4 minute read
TO PHUKET WE GO with ASPYA
By Jarred Stedman
Celebrating its 20th year, DeLorenzo’s ASPYA conference continues to impress. The Australian-made and owned company loves to treat its top salons with empowering and inspirational trips to a unique destination to unlock their business creativity for the next 12 months.
This year, MochaGroup’s General Manager Jarred Stedman was delighted to be invited to Phuket, Thailand to experience this incredible connection of like-minded salons.
The 3-day conference was based just 15 minutes north of the Phuket airport at the 5-star Hotel, JW Marriot Phuket. The hotel was chosen by Melinda Mason, ASPYA Loyalty Program Manager, because of its direct access to the beach, which is where the team had organised 2 of the themed dinners.
Each night was designed to get people chatting, eat some delicious food, enjoy, network and be entertained by local talent.
Over 200 APSYA salon owners, managers and even 5 apprentices attended the conference and were inspired by great speakers.
- Anthony Whitaker. Business coach, best-selling author, podcaster and international speaker.
- Sandy Chong. The Australian Hair Council (AHC) CEO, salon owner for 39 years and advocate for building a better hair industry.
- Amanda Stevens. A renowned speaker with a double degree in physiology and marketing, and a specific passion for bettering customer service experience in business.
- Chris Helder. A charismatic speaker, relighting the fire for purpose and drive in business owners with his trademark idea of ‘useful beliefs’ over positive thinking.
The conference was made even more engaging by the hilarious MC Rob Carlton. You may know him from his most recent appearance in the 2024 Netflix show “Boy Swallows Universe”. He has been in the film industry, throughout Australia and globally, since one of his first appearances in the 1925 American drama “The Mysterious Stranger”.
Rob brought the attendees more than just announcements and directions to the bathrooms!... but was the exciting entertainment thread throughout the 3 days drawing on his vast theatre and stage experience.
One of the core values of the DeLorenzo business is its desire to honour loyalty and longevity and in light of that, Anthony DeLorenzo, Chris DeLorenzo and Mel Mason handed out awards to those salons that had hit their significant markers of 5, 10 and 15 years with DeLorenzo.
Anika’s Mirror, Finesse Hair, Hermosa Hair, and Mundijong Hair achieved 5 years with the brand.
Roz Bradley hairdressing in Bendigo VIC celebrated 10 years with DeLorenzo.
Heidi Tuomi, owner of Mieco Hair Salon in Narrabeen NSW, was congratulated and awarded for her 15-year commitment.
"We have put our heart and soul into the salon. And we never forget to look into Organic and Sustainable options. We take pride in making a positive difference each and everyday." Heidi Tuomi
Another highlight from the conference was the interactive Look and Learn showing off the new 360 Nova range.
MC’d by Megan Yabsley, Trichology and Education Manager for DeLorenzo, we welcomed 3 Guest Artists and Educators on the stage along with their 6 models.
Lisa Polini from Perth, Angela Soong from Melbourne and Holly Breen from Brisbane recreated their unique looks from the newly launched 2024 Autumn / Winter collection.
They used the majority of the new Nova 360 range, including Nova Colour, Nova Tone, and Nova Fusion.
This was one incredible conference, filled with lots of entertainment from local singers, DJs, and the famous Simons Cabaret team. Beachside dinners, international speakers, dancing, poolside cocktails, and a whole lot of enriching conversations with industry leading salons.
Mocha Group loved once again being invited to attend and look forward to the next event as always with this incredible Australian company.
