Sustainable Salons Shine Bright With Awards: Their Success Secrets Revealed

BLOG SPOT: By Paul Frasca

71.4% of award winners are Sustainable Salons. That means that some of the best salons in the country are sustainable. It says a lot, right? Consumers are voting with their dollars, and the salons that meet the demand for sustainability are leading the industry.

With more and more people buying values and not brands, the question is: what initiatives are you taking to make sure they pick you as their next salon?

We sat down with these 3 award-winning Sustainable Salon members, Elysium Hair, Circles of Hair, and George & Ivy to hear their takes on sustainability.

It’s clear. Sustainability SELLS.

First, let’s hear it from Elysium Hair, who won the Best Marketing award.

What is your approach to marketing as an award winner and Sustainable Salon member?

Oscar & Kate Henderson, Owners of Elysium Hair: Our approach to marketing is deeply rooted in our core values: excellence in service and genuine care for the planet. Winning awards offers recognition, but it’s our commitment to sustainable practices that truly connects with our audience.

Our clients value authenticity and dedication. In our marketing strategies, we blend messages of exceptional hair services with our eco-conscious ethos, illustrating that achieving fantastic results doesn’t mean compromising our planet’s well-being.

How has joining our program and the Salon Directory impacted your business?

Oscar & Kate: Sustainable Salons has significantly assisted in drawing clients who place a strong emphasis on eco-friendliness and quality.

We’ve welcomed many clients who discovered us through the Salon Directory or were particularly attracted to our sustainable initiatives. A standout moment was when a client travelled from afar just to experience our services, having a keen interest in businesses prioritising sustainability.

She not only left with a radiant smile and stunning hair but also expressed deep appreciation for our environmental dedication. This interaction was a touching reminder of the far-reaching influence our sustainable choices can have.

In addition, to recycling salon materials, Sustainable Salons will help you grow your business. You’ll gain access to:

#1 Salon Directory for conscious consumers. We drive people to your salon!

Promotional tools so your clients know the positive impact you’re creating

Volunteering events and other opportunities to give back to the community

“Sustainability challenges businesses to excel in their positive global impact”.

Is sustainability important for success?

Oscar & Kate: Sustainability goes beyond being a trend; it’s both a duty and a progressive way of approaching business. Adopting sustainable practices underscores a business’s commitment to a larger purpose.

For award winners, championing sustainability sets a gold standard. It challenges businesses to excel not just in their specific trade but also in their positive global impact.

I foresee that in the coming times, sustainability will be an essential measure of success. Awards will represent individual triumphs and the broader contribution to a sustainable and brighter future.

“We’ve attracted conscious clients, enhanced our customer base, and shown our existing clients that our goals align with their beliefs”.

Now, let’s check in with Sharlene, who was recognised as the Business Director/Owner of the Year and State Salon Business of the Year WA/NT, and whose salon Circles of Hair won Australian Salon Business of the Year.

Owner of Circles of Hair: Many clients today actively seek out businesses that prioritise sustainability. They appreciate our responsible approach, which has attracted environmentally conscious clients.

Our partnership with Sustainable Salons has enhanced our client base and demonstrated to our existing clients that we are working towards goals and practices that align with their beliefs. It’s not just about providing top-tier hairdressing services but about leading the way in both business and sustainability.

How does it feel to be a leader in sustainability within the industry?

Sharlene Lee: It’s incredibly satisfying to have our dedication to excellence in business and sustainability acknowledged. This recognition motivates us to maintain and raise our high standards, not only in terms of service but also in environmental responsibility.

Our Circles family loves being a part of the Sustainable Salons program, and a lot of our new staff are blown away by the attention to detail that goes into the program.

At Sustainable Salons, we take pride in being a one-stop shop for our members, allowing them to focus on what they do best while we take care of the rest. Let’s hear from George & Ivy Hair, who won ‘Best Eco Salon of the Year’ again this year.

Less waste, more awards!

How has becoming a Sustainable Salons member contributed to your success in the industry?

Paul & Catriona Howard, Owners of George & Ivy: When we opened George & Ivy, sustainability was at the forefront of our minds. To attain our initial goals, we had to find the right business partners that were also sharing the same values. Sustainable Salons is exactly that.

It’s incredible to see a company that is partnered with thousands of like-minded salons and that can (genuinely) recycle 95% of all salon materials. To see other countries around the world following suit, it’s thrilling to be part of.

In the early days of our business, we did our best to keep our no-waste values. But as owners of a very busy salon, our time can be limited. We used to drive around community gardens on the weekends donating bags of hair, and taking our foil to the recycling centre (but lord knows what they actually did with it?).

Sustainable Salons gave us the confidence that our materials were actually being recycled or repurposed and streamlined our salon waste systems.

How does it feel to be an award-winning Eco-Salon, providing top-tier services and being a sustainability leader within the industry?

Paul & Catriona Howard: We are completely humbled by the title. If we can encourage just one other salon to re-evaluate their business in terms of environmental impact and to look for one greener alternative, be it fewer chemicals or less waste, the rewards are worth it.

Join our big hairy mission!

It’s true, and the rewards are clear. More business, a positive impact, a happier planet. You don’t have to look too far to see that sustainability is a big driver of success. We want to give a HUGE thank you and congratulations to our members for your dedication to making better business, business as usual. You are an integral part of our mission to Make Sustainability a Reality.

Want to join the most successful salons in the industry? We’d love to have you in our network! Scan the QR code to get in touch. We’re happy to answer your questions.

@sustainablesalonsanz

@sustainablesalonsanz