SOCIAL SALON NETWORKING.
BRINGING HAIRDRESSERS TOGE THER, TO NE T WORK AND FEEL INSPIRED. More than sixty passionate hairstylists gathered in December for the highly anticipated Social Salon Networking event, expertly hosted by Nicole Healy, the visionary force behind Melbourne Hair Blogger & Social Salon School. The event took place against the stunning backdrop of the Prince Deck, St Kilda, Melbourne, on a sunlit, resplendent day—an idyllic setting for uniting salons and delving into the intricate world of social media, crucial for our businesses. Kicking off the day’s proceedings, Nicole Healy graced us with an insightful presentation on the social media trends of 2024. She emphasised the need for distinct online visibility, strategies to stand out amidst digital noise, and the critical role of SEO, urging salons to extend their reach beyond Instagram to maximise online presence. The day unfolded with a delightful luncheon and engaging panel discussions featuring luminaries such as Angeli Marie Shaw from @theblisscoach, Kristina Russell aka @colourkristina and host of the Colour Kristina Talks podcast, Sheridan Rose Shaw, from @mamawest, Wade Ambler from @wakthesalon; Lorna Evans from @ lornaevanseducation, Justine Wolfe from @polishedstylejustine, Chantelle Cowcher from @telleish_hair_studio; and Martha Kourt from @bodahairboutique. The generous support from MCM Beauty added a touch of glamour to the event as the proud sponsor. Nicole engaged the panel in a gamut of insightful discussions— from managing sizable teams and staff accessibility on Instagram to combating digital burnout, navigating influencer collaborations, addressing social media pitfalls, and debunking the myth that a successful salon hinges solely on follower count. Conversations revolved around themes of empowerment, cutting through overwhelm, honing in on target clientele through savvy marketing, leveraging podcasts for business growth, monetising digital presence, exuding confidence authentically, balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, collaborating with content creators, amplifying brand visibility through reels and TikTok, and scaling education businesses through subscription models. Post-event, attendees resonated with the shared sentiments of solidarity among fellow hairstylists in their social media journeys. They found solace in the reassurance that digital detoxes are not only acceptable but imperative for personal rejuvenation. Many also cherished the camaraderie found among like-minded salon owners, drawing inspiration from success stories that underscored the multifaceted pathways to building dream businesses beyond reliance solely on digital marketing. They embraced the powerful notion that they, indeed, are the face and soul of their brands. @social.salon.school Photographer Credit: @Keiraxnicolephotography
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Hair Biz Year 18 Issue 1
