hotshots house ‘23 By Linda Woodhead
Putting a spotlight on the industry’s most exciting next-gen talent since 2012 and providing the chance for these 31 and under superstars to take their career to a whole new level is the mocha group initiative HOT SHOTS. Already excelling in the areas of cutting, styling, editorial and colour work every year our teams have a unique style, unparalleled passion and a clear vision of the future.
The 2023 team consisted of:Paige Cameron- Cobelle Creative, QLD Anne Russell– Sloans of Lane Cove, NSW Meghan King- Sloans of North Sydney, NSW Mikelah Jayde Riley- Mikelah Jayde Studio, WA With a prize pack worth in excess of $20,000, from sponsors, Joico, Excellent Edges, Evy Professional, Amazing Hair, Timely and the owners of the AHIA and HOT SHOTS, mocha group, one of the two major activities for these young guns is to spend 4 days and 3 nights together in the beautiful heritage listed mansion , the HOT SHOTS HOUSE, in Yarraville, Melbourne where sponsors, guests and icons of the industry are invited to come in and meet the team, sharing in a casual on-on-on unique atmosphere, pearls of wisdom, fun and an experience like no other. From mocha group, owner and CEO Linda Woodhead, General Manager, Jarred Stedman and Editor in Chief, Louise May hosted the event kicking off with the traditional spag bol dinner for everyone to get to know each other. Joined via zoom by house favourites Jayne Wild and Gary Latham just before dinner to share their career stories and followed by HOT SHOTS Photo Shoot Creative Director Carolyn Gahan kicked things off nicely. The team learnt more about each other and the mocha group who would be their house buddies for the next 3 days.
DAY 1
The team were welcome d by Linda, Jarred and Louise and spoke about the history of hairdressing, finding out where real customer service, style and Avant Garde hair came from centuries ago. Jarred talked about the allimportant Social and Visual engagement of the industry and the team touched on the importance of Media and Awards. First guest to arrive with welcome morning Bellini’s were Dee Parker-Attwood and business partner David Wieselmann, talking about all things awards, collections shoots and more!
A working lunch with Louise to look at personal development and SWOT analysis allowed the team to keep check during the process of the house and to revisit this exercise and update as time progressed. Next up was current AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year Justin Pace who spoke about his career but more importantly brushing up on presentation skills offering the team a one-onone training session to hone these skills with him personally. Richard Kavanagh, always a favourite, popped in with all the juicy info on session styling, getting the right shot, model co-operation and more and also offering the team access to one of his workshops free of charge! Lucky ducks! We were then treated by a visit from hair royalty, the one and only Sharon Blain who the team quizzed about her incredible career, her inspiration, and how to stay current and relevant in the industry. The Social Media Queen, Natalie Anne, dropped by to talk about ambassador roles and socials giving the team an insight into what not to do as well as what to do to achieve presence and again longevity. A team favourite with some priceless tidbits of great information to follow and put into practice also sharing that its not an easy road and to dig deep! It was all of to dinner at the Vault also joined by some of the sponsors to finish off a very full day!
DAY 2
First cabs off the rank in the house on day 2 were award winning dynamic duo Jamie and Danni Furlan to talk about their career, salon, working in a partnership and how to juggle family life and business. What a delight! We also welcomed Jacky Chan and Nathan Armagnacq, Oscar Oscar Chadstone, to talk about shoots, creativity, working within a group while also maintaining individuality. On behalf of our sponsor Timely, Charlene Fernandez arrived to talk about her new venture from sole operator to salon owner and the business model she is following, one being
