ON THE ROAD:
a i al r st u A South
Pipsqueek in Saigon
EDITION
With a never-ending commitment to authentic connection, Mocha Group’s General Managers, Jarred Stedman was On The Road again recently, this time travelling around Adelaide visiting over 17 local heroes in one week. SA has some incredible talent, thriving businesses, brand ambassadors and industry leaders all tucked into a beautiful city by the ocean. HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS ADVENTURE: Pipsqueek in Saigon
Pipsqueek in Saigon
Pipsqueek in Saigon
Belinda Mills AKA ‘Bel’, owner of Pipsqueek in Saigon salon, was stop number one, and we had organised to catch up on one of her famous content days. Pipsqueek has two locations with over 12 staff and despite the businesses, she still prioritises at least one day a week to be creative, create content, and experiment. This was no excuse, working with Evo’s colour range plus one of her muses (and staff member Vanessa), it was a creative jam session. With her signature neon pastel colour pallet, unique placement and flawless technique that compliments Vanessa’s natural style – it was a real masterclass in how colour, cut, extensions and styling come together from start to finish. Bel has built a niche in the market by simply doing what she loves consistently and with authentic curiosity. You could be forgiven for not being sure which ‘box’ she fits into. Underneath the wavey blonde hair, 90s hip hop beats, socks, and slides, is a laid-back strategic businesswomen who is reshaping what ‘success’ looks like in the modern market.
Attaboy Hair
Attaboy Hair Attaboy Hair
We caught up with Robby Lippett and the crew from Attaboy. They just opened barbershop number 4 in Henley, just 100m away from beautiful Adelaide coastline and Henley Square filled with great shops, pubs, eateries, all looking over the beach and jetty. They have opened 4 Barbershops in 5 years, which is thanks to Robby’s entrepreneurial mindset, business acumen and vision for collaboration. Some of the shops have partnered with Café’s and Tattoo parlours to drive traffic and offer the clientele more with convince. Robby has a background in professional soccer and hospitality which he has brought into Attaboy. Creating a space that is fun, professional, innovative and build on customer
care and staff satisfaction. He also gives a lot of credit for the success of the business growth and culture to his mate and manager, Tom Wynn. Coming from a hairdressing background, he joined Attaboy 4 years ago and immediately wanted to provide a point of difference with the introduction of a colour service, which Robby was very on board for. On top of the barbershop, the two travel the country educating for Nak and will continue to do so in 2024. Keeping true to their craft and always pushing the boundaries, between them both they are also 2023 AMBA finalists for: - Best Men’s collection: Classic - Best Men’s collection: Freestyle - Best Men’s collection: Team - Best Business Director
Boris Salon
With a resume that is as long as your arm (3x Australian Hairdresser of the Year, L’Oréal International Ambassador, Dyson National Ambassador) you could excuse Damien Rinaldo for not being front and centre in the business and with staff. Despite his creative genius, he is all about leading from the front. “I make sure I get to work before all my staff, open the door, turn all the lights on, get the place ready because then you’re setting up the day for your people to work in the space”. When we visited the freshly renovated salon, there was a moment that emphasised Damien’s’ personal mantra “Lead with love, not fear”. Sitting in his chair was ex-employee (and friend of the show) Cassie Jacquet. She still gets her hair cut my Damien, they catch up, talk about life and business. It was really lovely to see the culture of support, inclusiveness, connection not just within the four walls but across the city.
Maison Jacquet
With a freshly renovated salon, Cassie and the team welcomed us in for a wine and a chat. Maison Jacquet name originated from Cassie previous salon in New York. Maison is French for ‘home’ and Jacquet is her married name. When you meet Cassie, you understand why salon name is so significant. She is a brilliant mix of generously hospitable, eclectic in style and design, warm and welcoming. Located only a few streets away from Glenelg