead of us probably answering an “Astronaut, vet, pilot, doctor, ballet dancer, Prime Minister… or if you really want to stretch our imagination, hairdresser”

Imagine how they would have reacted if we responded, “I would really just love to be happy”

We can spend so much of our time at work. So, what makes a happier workplace?

I know what makes my day tougher and certainly gets me agitated. I am guilty of being drawn into pointless conversations when asked numerous times a day. “How’s your family, dog, health, sobriety going” etc. Or “How do you feel about the Queen, cricket, floods, fires, economy, climate change” etc.

Sometimes I can go home after a busy day in the salon and feel like I have been a guest on Graham Norton TV show for 12 episodes back to back, it can be exhausting!

A friend of mine has a wonderful piece of art on his wall of a Bull Terrier with a caption saying “Lately I have been thinking more and saying less” which as I get older, I am trying harder to adhere to myself.

I guess my point to this blog is… We need to flip the conversation! If we want more happiness in our lives and want to enjoy our working days more? We might have to change what we have been doing each day. We might need to be aware of filtering out the pointless rubbish that’s so easily consuming all our lives. Stuff that we actually have no control over.

We can only control and change what is in front of us right now. If you find yourself getting depressed scrolling through social media, turn your phone off!

If you’re with a client, take control. Focus on producing and providing the best possible haircut/ colour and service for them. Even if you’re just doing the washing up in the staff room. Doing the best job, is all you really need to focus on right now. Try to do it to the best of your ability, have pride in what you’re doing. You will feel so much happier when it’s all been completed properly with care and a dash of love thrown in.

Because the chances are, whatever has happened at Buckingham Palace today, it’s not going to affect my life whatsoever. Let’s try to keep the questions directed towards our clients. The chances are we might just learn something about them and their hair.

You can create a lot of happiness during your day from getting paid from helping other people with your expertise. Clients pay more attention when you’re happy and proud of the work of art you created, just for them! So much happier than today’s most popular reel or your opinion on yesterday’s headline news.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Seasons Greetings!

There is one thing in life we can all be certain of, its change! In my last blog I mentioned I am currently back living in the UK. England has certainly seen some big changes over the past few months.

YOU

CH CH CH CHANGES

By the Boiling Frog aka Gary Latham

Next year Wild Life celebrates 30 years which has made me some what reminiscent in the last few weeks. Yes I must admit it has aged me more than Jayne. She is “Petra Pan” after all and my excuse is I have had to deal with staff while she has had to deal with hair.

Hair on the whole is softer, better behaved and more open to change than staff. This period has seen a digital revolution that has spored massive changes at a startling speed and for those things that weren’t changing fast enough Covid and climate change has come along to give them a kick up the arse. But how much has really changed in hairdressing? Computers, iPads and phones have replaced appointment books and clients can book online but hairdressers still value the regular rebooking client, above all others.

The biggest change I can think of, is smoking is no longer accepted in salons. It was a big decision as to what style of ashtrays we would use in the salon when we opened. Coffee was the final frontier for salons, instant to filter to plunger and finally espresso. Not much has moved on much since then, although I was told once at a seminar by a salon owner that he had a slushy machine… I died of envy.

Does anyone remember cash, the plastic notes will do, you don’t have to go back far enough to remember paper notes. Hairdressing, like most small business, was very much in the black economy and it is only since covid that most salons have had to make considerable price adjustments to regain margin. Home hairdressers are hanging in there but we are

speeding towards a cashless economy of touch, crypto and transfers.

Young staff have been hard to find all the way through. I don’t really want to get into a debate over quality and work ethic, as I don’t think too much has changed. The main problem I have with apprentices, is that they have remained the same age while each year I age. The hairdressing equivalent of Jamie Oliver is still yet to emerge, along with plumbers pay cheques to drive young people into hairdressing.

Product wise we are still waiting for the big game changers to come along. ghd is one of the few products to come close. While I was excited to see Dyson join the beauty space, they are playing more in the consumer world than the professional. Colour wise the biggest change has been filtered pictures of the back of clients’ heads as they leave the salon.

Have skills improved? This ties into the young staff and training category... Your answer will probably be more influenced by your age, than by any facts. For mine I’m going with the best are better and the worst even worst. We have definitely lost some skills overtime, I’m still looking to get a booking for my “Mr

Brady” perm.

One area that has taken a big leap ahead I am glad to say, is salon fit outs. I have always thought this is the starting point to raising hairdressing prices as a body. Rather than looking like an under performing laundrette, we should set the bar at the best café in the area or even restaurant.

Marketing has definitely changed as we all have been chasing followers, friends and likes. Although the old quote still holds true. “I know 10% of my marketing works… I just have to work out which 10%”.

So in summary, in this era of hyper change, not much has changed. Maybe it is all coming at once, or has happened so slowly, I’ve been like the frog in the water being brought to the boil and haven’t noticed.

*Dear Reader

For those you that read and enjoy these blogs I’m handing the next one over to you. If you would like to draw on my 30 odd years of experience in hair and have any questions or topics you would like my opinion on I would love to hear from you. Please email me at gaz@wildlifehair.com.

BLOG SPOT.

THE NITTY GRITTY APPRENTICE TOPIC!

By Brodie Lee Tsiknaris

Apprentices: love to them/ hate them, but as an industry we desperately need them.

There seems to be a huge shift within the industry at the moment. There is a trend to work more one on one and not bother with apprentices, I don’t care about what people do or why they do it, that’s no one’s business however, I care deeply for our future of the industry and who will train our next generation of hairdressers, who will pay it forward and what happens to the culture and existing salons.

It’s difficult and especially at the moment I’m hearing a lot of frustrated business owners and managers share their frustrations and fears when it comes to employing apprentices; their fears are valid the fear they don’t stick around, you spend money and invest time sometimes for no return and it’s harder for them to get on with their work as their work ethic is so different.

You know what, of course they’re different! It’s a different generation, times are different, people are different, and social media has brought them up. So, we as salon owners must continue to adapt and not give up on them just because they are different to what we are used to. Personally, I think it’s a great thing that some of the old ways have changed, as they have changed for the better. Salons are paying people correctly, superannuation is paid, training is paid, and apprentices are being looked after now, culture is more important than ever, and I personally think that’s a change we needed in our industry!

As we know, as human beings we need to be able to change and grow as it is through being uncomfortable where all the magic happens. As an industry we need senior hairdressers and that means we need to focus on our training and keep on employing apprentices! Regardless of the fears or frustrations. Some people may say “why train them when they leave?”, my answer to that is why not? You never know who will stay and who will go, you could be building yourself an absolute gem of an employee who wants to be a part of an amazing long-term, stable business and grow together and what’s more amazing than being a part of something like that!

There’s no better time than now, with all of the school leavers, it is the perfect time to find your next apprentice. I don’t believe a three-month probation period is long enough to see if someone is the right fit for your business, I believe it should be six months and have no problem extending it to that.

To ensure success in the workplace Set the goals and foundations early and make sure they understand your responsibilities as an employer and their responsibilities as an apprentice.

Challenge tip - Lose the idea of one-on-one meetings as that only leads to anxiety and the younger generation are not used to communicating that way work should be their safe space a place to nurture sure these chats need to happen but how about a different approach? Getting down on a level in which makes them feel comfortable will help you to get the most out of them. A simple five-minute notice “let’s go for a quick coffee, I’d love to get a chance to check in with you”, is a nicer way I’ve been able to connect and allows you to address any issues you might be having.

Communicate with them differently, Gen Y and below live on their phones so utilise a group chat for all messages and put anything and everything that’s important in the group chat.

Team culture is so important. In my opinion It is essential to build a beautiful culture that inspire people to be involved in something more. I truly believe that this is the magic of the business. Find the right people and focus on their strengths not the weaknesses. You don’t want all superstars in a team, you need good team players that can pass the ball to each other, kick the goals together and celebrate the wins and bring each other up from any losses. In my opinion that’s the perfect recipe for success. A good team and culture starts at the top with you the leader/owner or manager!

Shine a light on the things our younger generations care about like sustainability and human rights. The world is their future so lead by example, it’s important to be the employer that you wish to be.

Know your core values and get really clear on these as a business as they are what you stand for. Have them listed in the back room so that everyone can see and work on them every day. Practice it, preach it, and bring it to meetings for the whole team to hear.

Yes, they are extra work on top of already busy business demands but OMG they are rewarding and profitable ! We all started somewhere, someone gave us an opportunity and believed in us, we need to continue to pay it forward and share the knowledge we have to empower the next generation of hairdressers. Without us changing our ways we stay stale. I don’t ever want to become stale it’s way runner to keep learning and adapting and the youth of our industry have a lot of good to share.

They worth it, train them fast they are keen and care about being a part of the bigger picture, teach them how to make money, educate clients, share the importance of treatments at the basin tone and blow dry like super stars and watch your business grow!

Hand on my heart one of my proudest achievements in my business is watching my once apprentice who worked so hard run a booked-out column with a retention rate of 80% but most importantly I value our friendship and loyalty she supported me for many years and now I love to assist her. Like I said you never know when your next gem is coming through.

Until next time,

BLOG SPOT.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GIVING THIS CHRISTMAS

By Paul Frasca

Are you scratching your head, wondering what to give your loved ones this Christmas? It doesn’t matter how well we know someone; at some point, we just run out of ideas. Not only that, but the truth is also that most of us don’t need anything more for Christmas. Sure, there are exceptions, but Christmas is often an excuse for a tacky secret Santa gift from the two-dollar store or another itchy Christmas sweater. And let’s be honest, do we really need clothes that we only wear once a year? Doesn’t sound very sustainable to me.

More stuff than we know what to do with I’ll let you in on a secret. My partner and I recently had a baby, and the amount of stuff we were gifted was simply overwhelming. Newborns definitely need things - a seemingly endless list of things - but no newborn on earth needs the number of clothes and toys we were gifted after the birth. With Christmas coming up, I’ve made a radical decision. No presents this year.

My mother has been protesting this rule, begging me to tell her what it is I want for Christmas. So, I told her. As everyone who knows me knows, the thing I love most is giving back. So, this year, I’m asking my friends and family to gift me the gift of giving.

Rather than spending their hard-earned money on another pair of fuzzy slippers that will die a sad and untimely death in my shoe cupboard, or Christmas-themed socks that the washing machine will conveniently eat, I want people to stop and think about how else they could utilise their money.

Giving back is about more than the feel-good factor

So many people around Australia go without, not just on Christmas but every day of the year. Children are living below the poverty line right here in Australia. Some seniors can’t make ends meet. There are animals badly injured by consecutive waves of bushfires and floods and sanctuaries struggling to fund their recovery. This Christmas, I want to give back.

Giving back is built into our ethos here at

Sustainable Salons. We run a lot of initiatives to help our colleagues, salon owners and clients give back to their communities. Just this year we:

Raised $1,785 for Steptember

Raised $11,000 for OzHarvest

Raised $5,500 for KiwiHarvest

As a hair salon owner, you might be wondering how you can participate in the giving season.

Here at Sustainable Salons, we encourage our employees to tell us what initiatives they want to take part in and support. So, for instance, we give them the broad criteria: it’s got to help people, it’s got to have a real purpose behind it, and it’s got to raise money for a good cause. And then they take that criteria and come up with ideas.

If you can’t implement something like this at your salon, how about a donations jar at the front counter? It’s simple, costs you nothing and lets you passively raise money for a good cause. Get your employees’ input into what they’d like to support.

Secret Santa done differently Here’s an idea for your next Secret Santa: Pick names out of a hat, as usual. Agree on an $$ amount that is financially doable for everyone involved - ten or twenty dollars is plenty. Once everyone has selected a name out of the hat, their job is to go away and think about what kind of charity or cause the person they picked would want their donation to go to.

Your friend that loves AFL? How about a donation to an AFL club for kids in an underserved area? Does your dad love cooking? Donating meals for the homeless could be just the ticket. And your animal-obsessed coworker would probably love it if you donated to their local animal shelter in their name.

This secret Santa has everything that makes the game good - it’s personal to the person you’ve picked and their interests and brings meaning

and purpose to their gift this Christmas season. Nobody has to go home with a glitter crazy, over the top scented bath bomb or a live laugh love coaster set. It’s win-win-win. A win for those in need, a win for you as you feel good about doing something for others, and a win for the planet as you avoid cluttering up your house with more Christmas themed items nobody needs.

I personally want my loved ones to ditch the matching Christmas jumpers and put that money towards something that makes me happy. Make a donation in my name (or better yet, in my baby’s), and help me give back to the community that I love.

So, ask yourself, how will you give back this Christmas? No matter how you celebrate or if you even celebrate at all, there’s a certain feeling in the air that is undeniable. Lean into the spirit of the holiday and gift the gift of giving.

Keen to join the movement? Scan the QR code to learn more

Let’s wake up and face the music - we all have too much stuff. From cinnamonscented candles to reindeer mugs, haven’t we had enough of Christmas themed things? Let’s rethink what it means to give a gift this season.

FROM SALON OWNER TO AUTHOR

.

At the age of 5, Cathy Vescio-Dibella and her family moved to Craigieburn in Victoria, a place that was once known as a little country town, and has now turned into a thriving community.

Growing up, Cathy loved the space around her and playing tennis was her favourite past time. Hanging out after school with friends was always fun and if she came home before the streetlights came on, the freedom to just be a teenager and to explore her surroundings was what she loved to do most.

Cathy’s hairdressing journey started at the age of 15, well in a professional sense anyway, when she got her first part time job in a salon.

“I knew that l was passionate about hairstyling and would practice at home on my brother, sisters and other family members without my mum knowing, at the age of 12. The outcome of my cutting and colouring didn’t always produce the best results but nevertheless, l kept practicing.” Says Cathy.

At the age of 16 Cathy started her hairdressing apprenticeship. Due to an unexpected circumstance, Cathy left the salon she was an employee of and ventured onto completing her Cert 3 in Hairdressing at the Australian Academy of Hairdressing.

In 1988, at the age of 18, Cathy was unexpectedly offered to buy the business of which she was an employee. Forever grateful to her parents who took a risk and put up their family home as collateral so that Cathy could get her first bank loan to buy a business, before she knew it, Cathy took ownership of a hairdressing salon in Craigieburn.

Being in the salon always felt like home for Cathy. Within the most colourful salon walls, Cathy never lost her passion for creativity and built her 33-year legacy, 1988-2021, by mentoring and nurturing her team as a priority, ensuring the salon was a safe and happy workplace environment for all to enjoy.

Meeting so many amazing people along the way of her career, Cathy was eager to learn everything about hair and was also forced to learn everything about running a professional business.

Cathy’s Innovations family always came first because by taking care of her employees, in return her employees would then take care of the salon and their clients. At team meetings this was regarded of upmost importance and was at the forefront of maintaining and building her salon brand.

The salon was a safe space, and the door was always welcoming for everyone. Engaging with people and building relationships was also of great importance.

“Embracing how the hair and beauty industry continued to evolve, has been amazing, and employing so many diverse and unique team members to learn from was a bonus.”

“I always felt young at heart being amongst my team of all ages. The salon platform was theirs to enjoy, and l provided them the freedom to be their unique self, learning from each of them. The diverse personalities I crossed paths with have enlightened, educated, and transformed me, and so much more, all at the same time. Listening, asking questions, and embracing what everyone has to offer is important. Even the employees who rocked the boat a little, they will always be life lessons from which to learn from”

“What l learnt the most was that l wanted to ensure that l provided a salon culture that made everyone inclusive. No one ever knew who the boss was because that wasn’t important to me. What was important and can often be undervalued and overlooked is that your team are the backbone of your business, and that should always be respected and not taken for granted. My team are family to me”

Cathy was on a mission to get at least 5 years out of any 1 employee and was blessed with more than half a dozen employees who lasted a decade or more!

For more than 3 decades Cathy has been blessed with beautiful relationships that she still maintains to this day with employees, clients, and the wider community.

One of the biggest challenges as a business owner and employer is trying to manage everything, and one of the best lessons l learnt was to delegate responsibilities to others. Providing opportunities, allowing my team members to be an integral and important part

of my business was a positive turning point. I have had the most amazing salon managers who treated my business as though it was theirs and l cannot overlook or undervalue how much that meant to me. Over 33 years, the support from management and team members gave me the freedom to work on my business, and not in my business on the floor, and when l had my children, this allowed me to have flexibility and time out when l needed it.

Breaking up a relationship with a client has also been challenging but necessary. I learnt how to build a positive work culture, salon space and knew what l wanted for me and my team. When clients behaved in a negative, rude, and unwarranted manner, bye, see ya! Can’t have that, and don’t want that in my happy space! Being diplomatic and kind in my approach and letting a nasty client know that it is best they find another hairdresser, and salon to visit didn’t happen often, but if it needed to be addressed, l was onto it!

“My journey in the salon has taught me to be a good observer and more importantly a good listener. What l enjoy the most is that every client service is different and so is the conversation. The art of ‘listening’ always made me curious and no two stories are the same. My learning experiences became more than l could have ever imagined.”

So, what changed and why did Cathy walk away from her business?

It was all a out WORK-LIFE BALANCE!

As Cathy explains…

“Take the time to ask yourself: What do you seek in life? How will you nurture yourself?

Unexpectedly, in 2020, COVID-19, a worldwide pandemic occurred, and everything changed! Residing in Melbourne, Australia and like so many others being at the forefront of extended restrictions in 2020, I was forced to take some time out from my work. This led me to find stillness and space.

Without warning l began to experience mental health issues. What l did discover more than ever before was that l felt as though l was losing ‘myself’ in more ways than one! At times l felt empty! There were days l did not get out of bed and this was alarming to my family, particularly my husband and kids who have always seem me as a resilient, strong minded

and positive person.

In time getting the support l needed from health professionals and a network of amazing family and friends was the beginning of what l had not expected to happen next…

During a home renovation l found my poetry book, client story trinket box and my journals. I began to write down my thoughts and feelings and this allowed me to process what was happening in my community, my workplace, my home, my surroundings, and most of all my mind. And so just like that, l felt like l had a new purpose to get up and get going each day.

I decided to tuck myself away to focus on me. A home retreat on the Mornington Peninsula gave me the freedom to work on my writing, a personal project that has been on my mind for quite some time. Getting everything off my chest, became my therapy.

In March 2022 l became an Australian published author. Without any expectations other than for filling a lifelong dream of writing a book someday ‘Unbosoming’ which means a disclosure of thoughts and secrets, came to life, and now lives in libraries, can be purchased from bookstores and is in the hands and homes of 100’s of people. Who would have thought?

‘Unbosoming’ is a collection of just some of the stories that I have heard and experiences I’ve had throughout my life, and during my time as the owner of ‘Think Innovation Hair and Beauty, that over time provided me with a better foundation from which to learn more about myself and the wider community.

These stories cover a variety of different topics including, bad attitudes, manipulating behaviours, dangerous situations, mental health and addiction, sexual encounters, violence, harassment, and abuse to finally Chapter 7, my thoughts, and my Melbourne lockdown, when l was questioning my own state of mind. Everything you read is raw and real.

So why am I sharing what I remember in my writing?

I utilised my mental health issues and breakdown as a moment in time, my moment to release what I have heard, what I have seen, what stories I have been told.

These stories and experiences have shaped

me to be the person I am today. My gratitude is with those who have shared and entrusted me with some of their journey. My hope is that after reading these stories you are positively impacted either in your thoughts or in your actions. I believe that when we listen, be kinder and love more, we can make a difference to ourselves and others.

After more than three decades of experience within a salon without a psychology degree, I have realised that hair stylists, barbers and beauty therapists are some of the oldest and youngest psychologists helping people deal with the issues that they face on a day-to-day basis.

Hairdressers and beauty workers should be acknowledged for ‘acting like makeshift counsellors. I am 100 percent certain that a degree in psychology could have never prepared me for all the conversations l have had in the salon and what l have learnt. I am not just a hairdresser or stylist but someone who makes time to listen to stories. From the early days as a hairdresser, l became a good listener. I believe l became a therapist, counsellor, problem solver, friend, confidante, sister, mother, carer and so much more.

As for the future, l am currently working on an idea of delivering Personal Development workshops for small groups at a desired location that suits business and salon owners.

I am passionate about our industry and want to support workplaces who employ up-and-coming hairdressers, barbers, and beauty therapists. Let us all continue to advocate the importance of making time to chat and encourage our team members to be ‘Happy being YOU’.

My hope is to provide my knowledge and wisdom to encourage a stronger self-belief system in the lives of young people so that they can all try to be the best version of their own unique and individual self, not comparing themselves to others.

Being unique allows you to STAND out from the CROWD which is often a WONDERFUL thing!”

ARE PHONE CALLS A THING OF THE PAST?

By Hayley Mears

When thinking about what I would write about for this issue, I thought I would explore an observation that has become increasingly apparent as of late. There is a really strong decline in making a phone call. Almost every booking you would ever need to make can be done online and this silent service tool has become the default mode of millennials. So, what does that mean for our businesses and how we communicate with our audiences? How does that affect the communication we have with our friends and families but also clients?

I totally admit I will go out of my way to make a booking without speaking to a person. In fact, if I can’t make an online appointment there is a huge chance I’ll just find somewhere or someone else who can take me online. There is something about needing to be “on” for a phone call. There is a new type of work mode I need to switch to for a phone call, a version of me that requires more effort than just sending an email

So why is having a phone call such a big deal? Why have I been seeing articles and memes everywhere about ditching phone calls? Watching your phone ring only to respond with a text? Well… I think we have been spoilt by convenience and us introverts will take any given opportunity to hide behind an email, a message or an online form. That said though, I am ALL about the voice message.

What’s the difference between a call and a voice

message? It’s the availability and practicality of a one-way conversation.

The audio message, which could be interpreted as a mini podcast or a long voicemail, allows you to send a message full of questions that can be replied to later or just a bunch of thoughts that are better expressed with tone and feeling. But the reason My new default communication in audio format is a voice message is all about the TIME.

There are times when the only thing I don’t have is time and a big chat is something that can blow out my day, it’s not that I don’t want to have a social catch up, it’s just that the time slips away and you don’t get it back. Sometimes, that call lands right when I’m in my flow and the distraction derails me from rolling out work in the most efficient fashion. I know, I know, I sound like a spoiled millennial and it’s probably true.

So, let me loop back to what I was saying about time. I need to maximise every minute that I am NOT in front of my computer. So, my time in the car is the IDEAL time to have chat, but if that can’t happen, I can click my phone into record mode in WhatsApp or hit the “Voice Memo” app and record my own little staff meeting. I can cover a whole bunch of different topics and send the file to my team. They can listen to the audio when it suits them because work flexibility is EVERYTHING to me and my team. I want to create an environment that gives maximum flexibility. I think this flexibility

is why my team thrive with our work culture. It allows them to be in work mode at the most convenient time.

What does this communication shift mean for our client experience? Think about it, how many of your millennial clients pick up the phone and call to make their appointment? Do they rebook/book online or slide into your DMS? Make your systems as easy as possible for these types of appointments.

I shared these thoughts with my friend Mia from The Secret Fox. She told me that the best way to reply to the DMs she receives in Messenger and Instagram is to leave a voice message. If someone is enquiring about a colour correction, a 30-second audio file tells them everything they need to know, and it’s delivered with a really positive tone of voice. Because we all know, when we are explaining to client why they can’t have what they want, tone is everything.

So, be prepared for your phone to ring a little less, and don’t worry, your inboxes will be flooded. Perhaps you will even be able to streamline your appointment process in a more succinct way. Find better ways to use your time, embrace the audio message and watch this space.

By Hayley Mears, six underground media

By Nicole Healy

It really fascinates me when I hear of salons not utilising their social media platforms in order to sell their services and retail, what happens more often than not, is that businesses feel like their socials are like a hobby, more than a marketing tool for their salons.

When your social media platforms are well built, well-structured and have a strategy behind it, you can scale your salon business to a social sales machine, truly! This is why I help salon owners, like you, build their socials with confidence, understanding & know the why you’re using it, without having to ever send anyone a cold DM trying to pitch your service, especially without their permission!

It gives you all the icky feels when you open a DM and see someone trying to pitch you their product or service, without even knowing who they are, what they do or even more so, they don’t even introduce themselves, this isn’t going to return many sales, in fact this kind of strategy results in more deleted DM’s and even more, blocks. The percentage rate of client conversions through this strategy is very low, and not recommended in my opinion, it make you look desperate for sales and business.

Have you ever thought of how a client would use a platform like Google to find your salon? Here is a little exercise I love to do, go into google, right now, and type in what you think your dream clients would be searching, and do you come up? If not, this can be the first step in making the change for clients to find your business in the first place, then go into Instagram, type in the same thing to the search bar and again, do you come up? If not, you need to understand the WHY and work out the HOW, this why I do what I do, so I can help you come up, so you can be discovered by new clients that become dream clients!

What you can do, to attract your dream clients to your business organically, is to create and post content that will in return attract your dream client to your salon, because client attraction, turns into client conversion, and sales.

Because you’re reading this today, I am going to give you my sales strategy for selling on socials, especially coming up into the end of the year and Christmas time, where people are looking at changing their hair colours, people

are more willing to spend, and they often look after their hair better throughout the warmer months, as they go out more and style their hair more often, so it’s the perfect time to start promoting yourself and what your business sells - because why the hell not!

Sleigh your Socials in four steps and it comes down to content and copy! It’s simple, it’s not hard and I promise, you’ll start attracting people to your salon doing this - and your socials doesn’t just mean Instagram, you should be posting photos to your Google Business profile & Facebook too!

1. YOUR CONTENT - Think of 3 Types of Services you want to promote between now and the end of December.

Keep posting this consistently, by alternating these post by post, reel by reel, the choice is yours where you post (but as we know, Instagram are pushing reels)

You may choose to only post lived in blondes & low maintenance balayage in November and December, because that the type of clientele your business is wanting to attract, what you put out there is what you’ll bring in, because it’s what your marketing your business as!

2. YOUR COPY - Your words matter, this is why we need to make use of our captions, this way you can help people further understand who this service is perfect for!

3. CALL TO ACTION - Are you adding a Call to Action to the end of your Caption ? If you’re not familiar with a CTA, this is the way you’ll be able to tell people how to take the next step to book and appointment at your business or enquire!

4. LINK STICKER IN STORIES - Are you utilising this feature on Instagram ? This is a FREE

service with a FREE sticker to direct people to sales and booking page! Why are we not using this more? It’s often missed especially when people are using stories for available appointments, if you’re telling people you’re open for appointment opportunities, make sure it’s super easy to have them book, if you have online bookings, you can add your booking link in here, or if you take enquires through a form on your website, you can add this website form link to your Instagram story link and gain new leads - in just a click!

We need to work smarter, not harder; socials are defiantly something you need to allocate time for in your business, especially if you want to grow, scale and make money!

Attracting your dream clients takes effort, by creating amazing content that converts, using copy that doesn’t sound like a sales pitch, it needs to sound human-like and easy to read and understand. Get down on your clients level and out of the hairdresser lingo, so your content sounds appealing to your potential customers.

If you would like more information on growing your salon business using the power of Social Media, lets connect, send me an email I’d love to chat with you on how I can help you in 2023 with my services.

socialsalonschool@gmail.com

OPEN MINDED MAGIC. FINDING YOUR GROOVE IN HEADING INTO

2023.

By Angeli Marie Shaw

Here we are again. Another year coming to an end, bringing in another new year. Most use this time for reflection, a way to ponder what was, what has happened and even what we could’ve done differently, but here’s your reminder…. You did FANTASTIC!

No matter where you’re at in this very moment, you made it here because of YOU. Your decisions, responses, actions are what has led you to this very moment. You may have expanded your business, or even downsized, completely restructured or for some, finished up your salon journey. Regardless, no one knows your journey like you, so if you find you’re being hard on yourself or taking outside critique to heart, stop it, and focus on the things that you have achieved, great and small.

Now I know, what I’m saying is easier said than done, but it CAN be done! I know, I’ve done it, and you can too!

So how can we create ‘open minded magic’ heading into the new year? Here are my tips….

1. Live like a child – as you go about your life in the lead up to and into the new year, try to imagine everything you hear, see and feel is happening for the first time. Sometimes we tend to switch off because we think we know a situation, or because of past experience we feel we already know what’s going to happen. Having this way of thinking can makes things feel and appear boring and mundane, even stressful, so I suggest keeping this phrase in mind, ‘not always so’ to remind yourself that each situation is unique!

2. Drop the ego – it’s a common trait to need to be right in certain situations or justify why things are or have turned out the way they have. If you find yourself making excuses for the year gone, it might be time to ponder whats behind this inclination. Is it because you feel that you aren’t where you wanted to be? Perhaps your set goals went out the window or your business plan took a sharp turn? What if I asked you to put those aside and focus on what you have done? What you have achieved? I mean honestly, if the last few years have taught

us something it’s that we really are resilient beings and can overcome some huge hurdles! So no matter how your year panned out, celebrate you and what you’ve achieved!

3. Ask questions – It can be a natural impulse to give immediate answers. It could be regarding a work issue, or perhaps a friend that’s needing advice, but try holding back that impulse to answer immediately. As leaders you may feel that it’s your job to provide the answers straight away, but first, ask questions and gather more details. Practice listening and observing and try to watch and hear with curiosity. Doing so will help you grow, provide a more rounded picture of the situation and make the person you are dealing with feel more heard. It may even lead to more effective dilemma/problem solving. This not only applies to seeking answers from within yourself but also when replying to others

4. Practice empathy – Practicing empathy helps us regulate our emotions, connect with others and feel less isolated. It allows us to think of others and look for ways to help. Imagine if all of us thought like this! Building connections is hugely important for our wellbeing and is the very basis of human relationships. We feel valued, loved and cared for and recently, this was especially needed during times of rapid change, like the recent pandemic. But did you know empathy can also serve as an organisational superpower? Empathy is linked with effective team collaboration, increased morale and more inclusive attitudes at work; industry wide if you look at the bigger picture. It’s a skill that can be cultivated and developed and allows us to relate to each other across three dimensions – cognitive, emotional and behavioural. It’s never too late to practice empathy, so start now!

5. Operate from a clean slate – This doesn’t mean that everything that happened in the last year is going to disappear but treat the new year

like a bit of a reboot. Reboot your thoughts, your actions, your business plan and personal goals. You now have an opportunity to turn previous wrongs into rights, do things that you wish you had of done, take the things you have learnt and apply them and move forward in your attempt to build a happy life for yourself!

When we fall into cramped mental spaces of frustration and dissatisfaction, it’s easier to become depressed, go into denial, or become disconnected from the amazing world around us. The true nature of our minds is still there, even in the background, vast, spacious and totally open to possibility. Imagine putting space around your thoughts, allow your mind to breathe and allow this to help you see things from a wider angle, beyond any limiting thoughts, opinions and beliefs. Make your happiness a priority this coming year. Be welcoming of new experiences, stay curious, ask questions and allow yourself to evolve.

“In the beginners mind there are many possibilities; in the experts mind there are few” – Shunryu Suzuki

Wishing you all the best as you see out your 2022. Enter the new year with an open mind and open heart. Hold space for others just as you would like space held for you. Teach, don’t preach and always consider yourself a student so you remain open to learning and growing. And remember to always BE KIND! Every action, every word, can make the biggest difference to someone’s day. Make sure your impact is positive!

Love & Bliss, Angeli xxoo

Angeli is a Holistic Empowerment Coach, Mindset Mentor and founder of The Bliss Coach. To get me to work with you and your team in 2023, get in touch by visiting www.theblisscoach.com.au or follow us on our socials @theblisscoach to find out more.

LEARN TO BE OK WITH CRITICISM:

Acknowledge it, accept it, learn from it.

By Kristie Kesic

I don’t like my hair. It doesn’t look how I thought it would look. It’s too dark. Oh, those dreaded words that make your stomach sink. No one likes to hear their client is unhappy with the service they’ve just received, (especially if it actually looks amazing and you’ve just spent 5 hours on it), BUT the reality is, there is no way you are going to go through your whole career without hearing the above words, so the sooner you learn to accept it and learn how to deal with it the easier those situations will become and the less overwhelmed by them you will be.

I’ve heard a lot in my time from clients and colleagues so I’ve compiled 3 categories that will help you work through these situations.

ACKNOWLEDGE IT:

Firstly, I’m going to start with something I think some hairdressers are horrible at, and it’s something I think we should all normalise and become good at admitting. Admit when something isn’t looking right.

If you notice something about your client’s colour, that you know isn’t how you expected it to look or you know it’s not what they are expecting it to look like, own up to it. If you can see it’s not right, they are looking at the

exact same hair and they are going to notice it too. It’s about having pride in your work. As soon as you notice it, fix it then and there, rather than sending them back to the chair with wet hair hoping when it dries, they won’t say anything, or hoping they are just too nice to say something and just leave the salon saying they love it, when you know they don’t.

We are human, mistakes happen, toners go to ashy, or you play it too safe, and blondes are still too warm. It’s so much nicer for your client and for you, if you just say, I’m sorry the toner has grabbed a bit too much for my liking I’m going to give it a detox to remove some of it so it’s the colour we wanted to achieve. Or I’m sorry the toner isn’t quite strong enough, it’s

not quite the colour I envisioned yet, I’m just going to rinse this one and put another one on to make sure we achieve the colour we set out to achieve for you.

TRUST ME WHEN I SAY THIS……. It’s better to be able to fix something while your client is at the basin or still in your chair. Don’t wait for them to complain, they will respect you so much more for it. Never try and hide the bad outcome but simply not acknowledging it.

Worst case scenario is, if they leave your salon and then someone else notices something is wrong with it. Everyone naturally wants to be told their hair look amazing by someone else so

if they get told something negative, they will react and that comes back on us. They will be angrier when they call up after they’ve discussed it with their gf or their husband etc.

It’s natural to go on the defensive and not want to admit fault, or your so busy in salon you don’t have time to fix something then and there, but my 3 Biggest pet hates I hear and something I know clients HATE hearing are.

1. Oh, it’s just the toner that will fade after a few washes. Go home and wash it and after a few washes it will fade. Clients don’t pay money to walk out with a colour they don’t want and be told to wash it themselves and it will fade in a few days. They pay to walk out feeling amazing then and there. If you see something not right. Acknowledge it and fix it before they leave.

2. It’s just the lighting in here. Yes, we all know lighting plays a part is the perception of colour but don’t use this as your excuse if you know it’s not true.

3. They’ve gone home and then have rung up or come back in with a complaint and you say, it didn’t look like that when they left, or you didn’t notice that when they left. When you know yourself, you did notice you just hope they wouldn’t. Now you’re left with an awkward situation because they know you, we just hoping they didn’t notice.

When a client makes a complaint, whether in person, on the phone or thanks to this wonderful world of social media we live in, by letting the whole internet know they’re not happy with a rant and a 1-star view, you need to firstly ACKNOWLEDGE the complaint.

With a few exceptions of people that just will always complain and never be happy, it normally takes a lot for a client to complain, and they don’t want to be ‘that person’. It is extremely important to thank them for their time and acknowledge the situation. Let them speak in full and then apologise. Yes, even if they are a little on the angry side, normally this will help calm them down because you’ve made them feel heard and you have taken ownership for the situation. You then need to make them feel comfortable that you are going to fix it.

Now those few exceptions I mentioned above, yes, we all have had them, the people that no matter how incredible the service was, or their hair is, they are never going to be happy. You can normally pick these ones because they will always straight away ask for a refund. Let me tell you, if anyone straight up asks for a refund, I can pretty much bet they have more of a problem with the cost of the service rather than the outcome of the service. The reason I have a fix before refund policy is, to me giving a refund is an easy way out. Here’s your money back, then you’re no longer my problem. The problem is, they will have their money back, but if their hair is so bad, they’ve complained, they are still then walking around with shit hair, so the refund hasn’t fixed the problem, it’s just made it go away. This is also a great way to weed out whether it’s a problem with the service or a problem with the price.

Now as much as I can harp on about acknowledging complaints it’s also important to not ever let a client intimidate you. Some people if they see they are getting to you thrive on this and just keep going because they think they will break you. Don’t let them. You can run out the back and have a moment after (we’ve all been there yes) but they are in your space, you need to remain in control.

ACCEPT IT:

We are dealing with humans and human emotions. People get their hair done to feel the most beautiful version of themselves. As business owners and staff members, we know how each staff member responds to criticism so we adapt our methods and teaching to each person so it’s done in a polite and professional manner and in a way in which you know that person will respond positively and can learn from. Clients don’t have this same deminer and many just react without thinking. Now let me tell you, if a client is rude or abusive to my staff member, they no longer deal with them, they have me to deal with. I will personally fix their hair up because I never want a client being left with bad hair or hair, they aren’t happy with but then they will never step a foot back in my salon again. It’s taken me a LONG time to be ok with banning clients, but just as we need to accept criticism from clients, clients need to accept its not ok to treat anyone in an aggressive, intimidating way no matter how angry they are. Criticism comes with the job, being treated badly by a client doesn’t.

It’s also important to accept that sometimes no matter how good the hair is it’s not about you doing anything wrong, they just don’t like the service, the outcome, or the salon and that is totally fine. There’s a reason there is so many salons and so many hairdressers in this world because there is a salon and stylist for every person. Don’t take everything personally or so seriously. The only thing you need to take away from each piece of criticism you receive is a lesson.

LESSON:

How are we meant to learn and grow if we don’t make mistakes along the way. The best lessons you’ll ever learn or the biggest break throughs you will have creatively and within your career will come from making mistakes and learning from them.

We should never let a client leave our salon with hair we aren’t happy with. It’s our work and our brand after all.

All in all, we are in the hair, beauty, and customer service industry. Clients are so spoilt with options. Whether we like it or not we are being judged every single day and our work is being criticised. Before they even make an appointment, they are scrolling through our socials, checking out our reviews and listening to feedback from friends. They then choose to come and see us and will judge how we look, how we talk and how the salon looks and feels. Even if the smallest thing doesn’t live up to their expectation, they will let us know.

You are naive in thinking every client you ever do will love your work.

A great hairdresser will acknowledge criticism as part of our job (remember if its constructive not aggressive), accept that we are all going to receive negative feedback throughout our career and learn how to deal and react to each situation. If you know you are a person that doesn’t deal well with criticism and negative feedback, I challenge you to speak up and talk to your boss or colleague and ask for help in ways with dealing with negative feedback, so when it does happen you are better prepared.

Kristie Kesic is the owner of Cobelle Creative

6 TIPS TO FREE UP 1 DAY!

By Lisa Conway

First things first, go to the appointment book and make a decision “I WISH I COULD” can be replaced with “I AM GOING TO”.

Look at what day you will be not working and decide if you can move everything out of that day and in what time frame?

Can it be done in three weeks? Six weeks? Or nine weeks? You only get three choices. Make a decision and make it happen. The universe will kick in and help if you are serious.

NEWS FLASH - Someone else can do everything you can do and often better. Stop hogging the ball.

Don’t be the person who gets in your way, become your own cheer squad and be the person who cheers you on.

Here are six things to move the needle and get you a day.

(I could actually give you sixteen but six is a start)

1. Turn off all notifications on your phone, laptop and iPad. Remove ALL of your social platforms from your mobile phone. You can only access them on your iPad or laptop from now on.

2. Meal prep twice a week and put it in containers ready to go. Soups, curries, and other meals you love, make batches, and divide them up. Remember version one is better than version none. Roast big trays of vegetables. Boil rice, cook pasta and BBQ the meats you like. Boil eggs, grill fish and prepare overnight oats or Bircher muesli, chia pots all of the things that keep well. Eat the same food for three days, you won’t die and if they are your favourites, you will be happy. Next cook up you can mix it up.

3. Meetings. Cut them all in half and get directly to the point of the meeting. If you can’t, then at least cut them back by 15 minutes. Start with “Let’s get straight into the meeting as I am back-to-back today”. Have an agenda so you don’t go off track.

Make the appointments next to one another, no gap means no fluffing about. Rebook the next meeting so as to save time chasing the team for the next time.

4. No TV. I’d say for good, but at least none till the weekend and then only ever watch catch up TV. No flopping on the couch and channel flicking. If you are tired, drink water then go for a walk, you just need more air and more water. Moving means, you are refreshing your mind and your body. TV just sucks your energy and makes it worse.

5. Every night make a list for the next day. Three columns URGENT-IMPORTANT- WOULD BE NICE. Put all of your tasks (only what you can do in one day) in the important column and maybe shift a couple to the “would be nice” and prioritise tasks. Things are only URGENT if you didn’t do them when they were IMPORTANT, and you didn’t get to them......don’t do that. Would be nice is for after the important jobs are done.

6. Prioritise sleep by going to bed at the same time every night and get out of bed at the same time every morning. It’s incredible what a difference it makes.......stop fluffing about and get 8 hours. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture, don’t avoid going to bed. Treat bed as the lighthouse that your ship needs to reach every night and the earlier the better. It should be a wonderful reward for a wonderful days effort.

Read a book that is inspirational like autobiographies instead of watching TV. The TV is shrinking your brain, a great book will be expanding it.

My observation of people who brag about the long hours they work are really saying I’m so inefficient it takes me a whole day to get anything done. Those that are efficient don’t waste your time, instead they focus and fuck off and do something they really want to do.......just saying.

Life’s too short, be honest with yourself first and stop fluffing about!

For more salon wisdom, email me at lisa@zingcoach.com.au, visit my website, find my video tips on YouTube or read my books, all available in paperback , eBook, and Audio www.thezingproject.com.au

The Zelda styling chair is a new addition to the Joiken collection Inspired design and style to enhance any space! The seat is made from polyurethane that is available in White and Latte The Zelda is also available in a high grade Tan colour upholstery The Zelda range also includes a Waiting Area Chair option suited for your client, visitor, meeting, dining or beauty space

GET SET FOR THE SILLY SEASON!

ByTamara Reid

It’s time to get set up before things ramp up. Get clients off your waitlist and in through the doors. And even make sure you never run out of vital stock again. So pull on your party pants, grab a glass and let’s show the silly season who’s boss this year.

Say goodbye to gaps in your bookings.

There’s nothing more satisfying than a full appointment book in the run up to the holidays. But with online booking, and clients choosing their own appointments, it can occasionally leave you with awkward gaps in your calendar. And nobody wants that in the silly season!

Turn on the ‘Minimise gaps’ feature in your software system and your clients will only see available time slots that fill up your calendar without those costly gaps.

Who’s making a (wait)list and checking it twice?

In the run up to Christmas, you’ve probably got a whole load of clients wishing they’d booked earlier. Trying to find them an available appointment and all the admin that causes is chaotic and time consuming.

If you haven’t already, switch on your waitlist feature and let it help you manage these clients, while making sure that as soon as space opens up on your calendar, you can fill it. Making your client’s day - and yours.

No time for time wasters.

There’s nothing like no shows and cancellations to put a damper on the holiday spirit. Not to mention your cashflow and profit. Using online payments, you can collect deposits when clients book online, which helps to reduce no shows and protect your income.

It can seem daunting to ask your clients for a deposit. But many of our customers tell us that

they sell the idea of deposits to their clients as a benefit. It’s a way of spreading the cost of their treatment - paying a percentage when they book and the balance at their appointment.

Give your business the gift of Gift Vouchers.

Gift Vouchers are a brilliant way to make the festive season even more profitable for your business. With online payments, you can start selling Gift Vouchers online. Once you’re set up, let your system run itself and enable clients to purchase Gift Vouchers 24/7 online so you can make money in your sleep!

With all good online payments, you’ll have complete control over the details. Create a dollar amount voucher or a voucher for specific services such as an eyebrow tint or organic facial. Remember to let all your clients know you’re selling Gift Vouchers, and how easy it is for them to purchase.

‘Tis the season for Christmas Casuals.

In the busy festive period you may well need an extra pair of hands. Or two, or three! Now’s a good time to be thinking about how many additional casual staff you’re likely to need over the silly season and put a plan in place.

Christmas casual staff means more hands on deck, which often results in a better customer experience, tidier salons and more sales. Casual staff are often experienced in retail and flexible in the hours they can do, so they’re perfect for covering shifts and late nights. Get thinking about it now before all the good ones are gone!

Is your holiday roster sorted?

Your clients have probably already started booking for December and even January, so it’s time to get your roster sorted. We all know it’s going to be busy, so make sure you allow for late nights, early starts, extra shifts and additional staff.

Order plenty of stock in plenty of time.

Products can fly off the shelves in the holidays. Whether it’s a client treating themselves or picking up last minute gifts and stocking fillers, you need to make sure your shelves are glowing. This is not the time to be running out of stock!

So take some time now to check what your business can’t live without, and stock up on it pronto. If you haven’t already, download the Timely Stock app to manage your products like a pro and see stock levels at a glance.

Think activations, not promotions.

If the silly season is your busiest time and your appointment book is bursting with clients (not to mention your waitlist) then you don’t necessarily need to do discounts.

Instead of offering money off, think of ways to make more money - while you’ve got the clients just desperate to get through your doors. Activations can include things like ‘Spend $x and get y’. You’re aiming to increase client spend by offering them something they haven’t already got or bought.

AN INTERVIEW WITH A TENANT REPRESENTATIVE, FAQ’S AND WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

By Ryan Maddock, Maddocks Accounting & Advisory

Ryan Maddock of Maddocks Accounting & Advisory took some time to chat with Kelly Cunningham from Your Leasing Co, a well-known commercial property Tenant Representation firm, known for getting amazing results for their clients and put some direct questions to her that all Tenants want to ask.

Ok, let me get straight to the question we all want to ask… How much money do you typically save your clients?

Thanks Ryan, straight to the heart of it. Our current average saving is $102,000 per client over the length of the lease term. This result varies client to client for a number of reasons, such as the length of time a tenancy has been occupied, the amount of rent being paid, and the length of lease being entered into to name a few.

What is the most you have saved a client?

Our biggest saving for a client was just over $2m. In the last 24 months, we have saved just under $6.5million for our clients, which we are incredibly proud of.

What does a Tenant Rep’ actually do?

We specialise in representing commercial tenants in negotiating their leases on their behalf, with the sole objective of getting them the best deal we can, which results in us saving them a heap of money as well as making sure that all of the fine print clauses within the lease are in the best interests of our clients.

Is this a complicated process?

It’s like most things, we are all good at what we specialise in. We have been doing this work for 25 years and completed over 1,000 deals. We have a set 12-point list that we negotiate every time. Most business owners just focus on the rent, which is important, as it is often one of the top three biggest business expenses. These 12 key points result in savings and benefits in a number of areas.

Why do most Tenants end up with a raw deal?

It is important to remember, that Landlords are typically the much stronger party in a negotiation. They employ expert property specialists as their agent, they have access to all the current market data, it’s their lease document and they have more than likely negotiated hundreds more leasing deals than the Tenant they are up against. We call this the “The Tenants Dilemma”.

Using a firm like ours, eliminates that Landlord power imbalance.

Where do you start when helping a Tenant?

Landlords are always looking for growth in their investment, so will always seek an increased rent, however, this doesn’t necessarily reflect the market conditions at the time. Landlords increase rent annually by 3%, 4% or 5%, which often takes it out of line with the market. Over 5 years at 5% increases, the rent will have increased by 28% compounded. Most business owners profit probably hasn’t increased at the same rate.

• We review the lease from the Tenants perspective.

• We determine an opinion on the market rent for the tenancy. We have access to the same information that the Landlords do, so we use that information, as well our market contacts, look at recent leasing’s, space on the market as well as off market opportunities to form an opinion on the market rent. We can then compare that to the asking position of the Landlord and set about negotiating with them, based on our evidence.

• We go through all of the 12 key points and make recommendations on how we would like to respond to the Landlords offer on each one, maximising the tenants position

• We then continue the conversation with the Landlord, aiming to get as much of the offer agreed or close as possible.

• We handle all of the uncomfortable conversations, we handle all of the Landlords objections and negotiate through the whole process, until we have reached the best possible position agreed.

What is the process for a Tenant to work with you?

It’s a pretty simple process.

1. We will obviously send through some paperwork to complete, which will outline

the whole process and what you can expect, while outlining the associated costs.

2. Then we gather some information, such as the current lease, current rent, size of the tenancy etc, as well as the contact details for the Landlord or their agent.

3. Then we will have a conversation to confirm a. what the Tenant wants to get out of the new Lease.

b. What are the plans for the future?

c. What is the age and stage of the business?

4. Once we know all of that, we will ask to be introduced to the Landlord, so that they know we have authority to act on their behalf.

5. Then we will get stuck straight in, determining the market rent and negotiating with the Landlord. We will handle everything, from end to end! We will look after the entire leasing process, keeping the Tenant informed along the way.

Thank you, Kelly, for your candid feedback. It was really interesting chatting to Kelly about how she adds value to her clients in a very specialised professional service to Tenants. I think she could help anyone getting a better outcome negotiating with their Landlord! If you have a lease renewal coming up or are looking at a new location and need help negotiating the deal, call Your Leasing Co, speak to Kelly or one of the team to get a no obligation assessment of your leasing situation.

Find Kelly at kelly@yourleasingco.com.au, www.yourleasingco.com.au or on their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Interview conducted by Ryan Maddock, Partner Maddocks Accounting & Advisory www.maddocksaccounting.com.au

DOING DECEMBER YOUR WAY!

By Kerrie DiMattia

Lately I’ve been reading and listening to some really helpful stuff on preparing for our busiest time of the year - DECEMBER!!! And to be truthful I was going to do the same for you here, I had plans to write out a checklist for you and start a little something like this…

“The busy Christmas season has officially started and by the time you are reading this I hope you have your Santa hat ready to go & all your stockings well and truly in a row!

In a perfectly organised world, the time to start planning how to survive the Christmas craziness is really no later than September, there is a fair bit of planning that goes into all the “EXTRA-NESS” of December like…….

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH

WTF…. I was cheating really, listening to and reading everyone’s else’s ideas just to make sure I had thought of all the angles and that I hadn’t missed something really good that I could pop here on paper and sound all organised like I had all my shit together!

But all I ended up getting was anxiety and an increasing feeling of overwhelm reading all the things that I perceived everyone else was doing and wondering how I could do it all as well!!!! I mean if others can do it why am not as organised?

For those of you who know me well, you know I like to call it as I see it!

And I’m going call this….

Christmas can often be a tough time for salon owners, because the world doesn’t stop around us.

Whether you are surrounded by a large team, a small team or going it alone, when it comes to planning ahead for a beast like Christmas it can feel overwhelming just thinking about what’s coming your way.

We know Christmas is coming, we know there is all this “EXTRA-NESS” that we have to do, we know that we’re going to have full books ( well we hope) we know we’ve got to be prepared, we know we need all our ducks in a row ( I think I talk about those fucking ducks in every piece I write) and we know we should have it all sorted by at least mid-November or we will be flying by the seat of our pants in December & skidding into 2023 with no arse in said pants and skin off everywhere else!

And yet while we are supposed to be planning all this, life goes on around us as normal, other STUFF doesn’t stop happening, Family stuff, Team stuff, Client stuff, Lack of stock stuff & just life in general stuff…

Adding in all this extra planning can make it incredibly overwhelming and the urge to just cross your fingers and hope for the best can be very real!

So, I decided you don’t need another person writing you that checklist or reminding you of all the things you have to get done asap, there’s enough fantastic advice out there and believe me it is fantastic, but it can be overwhelming if you try to take it all in at once.

My advice to you is this….

Read all of the advice, then make a shortlist of what really matters right now!

Take the pressure off yourself - don’t get overwhelmed by all the things you could do and all the things the other salons are doingjust do what you can do, what you’ve got time to do, and what you know you need to do for your business & your team right now so that you all not only to survive but thrive over the next 4-6 weeks.

Once you’ve got your shortlist organised then you’ve got yourself the beginning of a system that you can action, and each year that you have that system in place to deal with the Christmas crazy you can add a few more things to the list.

I’ve got a list of 6 things that I know I need to have locked and loaded early to be organised for Christmas and I’m going share those with you, but remember, these are what I need to feel like my ducks are lining up…yours might be different!

1/ I Pre order Christmas retail packs in September and I order plenty for drops each month to see us through till January, if cash flow permits, stock up now and break up any leftovers in the new year to increase profit. I also make sure I have plenty of Pro stock on board to cope with demand, there is nothing that adds to your stress levels more in December than running out of colour with full books!

2/ I plan and order our client gifts early also, depending on what we are doing and where they come from these can often take weeks to arrive and some of our 6 weekly clients have their last appointment for the year in the first week of December, so we need to be ready.

3/ Vouchers and Packages. To be honest before we started doing packages vouchers weren’t a big seller for us, we might sell 20-30 at Christmas, now we have to be so organised with packages planned, imagery and vouchers printed and marketing ready by November as clients know they are coming and are asking already!!!

4/ Team goals and incentives for a kick arse December - You’ve got to make this exciting!!! Your team is going to work hard to help get the salon over the line and reach target, they need to feel like it’s fun at the same time. Have things in place like advent calendars and team survival goodie bags with Berocca, Panadol and energy bars in them.

5/ Get your roster right! Make sure you have enough support team on to cope with the extra volume of clients, now is the time to ask around if any young friends or clients are interested in coming in as support just to keep behind the scenes clean and tidy, your stylists will really appreciate this especially your younger team members who usually get stuck

with all the cleaning after a long day on the tools/

6/ Last but not least important is plan a celebration for your team, we can often overlook this until the last minute and end up doing something rushed and uneventful or worse really bloody expensive because you had no choice!!!

These guys (big or small) are your tribe, they help make it all happen from January to December and I believe it’s important to plan something that says, ‘I’m Grateful”.

I hope this was somewhat helpful, owning a salon be a tough gig at times especially at this end of the year, but remember to pace yourself, you’re in this for the long run not a short sprint, there is so much more you can plan for but it doesn’t matter if you don’t get it all happening this year, you’ve made a start, you’ve now got that system in place which you can expand on next year and the years after that until one day you find yourself as old as me and you can look back and smile at how far you’ve come!

Speaking of which…. (You knew I had to bring it up right!!)

We were privileged to come up trumps at the AHIA business awards last month and we took home the title of NSW SALON OF THE YEAR, this is a huge honour and so very very humbling, after 40+ years in the game the thing I think I’m most proud of and one thing I would’ve loved to have said in my speech had I not completely lost my memory when I got up to the podium was this …

To Win, Final or even enter these awards doesn’t come down to how big your salon is or where you are located, it doesn’t come down to your fit out or the products you choose to use…

It comes down to how you treat your clients, your team and all those around you! It comes down to integrity, being the best, you can be with what you’ve got, where you are.

This is something I took a long time to fully understand and I didn’t enter for years thinking we just weren’t in the running - Turns out I was wrong!

We are all in the running, we are all doing the best we can and we all need to be recognised!

Just do you guys, you are all superstars!

Reach out to me anytime at kdimattia@ westnet.com.au if you would like any further info on my shortlist or what podcasts and articles, I read to come up with one of your own. Merry Christmas everyone!

Big Love Kez x

THE 5 LANGUAGES OF APPRECIATION AT WORK

By Kym Krey

Do you ever feel like you do so much for your team, but they still never seem to feel appreciated? It can be extremely frustrating for both sides. You feel that no matter what you do, it’s never enough and your staff member feels like they’re ‘just a number’ or it’s ‘all about the money’.

Left unresolved, this can lead to staff turnover and the loss of your most valuable talent. So who’s right and who’s wrong? Well…… it’s possible that you’re both right, in that you’re both going above and beyond to try and please the other…. but that your efforts aren’t having the desired effect because they’re not what the other hopes to receive.

You’ve heard of the 5 Languages of Love (the best-selling book written about relationships)? Well, now it’s time to master the 5 Languages of APPRECIATION in the workplace.

Picture this:

A well-meaning husband buys his wife a piece of jewellery on the way home as a surprise, hoping to see the delight on her face as she unwraps her gift. She, however, just wants him to help her do the vacuuming occasionally or get home in time to help with dinner! As she unwraps the present, she rolls her eyes and thinks “What’s the point of this? We haven’t been out anywhere together in months! Am I going to wear it doing the laundry?”

You can imagine what happens next.

For him: Her less-than enthusiastic reaction leaves him feeling completely unappreciated and unlikely to want to surprise her again. No matter what he does, it’s never enough!

For her: His gift indicates that he has no understanding for what life is like for her. That he just doesn’t ‘get’ her at all. She would have much preferred he pay for a house cleaner to give her the weekend off, or a babysitter so they could go out for a lovely evening.

What happened here? His language is Receiving Gifts, but her language is Acts of Service.

They’re just not speaking the same language!

The problem is that when we want to show appreciation (or love, in the case of our husband and wife), we tend to give the other person what we would like- not what they would like!

The outcome? After all your well-intentioned efforts, they still don’t feel appreciated.

It’s possible that your staff feel exactly the same way.

You might have handed one employee movie tickets as a nice surprise… when she really needs cash to pay for urgent car repairs. Or you’ve offered a lucrative incentive program that pays a generous percentage of everything they make in excess of target… that’s having no effect at all, because what they really want is a morning off to do tuckshop at their child’s school.

Get the idea?

So if you want to inspire the best effort and results from each person on your team, it’s important to know what lights them up and makes them feel special and valued.

Let’s explore the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace:

Words Of Encouragement:

Do you have an employee whose eyes light up when you tell them they’ve done a wonderful job or that you’re super proud of them, while another gets really embarrassed and awkward? Someone who looks for encouraging, appreciative words thrives on verbal recognition and praise. They love nothing more than to hear “Well done! You did such a great job of that!” or “Susie is our foiling queen! She’s incredible. You’re in very good hands”

A message in your team group chat or directly just to them (notice what they respond to) to say “Thank You for what you did yesterday. I really appreciate your help” or a mention in front of the team at your team meeting is likely to have them feeling all warm and fuzzy.

Those with the Words of Encouragement appreciation style need to hear you say it to know that they’re important to you. A gift, a bonus or even buying them a coffee on your way to work may still leave them feeling cold, even if you would have loved it!

And for extra bonus points? Be specific in your positive feedback. E.g. “I know that client wasn’t particularly easy for you, and you did a great job of being patient and making sure she was happy”, or “I really appreciate the effort you’ve put into training our new assistant. That has been so helpful to me, thank you. You’ve done an excellent job with her.”

Acts Of Service:

These people feel appreciated when you do something for them. Acts of Service people may think “Talk is cheap. If you meant it, you’d show it.”

Just like our exhausted wife in the earlier example, it’s the effort you make when you do something for them that makes them feel

valued. They don’t need expensive gifts; they want you to notice that they’re working really hard and do something thoughtful to make life easier or show that you appreciate their efforts. Jumping in to help with a client to let them grab lunch or even grabbing their lunch for them if they’re going above and beyond, finishing their end of day cleaning tasks so they can leave early that day, even offering to swap a shift to let them have a special day off will all go a long way for this person.

They’re often practical people who don’t need a lot of fuss or expensive things. It’s the small, thoughtful gestures that make them feel special. It says, ‘I did this for you’ or ‘I was thinking of you’.

Tangible Gifts:

Whilst this one may sound a little materialistic, for a Tangible Gifts person, it’s not the cost of the gift that counts, but the evidence that you were thinking of them and bought them something you knew they’d appreciate. It could be as simple as buying them the new chocchip muffin from the coffee shop that they’d said they wanted to try or handing them their favourite coffee or chocolate the morning after a late work night.

For larger rewards, buying them a ticket to the concert they’ve been raving about or the latest book by their favourite author could have far more impact that the same value in cash, because it took extra thought.

A Tangible Gifts gal will swoon over that new handbag or piece of jewellery or a spontaneous bunch of flowers they weren’t expecting and will likely be the most receptive to prizes, gift cards and other physical rewards.

Quality Time

Those with the Quality Time appreciation style crave exactly that….. your time. This means prioritising time regularly to sit with them and listen, letting them tell you how they’re feeling, what they’re excited about, what they’re struggling with and allowing them to express their ideas at length.

Sometimes this will be in a structured weekly/ monthly review style conversation (but make sure you allow time to ‘just talk’ as well!), but also simply having coffee with them to give your undivided attention, (something many busy business owners rarely give!) is a great way to build rapport and trust and show them they’re important to you.

Do you have a team member who gets to work extra early because they know that you do too?

They’re likely a Quality Time person who just wants to ‘hang’ with you before the rest of the team arrive. They’ll also be the one who says, “But I just don’t see you anymore!” when you start to step back from the day to day running of the business, so notice that and create opportunities to spend one-on-one time with them when you can.

Quality Time people want your full and focused attention, they need you to listen without interruption or multi-tasking and they thrive in one-on-one meetings. They also love team outings where they get to just ‘be’ with their

workmates as people, bond and enjoy their company.

Physical Touch (Where appropriate!)

This might sound like an odd one, and you do need to be mindful, of course, but if you have a team member who gives you an enormous hug when you do something thoughtful for them… they’re showing you how they prefer to show gratitude and appreciation.

Physical Touch people will break out the HighFives in celebration or be quick to give a pat on the back or a shoulder squeeze when they’re excited for you. They’re very comfortable displaying affection openly and show genuine warmth and delight physically- with facial expressions and body language.

Now, if you’re also a Physical Touch person then no problem, this is a fist-bump match made in heaven… but… if you’re comfortable with physical touch and they’re not… well…. picture that aunt who smothered you in hugs and kisses as a child that you were forever trying to hide from at family gatherings. Eek!

To be safe, with this one, hold it back a little until they offer the first hug or keep your congratulations to a light and appropriate touch on the lower arm initially. You’ll know if they’re a hugger! And remember that just because one team member loves a hug or fist bump, several of your others may not, so be considerate of personal boundaries and comfort zones.

In summary, as with individual personalities and communication styles, your team will likely vary in what makes them feel valued and appreciated so it’s important to get to know each one, even offering examples of possible rewards and asking what they’d most like to receive.

This is not solely about what makes you comfortable. One of the greatest skills of leadership is the ability to lead and communicate the way that others prefer to receive it, not the way that is most comfortable for you.

Learn what makes each of them tick and you’ll find your well-intended feedback and rewards hitting the mark far more often and your team feeling valued and appreciated.

Grab your FREE Languages of Appreciation summary chart by scanning the QR code here:

Kym Krey, The Salon Mentor, is a specialist industry business mentor helping business owners and managers nail the skills of leadership and managing their team for exceptional results. She’s the gal you’ll want in your corner when things get tough or when you’re ready to take that next big leap. Get in touch @kymkrey or grab your FREE leadership tools and resources at www.kymkrey.com.au

THE IMPORTANCE OF FEEDBACK FOR YOU.

By Jenni Tarrant

Putting yourself out there to see how you are perceived by your team is daunting. It can be difficult to get feedback when it’s not all sunshine and roses. So, why put yourself through it when it could be uncomfortable? When you stay in your comfort zone you don’t learn and grow - simple as that. It’s only when you allow yourself to be outside your comfort zone that you can expand your awareness and improve the way you operate.

Each year I do a 360-feedback questionnaire for everyone who works for and with me, from the salon assistant through to myself. This means that if you have 10 team members, they will each answer a questionnaire for all 10 peopleincluding themselves.

I have created a survey with 21 statements for which there is a simple rating system. The statements cover Bond’s core values; technical skills; creativity; communication; learning; teamwork; punctuality; client care; individual effectiveness; ability to follow instructions; and more.

Each team member rates each statement with strongly disagree, disagree, N/A, agree, and strongly agree. We also give the option for any comments that might be helpful. For example: ‘She is defensive when I correct her which makes it hard to train her’ or, ‘He is such an asset to Bond’. All comments are to be constructive as opposed to ‘bitchy’ because being nasty doesn’t help anyone! Every statement is carefully crafted so it is all work related and responses are not based on personality.

How do I go about getting honest opinions from my team instead of them telling what I would like to hear? With our commitment to sustainability, we have developed an online 360-degree survey so team members can complete their ratings on one of the salon computers, an iPad, or their phone. Everyone uses the same link, so the responses are completely anonymous. We can’t recognise handwriting or have any other way to work out who has said what.

The tabulated results give a very clear picture of performance on all levels and then form the basis of individual performance reviews.

My manager takes my performance review and shares the team’s evaluation of me. She knows my commitment to improvement, so she doesn’t hold back on being honest!

From there we look at setting goals for the year ahead. Each team member and I have one on one meetings to discuss their results and identify any additional training needed to strengthen technical or soft skills that require improvement. The 360-degree feedback process is critical to the success of Bond because it reminds everyone in the team that we work together but each of us are responsible for being our best. I highly recommend it.

As a business owner or salon manager, do you think it’s important to hear how your team feels about you and the way you run your business? I believe it’s very important.

DEFAULT OR DESIGN, HOW ARE YOU LIVING YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY?

By David Watts, The Zing Project

There are many times we change things in our business because we must. Situations arise and we are forced to act in the moment to prevent a disaster or quickly rectify a situation. Unfortunately, we create additional stress for ourselves when we live this way. With some foresight and a little planning many of these spot fires could have been avoided. When you begin to master this, you can begin to live your life, and manage your salon by design.

There are some things that you will do by default in the salon, particularly technical tasks. They simply come naturally to you after years of practise and execution. These are not the things you need to worry about, it’s the other things in your business that you have no plans for, things that you will need to address, and the earlier you do it the better.

Think about the tasks that you have had to spend time on, those things that just appear out of nowhere, when you least expect them. Frustratingly, you need to stop what you’re doing to deal with them, and it always comes at the most inconvenient time. If you think about it there would be so many times these urgent tasks could have been planned for, you could have designed a smoother outcome.

I think that when we are running our salons by default we are running on autopilot, doing things mindlessly, not making decisions based on facts and then wondering why we are not achieving our goals. In the short term it seems like all is working, but in the end, it comes back to bite us, and sometimes in a bad way.

You have probably made decisions today without even thinking about the consequences, perhaps a short-term fix to a longer-term problem. If you are running your salon that way, it’s probably having an impact on you emotionally and financially. I want you to read this article and walk away saying NO MORE, I am going to start planning more in my business.

Planning sounds a little heavy, like a lot of hard work, but it doesn’t have to be. If you set a clear outcome, you are well on your way. You could almost say that your outcome is your intention, you have decided what you want and written it down. Keep your intention simple and make sure it is something positive, this will allow you to stay focused.

Deciding what to plan for may be your first bottleneck, this is where you really need to know what the vision is for your business. What do

you want your team to look like? What services would you like to do more of? How are you going to market your salon to attract the right clients? What will your customer experience be like? Think about what is happening now in your business and what may happen in the future then you can plan or design it. Next you need to break this bad boy down! Taking your goal and creating smaller easily achievable actions will enable you to chip away at it over time. A hot tip with these actions is to make sure they are small enough tasks that you could complete before you get bored or distracted. Personally, I find I can’t focus on a task for more than 30 minutes without feeling the need to look at or do something else. It’s important to do this, it will maintain your energy levels and concentration, finding what timeframe works for you will be best.

It’s important you create time to work on these actions. Simply having a to do list does not mean what’s on it will be done. Putting time aside in your diary to work on these actions will give you a greater chance of success.

When you allocate the time, the next bottleneck you may face is being disciplined to doing the task when you have it scheduled. To help with this you should also set some mini deadlines along the way, this will help keep you on track. These deadlines will allow you to celebrate your small wins and stop the overwhelm that can come when working on big projects.

There’s an essential word you need to start using more every day and that is NO. It’s easier to say yes, but it’s also a default response to things you may not want or need to be doing. It is important to sometimes say no to the good, so you can yes to the great. Take control of your time and decisions and you will achieve more

Now you have a plan, clear actions and time

allocated to complete them, everything should be a fine? Not quite. Next you need to review your progress towards your goal, I would suggest doing this weekly. Reconnecting with your intention is a great way to stay on track and remind you why the time you have allocated is important.

This review time is also your opportunity to make any changes to the actions you have planned, being flexible is just as important as being organised. Never stay committed to actions if they no longer serve you or won’t help you achieve your outcome. This is not an excuse to “abandon ship” if things get difficult or push you out of your comfort zone, remember discomfort is where you find growth.

The final piece of the puzzle that will help you with your journey to design not default is to be more mindful. Make sure you take time every day to breath, focus and take notice of your feelings. Being mindful will make you more present for those around you and importantly clearer yourself. There is so much great content available on mindfulness that I encourage you to check out.

You do not want to be a passenger in your own life or business journey. Start being more deliberate in your actions, do this consistently and you can stop things happening to you and start creating your own intention fuelled future filled with success.

David. XoX

A salon owner and support coach on Team Chrissy – The ZING Project. David has a diverse background in sales, marketing and operations and is passionate about improving the professionalism of the industry. Contact David via email davidsc@zingcoach.com.au or DM on Instagram @davidwatts_zing