Hairbiz Year 13 Issue 5

Year 13 Issue 5

2019 Australian Hairdresser of the Year

DEE PARKER ATTWOOD TAKES THE CROWN!

Hair By Dee Parker Attwood Photographer - Andrew O’Toole Make Up - Kylie O’Toole Stylist - Ella Murphy Colourist - Weiselmann

LET IT STAY OR LET IT GO. YO U R C L I E N T S A R E U N I Q U E .

DON’T THEY DESERVE A UNIQUE H A I R C O LO R ?

N E W E LU M E N A N D E LU M E N P L AY L o n g l a s t i n g a n d s e m i - p e r m a n e n t c o l o r.

D e d i c a t e d c a r e l i n e . Fo r f u l l f l e x i b i l i t y.

C O LO R D I F F E R E N T

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Queensland

1 Stop Hair Shop Kimdec Hair & Beauty Kimdec Hair & Beauty Norris Hair & Beauty Norris Hair & Beauty Norris Hair & Beauty Norris Hair & Beauty Norris Hair & Beauty Norris Hair & Beauty Pro Hair Ruby Salon Supplies Salon Direct Hair & Beauty Salon Shop Hervey Bay Salon Shop Maroochydore Supasave Hair & Beauty

Tasmania

Total Hair & Beauty

Fyshwick

6162 1950

Rockdale 8590 2720 Kirrawee 9521 5066 Villawood 9755 5666 Bankstown 9708 6127 Penrith 4722 2527 Manly Vale 9948 6687 Oak Flats 4257 6997 Castle Hill 9894 8866 Richmond 4578 6666 Smeaton Grange 4647 8841 Erina 4365 4111 Newcastle 4967 5459 Casino 6662 5380 Rydalmere 8677 3683 Sefton 8710 8832 Yagoona 9645 5634 Marrickville 8021 4743 Surry Hills 9211 4444 Leumeah 4627 7100 Wollongong 4229 5556 Biggera Waters Capalaba Salisbury Bundaberg Currumundi Maroochydore Noosa Rockhampton West End Townsville Toowoomba Helensvale Pialba Mooloolaba Morningside

5537 5521 3245 6223 3277 8211 4154 3011 5493 5388 5443 7601 5440 5523 4926 2422 3844 5284 4725 5300 4638 0477 5502 3188 4194 5472 5443 1123 3217 9063

South Australia

Hair Beauty Coop Hair Beauty Coop Hair Beauty Coop Hair Beauty Coop Hair Beauty Coop

Adelaide Ascot Park Morphett Vale Parafield Royston Park

8113 4900 8177 1010 8326 7212 8282 4061 8362 3077

Victoria

Absolute Spa Thomastown 9464 4466 Black2Blonde Berwick 9769 3287 Black2Blonde Ferntree Gully 9887 3330 Budget Beauty Frankston 9783 3775 Dolce Body Supplies Boronia 9762 7222 Eastern Hairdressing Supplies Ferntree Gully 9752 3310 Global Hair & Beauty Wantirna 9763 8725 Hairworks Hair & Beauty Shepparton 5831 3388 HBM Hair Beauty Mart Kingsbury 9471 3365 Highlight Hair & Beauty North Geelong 5229 1673 Infinity Spa Sunshine Nth 1800 868 888 Leigh Nails & Beauty Braybrook 9311 9301 Lydiard Trade Suppliers Ballarat 5333 4640 Metro Salon & Spa Supplies Pakenham 5941 6774 My Hair Golden Square Bendigo 5442 4900 My Hair Hargreaves Mall Bendigo 5441 3642 My Hair Echuca 5482 5993 Oz Nails Sunshine 9364 8586 Park Avenue Hair & Beauty Moonee Ponds 9326 1287 Peachers Hair & Body Hoppers Crossing 8742 2763 Pricecutters Coburg 9355 7255 Rise & Shine Beauty Noble Park 9546 2075 Western Hairdressing Supplies St Albans 9362 1377

Western Australia

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Joe Habaki, TONI&GUY, Armadale “I’m blown away by the new development and results we are getting with e-smooth! At TONI&GUY Bondi Beach we do a lot of keratin treatments, the fumes are smokey and in a salon likes ours it’s a problem. e-smooth is easy to apply, fume free and the biggest benefit is no colour change.

Kelly Wright, TONI&GUY Bondi Beach “We love using EVY PROFESSIONAL e-smooth as it does not pollute the salon with any toxic gases which is a real plus for staff and client comfort. The results are great and we highly recommend using it on particularly sensitised or heavily coloured hair. Unlike some other keratin treatments e-smooth does not turn blonde hair yellow. In fact if anything, it improves the colour in some cases.”

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ts n e t Con ON THE COVER

PROFILE

20 Dee Parker Attwood, The

50 Putting the Cherri on Top

Road to Glory

REGULARS

12 Editors Letter

22-24 Industry News 88-89 Hair Shop

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

58 Elle Schoemaker

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE

60 Training Talk, The New Creatives By Anthony Gray

EDUCATION

14-16 Ken Picton By Kym Krey

74 Hair Raiser Fellowship

FEATURE

COMPETITION

18 10 Minutes with Marie Neiwoudt 30-33 Million Dollar Club

64 Color Zoon Challenge ‘19 66 Novacolor 2019

Institute 70-71 A Week of Homelessness with Jenni Tarrant

AHIA 2019 26 Rachel Morrison – Apprentice of the Year 27 Don De Sanctis – Business Director of the Year 28 Cherie Cowan – Salon Manager of the Year 29 Papas and Pace – Best In Salon Training

SALON PROFILE

www.hairexpoaustralia.com

100 Freedom Suites to open Brisbane 2nd Space

90 Dateline City 94 Your Voice - Alice Burke

34-36 Anniss+Barton 38-40 Jull Turnbull 42-45 Eclecticism – Box Hill

Hair By Dee Parker Attwood Photographer - Andrew O’Toole Make Up - Kylie O’Toole Stylist - Ella Murphy Colourist - Weiselmann

56 Developing a Culture – Tracey Coles

HAIR HEALTH 68 What’s all the pHuss? By Simone Lee

PRODUCT FEATURE 78 ghd Oracle 80 Innovatis Luxury Haircare 82 Revlon Professional Vibrant Hair Colour By Linda Woodhead 86 The Ultimate Finishing Tool from WAHL By Laura VanderMoere 92 Salon Interior Inspiration by Comfortel

BLOGS

46 Epic Success By Kym Krey 52 An Urban Loft Experience 54 Sam James SJ Establishment

96 Kirstie Stafford 97 Steve Corthine 98 Geoffrey Herberg 99 Paul Frasca

EVENTS

BUSINESS

48 The Power of Connection – KAO Salon MBE Conference 62 dyson Roadshow No.2 76 Affinage Professional Distributor Confernece

102 It’s Not About the Software with Phorest 104 Salon Owning and Parenting By Estelle Carroll 106 Adapt and Ecolve By Caitlyn Menzel

HAIR BIZ PUBLISHER

Linda Woodhead linda@mochapublishing.com.au

EDITOR

Kym Krey kym@mochapublishing.com.au

EDITOR’S LETTER

ADVERTISING MANAGER Nina Barbara nina@mochapublishing.com.au

ART DIRECTOR

Kellie Woodhead kellie@mochapublishing.com.au

ADMINISTRATION

Jess Richmond jess@mochapublishing.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS Kym Krey Linda Woodhead Laura VanderMoere Anthony Gray Simone Lee Alice Burke Kirstie Stafford Steve Corthine Geoffrey Herberg Paul Frasca Estelle Carroll Caitlyn Menzel

OFFICE

PO BOX 252 Helensvale Plaza Qld 4212 P: 07 5580 5155 mail@mochapublishing.com.au www.mochapublishing.com.au

DISTRIBUTION

Australia Post - Print Post 100005498

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PUBLISHED BY mocha publishing

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HAIR BIZ, Beauty Biz & Barber Shop Hair Biz is published four times a year by mocha publishing ABN 65 091 846 189 No Part of the publication may be reproduced in any manner or form without written permission.

Hair Biz does not accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies, original artwork or other material. The views expressed in Hair Biz are not necessarily those of the publisher.

No responsibility will be accepted if the publication is delayed or prevented by factors beyong the control of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for errors in copy, or for any loss arising from the failure of an advertisement or any part thereof to appear. © 2019 mocha publishing All rights reserved.

Can you imagine, after years of dedication and sheer hard work, what it would be like to stand on a stage in front of your industry peers to be announced as Australian Hairdresser of the Year? The pinnacle of creative success in our industry?

We actually get to find out as we talk to someone who has done just that. Reigning Australian Champion, Dee Parker Attwood talks to us about exactly what it took to finally take home the trophy. The preparation, the creative process, the experience on shoot day, bouncing back every year that it didn’t happen and then finally what it was like to savour the blissful moment. If you’ve ever had that big, hairy, audacious goal on your bucket list, you won’t want to miss that.

At completely the opposite end of the spectrum, we talk to the queen of all things charitable and humanitarian, Jenni Tarrant, and relive her incredible week living in her tiny car in Canberra’s freezing temperatures to raise awareness and funds for our country’s homeless. This story will touch you deeply as Jenni shares what it was like to be on the receiving end of sniggers and judging looks and also kindness while she made herself live on just $20 a day, parked overnight in an alleyway and using only public bathroom facilities… and she worked through the entire thing!

Ever dreamed of starting your own business? Fancy yourself joining the million-dollar-a-year-club? We talk to four young salon owners who have indeed cracked at least the million-dollar annual turnover mark, and all are well under 40 years of age! Meet our Young Million Dollar Club members and learn the secrets of their success.

Thinking about next year’s photographic collections and awards? Take some inside tips from Kurt Anniss

and Nathan Barton, Melbourne’s dynamic fashion photographic duo who have shot the collections of many of our industry’s shining stars. They’ll talk you through how to plan for a successful shoot from concept to completion, plus tips for creating quality content for your marketing campaigns.

Of course, we celebrate another round of our fabulous AHIA winners and give you an insight into what makes them the cream of the crop and our team of business writers bring you valuable guidance to help you build a stronger business. Caitlyn Menzel shows you why you can’t blame Facebook’s algorithm change for your social media not working, I’ll show you why your staff won’t sell retail and how they can, and Zing’s Estelle Carrol will show you how to juggle the demands of owning a salon with those of parenting and make it work for everyone!

What more could you possibly want in your favourite industry mag?

Settle in and enjoy. This issue is packed from cover to cover!

Until next time,

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE

KEN PICTON

By Kym Krey

Ken Picton is one of the most acclaimed names in British hairdressing. Inducted into the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame in 2012 for three consecutive wins as Wales and Southwest Hairdresser of the Year, Ken has gone on to win countless more accolades for his achievements in both creative and business aspects of the industry including Most Wanted Businessman of the Year, British Hairdressing Business Awards Salon Team of the Year, Alternative Hair Visionary of the Year and multiple wins as the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Salon of the Year.

Ken’s breathtaking salon space is home to 35 staff and provides an exhaustive menu of services from hairdressing to nails and beauty services, dentists offering teeth whitening and medical aesthetics practitioners. An established brand ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel, Kerastase and Shu Uemura, Ken routinely educates across the globe and was recently elected President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, where he has big plans to expand its digital offering, grow membership and engage with a younger audience.

More than just a key figure in Welsh hairdressing, Ken is heavily involved in his local community and works closely with Cardiff’s football, ice hockey and rugby teams. He and his team are even the go-to hairdressers for local film and television talent, including the cast of locally made series, Dr Who! An interesting mix of both commercial and creative success, Ken spoke with Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey recently to tell us more 14

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

about his infectious brand of beautiful, wearable hair and the business acumen that has helped his salon thrive for more than 25 years.

YOU’VE WON NUMEROUS AWARDS FOR YOUR BUSINESS ACUMEN, DID THESE SKILLS COME NATURALLY, OR DID THEY NEED TO BE DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS?

For me when it comes to business, creativity is just as important as business skills; they have to work seamlessly and side by side, especially if you want to be a successful salon with a successful team. In fact how I started my business was a pretty epic story! I essentially borrowed money from one bank to “buy a car”, took that money to another bank to “buy a car” and then took all that money to the last bank to start my business. Did I have business acumen at that point? Probably not! But I quickly realised that I needed to understand profit and loss, cash flow, forecasting and ultimately that’s when I started investing time into learning the business side of it all. I think a lot of hairdressers can go wrong by not looking at what outcomes they need as a business, rather than what they want as a creative artist. I run my business by looking at decisions from a customer’s point of view and it has always served me well.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST EFFECTIVE OR VALUABLE BUSINESS SKILLS?

We’re a team of very different individuals and I think learning that early on, has helped me to develop my most valuable skill, managing people. Leading by example is one of the most important things any salon owner can

do. If you prove that you can walk the walk and talk the talk, you find that your team will follow you on that journey. The most effective tactic I use is to be really clear with the team on what the objectives are and what you need to achieve from what you’re asking them to do.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING ISSUES FOR SALON OWNERS TODAY?

Staying ahead of the trends for staff as well as for clients. I hear a lot about how there’s less and less people coming into hairdressing and I actually think that’s always been the case. What I see happening now, is that it’s a more select type of person coming into the industry. There are people who come in because they have an absolute passion for it and then others who think it’s an easy ride.

We stay ahead of the game by employing and educating the right people, giving them the right opportunities to grow and be successful.

Winning awards is wonderful but when you share it with your team, it becomes super special, such as our awards for Salon of the Year and Salon Team of the Year. It’s not just about me, it’s all the people within the business, making sure they all work together for a common goal.

"IF IT ALL ENDED TODAY FOR WHATEVER REASON, I WOULD BE HUGELY PLEASED WITH WHAT I’VE ACHIEVED PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY."

YOU NOW MANAGE A TEAM OF 35 STAFF! WAS THAT ALWAYS PART OF THE PLAN OR SOMETHING THAT JUST HAPPENED DUE TO BUSINESS GROWTH?

I never set out to have one big salon, but it evolved as we grew and attracted more people. It’s interesting because I have spoken to lots of chain/group owners and so many of them tell me they wish they’d created one big global salon. There are challenges and also positives both ways. In a

large team, new team members are coached and supported in the ways of the salon by the existing team and that is a huge help for the managers. I love having a big team.

I love that there are so many personalities within it, that there are so many different strengths and ideas. We have such a diverse skill and mindset that I see it as a huge advantage. It’s rare that we all have the same ideas and I enjoy that!

WERE ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS EVER CONSIDERED IN YOUR BUSINESS PLAN OR WAS ONE LARGE SPACE ALWAYS YOUR PREFERENCE?

With my first salon “The Zoo” in the city centre, the plan was to expand with additional locations, but when I started looking, the locations were either epic or tiny. When this opportunity came in Mermaid Quay, which was new for Cardiff, after seeing the space I was sold. In the city centre, high walk-past and walk-in trade didn’t work for our business, as we were always fully booked and couldn’t cope. We’d be turning people away on a regular basis which didn’t feel right.

The idea of a destination salon that was able to offer a multitude of services was really appealing. We’ve expanded since to 6,500sq feet and may even expand further!

WHAT SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES HAVE YOU HAD TO DEVELOP TO MANAGE SUCH A LARGE GROUP OF EMPLOYEES?

Our systems have evolved with the growth of the business, and as we’ve made mistakes along the way, learned and adapted. Open communication between the whole team is important and we use WhatsApp and email groups. I fully believe that constant and regular team meetings on salon time (never on staff time!) keep us all on the same page.

Transparency allowing staff to see what they are achieving and compare that against colleagues, breeds a healthy, competitive nature which has always worked for us. We always praise great behaviour and challenge unhelpful behaviour; make expectations clear and my team know that they can talk to me about anything they have on their mind. cont’d over page

cont’d from page 15

AT WHICH POINT DID YOU BEGIN TO APPOINT LEADERS/ MANAGERS WITHIN THE BUSINESS?

I’m a firm believer that everyone rises to their own level of incompetence. I believe you should have good people doing the right jobs, so a Salon Manager doesn’t have to be a hairdresser on the floor. I have Creative Directors, Front of House Managers as well as a General Manager, so they are all focused on their specific areas. Everyone plays a key role. I would say to any Salon Owner that if you want to grow past your boutique salon size and you are working on the floor, consider making an investment in someone who can help manage your business alongside you, so you can do what you are good at.

YOU HAVE QUITE A BUSY SCHEDULE AS AMBASSADOR FOR L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL BRANDS, HOW DO YOU JUGGLE THESE COMMITMENTS WITH THE DEMANDS OF RUNNING A BUSY SALON?

Over the years I’ve always travelled, and I love it but it’s difficult! Not just when it comes to running the salon, but I have 5 children, so family life is just as busy. Of course I have great support from my wife, my Salon Manager and my team and that’s what has allowed me to continue this area of work. It’s such a privilege doing shows across the world in different languages, but I am really focused on progressing my own team and seeing them achieve.

AS RECENTLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE FELLOWSHIP FOR BRITISH HAIRDRESSING, WHAT IS YOUR FOCUS FOR THE ROLE?

I feel very honoured to be the President, as it’s such a huge platform for creative hairdressers and a great way for the industry to come 16

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

together and invest in the next generation.

The people who succeed in the future are those who prepare for it now and for The Fellowship to remain relevant, they have to adapt to our changing industry. Digital is the education platform for the future while events and shows will be always be where the inspiration comes.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR BUSINESS OR CAREER?

When I started out, I had one dream to create the best salon in the world. I am not saying we are the best in the world, but we are highly applauded for our business, our team and our work. To have created a destination salon that’s regarded as one of the best in the country makes me immensely proud. Lots of people have come through our doors and gone on to great things elsewhere in the industry and that’s a source of great pride for me too. I love seeing people achieve success and knowing that we helped them along the way is definitely what I am most proud of in my career.

IS THERE ANYTHING LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST THAT YOU’D LIKE TO ACHIEVE?

You know what? If it all ended today for whatever reason, I would be hugely pleased with what I’ve achieved professionally and personally. As a happily married, father of 5 with a great business that’s recognised globally, I can’t really ask for more than that!

Would I like to be the first Welshman crowned British Hairdresser of the Year? Of course I would, that would be an amazing accolade so maybe that’s something that comes in the future. www.kenpicton.com

IF YOU PROVE THAT YOU CAN WALK THE WALK AND TALK THE TALK, YOU FIND THAT YOUR TEAM WILL FOLLOW YOU ON THAT JOURNEY. "

20 20

! n oo S ing

m o C

A NEW MOCHA INITIATIVE. FOUNDERS OF AHIA & ABIA

WWW.AUSTRALIANMODERNBARBERAWARDS.COM.AU

10 MINUTES WITH...

MARIE NIEUWOUDT AHIA 2019 Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year, Marie Nieuwoudt, is a passionate, creative pioneer of global hairdressing innovation, harnessing over 30 years of experience in hairdressing, training and education across the UK, USA and Australia.

Managing her successful Brisbane salon and hairdressing academy (B'Me Salon/ Academy), Marie is also the Lead Educator and exclusive distributor of the revolutionary Colour Placement System (CPS), in Australia and the USA.

about hairdressing and giving back to the greater and wider community.

Her advice, knowledge and credentials are sought after by many international hairdressing bodies and publications and she’s been the host and compere for the HJ stage at Salon International since 2005.

Originally from Leeds, England, I was brought up by my grandmother as both biological parents abandoned their roles as parents when I was at the age of three and a half. Throughout my entire school life, I was severely bullied for not having parents, having red hair, and being severely dyslexic.

Strangely, throughout it all, I could always see the bright side, found humour in the darkest of times, and always knew that I would always be okay in the end. I knew excitement and adventure were just around the corner. Little did I know, that would be walking through the doors of a hair salon.

She has a reputation for delivering content rich, cutting edge training which challenges the old and inspires the new, but behind this driven and passionate business mind is the heart of one of the most caring and generous souls you’ll ever meet.

As you’ll learn, Marie’s early family life was different to most, but through it all shone her eternal optimism, enthusiasm and vibrant energy which today fuels not only her business endeavours but also her many charitable and community projects.

“I SEE MYSELF AS AN ARTIST AND MY MATERIALS ARE HAIR, SCISSORS, COMB, PINS, HAIRSPRAY- THE LIST IS ENDLESS. I LOVE TO BRING OUT THE INNER BEAUTY OF HAIR”

Marie is truly a human anyone would want to know. Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey, spent 10 Minutes With Marie recently to share a little more of her very interesting story.

MARIE, TELL US WHAT YOU DO IN THE INDUSTRY TODAY:

Today my role within the industry has really developed organically, moving towards developing a not-for-profit salon to help within the local community. I am the owner of B’Me hair salon in North Lakes, north of Brisbane. We have a small yet mighty team of amazing hairdressers, who are passionate

TO HELP US GET TO KNOW YOU A LITTLE MORE, WOULD YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING?

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE INDUSTRY?

MN. I was sitting at home watching television, and an advertisement came on with a tall man in a white suit with long hair, pointing his finger to the camera and said ‘If you’re not becoming to him, you should be coming to me”, straight through the TV and into my living room. This was an advert for Phillips hairdressing, and I just knew that I was going to get a job there, and so my journey into the hair industry began.

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR EARLY DREAMS AS A HAIRDRESSER?

At the age of 16, I had my first trip to London to see Salon International in 1987.

It was the most exciting, exhilarating and colourful experience. It was like a circus for hairdressers, performers, artists, magicians and creators of the unimaginable, all using the same material. Hair. I just wanted

to know how I could become one of those performers on stage at Salon International.

That was my dream

dinner with Yorkshire puddings.

And I finish every day with a cup of Yorkshire tea.

HAS THERE BEEN ONE MOMENT OR ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CAREER THAT YOU FEEL TRULY DEFINES YOU?

WHAT ELSE IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST TO ACHIEVE IN EITHER CAREER OR LIFE?

MN. After 33 years in the industry, the milestones I have reached that define me as a person, are the people that I have met and worked with who I now call my friends, and who I call my village. Of course, I have had many awards and accolades, such as Salon of the Year, Finalist in the L’Oréal Colour Trophy, a Phab standard service award, and of course, this year being awarded the AHIA Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2019.

IF YOU HAD TO CONSIDER AN ALTERNATIVE CAREER, WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT MIGHT BE? A bingo caller!

AS THE CURRENT 2019 AHIA HUMANITARIAN, WHAT INSPIRED YOUR PASSIONATE INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY AND CHARITABLE EFFORTS?

Having left home at 17, I had experienced what it was like to feel hungry, scared, hopeless, alone, and unsure of where I would sleep for the night. As soon as I was in a position to help others, as others had helped me, I did, which has started a 30-year lifestyle of helping others.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING FOR YOU WHEN HELPING OTHERS? MN. It’s the smile on somebody’s face that speaks volumes. It says, ‘I have been seen, I have been valued, I have been heard.”

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT:

• My Family and Friends • Making a difference when I can and where I can • Life itself

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF.

Waking up early and seeing the sunrise over the ocean while I walk my dog, then going back home and having a lovely breakfast with my family. Then I would drag my kids to see the Gallery of Modern Art, before having a roast

For my career, I would like to set up a chain of non-for-profit hair and beauty salons, with the shared ethos of giving back to the local and wider community. For my life, I would just love to live a healthy, full life, where I can watch my kids grow into the amazing adults I know they’re going to be.

WHAT'S THE CRAZIEST OR FUNNIEST THING THAT’S EVER HAPPENED TO YOU AT WORK?

I could literally write a book about all the crazy, funny things that have happened to me over 33 years in the salon! While working at Steiner’s in Leeds, after a luxury renovation, I was busy tressing the locks of my poshest client, Mrs Swales. I felt a drop on one shoulder, but as the ultimate professional, I ignored the growing damp patch on my shoulder. As the smell reached my nose, I realised that the new toilet sewerage system, was busy leaking over the top of me. And I was covered in poo. We had to evacuate the salon, and it is an experience that still haunts and humours me at the same time.

IF YOU COULD LEAVE THIS INDUSTRY HAVING ACHIEVED JUST ONE THING, WHAT WOULD THAT LEGACY BE?

MN. For all the people that I have met in the industry over the years, it would be to pass on the love and passion I have for hairdressing.

From creating, colouring, cutting, the care of people, both in your chair and in your salon, then taking that care out into your local community.

WHAT'S SOMETHING INTERESTING OR QUIRKY WE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?

My whole life is quirky, and as an open book, I really don’t have many secrets.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE ASPIRING TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THIS INDUSTRY? Do your research; think about what type of hairdressing you want to do, where you want to do it, make sure you research your own education, keep an open mind, never stop learning, be in control of your own success, and have fun.

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

19

COVER STORY

d oo w tt A Dee Parker

THE ROAD TO GLORY

It’s the crown of all crowns, the ultimate accolade and the trophy every hairdresser dreams of winning - Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year.

Comparing the incredible talent and skill demonstrated by all of the finalists, we can see that the standards are high and the competition is fierce, so what does it really take to win?

We asked 2019 recipient, Dee Parker Attwood to share with us her journey to that stage and what it took for her to wake up the next morning with that precious piece of crystal by her side.

CONGRATULATIONS DEE! HOW ARE YOU FEELING NOW THAT THE DUST HAS SETTLED A LITTLE?

It was a crazy experience and sometimes it still feels surreal. The day to day running of the salon, and life in general, quickly brings you back to reality though.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IT TAKES TO WIN THIS AWARD?

Honestly, I worked on this collection for 7 months, using every day off I had. I just kept tapping away at it. With any creative process, many looks and ideas never made it. I just kept going back, doing it again and again and kept practicing.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH YOUR PLANNING PROCESS FOR SUCH AN IMPORTANT SHOOT AS THIS?

For me, it is always the hair first. That is my starting point. I created all the hair concepts then shared them with Andrew, my photographer. I had never shot with the incredible Andrew and Kylie O’Toole before, but I trusted them, and their work certainly speaks for itself, so I gave them both creative freedom with photography and makeup. I’m so glad I did.

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE COLLECTION THAT WON YOU THE NATIONAL TITLE?

I headed in quite a different direction this year. Previous collections of mine were always about haircuts. This collection was different; I did more long hair and editorial looks. It was a lot more time-consuming, but I loved the challenge.

YOU COLLABORATED WITH FRANK APOSTOLOPOULOS ON THIS COLLECTION.HOW DID THIS EVOLVE AND ENHANCE YOUR PROCESS?

Frank is an incredible hairdresser. He has won Australian Hairdresser of the year five times.

I was so honoured to have him help me. It happened really organically. We judged a competition together and just start chatting.

He gave me some advice that I never forgot. He told me to do ‘clever hair’ and it started from

there. He didn’t always like everything I did and most of the time he was right. All the ideas were always mine and he never told me what hair to do, he just made me do better hair!!! Between him and my other hair hero, David Wieselmann, I believe I was lucky enough to have the best sounding boards in the business!

HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT PUTTING YOUR FULL TEAM TOGETHER?

I was guided by Andrew and Kylie O’Toole throughout the process. The biggest lesson I learned from them was the importance of using great models.

HOW LONG WOULD YOU SAY IT TAKES TO PUT A SUBMISSION LIKE THIS TOGETHER, FROM START TO FINISH?

DP. It’s a whole years’ worth of work. Aside from the extensive creative element, because there is a written submission component which is based on industry activity, you have to be out there all year.

AND I’D IMAGINE THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT IS NOT INSIGNIFICANT AS WELL?

It’s a huge investment- especially if you commit to two collections a year. Also when you use the top people in the industry, you pay their top prices as well, but their results speak for themselves. It’s was worth every cent. So, I’m sad to say, there’ll be no overseas holidays for a while!!

HOW MANY YEARS WOULD YOU SAY YOU’VE BEEN PREPARING FOR THIS ACCOLADE?

I have been entering photography competitions at state and Australian level for 10 years and I’ve been a finalist for Australian Hairdresser of the Year six times. It takes a lot of hard work, plus the lessons you learn each time you enter, of course. Rarely does it happen the first time out. There are no short cuts. This was just my turn, I guess. You have to put in the time and commitment.

IN THE PAST, HOW DID YOU REFOCUS AND REGAIN MOTIVATION TO KEEP COMING BACK, YEAR AFTER YEAR TO ENTER THESE AWARDS?

Being creatives, there is always a part of us that is never happy. I always see things that could have been better. I channel that energy, start again and do it better next time.

WERE YOU CONFIDENT FROM THE START WITH THIS COLLECTION?

I am never confident heading into a shoot until I see it all come together. Standing next to Andrew O’Toole and looking at the photos just felt different. His lighting setup was a masterpiece. I was blown away.

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU HEARD YOUR NAME ANNOUNCED AS HAIR EXPO AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR?

It was like a dream. I will never forget looking out at the crowd and seeing so many people whom I love and respect, being genuinely happy for me.

I also got to publicly thank the people I couldn’t have done it without, including ‘my’ company Schwarzkopf Professional and my incredible business partners. That meant the world to me.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE WAKING UP THE NEXT DAY, SEEING THE TROPHY AND REALISING WHAT YOU’D ACHIEVED?

I only had one hour’s sleep and the trophy was in the bed because I was so excited. I was overwhelmed, but happy. Then I spent about 2 hours responding to messages. It was a special moment.

WAS IT A LITTLE ODD GOING BACK TO SALON LIFE AND YOUR FIRST CLIENT AFTER SUCH A HUGE MOMENT?

The clients have absolutely loved it! It’s been great for the salon and the atmosphere. In this industry and owning a salon, all roads lead back to being behind the chair.

IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO YOUR INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES WHO DREAM OF TAKING HOME THAT TROPHY SOME DAY?

Yes…… find your people. Your team is the most important component. Don’t have any weak links in your collection, always have more looks than you need. Practice hard and don’t be emotional about dropping styles that are just not working.

DEE PARKER ATTWOOD, WE SALUTE YOU!

INDUSTRY NEWS | INDUSTRY NEWS | INDUSTRY NEWS DYSON LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EVER BEAUTY LAB IN SYDNEY

Dyson is excited to announce the opening of its first Dyson demo store – Beauty Lab in Australia, located on the lower ground floor of Sydney’s Queen Victoria building. Following the runaway success of the award-winning Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and the Airwrap styler, Dyson’s experienced team of styling experts will provide Sydney’s masses with a luxury beauty experience using Dyson styling technologies.

Open daily from 7.30am, clients can book a hair styling appointment for $50 which includes a complimentary beverage including prosecco, hair consultation by a Dyson styling expert, luxury hair wash with treatments and scalp massage and this fee is redeemable when purchasing Dyson styling technologies at the store.

“Dyson is continually disrupting the styling industry and its Beauty Lab is no exception. It’s exciting to be part of the journey to create amazing styles and educate people on how to help prevent extreme heat damage by using game-changing Dyson styling technologies,” Joey Scandizzo, Dyson Styling Ambassador. www.dyson.com.au/beautylab

ARE YOU A COLOUR WIZARD?

Squeeze your staino right and you could win $1000 USD when you share your magic!

Staino by evo fab pro have launched an exciting colour competition to reward you for your creativity.

The competition calls for all colour wizards to share their Staino magic on their Instagram feeds, including #stainoskillz and the formula used to create the colour in the caption to be considered for one of 3 chances to win $1,000 USD. Staino by evo fab pro is an intense direct dye with a super-high concentration of pigment. Results are super-bright and last up to an undeniable impressive 50 washes that fade trueto-tone. The competition is open to colourists globally from 1 August 2019 until 31st October 2019. One winner will be selected each month by the evo creative team and you can enter as many times as you like!

Make sure your Instagram profile is set to public as the team will be sharing their faves along the way! www.evohair.com

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR HAIR SHOTS 2 THE WORLD GLOBAL COMPETITION

Nicole Pede

Nicole Kae

Kylie Hayes

After an incredible competition, the winners of Hair Shots 2 The World’s first GLOBAL competition have been announced as: • Nicole Kae, Sydney, Australia • Nicole Pede, InStyle Salon & Spa, Ontario, Canada The two fantastic Nicoles have each won an international release of their collection to hairdressing media around the world.

Hair Shots 2 The World managing director, Leanne Cutler said that between awesome colour married with inspiring hair fashion, these collections were deserving winners from an outstanding field of entries.

In addition, a “Merit” award was selected from the next top ten runners up which went to Kylie Hayes of Moha Hairdressing in Dunedin, New Zealand. The Merit Award evolved because the scores between the top twelve entries were so close, it was deemed fair to acknowledge the field of excellence. Ms Cutler said that the finalist entries were so good that Hairshots 2 The World were making a digital lookbook to present to finalists to give them the kudos they deserved. www.hairshots2theworld.com

FOIL ME FINALIST IN TELSTRA BUSINESS AWARDS

Adelaide company, Foil Me, has been named the South Australian Small & Succeeding Finalist in the 2019 Telstra Business Awards. Renowned for being industry disruptors, innovators, providers of exceptional customer service and outstanding business acumen, Foil Me has developed a cult-like status and reputation in the global hairdressing industry.

The brainchild of Adelaide-based husband & wife team, Iliano & Emily Ciardiello, Foil Me has grown their business an astounding 1000% in revenue since its inception in 2014, clearly a reflection of the company’s business integrity, quality, customer service and industry need for their product concepts.

Says Emily, “As a small, vibrant and young team, to be recognised in the small business awards is a big achievement in our eyes, due to our daily passion and drive to make the lives of those in the hairdressing world easier.” www.foilme.com.au

INDUSTRY NEWS | INDUSTRY NEWS | INDUSTRY NEWS GLIDE HAIR TOOLS SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

It seems that unfortunately most of us have had a friend or family member touched by breast cancer with estimates that almost 20,000 people will be diagnosed in 2019.

Glide Hair Tools have developed the pink De-Knot shower brush in conjunction with their #checkyourbreasts campaign which run throughout September and October. Proceeds of $2.50 from the sale of each brush will go directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundations of Australia and New Zealand with the aim to have these detangling shower brushes in as many households as possible. www.glidehairtools.com.au

ORBE SALON CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

courses and solutions to the hair industry.

Katy is widely regarded as a leader in the arena of hair fashion and is respected for her passion for her craft and creative prowess in collaborating with industry professionals to develop and deliver exceptional education and creative hair designs.

Professional Use is an importer and distributor of professional brands including Mizutani Scissors, Y.S.Park Professional and Balmain Paris Hair Couture. www.professionaluse.com.au

INTERCOIFFURE GALA COCKTAIL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Don’t miss this! Intercoiffure will be hosting their Gala Cocktail Event on Sunday 27th October 2019 at the Crown Towers Grand Ballroom, in Perth. The event will be a unique hair spectacular not seen on the Perth hair fashion scene for many years and will feature Klaus Peter Ochs (KPO) direct from Hair International in London as well as the fabulously talented Intercoiffure Swedish Artistic Team plus our own National Young Talent on stage.

The next morning, kpOchs will be delivering Look and Learn cutting workshop from 10.30am – 12.30 pm.

Grab tickets for both events here www.trybooking.com/bdvzs

WELLA PROFESSIONALS ANNOUNCE NEW EDUCATION LEAD TEAM

One of Adelaide’s most awarded and adored salons, Orbe celebrated 25 years in the hairdressing industry in July. Founded in 1994 by business partners Ida Tirimacco and Joe Cimmino, Orbe Norwood quickly became the destination for style, luxury and exceptional service and in 2014 the pair opened a second salon, Orbe North Adelaide.

The Orbe brand is contemporary, strong and confident and their commitment and passion has resulted in an extensive list of awards including the 2019 Small Business Championship Awards, AHIA State Salon of the Year Winner (SA, TAS, VIC) 2017 and 2019, and Australian Salon of the Year – Guinot 2017 and 2018.

Congratulations Team Orbe. Here’s to 25 more years of helping people look and feel fantastic. www.orbe.com.au

KATY REEVE JOINS PROFESSIONAL USE AS HEAD OF EDUCATION

AHFA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year and renowned creative artist Katy Reeve has joined industry leading hair distributor Professional Use as Head of Education, where she’ll be working with hairdressers, creative artists and other professionals to create and deliver training and education

Wella Professionals, part of COTY Inc, are thrilled to announce two major appointments within their AU/NZ education sector as part of a recent behind-the-scenes brand restructure spanning the previous twelve months.

Tracey Hughes will fill Tracey Hughes Ludmila Hlinvosky the newly created role of Education & Digital Transformation Leader and Ludmila Hlinvosky, the role of Creative Manager.

Combined, the two roles will support Wella in achieving their goal of enhancing Guest Artist co-creation, digitally transforming the education platform and ultimately raising the profile of the hairdressing industry as a whole. www.cotyinc.com

TIGI ANNOUNCE NEW HEAD OF SESSION TIGI Professional are have welcomed industry veteran Angela Pastore to their team in the newly created role of Head of Session for the brand. This exciting announcement comes alongside a wider collaboration between Pastore and the brand, which see's Angela's educational academy (co-owned her with sister and business partner Rebecca) Colour Cosmetica announced as Australia's first Australian TIGI flagship academy.

Colour Cosmetica will serve as an education hub for TIGI, with students receiving a hands-on training experience with both the academy’s and TIGI’s global educational tools. www.tigi.com/au

INDUSTRY NEWS | INDUSTRY NEWS | INDUSTRY NEWS SIX INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSERS ANNOUNCED AS BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS FINALISTS

Six super talented international hairdressers, including three Australians, have been shortlisted for the inaugural title of International Collection of the Year at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2019, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional.

This is a brand-new category which was open to all qualified hairdressers with a regular client column, who work outside of the UK in a commercial environment and have done so for at least three years (excluding training).

The six stylists from around the globe selected to be in the running for this top accolade are: • Nathan Armagnacq, Oscar Oscar Chadstone, Melbourne, Australia • Chrystofer Benson, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Utah, United States • Jacky Chan, Oscar Oscar Chadstone, Melbourne, Australia • Tracey Devine-Smith, Glamour Salon, Abu Dhabi, UAE • Uros Mikic, Kinky Curly Straight, Stepney, Australia • Alain Pereque, Alain Pereque Montreal, Canada

The recognition comes after their hairstyling prowess captivated the imagination of more than 100 UK hair industry judges. Four striking, fashionlead photographic images of each of the stylist’s work secured their nominations of the world’s leading creative hairdressers.

In the hope of taking home the title, the finalists will each submit a further four images of their creative hairdressing work for the second round of judging in September, ahead of the awards ceremony in November.

HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards celebrates the very best of British hairdressing, recognising and rewarding the creative talents of individuals and teams who make the industry so vibrant.

HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards have launched the careers of a host of household names, from John Frieda and Nicky Clarke to TONI&GUY creative director Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck, as well as TV favourites Lisa Shepherd and Andrew Barton.

HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional will take place on 25th November 2019 in Park Lane, London. www.hji.co.uk/british-hairdressing-awards-sponsored-by-schwarzkopfprofessional

NEW Hair Education W.A

EDUCATORS

JULIE MAHONY (JEFFERY) SUE MORGAN GEMMA HANNOUSH

@EDUCATEATPIERROTS

Essentials Progressing Cutting Edge On Trend Artistic Visionary Deciphering Business

To view our Training Program & Calendar visit www.educateatpierrots.com.au or call 0466 829 996

QUEEN OF TRANSFORMATION

NEW GHD ORACLE. ONE TOOL, ENDLESS CURLS.

Exclusively available in selected ghd oracle partner salons.

For more information, contact your Area Manager or email oracle@ghdhair.com.au

#ghdoracle

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AHIA APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

RACHEL MORRISON

RUBI HAIR WINDSOR “Finding your passion isn’t just about career and money. It’s about finding your authentic self; the one you buried beneath other needs” – Kristin Hanna

2019 AHIA Junior Apprentice of the Year SPONSORED BY EXCELLENT EDGES Rachel Morrison - Rubi Hair, Windsor

For Rachel, hairdressing wasn’t a career choice; it was a choice that blossomed as a creative outlet, and a passion she had dabbled in for years.

At 27, Rachel is a mature age apprentice and truly living the mantra “do what you love and love what you do”. Coming from a background in makeup with an interest in film and theatre, Rachel struggled with the belief that she couldn’t make a career out of being creative, but now sees the industry in a completely different light.

“There are no obstacles holding me back to what I can achieve as a hair stylist, whether as a salon stylist or working in education, fashion or film and TV. Rubi Hair, to me, is not just a place of employment but a platform for growth and development. Rubi hair has moulded me personally and professionally and I couldn’t be prouder to be able to represent them”.

Rachel says that what she loves most is being able to work ‘outside the lines’, push boundaries and not be afraid to try something new. No two days are ever the same.

Says Rachel, “I believe that apprentices are the oil behind the cogs of the salon machine, allowing the business to run smoothly. My contribution to the salon environment varies but includes ensuring the client is always my number one priority and enjoying a positive experience, assisting senior stylists to ensure their day goes as smoothly as possible, keeping a positive, uplifting vibe running through the salon, assisting at reception with client management systems and also managing my own column and client workload”.

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Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

Rachel is trained at her workplace with her trainer visiting the salon and additional training is conducted during in-salon sessions. Under the guidance of the fabulous Tom White as her manager and educator, Rachel receives the highest standard of education supplemented by external educators such as Belinda Keeley and Karen Rich.

“From early on, I realized it was my responsibility to really focus on my training to get the most out of it, even down to ensuring I have the right model for the correct training session. I feel this has definitely contributed to my commitment to training and my growth over the last year.”

A truly multi-talented gal, Rachel has also completed a 12-week radio training course and also works as a breakfast radio presenter which Rachel feels has gives her the confidence to speak publicly and confidently- a skill that will no doubt come in handy as her career progresses!

So far, Rachel has benefitted from some incredible opportunities to assist on photo shoots and

fashion shows and has also completed her own photo shoots. In this environment, she learned techniques for the runway that could be completed in under 20 minutes which have also helped her with speed and accuracy in the salon.

However, she names her greatest achievement thus far as the photo shoot she completed for this submission. “The planning behind completing your own shoot was intense but I was so fortunate to be guided by photo shoot queen, Nikki Porter, who helped me create my plan of action and answered my questions along the way.

To say I am proud of my achievements in the past two and a half years is an understatement.

I was nominated in two consecutive years for HBIA Apprentice of the Year and won the Rubi Hair Apprentice of the Year award in 2017. I will continue to push myself to achieve greatness as I continue my apprenticeship, and beyond the qualification to achieve my dreams”.

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AHIA DIRECTOR/OWNER OF THE YEAR

DON DE SANCTIS 14 years ago, barber, Don De Sanctis opened a barbershop with one employee. In 2019, his staff has grown to 45 with 12 Barber Boys barbershops around Adelaide and the country’s first standalone barbering education institution and RTO, ‘Barbery, The Craft of a Barber’.

With family values at the core of his ethos, Owner Don De Sanctis is a committed and hands-on director and mentor, with a strong vision for the positive sustainability and reputation of the barbering sector and the development of his Barber Boys team. These values have seen his business enjoy growth of almost 20% over the last 12 months.

The Barber Boys brand is renowned for all the warmth and familiarity of the local family barber and offers the full spectrum of traditional barbering services at the highest standard combined with first-class client care.

Every staff member undertakes mandatory rigorous training to ensure the quality of service they provide is second to none.

Don is passionate about education and believes that consistent quality training sets the Barber Boys team apart and is key to the brand’s reputation for consistent and reliable standards of service.

Says Don, “I have witnessed many changes in the industry over the years as the art of barbering has fallen in and out of favour with consumers.

With barbering back in the spotlight, it is crucial now more than ever to set industry standards across the sector so that barbering, no matter where it is being practiced, is being conducted in a manner that safeguards the growth and reputation of the industry through quality cuts, styles and services and promotes future careers in a positive light”.

As his legacy, Don strives to ensure that Barbery and the Barber Boys brands support the community and the industry by being a leader in best practice barbering and setting an example of excellence in every single aspect of the business. Don’s goals are to see the Barber Boys brand expand nationally and internationally and to continue to raise the bar, even on his own business standards and culture, year after year.

Honing his barbering craft as an apprentice under one of South Australia’s most renowned hairdressers, Oscar Trevisian, Don then entered a partnership with Adelaide’s Mavericks Men’s Barbershop, eventually buying the shop and rebranding as ‘Barber Boys’. Over time, this shop

grew to become Adelaide’s leading family run and owned barber company, expanding to the 12 existing sites.

He’s also turned his hand to product development with the launch of his own line of product ‘Razor Gang’ and insists that all Barber Boys team members are registered with the Australian National Training Authority, a practice he believes should be uniform across the industry to ensure a basic level of practice and skill.

Something we can all relate to is the challenge of finding qualified staff with adequate skillsets, but Don has faced this trial by investing in 15 apprentices which he trains in the Barber Boys way, contributing significantly to next generation of the industry. His current team of apprentices include a mix of male and female barbers along with six mature age students and each is paired with a senior team member who acts as a mentor to offer advice and support.

2019 AHIA Business Director/Owner of the Year - SPONSORED BY GOLDWELL Don De Sanctis – Barber Boys/Barbery

In addition to commercial success, giving back to the community is an important part of the Barber Boys philosophy and something that is instilled into students through active participation in Hair Aid and HAACS activities. At these events, the team offer haircuts and beard trims to less fortunate male clients at Adelaide Men’s Shelter, understanding the difference a simple hair cut can make to a person’s self-esteem.

Other charitable initiatives include fundraising events for children in need and supporting charity rides for motorbike clubs. Free hair services are also provided at the conference of the Aboriginal Reconciliation Program and the team collaborate to provide assistance to youths within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, paving the way to a career that can lead them worldwide and last a lifetime.

Barber Boys is certainly on an upwards trajectory and we are excited to see what comes next!

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AHIA SALON MANAGER OF THE YEAR

CHERIE COWAN

SLOANS OF LANE COVE During her 30 years in the industry, she’s been a Stylist, Receptionist, Salon Co-Ordinator, Make Up Artist, Waxing and Tanning Technician, Owner Operator and Salon Manager, each of which she credits for giving her valuable skills and building the foundations of the exceptional operator she is today.

2019 AHIA Salon Manager of the Year SPONSORED BY WELLA PROFESSIONALS Cherie Cowan - Sloans of Lane Cove

Cherie Cowan, our AHIA Salon Manager of the Year, prides herself on fostering an environment of continual education and personal empowerment, driving and supporting her team to achieve professional and personal goals within the fast paced, nurturing, workplace that is Sloans of Lane Cove.

She’s extremely systematic in her approach yet wise enough to be flexible, to cater to the needs of 15 distinctly different skill sets and personalities that can be a challenge for any manager.

Her daily duties at Sloans include literally all aspects of salon and staff management including making sure those numbers at the end of the month are where they need to be whilst maintaining healthy relationships with valued suppliers, clients and staff.

Says Cherie, “A personal highlight has been leading us to consistently achieve AHC Gold Salon Select accreditation since we joined the pilot programme back in 2010. We have also received some amazing feedback from our mystery shoppers including “excellent value”, “outstanding team spirit” and “likeliness to return 10/10”, proving that our clients are experiencing the true ‘Sloans Style’ experience.

It’s a lot of responsibility for a salon as successful and acclaimed as Sloans, but I can’t imagine it any other way”.

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“IT’S A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR A SALON AS SUCCESSFUL AND ACCLAIMED AS SLOANS, BUT I CAN’T IMAGINE IT ANY OTHER WAY” Cherie started out as an apprentice within the Stefan organisation, at Mt Druitt back in 1984.

“I learned so many skills under the watchful eye of Stefan but looking back, the most important thing he taught me was time management and efficiency. Back in the “old days” we used to juggle 3-4 clients at a time, hence my ability to now juggle a large team”.

Having always wanted to run her own salon, Cherie took the plunge in 1989 with her business ‘Guys & Dolls, which allowed her to unleash her creativity and true self, whilst also learning invaluable business skills.

Although successful, she missed the comradery and buzz of a busy salon floor, so returned ‘home’

to her Stefan family as Manager at the Parramatta salon, then onto other Sydney salons before moving into beauty, another passion of hers.

She became a qualified waxer, make-up artist and spray tanner, then opened her second salon, which kept her busy for 8 wonderful years until opportunity knocked once again.

Cherie had followed Scott Sloan’s career and business success, having seen him in the media and at industry events, so when she saw the role of Salon Co-Ordinator arise, she just knew it was where she was meant to be. She’s now been part of the Sloans family for 10 years with no end date in sight, and says she is the most fulfilled personally, professionally and creatively that she’s ever been.

On any given day, you’ll find her handling recruitment and induction, managing the apprenticeship training program, setting staff targets and holding meetings, managing supplier relationships and stock functions, even visual merchandising.

It’s easy to see that Cherie is the beating heart behind the daily operations of Sloans of Lane Cove and what a wonderful asset she is to Scott and the team. Bravo, Cherie!

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

2019 AHIA BEST IN-SALON TRAINING

PAPAS AND PACE

2019 AHIA In Salon Training - SPONSORED BY BRISBANE SCHOOL OF HAIRDRESSING - Papas and Pace

Having built a premium salon business of world renowned, Papas & Pace place prime importance on the strength of their in-salon training program, to ensure that an exceptional standard of work is produced in the salon every day.

“Just as a world-class sprinter doesn’t break records without first spending hours on the track training, similarly, an exceptional hairdresser must constantly work to refine and polish their skills” The ongoing success of the business is built on the foundations of 4 key areas: • Business performance • Customer care • Industry accolades • Exceptional staff culture At Papas and Pace, staff education is more than just turning up at weekly training nights. All 24 staff are committed to ‘transparent training’ so that the learner and the trainer are clear on educational goals and outcomes. Training begins by setting weekly and monthly ‘training intentions’ with identified ‘success criteria’ so that all involved have clear expectations.

they are responsible for their own technical and professional progression. Staff have ownership of their training, with individual accountability and measurable results providing the necessary motivation to ensure all team members stay on track throughout the year.

The success of their program comes down to their core belief that they are training stylists in the ‘craft’ of hair cutting, styling and colouring, as well as the ‘art’ of being a well-rounded and personally grounded individual through their training focus on life-skills.

The success of their training regime is measured by the accolades and personal achievements of salon staff in competitions, photoshoots and industry awards, the quality of the work produced within the salon, of course, the satisfaction of their clients.

“Who you are tomorrow begins with what you do today”

This year saw their number of accolades rise to highest volume and spread across the most staff members to date – an indication of how much the staff work together, train together, and encourage each other - celebrating each other’s successes.

All staff at Papas and Pace, from the Salon Directors to the apprentices and receptionists have individualized training plans in place to ensure

More than a focus purely on technical skill, it is equally important that Papas and Pace staff prioritize personal development, physical fitness

and cultural awareness. To meet these goals the team conducts group visits to art galleries, museums, and other creative pursuits, challenging themselves across multiple artistic endeavours.

Through broadening their experience of culture, fashion and the aesthetic world as a whole, they learn that inspiration can be found in diverse avenues.

The Papas and Pace team regularly conducts group fitness challenges in order to maintain their health and vitality, believing that their commitment to physical health and fitness is crucial to meet the demands of the hairdressing industry. By working on becoming the best version of themselves, they admirably aim to become positive role models for everyone they encounter.

With a list of accolades as long as your arm, which includes awards for both creative and business acumen and extends well beyond the owners, industry leaders Dmitri Papas and Justin Pace, to AHIA Rising Star, Amanda O’Connor, Creative Colourist, Charmayne Robinson and Apprentice of the Year Finalist Lucy Bevan, this is a team well placed for future success.

Congratulations to Team Papas and Pace for outstanding commitment to training and development.

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

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ar ll o D on i ll i CLUB! M JAYE EDWARDS - AMY GAUDIE - BRODIE-LEE TSIKNARIS - JULES TOGNINI

If you’ve been paying attention on social media or industry awards lately, you’ll have noticed the new wave of young guns who are absolutely crushing it in the business stakes.

And Co. I am very proud of what my team and I have accomplished, but I am even more excited about what the next few years will bring.

Whilst we all dream of building a million-dollar business, so few salon owners ever achieve that level of success, so we decided to find out exactly what it really takes.

“WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE DONE ENOUGH, YOU HAVE TO GIVE THAT EXTRA 5%, THEN YOU CAN REST. AND EVERYTHING I DO, IS NEVER ABOUT ME. IT’S ABOUT THE TEAM.”

Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey handpicked 4 of our best and brightest biz leaders who’ve done exactly that: all under 40… some still under 30!, and all having built at least a million-dollar-ayear business.

Lean in and listen closely… this will be really interesting!!

JAYE EDWARDS EDWARDS & CO

Jaye Edwards is the Founder of Edwards and Co, a group of now 6 salons located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, with a turnover in excess of $10 million annually- a feat achieved before his 30th birthday!

$10 MILLION-DOLLAR GROUP TURNOVER IS AN INCREDIBLE ACHIEVEMENT. DID YOU EVER IMAGINE REACHING THESE LEVELS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED OUT?

Honestly, I never imagined I would get to this point. I was just a kid when I started Edwards 30

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

~ JAYE EDWARDS

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS AT THIS LEVEL, COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE SMALLER?

Everything! What worked for a small business does not work the same for a medium to large business. The key difference is how you manage people. When we were smaller, I was able to get to know everyone, find out what motivates them on a personal level. Now that we have 120+ team members, it’s impossible for me to look at the same way.

I need to rely on my salon coordinators and ops managers to have one-on-ones and stay in touch with the staff so they can do the job for me.

The biggest challenge with that was implementing structure to this process. I went from saying ‘You can call me whenever you want’ to essentially saying ‘Don’t call me, you need to follow protocol to see your manager’.

Now as we’ve grown even more, we are bringing on a COO to implement even more structure which I am very much looking forward to.

YOU HAD A BUMPY START WHEN YOUR FIRST SALON INVESTMENT FELL THROUGH, TELL US ABOUT THAT TIME AND HOW YOU RECOVERED.

Possibly the worst time in my life, but also the

most rewarding. It taught me to have grit and endurance and to understand that everything works out eventually. I walked away knowing that the greater the risk, the greater the reward. I recovered through the reward of what we had achieved, and I had done something no one thought I could do.

WHY DO YOU FEEL YOUR CONCEPT HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL?

JULES TOGNINI TOGNINI’S HAIR, L’IL OFF THE TOP, JOEBLOE

This is a question that I get asked a lot. I attribute the success to the culture we have all created at Edwards And Co. When I was employed, I was told 'NO' a lot; ‘no’ to doing outside work, ‘no’ to having a day off; so it was flexibility that I really wanted. So when I started Edwards and Co I was always asking myself, ‘what would I have wanted?’

Because it speaks to the youth, which is the future. We do things our own way and don’t have to answer to ‘THE MAN’. We push FUN and the only thing we are selling are skills.

HOW HAVE YOU PERSONALLY HAD TO EVOLVE AND GROW WITH YOUR BUSINESS?

I’ve had to learn how to manage people and how to go in to bat for myself. I also had to find the right people for our team who share the same values and who can keep up with me on a night out!

YOU’VE ATTRACTED MILLENNIAL STAFF LIKE A MAGNET AT A TIME WHEN SO MANY SALONS STRUGGLE TO DO SO. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET?

YOU APPEAR TO BE HAVING WAY TOO MUCH FUN ANY TIME YOU’RE ON STAGE! IS THIS THE SECRET SAUCE?

One word: FLEXIBILITY

WHAT HAVE YOU PERSONALLY BROUGHT TO THE BUSINESS THAT HAS SEEN YOU SUCCEED WHERE OTHERS HAVE NOT?

That extra 5%. I believe a lot of salon owners go into opening a salon thinking that it will be same as running your own column. It just isn't.

When you think you’ve done enough, you have to give that extra 5%, then you can rest. And everything I do, is never about me. It’s about the team.

WHAT’S THE TOUGHEST THING YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME?

Probably starting again when my first venture didn't work, or maybe my most recent Emotional Leadership conference. The thing is, there is always something harder ahead, so when you think ‘This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do’, just know there is something else coming up soon.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST TIPS FOR MASTERING BOTH SOCIAL MEDIA AND INFLUENCER PARTNERSHIPS TO GROW YOUR BRAND?

You can’t be a master of all trades, so I hired someone to be a master of social media for me. I was great at social media, but I am better building my business and doing hair. With influencer partnerships, my biggest piece of is to make sure it is mutually beneficial.

YOUR LATEST SALON IN BRISBANE IS LOCATED WITHIN THE SPA AT THE UPMARKET W HOTEL. HAS THIS BEEN A VERY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE TO YOUR OTHER LOCATIONS?

It has been such a different experience. The salon is essentially in someone else's space so I am having to answer to someone else's rules, but it's one that I would happily do again.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR OTHERS WHO ASPIRE TO YOUR SUCCESS? When you think you've done enough, do 5% more. You have it in you.

WHY DO YOU FEEL L’IL OFF THE TOP HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL AT THIS TIME IN OUR INDUSTRY?

You’ve got to love what you do and when you do, it can’t help but seep out of you!

JULES, HAIRDRESSING WASN’T YOUR FIRST CAREER, RIGHT?

Nope, I always wanted to get into film and be a director, which lead me into my own fashion label LAD that I messed around with for 5 years.

Hairdressing finally caught up with me in the end!

YOU EARNED MULTIPLE AWARDS PRIOR TO FOLLOWING YOUR PARENTS INTO THE HAIR INDUSTRY. WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE FASHION TRADE?

WHAT’S THE TOUGHEST THING YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME IN BUSINESS SO FAR?

LOGISTICS! Getting things to arrive on time and at the right place, be it attendees, educators, tripods, dolly heads etc.

And…. keeping up with emails when you are teaching 3 days a week and doing clients on the salon floor 3 days a week and trying to be the best Dad you can in between!

Growing up with fashion junkies as parents, fashion came pretty naturally to me. I was also trying not to be a hairdresser at the time.

Fashion was also a way to save money on buying clothes.

WHAT WAS THE CATALYST FOR EVENTUALLY BEGINNING YOUR CAREER AS A HAIRDRESSER?

I started cutting my own hair whilst on a surfing trip and kinda dug it. I came home from a yearlong holiday and was broke, so I asked Dad for a job. The rest, as they say, is history.

DID YOU SENSE THAT YOU’D BE A TRAILBLAZER, DISRUPTING THE STATUS QUO RIGHT FROM THE START?

Nah, I was just trying to keep up! Benni was a real task master, so my first year was full on.

To be a Tognini in this industry, I felt like I had massive shoe to fill. Still filling them to this day.

YOU ACHIEVED EARLY SUCCESS AND HAVE GROWN IN EACH NEW BUSINESS. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO THIS CONSISTENT EXCELLENCE?

You just got to love what you do. I honestly love waking up every morning. I love what I do and the company that I keep. You have to surround yourself with people who push you and keep it fun. "It’s hard to soar with the eagles when you are surrounded by turkeys!"

“ I CAME HOME FROM A YEAR-LONG HOLIDAY AND WAS BROKE, SO I ASKED DAD FOR A JOB. THE REST, AS THEY SAY, IS HISTORY.”

~ JULES TOGNINI

WHAT’S YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR OTHERS WHO ASPIRE TO YOUR SUCCESS?

Don.t do it for money, do it for the laughs and smiles. cont’d over page

cont’d from page 31

BRODIE-LEE TSIKNARIS ROKSTAR

IF YOU COULD PIN YOUR SUCCESS DOWN TO JUST 3 THINGS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Resilience - the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

Determination - Never letting go of goals and doing whatever it takes to achieve them by building the brand Flexibility - The ability to make changes and tough decisions when you don’t want to.

YOU’RE KNOWN FOR SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING A YOUNG AND DYNAMIC TEAM. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A LEADER?

YOU’VE MADE YOUR MARK ON THE BRISBANE HAIRDRESSING SCENE IN NOT A LOT OF YEARS. DID YOU HAVE A CLEAR PLAN FOR SUCH GROWTH WHEN YOU STARTED OUT?

I had a very clear plan as I’ve always been a huge goal setter from a very young age, not just creatively but as an entrepreneur and a #GIRLBOSS. I was clear on the brand of rokstar.

How I wanted it to be seen not only from a client’s perspective, but also to the industry plus what I wanted as Brodie. I do sometimes pinch myself still, when I look at the incredible things I’ve done and the opportunities I have had. People say it’s luck however I don’t believe it is… It’s getting up, showing up and working at those goals every single day.

IS YOUR BUSINESS ANYTHING LIKE WHAT YOU IMAGED WHEN YOU DREAMED OF OPENING A SALON?

It’s crazy! I absolutely dreamt it would be what it is today although it’s a bit crazier than I imagined. I often joke how we should have our own reality show at rokstar! I certainly didn’t think we would be where we are as quickly as we have got here! I’m so proud of it!

Thankyou. Yes, I’m very passionate about empowering young stylists. As a leader, I wear many hats. I lead by example, always showing up and giving 120%, having integrity in all that I do. I’m there to cheer them on and help them achieve their goals. I inspire them at work and in personal life whilst being fair and creating an incredible culture. I support them in every way to be the best human and hairstylist they can be, and I know and understand what’s important to them and what they value, not just in their work, but also in life outside of the salon. I have a clear line of communication with them as to what the expectations of the brand and culture are. I’m their Leader, their Boss, their friend, a shoulder to cry on but most of all their biggest Cheerleader.

WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU NEEDED TO DEVELOP AS YOUR BUSINESS EXPANDED?

I had to learn to be a ‘CEO’ and not just a ‘Hairdresser with a business’. I understand numbers, percentages, reports, profit & loss and I understand every single cost in my business. I also understand what I need to do to help and grow every single team member I have at rokstar. I understand the strengths and weaknesses of every stylist and I work with each one individually to turn their weaknesses into strengths. I also have a very thorough knowledge of HR and have worked on myself endlessly to understand the effective learning styles, personalities and even the psychology of business.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST THINGS YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME?

In the beginning, not many people believed in me. I think I’ve received just about all the challenges you can be thrown. The toughest period was definitely when my dad was dying of cancer and I had one of the most challenging staff situations I could have had, along with building a brand-new salon from scratch and selling one at the same time. Staff lying, stealing, poaching,

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Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

“ IRONICALLY, THE HARDEST TIME IN MY BUSINESS TURNED OUT TO BE THE TURNING POINT FOR THE BEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL TIME FOR ROKSTAR.”

~ BRODIE-LEE TSIKNARIS

you name it, I had it! The day before my dad’s funeral, I was dealing with a staff member on stress leave and another resigning. At the same time I had a lot of people telling me I should just sell and give up. Luckily I had my family who always have believed in me and I had my boyfriend at the time saying, “Why would you ever listen to others who clearly have no idea?”

I rebranded and built a whole new team and salon from scratch. Ironically, the hardest time in my business turned out to be the turning point for the best and most successful time for rokstar. We grew like never before and I adapted to change as my resilience grew stronger than ever.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT MANAGING A BUSINESS OF THIS SIZE COMPARED TO SMALLER BUSINESSES?

It’s full on! The bigger the team, the harder it is, but this can also come with great reward if executed properly. The bigger the business, the more you have to measure, knowing wages to sales, looking at every report and being across absolutely everything in your business. If you can’t do something well, you need to recognise your weaknesses and either learn it or delegate it. You cannot drop the ball and if YOU are not consistent, then your business won’t be either.

In the earlier days, I could get away with just doing “stuff” and winging it. Now, I have to be so organised and my days can go from zeroto-one-hundred really quickly, but I have good systems in place and I continue to evolve them as we grow.

IF YOU STARTED AGAIN TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

While I never have any regrets as I believe every experience is a gift to us to teach how to be and do better, I would open my own new salon from scratch from day one, instead of purchasing an existing one. I would build my own team and most importantly I would believe more in myself. If I have learnt anything, it is to only surround myself with people who I admire and those who believe in me and with the confidence and pride I now have, in what I have built, I would also say to others to not listen to the opinions of those who do not share the same values, culture and determination. Belief in oneself and those around you is a two-way street and such a positive asset to anyone’s business

WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR BUSINESS DO YOU FEEL ARE TRULY UNIQUE?

Rokstar is an empire built around the future of the industry. It’s a GenY, Millennial powerhouse; an incredible business model with brilliant young driven Hairdressers. A little different to the norm…

WHAT’S YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR OTHERS WHO ASPIRE TO YOUR SUCCESS?

Don’t listen to Negative Nancys; invest in your own education as a CEO, get a great business coach and lose all self-doubt. Never take advice from someone who is broke and unhappy in their life. Hire slowly and fire quickly!

Protecting your culture and brand is everything.

AMY GAUDIE URBAN CHIC

YOU HAVE CRACKED THE MILLION-DOLLAR TURNOVER LEVEL AND COMPLETED 6 RENOS IN THAT TIME, ALL ON YOUR OWN! COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED THE BUSINESS YOU RUN TODAY?

Wow, what a ride we've had! Honestly Kym, no way! I think if I had thought that this would be the big picture, I probably wouldn't have done it (just kidding). Don't get me wrong, I've loved every minute of the Urban Chic journey and where it's headed but I've had to work hard to get it here.

When we first opened the doors, I was so naive as to what it took to run a successful business.

I was a hairdresser not a businesswoman and I was completely unaware that I needed to be both.

YOU HAVE MASTERED THE BALANCE BETWEEN CREATIVE EXCELLENCE AND SERIOUS FINANCIAL RESULTS. HOW DID YOU DEVELOP THESE SKILLS?

Have I? I'm always my hardest critic and I’ll always see areas where I need to improve.

Whatever I've achieved, whether its financial or creative, I always want and need more and feel as though I could be better. I'm always looking for my next challenge, and maybe this is where I have learnt the skills to continue to raise the bar and better yourself. I definitely believe that feeling uncomfortable is where you grow.

WHAT’S THE SMARTEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE IN BUSINESS?

Definitely doing what I love! I'm lucky to do hair every day which means that opening my business was a very smart decision. The smartest decision I've made in business was to work with a business coach. I did that many years ago and I haven’t looked back!

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS NOW FROM WHEN YOU WERE MUCH SMALLER?

It’s so different now, as obviously being bigger means more of everything from staff, stock and space, to bills and problems! It’s a juggling act to say the least and I'm not the first person to say this nor will I be the last, but what I've learnt is that I can’t do it all myself anymore. I'm a real control freak which will be no surprise to some of you, lol. It's been a real struggle for me to delegate and let go of some areas within the business, however, doing this has enabled both the business and my team to grow and take things to next level and I'm grateful for this challenge.

YOU’VE JUGGLED HAVING 4 CHILDREN IN THE TIME YOU’VE BUILT THIS SALON, WITH YOUR PREGNANCIES TAKING YOU OFF THE FLOOR. HOW HAVE YOU KEPT IT ALL TOGETHER?

I'm not sure I can take credit for this one! They say that "behind every great man, there's a great woman". Well, I'll let you into a little secret (but just don’t tell him, OK?); my husband Jeffro (Jeff) is the glue that holds our family life together and enables me to do me, which is growing the business. I’m also not sure I can say that I’ve taken too much time off the floor either, as I worked up to the day before having my children and was back to work a week later. No maternity leave for me!

“I'VE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THE URBAN CHIC JOURNEY AND WHERE IT'S HEADED BUT I'VE HAD TO WORK HARD TO GET IT HERE.”

~ AMY GAUDIE

YOU ONLY TRADE 4 DAYS PER WEEK, GIVING THE ENTIRE TEAM A 3-DAY WEEKEND! KNOWING THAT YOU’RE LEAVING MONEY ON THE TABLE WITH THIS CHOICE, WHY HAS IT BEEN SO IMPORTANT?

I love this question. It shows that anything

is possible, and a balance can be achievable.

With the pressures of life becoming more and more prominent, to be able to offer something unique to our team is important to us. We believe we've created a culture within our team where we work hard and play harder, enjoying both life and work.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST THINGS YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME IN BUSINESS?

Learning to be the boss didn't come naturally to me in the early years. It was tough. I needed to discover who I wanted to be in business before I could lead a team to success. For me, hairdressing has always been the easy part.

YOU’RE AN INCREDIBLY SAVVY SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER. HOW DID YOU LEARN THESE SKILLS AND HOW HAVE THEY HELPED YOU TO BUILD YOUR BRAND?

Social media and marketing have become passions of mine and I truly see them as an extension of the Urban Chic experience. It’s how we keep our clients ‘in the loop’ with what's happening between visits and I love the engagement it brings with new clients. We use it to showcase my team and give clients a sense of what Urban Chic is all about before they even step into the salon. Social media is always changing with new apps and filters and other fun ways to showcase what we’re about, and I'll try everything to see if it works but we always stick to our signature look on all posts so when people scroll through their feed, they know it’s us before they even read the name.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR OTHERS WHO ASPIRE TO YOUR SUCCESS?

Say YES to everything! You never know what door may open from each experience and remember to be kind to yourself as well, because all of us have bad days!

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

33

ANNISS+BARTON SECRETS OF THE SHOOT

With the hustle and glamour of photographic award season now behind us for 2019, many will begin thinking about the process for 2020.

Maybe you’ve entered before but have yet to walk away with the trophy and are looking for expert tips on what that level of success takes. For some, this will be your first venture into the photographic shoot arena and you’re looking for guidance on how to get started.

Even if you’ve never aspired to creating a collection, knowing how to create great unique photographic and video content for your social media and general marketing is such an important skill to master in today’s digital world, but who teaches you these skills?

We spoke to Photographic Wizards, Kurt Anniss and Nathan Barton to get the advice, direction and inside tips you need to get you well on your way.

Kurt Anniss and Nathan Barton have been meshing their unique styles for over 10 years. Taking Kurt’s shootfrom-the-hip, amorphously artistic approach and combining it with Nathan’s keen eye for detail and style, it’s no wonder this Melbourne based duo is in high demand from the best in the industry, like Kobi Bokshish, Uros Mikic, Joe Habbaki and Stevie English.

Here they share their wisdom and experience on all things photographic with Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey.

WHY DO YOU THINK CREATING QUALITY IMAGERY IS SUCH A CRUCIAL ELEMENT FOR SALONS TODAY?

As we all know, the world is more connected now than ever and so the old adage-- a picture tells a thousand

words, could not ring truer.

Hairstyling is 100% visual. You can try to evoke an image as to what your style is or how you want your work to be viewed but, just like when reading a book, everyone visualises differently. With strong, quality imaging, you send the exact message you want, rather than relying on third party product branding.

Countless competitions are available to hair artists. With potential national and international exposure obtainable via print and online publications, careers of rising stars can absolutely be launched.

The notoriety, both local & global, and the influx of clients this brings to a salon is invaluable.

Of course, to compete against the best of the best, the most superior of images are an absolute necessity.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES YOU SEE BEING MADE IN OUR INDUSTRY?

Hairstyling can be somewhat of a solo art; it is often forgotten that “teamwork can make the dream work”.

Talented artists are putting loads of effort and money into what they think will be a great shoot, only to be let down by one or more components that just don’t see the shoot reach its full potential.

Collaborating with great talent models, photographers, stylists, makeup, is as essential as using quality ‘real’ hair for a wig or weft. The costs will likely be higher, but you will get a far superior final product - and if done well, the return will outweigh the initial expense.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE HAIR INDUSTRY AND WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT WORKING WITH HAIRDRESSERS?

It was a classic case of who you know, not what you know. It all started with a contact who worked for L’Oreal which afforded us the opportunity to shoot with the one and only Mr. Benni Tognini.

His warmth, patience and advice will stick with us for the rest of our careers.

From there, we started shooting collections for Hair Expo, which in turn snowballed and evolved into both the editorial and commercial sides of hair fashion photography. It’s amazing how well the slightly wild and insanely creative hair industry suits our personalities and style. We love working with such dynamic artists and in an everchanging industry. And to be honest, we don’t think we’re half bad at it.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE FOR HAIRDRESSERS & BUSINESS OWNERS WITH MINIMAL EXPERIENCE IN CREATING CONTENT?

Understanding your brand is the first step. Your content will develop from the aesthetic and/or message that you or your salon want to be known for.

When starting out, there’s no need to stop to tie your shoelaces, just start running. Spit ball. Seek out unusual sources to spark your imagination.

Accept advice from those who’ve tread the path before you. And reconcile with yourself that not every piece of content will be from a professional shoot. With such formidable competition for viewership, no one has the time or money to produce professional images each and every day.

Shooting your own images on your phone for your Instagram page can be perfectly fine, but don’t put out content for content’s sake. Shoot what is pertinent. For example: if you are a blonde specialist, an image of a brunette with an edgy cut is going to confuse your followers.

When the time does come to produce more professional content, build your creative team carefully.

CAN STYLISTS CREATE REASONABLE CONTENT FROM THEIR SMART PHONE?

Absolutely. But there is still skill required.

Photography literally means, “light-art”, so, as you can imagine, knowing how to shape light is crucial when showing off a stylist’s skills. But placing the light in the right direction or moving your model to suit the available light can create a pretty awesome result, even with a smart phone.

That being said, much like a stylist who has trained in their field vs. Mum with the kitchen scissors, a professional photographer with the skill, right equipment and training, is generally always going to get the best shots.

HOW WOULD YOU SUGGEST SALONS COULD USE VIDEO EFFECTIVELY IN THEIR MARKETING?

Statistics don’t lie; video is certainly an important component in effective marketing. With the saturation of video platforms available, it is definitely an opportunity a stylist or salon can’t afford to miss when attempting to make a

memorable digital presence.

Fun fact: On mute (and usually in the bathroom) is the most common way people watch their video content!

This being said, relevance is still of utmost importance and diversifying will generate the most success. An evocative still shot can be just as unforgettable as 15 seconds of action.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL TIPS OR RULES TO CONSIDER WHEN CREATING VIDEO RATHER THAN STILL PHOTOS?

For both mediums, planning is key. Concept, mood, a clear vision as to what the message will be must all be developed well before a camera is in anyone’s hand. With video especially, keeping the concept simple and to point will always produce the most effective content.

PUTTING TOGETHER AN AWARD SUBMISSION CAN BE DAUNTING, HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SUGGEST WE SHOULD ALLOW FOR THE PROCESS?

Shooting collections for an award submission is really our strength. We love to collaborate with creative hair artists and really produce the shoots, not just be the guys with the camera. A production team is definitely something to look for when putting together the team needed to pull off a winning collection shoot.

Pre-production takes up at least 70-80% of a collection shoot. We suggest as much time as possible, a minimum of 4-6 weeks, to really delve into ideas, build the story and create a clear concept.

Choosing your creative team well is always important, but especially for a first timer.

It takes a village, and of course you want your village to have the know-how, but gelling and being able to collaborate and communicate effectively is so, so important. You can only know this, of course, by meeting with your creative team, in-person, as much as possible.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR KEEPING THE SHOOT AS COST EFFECTIVE AS POSSIBLE?

It may seem like it would make sense to go the amateur route and save as many pennies as possible, but this is exactly the thought process that can backfire badly, and expensively. A professional model can pull off a look in just a few minutes while your pretty cousin with all those likes on her Insta but zero studio experience will generally require much more time to create a good image. Always remember that time is money.

The same goes for your stylist, make-up artist and photographer. To be the top in your field, use the skills of those who are the top in their fields. There is no point in spending months of your life in preproduction only to create a sub-par final product.

A second shoot day to fix the flaws would not be cheap! cont’d over page

cont’d from page 35

In saying that, we would suggest starting with perhaps a competition that requires one or two images, as this can keep the costs down and will act as a building block to a collection shoot at a later date.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO HAVE WELL PLANNED BEFOREHAND, TO MAKE THE SHOOT DAY GO AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE?

The short answer is: everything! As mentioned above, about 80% of a successful hair collection shoot happens before you even set foot in the studio. There are no short cuts, and why would you want to take any with so much at stake?

Start by creating a moodboard. This will serve as the narrative for the entire shoot. The team will use this as the foundation for the shoot, and every component will tell the same story.

However, as prepared as you need to be coming in, being adaptable will make shooting day far less stressful for the entire team involved and generally create better shots. It’s natural to want to stick to your guns--this is your vision after all-- but you chose a photographer, make-up artist and stylist who know what they’re doing too, who are there to support you and make your collection look their very best.

I’d imagine that first timers would be quite nervous on the big day of their shoot which could make it difficult for their creativity to flow. Any tips for relaxing into the process and having a little more fun?

Photoshoots are exhilarating and seeing your months (or even years) of preparation come to life in front of you is something you really want to take the time to appreciate properly. Nerves are just a symptom of how much you want this to all turn out. Remind yourself how well you’ve prepared, how skillful you are and how skillful the team you’ve chosen are. It is very likely not their first shoot and part of their job is to put you at ease.

And if none of that works, maybe a glass of champagne will do the job!

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE AFTER THE SHOOT TO ENSURE THE IMAGES ARE READY FOR SUBMISSION?

Selecting the best collection of images shot throughout the day is a process unto itself. Usually to produce six terrific images, we recommend shooting around ten. Killing your darlings is one of the toughest things to do. It’s always wise to heed the advice of someone a lot less emotionally attached to the project i.e., your photographer.

Don’t forget to see this as one of the most exciting parts of the process too, to see your vision there in front of you. No one hates the problem of having too many great shots to choose from (well, not too much).

Once you have selected the images that work the best as a collection, it’s off to retouching. Retouching should be used to compliment what’s created, it’s not a complete restructure. The retouching process is essentially about the subtle enhancements that draw the attention to all the right places.

After your retouched images have been received.

It’s time to submit, usually along with a written submission. You may want to go this part alone, or, just like with the rest of your creative team, 36

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

you could be better off using the services of a professional.

So many decisions, right?

You’ve created group photoshoot days ahead of industry competition deadlines, designed to allow those just starting out to access a fully professional crew to get one great shot, including makeup and fashion styling for a fraction of the cost of an individual shoot. Why are these such a great idea rather than trying to ‘go it alone’?

We’ve found these to be very successful, a great way for newbies to “dip their toe” into the competition circuit. Like taste-testing the wine before committing to buying the bottle you can get a snapshot of what works, what doesn’t, who you may want to work with in the future (or who you absolutely do not).

Of course, not having to cover the costs of a full, professional-level photoshoot is very desirable and bouncing ideas off the other creative types in the room (or just checking out the competition) can also work to your advantage.

This kind of shoot also takes the edge off those nerves when it is time to really get your collection going.

IS THERE ANY OTHER ADVICE YOU WOULD OFFER TO SALON OWNERS REGARDING CREATING CONTENT OR ENHANCING THEIR BRAND?

Understand who your clients are, who’s attention you are trying to capture and what you want to say to them. Start with where your passion lies but ensure this will be embraced by the demographic you are attempting to reach. To put yourself in your potential client’s shoes usually takes speaking directly to them- you know how much people love to speak about themselves! View what they are viewing and take note of what is succeeding and what is failing.

On the flip side, be careful of trends if they aren’t true to you. You don’t want to sacrifice everything that makes you ‘you’ for the sake of a five-minute fad.

You’ve created numerous collections recently for Australian Hairdresser of the Year with some achieving Finalist status.

Can you spot a winning image in those early stages and what is it that catches the judges’ eye do you think, when it comes to creating outstanding imagery?

It’s a pretty special moment when you capture one of those shots. The shot that, as soon it has been captured or is reviewed on the screen, you just know – it has that ‘wow’ factor.

It is difficult to put down in words what exactly it looks like because it is constantly changing but connection, the silhouette of the hair, the texture and “flow” in the image are what draws the viewer in, and, from what our experience has seen, captures a judge’s eye.

After months of planning, hours of shooting and days of retouching, seeing your work and that photo being appreciated by others, especially others who have the power to crown you a winner, is a feeling that you simply cannot get anywhere else.

Nothing makes us prouder to see the images we helped create, in print or up on the big screen - it’s the best feeling. www.annissbarton.com.au

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JILL TURNBULL

HOW A GIRL FROM BRISBANE ENDS UP SHOOTING THE COVER OF VOGUE ITALY!

Jill Turnbull is a local, home-grown talent who has taken on the world. Starting her career in suburban Brisbane, Jill progressed through the city’s best salons, collecting valuable skills along the way before taking her talents to the global stage, working across multiple platforms from fashion, to production, and product development to advertising- even shooting the cover of Italian Vogue!

She is an internationally published freelance session hair stylist, an expert hair colourist, and talented makeup artist and an engaging educator, specializing in high-end luxury finishes using sustainable products.

As Jill now prepares for her return to Australia to launch her latest

exciting venture, Hair Biz Editor Kym Krey caught up for a chat to hear how her story unfolded and what’s still yet to come.

YOU BEGAN YOUR HAIRDRESSING JOURNEY IN BRISBANE PRIOR TO 1980.

HOW HAS THE INDUSTRY CHANGED FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE IN THAT TIME.

I am so proud and grateful to be part of the original Dean Trimble tribe. At the time she had 10 Medina Marie salons, her training program was also extremely strong, and she taught me to be a well-rounded hairdresser.

For example, one of the most valuable skills I learned was how to prepare the hair with a good foundation (I can do amazing finger waves and a set that will last until you shampoo it out!), so the hair will have a strong memory, which allows me to create many looks on an editorial shoot. These and many more basic skills are what hairdressers are not being taught today, I feel. I think so many hairdressers are not being taught the technical skills they really need, and that’s what stands out most to me.

YOU MOVED FROM A SUBURBAN SALON TO INDUSTRY LEADING CBD SALONS VERY EARLY IN YOUR CAREER. IS THAT WHERE YOU SAW YOUR FUTURE?

In short yes. My fascination for the competition culture and learning is what originally attracted me to Stelios Papas Salon. The opportunity to travel, teach, and enhance my skillset is what I saw myself doing in the future.

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“I’M A PERFECTIONIST AND IT’S HARD FOR ME TO SAY SOMETHING IS GOOD ENOUGH TO BE FINISHED.” COMPETITION WORK HAS FEATURED STRONGLY IN YOUR CAREER. WHAT IS IT ABOUT THESE THAT ATTRACTED YOU?

Back then we didn’t have YouTube or any other social media to learn from, so competitions were the best place to see what others were doing, and to better my own skills.

TALK US THROUGH YOUR MOVE TO THE USA IN 1991.

WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY! WHAT PROMPTED THE MOVE?

Yes, it was a great opportunity. I’d been teaching with Schwarzkopf and met my husband in the United States. I was also excited about working in a larger hairdressing market so was eager to make the move.

IS OWNING A SALON IN THE U.S. DIFFERENT TO RUNNING A SALON IN AUSTRALIA?

So many aspects are different. The pay structure is very different and the skills that new hairdressers had when coming out of hairdressing school were technically weak. At the time, a hairdresser in Australia did a 4-year apprenticeship to get their qualification, whereas it only takes 13 months to get a license in the U.S. It was honestly hard to find someone who could even do a good shampoo back then. To overcome this, I set up an in-salon training program to onboard each team member.

Today, the market in the US is saturated with booth renters and independent stylists so it's very, very different today.

YOU CREATED A MAKEUP FOUNDATION DESIGNED TO COVER TATTOOS/LOOK LIKE SKIN RATHER THAN HEAVY STAGE MAKEUP. WHAT LED YOU TO DO THAT AND HOW DID YOU ESTABLISH DISTRIBUTION THROUGHOUT AMERICA?

While working with professional ballerinas, I quickly saw how athletic each performance was. They sweat a lot, yet their tattoos need to stay covered completely during the entire performance. I found that what was on the market was heavy and looked so unnatural

on stage and I wanted to offer durability of coverage while also giving a natural appearance. Hence, ‘No Sweat Foundation’ was born. In distribution terms, people just really liked it. I’d get orders from the people I originally used it on, and it grew through word of mouth. We built a website and it has only continued to grow from there.

IS THAT PRODUCT STILL AVAILABLE TODAY?

Yes it’s available online at www.

NoWorriesCosmetics.com and is shipped directly from our warehouse to anywhere in the world

YOU’VE ALSO WORKED IN THEATRE AND MOVIES. WHAT ARE THE MOST FUN AND MOST CHALLENGING ASPECTS OF THAT WORK?

The most fun part is being part of a huge production and being able to work with other creatives. The most challenging part is recreating the exact same details in the look and staying on task with the timeline for what is being shot. More specifically, keeping the looks as consistent as possible through every scene of the movie.

YOU’VE MOVED BETWEEN BIG COMPANY ROLES AND FREELANCE/SELFEMPLOYMENT. HAS THAT ALWAYS BEEN SMOOTH SAILING?

It’s never easy, and you certainly have to be adaptable. It’s not your name; you are an ambassador for the brand your representing and your there to uphold the company’s mission. For example, being Brand Manager, I needed to have strong business skills to work with owners and sales teams and yet be able to relate to the average hairdresser in the trenches. I travelled and met a lot of people, but I wasn’t getting my name out. I was promoting the company I worked for. cont’d over page

cont’d from page 39

“MY FASCINATION FOR THE COMPETITION CULTURE AND LEARNING IS WHAT ORIGINALLY ATTRACTED ME TO STELIOS PAPAS SALON. ”

So, when I step into my own space, it’s kind of like starting fresh, and that’s the real challenge that I love.

YOU CURRENTLY WORK BETWEEN NEW YORK, LOS ANGELES, LONDON AND SHORTLY, AUSTRALIA, DELIVERING CLASSES ON BOTH HAIR AND BUSINESS. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A VERY BUSY LIFE!

It definitely is. Good time management and planning helps a lot and support from my family goes a long way too. Teaching other stylists fuels me and I find it extremely motivating when you share light bulb moments and change someone’s career - it doesn't get any better than that.

WHAT HAS PROMPTED YOUR RETURN TO AUSTRALIA NOW?

My son will be attending University in Brisbane, and I have a few private clients and teams that I work with when I’m home. I felt the timing was right for me to dedicated myself more at home in Australia.

WHAT PERSONAL QUALITIES DO HAVE UNDERPINNED YOUR CONTINUED INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS?

1. Passion, creativity and skill that is etched into my DNA. Good hairdressing is the culture I grew up in. 2. Having worked with Stelios Papas, Benni Tognini, Paul McClurg and many others and 3. competing with the likes of Sharon Blain, by the time I was in my early twenties. All this experience truly helped me form the skillset that I needed to work on this level.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON LAUNCHING YOUR OWN HAIRCARE BRAND. HAS THIS ALWAYS BEEN SOMETHING YOU’VE WANTED TO DO?

I have always been interested in chemistry and curious about how ingredients effect the hair. When I wasn’t able to find products that delivered the results I needed, 40

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I started mixing my own formulas and when I started working with keratin derived from Algae, that was a game changer! It works with every hair type, eliminates fly away and frizzes, giving incredible control and shine.

WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST UNEXPECTED PART OF THAT PROCESS SO FAR?

Finding the right people to work with using sustainable ethical practices and sourcing the highest quality ingredients was unexpectedly hard.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

I’m a perfectionist and it’s hard for me to say something is good enough to be finished. When I had these roadblocks, my Dad would tell me all the time to just put it out there and stop procrastinating.

I live by that and the book ‘The Four Agreements’

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE, DO YOU THINK?

Having the courage to say ‘Yes’ and being exposed to and working with like-minded creatives in all lines of my work

WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY IN THE YEARS AHEAD?

My focus currently is launching and growing my brand, also launching workshops in Australia. In June 2020, I'll be working with my international team offering Editorial Workshops which is where we share details on how to get your work published and do a live photoshoot with attendees doing the work. This will allow me to achieve one of my all-time goals which is shooting my own beauty campaign in the outback of Australia which has been on the bucket list for a while now. www.jillturnbull.com

Luxury Anti-Ageing Haircare System with:

Collagen Caviar Extract Black Pearl and Diamond Dust

15 minute salon only treatment Phone Nicole at 0466 616 975 or email info@innovatis.com.au Website. www.innovatis.com.au

ECLECTICISM Fashion by: Mimi Rose 42

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EAST MEETS WEST, FUSION MENTOR PROJECT.

Box Hill Institute continues its partnership with two of Australia’s most awarded and loved industry professionals, the celebrated international platform artist Sharon Blain and multi-award-winning session hairdresser-makeup artists Sarah Laidlaw.

With their exceptional skills and masterful mentoring, they’ve teamed up with Box Hill Institute educators and students to create a second stunning collection: Eclecticism!

Fashion by: Mimi Rose

The flamboyant chic of the Eclecticism collection is expected to attract another big response from editors worldwide, following the success of the 2018 Kabuki collection, which scored a cover in India and inclusion in at least 21 international publications in more than 16 countries.

Eclecticism is a fusion of oriental fashion, hair and makeup, forming a striking effect. Effortless undone session styling and strong architectural shapes were chosen to synergistically capture the overall look.

Created as an inspiration for hairdressers everywhere, the styles excite the artistic sense of exaggeration and stylisation. Amplifying feminine beauty, the hair is a combination of powerful textures, tousled movement, slickness and big shapes making the hair absolute.

Fashion by: Geeta Akrami & Mimi Rose

“SOME IMAGES MAY SEEM A LITTLE EXTREME BUT ONE CAN’T DENY THE POWERFUL IMAGES THAT WERE THE RESULT OF THE TWO DAYS.” SHARON BLAIN

The Eclecticism photo shoot forms part of Box Hill Institute’s focus on partnering with top industry experts to ensure teachers receive firstrate, fashion-forward hairdressing experiences and students are able to assist during the shoot, gaining experience and a first-hand understanding of career pathways.

The basis for the hairstyle selection was distinctive, Afghani-inspired garments by Box Hill Institute’s top 2018 fashion graduate, Geeta Akrami.

This new collection drew on the talents from different departments, including fashion, hair, makeup and floristry to make an eclectic but synergetic whole.

We spoke to Sharon and Sarah about the project, their inspiration and mentorship.

HOW DID THE TEAM OF BOX HILL INSTITUTE EDUCATORS AND YOU WORK TOGETHER?

Sharon Blain: It was an amazing experience for the students and teachers to work on this project under the guidance of our team. They learnt so many new hair techniques, latest makeup trends and saw how the creative process evolves.

Sarah Laidlaw: It was a fun and inclusive day. Sharon and I showed the educators how we each go about putting together a plan, mood board and direction for a shoot. We looked at the models and the fashion we had to work with, took into account the shoot objectives, and planned a series of looks that would showcase the skills and techniques you can learn at Box Hill Institute. Then we taught the educators some of the photographic hair skills that would bring the looks to life in an image.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BEING A MENTOR?

SB: I personally love to see the students’ excitement during the shoot. Some had never experienced a photo session before. The opportunity Box Hill Institute has given the students is so valuable for their creative growth and development SL: The moments where you see the person you’re mentoring ‘get it’ and you see their self-confidence grow. That is such a wonderful thing to be able to bring out in people.

WHAT MOST EXCITED YOU ABOUT THE SHOOT? WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION? SB: We wanted to create a collection with longevity. The hair needed to be fresh and timeless. cont’d over page

cont’d from page 43

Fashion by: Geeta Akrami Fashion by: Geeta Akrami & Mimi Rose

Our starting point were garments with strong features and an oriental feel that created by 2018 BHI Bachelor of Fashion graduate, Geeta Akrami. The hair and make-up needed to work with the fashion but not to compete.

SL: The initial inspiration came from the fashion we were shooting. Hair is an accessory just as make up and clothes are. We had a specific range of garments we were shooting, so the hair inspiration had to move around them. Then the next layer of inspiration is the models – their hair, face shape and colouring. Then it moves to being all about current hair fashion, techniques and tones. Also, I love working alongside other professionals who are passionate about their craft. Working with Sharon, Milos, and Jess was a perfect team of like-minded creatives. Then being able to bring that energy into a group of excited, passionate educators and open up a different part of the hair and makeup world to them was a delight.

THE HAIRSTYLES AND FASHION ARE QUITE DRAMATIC. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE NEW FASHION DIRECTION IN THESE LOOKS?

SB: The looks begin with on trend cuts, more contemporary styling and a touch of avantgarde. The look and feel was more editorial driven and not traditional hair images.

The collection needed to consider various factors. Marketing the Box Hill Institute brand was the main consideration, namely showcasing four departments – fashion, makeup, hair and floristry. These looks had to portray a creativeness of and strong branding for the college.

SL: It’s all about showcasing different looks, techniques and giving each model totally different vibes. I wanted to create looks that would be an interesting and beautiful partner to the hair and fashion looks without being overpowering. The clothes are dramatic and we needed to match the make up with skills that you can learn at Box Hill Institute.

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COLLECTION CREDITS

Mentors/Shoot Directors: Sharon Blain and Sarah Laidlaw Photography: Milos Mlynarik Hair by Box Hill Institute Educators Makeup by Box Hill Institute Educators Assistants: Box Hill Institute Hairdressing and Make Up Students Fashion: Geeta Akrami, 2018 Box Hill Institute Graduate Fashion Collection of the Year / Mimi Rose / Mastani Styling: Jessica Jade Fashion

Fashion by: Geeta Akrami and Mimi Rose

Fashion by: Mastani

THIS IS YOUR SECOND SHOOT WITH BOX HILL INSTITUTE? WHY DO YOU KEEP COMING BACK?

SB: My team were excited to have the chance to recreate a new collection for a second time.

It’s such a rewarding job and each team member brings their A-level to the day. We all stretch our creativity and endeavour to deliver the most progressive trends on the day. Some images may seem a little extreme but one can’t deny the powerful images that were the result of the two days.

SL: I think it’s such a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the way young hair and makeup students are being taught about the industry. To be able to talk real-world experience and tricks with the educators means that information will alter and add to the way they teach the students. I am passionate about good training as I would not be where I am today without it.

Fashion by: Geeta Akrami

Facebook: @BoxHillHairandBeauty Instagram: @boxhillhairandbeauty

EpicSUCCESS

By Kym Krey

If I asked you if a Woolworths Store Manager could build a chain of 15 successful salons in only 11 years, would your answer be a confident ‘Yes’?

That is exactly the story of Brendon Mann, proud Owner and Founder of Brisbane’s Epic salon group.

Growing up in a hairdressing family, Brendon had an inside look into the trade which captured his interest, but, not believing himself to be a ‘creative type’, felt a hairdressing career was not for him.

As you’ll see, the story unfolds with Brendon purchasing a small salon in Kenmore in 2008, when two staff promptly quit, leaving him short and unable to jump on the floor to help out. Undeterred, he applied his management knowledge, and a great deal of determination to steadily grow the business and nurture his first team.

Fast-forward to 2019 and Brendon has grown his group of Epic salons to 15 sites across Brisbane, with a thriving team of 117 staff!

Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey spoke to Brendon recently to learn more about his story.

BRENDON, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT HOW YOUR HAIRDRESSING CAREER BEGAN.

I enjoy anything customer service and from a young age I was always interested in the hairdressing industry. I wouldn’t consider myself a creative person, but have a passion for the hairdressing industry, so I knew that for me to do well in this industry, I would need to 46

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choose the management path. My sister was a hairdresser who started her apprenticeship in 2002. She worked at a small salon down the road from my house and it came up for sale.

After weeks of negotiations, I purchased the salon which was then called KASAM and the rest is history

DID YOU COME FROM A SALON GROUP BACKGROUND? My family comes from a hairdressing background with my Grandmother owning a salon in South Africa and then another in Brisbane, which is still open today. Her hairdressing days were filled with many perms and a very small colour range. It’s exciting to see how far hairdressing has come even in the last 11 years that Epic has been a part of it.

YOU’VE SAID PREVIOUSLY THAT YOU HAD A PASSION FOR LEADERSHIP FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE. WHAT SPARKED THAT PASSION AND WHAT WERE YOUR EARLY LEADERSHIP ROLES?

I started in a trainee manager role with BIG W when I was 17 and moved up the ranks. Over time, my role shifted from store design to store manager and area management. I continued working in these roles with the Woolworths Group until I had my 4th salon in 2013. At the time I left, I was with Dick Smith as an Area manager looking after 34 stores in QLD.

WAS BUSINESS OWNERSHIP ALWAYS GOING TO BE PART OF THE PLAN FOR YOU?

From the age of 8 I used to write business plans, take my ideas to my parents and always try to secure funding with them. I would then get a group of my friends together and start the business. I was that boy in the street with the lemonade stand.

YOU OPENED YOUR FIRST SALON IN 2008 AND HAVE STEADILY GROWN TO 15 SALONS ACROSS BRISBANE. THAT TAKES NOT ONLY GOOD STRUCTURE, BUT SERIOUS BUSINESS NOUS. DID THAT COME FROM PREVIOUS MANAGEMENT ROLES? Mostly from Woolworths and a lot of trial and error over the years. In my days at Woolworths, structure, training and productivity were very important. They have systems for everything and some of those systems we have implemented at Epic Hair Designs.

WAS IT ALL SMOOTH SAILING OR DID YOU EXPERIENCE A FEW CHALLENGING BUMPS ALONG THE ROAD?

I have been very lucky that it has been smooth sailing most of the time. The biggest bump was when I purchased the first salon. Two of the team left, telling me I had no idea how to run a salon. That was a big hit for a small salon, however when we re-employed, the salons started to take off and since then everything has been going well. I think starting a business during the 2008 GFC has given us a good foundation of what is important to make a business strong and successful.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING THING YOU’VE FACED AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

This is happening right now! We now have 117 people on our team, and we are trying to integrate our computer programs and also make sure they are user-friendly, including POS, HR, payroll and learning systems. We have had teething issues with the new software (which is to be expected when integrating new software for a team so used to older systems) but we are working on new ways of training and education to streamline processes.

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO BE ‘ON THE TOOLS’ OR WERE YOU ALWAYS PURELY INTERESTED IN MANAGING THE OVERALL BUSINESS?

I have never been on the tools, however, would have loved to have been. I did have a plan a few years ago to learn barbering secretly and then walk into a salon and surprise the team by doing some male haircuts!

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU THINK ATTRACTS POTENTIAL STAFF TO YOUR BRAND?

We are very lucky to have the most amazingly loyal team and have a very low staff turnover.

We work hard at being an employer of choice.

We even do a survey with our team each month to make sure everything is running smoothly for them. Feedback for all of us is very important, as is training and support.

Our training at Epic is second to none. Not only do we have the support of MIG, GOLDWELL and KERASTASE, we also offer our staff ongoing internal training using our very own salon academy where we run creative colour, colour correction, foiling and balayage training to anyone who wants to upskill throughout their career. Another important thing is not giving any false promises and always having your team’s best interests at heart.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST STAFF RETENTION TIPS?

Always be fair and consistent. Have great training programs in place to help them to grow. Appreciate the skills everyone brings to the table.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING STAFF AND HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO BRING OUT THEIR BEST PERFORMANCE?

Our salons are growing fast and we have the most amazing people applying for Jobs with us.

One of the main things we look for is someone with a great attitude. We know our training is second-to-none, so if their hairdressing skills need some polishing, we can do that.

TRAINING IS AT THE VERY CORE OF OUR INDUSTRY YET REMAINS A CONSTANT JUGGLE OF TIME AND BUDGET. HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT EPIC STAFF ARE ALWAYS WELL SKILLED AND UP TO DATE?

Training is at the very core of Epic Hair Designs.

We put every team member through a Master Colourist course which is 12 full days in total.

All costs are covered, and all training is done during normal working hours. We also have our very own academy which is a fully fittedout salon that is used only for training. We run cutting courses and more advanced colour courses there and we also do all our management training at this Academy.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU’VE EVER LEARNT IN BUSINESS? Focus on people’s strengths and not on their weaknesses. When you do that, you really

bring the best out of people. I always find their weaknesses eventually catch up and become their strengths.

I’VE HEARD WHISPERS THAT OPENING A BAR MIGHT ALSO BE PART OF YOUR FUTURE PLANNING! TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT.

100% yes. That is a project down the track.

Our marketing team is already excited about marketing for something different also. It will be a little bit of fun.

WHAT ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR LIFE OR CAREER?

When I am most proud is when I see all of our team together. Every year, we hold a huge awards night and it is so great to see how much everyone grows from year to year and how we are turning more into an Epic family who collaborate and grow together rather than a group of stylists working for the same company. It always just amazes me how well all of our team get along with each other.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS YOU MAY ASPIRE TO YOUR SUCCESS? Learn from the people you have around you and be prepared to ‘do the time’. Don’t expect success overnight. Know you goals and take action to make them happen. www.epichairdesigns.com.au

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THE POWER OF CONNECTION

KAO SALON MBE CONFERENCE, HOI AN 2019

In Hoi An, Vietnam, grand French colonial houses sit alongside Japanese temples and Chinese wooden trader’s houses. The harmonious fusion of cultures and architectural styles made Hoi An, the perfect setting for Kao Salon’s 2019 International MBE Conference this July, which celebrated the underlying theme of Connection.

Held at Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, the MBE 2019 program featured a diverse and impressive roll call of Keynote Speakers delivering expert insight into cultivating deeper connections, delivering inspired service full of “wonder”, strategies to improve business efficiency, and skills to improve resilience and succeed in times of uncertainty or adversity. Delegates also workshopped their own unique strengths to embark on defining their “lighthouse brand” for future business success and personal growth.

A relaxed Welcome Reception on the beach officially welcomed the Delegates to Hoi An for the first night of MBE networking, providing the first touchpoint of Connection. The following day guests were invited to explore the delights of Hoi An’s ancient Old Town, deepening their relationships through participating in an authentic Vietnamese cooking class, Old Town shopping excursion or 48

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competitive round of golf. Thrill seekers took to the skies via cable car to explore Da Nang’s majestic Golden Bridge, a 150 metre long pedestrian bridge supported high in the mountains by two giant stone hands – the ultimate symbol of Connection.

Opened and closed by Kao Salon Australia GM Justin Anderson, with breakout workshops and networking sessions run by Wild Life Salon’s Gary Latham throughout, the 2-Day MBE Business Program got down to business with a powerful presentation

by Keynote Speaker Kamal Sarma, a monk turned venture capitalist who spoke about transformation and resilience. In a world of complexity and continual change, our ability to communicate and connect is vital. Kamal’s instruction on the art of Win/Win conversations showed Delegates how to positively influence relationships and results, teaching them how to connect challenges with successful outcomes to cultivate a Win/Win culture at home and at work.

“THE HARMONIOUS FUSION OF CULTURES AND ARCHITECTURAL STYLES MADE HOI AN THE PERFECT SETTING FOR KAO SALON’S 2019 INTERNATIONAL MBE CONFERENCE, WHICH CELEBRATED THE UNDERLYING THEME OF CONNECTION.”

Next came Penny Burke, an award winning marketer and the strategic mind behind many of Australia’s most iconic TV commercials, including the Pro Hart ‘Stainmaster Carpet’ and Yellow Pages ‘Not Happy Jan’ campaigns. The director of her own marketing communications firm and consultant to big business and government today, Penny challenged MBE Delegates to ask themselves “What am I famous for?” before workshopping her proven 7 step strategy with the team to build their own “lighthouse brand”.

Continuing the theme of Connection, Change Agent and Leadership Expert Nigel Collin posed the question: “What if change happens as a result of small, consistent and connected steps... and not a one-off explosive moment?”

Providing Delegates with a Workbook, Nigel illustrated how to take ownership of change and contribute to it every day in a series of small steps. Delegates left with actionable ideas to implement immediately in their Salons, some also taking home a copy of Nigel’s best-selling business book “The Game of Inches”.

Keynote Speaker and self-proclaimed “Genie of Wonderful” Peter Merrett concluded Day 2 of the MBE Speaker Program, connecting Culture with Customer Experience with a playful presentation on how to inject magic into the everyday.

Inspiring us to venture beyond the boredom of normal and to bring “Wonderful” to life, he presented real life examples of how businesses have transformed their culture and customer service simply by shifting from “ordinary” to “extraordinary”... and bringing fun and connection to everyday moments.

Perfectly illustrating his point, Peter finished with balloons falling from the ceiling and his very own “goosebump moment” when MBE delegates spontaneously created an emotional short video for Peter to send home to his sons.

Socialising and networking play a crucial role at MBE – serving as the ultimate tool of Connection between Delegates, the Kao Salon Team and the Salon industry. Nothing bonds more powerfully than shared unforgettable experiences... and MBE Hoi An 2019 did not disappoint!

A jam-packed social itinerary featured a Full Moon Dinner by the River, Old Town Experience and a Closing Night alfresco feast and dance party at the Beach Club. But by far the standout event for most Delegates was the Cultural Dinner on the Bridge, where MBE Delegates were whisked away from the hotel by a surprise Jeep convoy to Hoi An’s stunning ancient Old Town for an experience like no other! The ancient bridge was locked down and traffic diverted,

“NOTHING BONDS MORE POWERFULLY THAN SHARED UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES” exclusively for guests to enjoy a delicious banquet provided by authentic Vietnamese food stalls running the entire length of the bridge. Traditional Vietnamese dancers also performed exclusively for guests, with cultural activities along the river bank for guests to enjoy including pottery wheels, calligraphy art stations and the symbolic releasing of coloured lanterns into the river, dispatched with a wish (for many, to return to Hoi An again soon).

Energised and inspired, with new friendships and business alliances forged, MBE delegates will now take these learnings back home to improve connection and set the pace for a year continued personal growth and business success.

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PUTTING THE CHERRI ON TOP! Hailing from Sydney’s South West, 35-year-old Nathan Cherrington is a gregarious go-getter, who, whilst aiming for monumental heights is fully committed to walk the lengthy road to get there.

With a genuine love for life and a permanent smile on his face, (epitomised via his Instagram handle @natesthekid) Nathan is a popular boss, colleague and friend, and always fun to be around.

Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey, spoke to Nathan to find out more.

As Owner/Director of Salon Zephyr, Nathan has developed an impressive reputation for providing fresh and fashionable hairdressing that is totally accessible and free from pretension. Somewhat of a traditionalist at heart, Nathan is authentically attentive as a stylist and unafraid to champion simple, beautiful hair as a key asset within his repertoire.

I first got into hairdressing because of the environment. The vibe was not comparable to anything else I had experienced. It seemed like everyone was having fun and genuinely enjoying themselves, it didn't look like work. I wanted to be a part that environment and it probably didn’t hurt that there were a lot of beautiful girls who worked at and also visited the salon regularly!

Whilst having a haircut, I enquired about getting a job and the apprenticeship process. No jobs were going at the time so I asked if I could work on Saturdays for free just so I could experience the buzz for myself and make sure it was right for me.

I looked forward to waking up on a Saturday just to be a part of the most exciting workplace I’d ever been in. I was offered a job and that's when my official hairdressing life began.

Early in his career, Nathan focused on business ownership and becoming commercial stable and with that achieved, now turns his attention to developing his editorial portfolio. With a keen eye for image making and a natural propensity for identifying the perfect hair composition to compliment a fashion direction, this promising artist shows an innate strength for session styling as well as a real capability to manage a high volume of models backstage and on stage.

Warm spirited and zealous to the core, Cherrington is a wholistic and wholehearted hairdresser, and whilst firmly established on the national circuit, promises to be a wonderful ambassador for Australia on the global stage.

TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU STARTED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY AND ATTRACTED YOU.

WHAT WERE THOSE FIRST YEARS LIKE FOR YOU?

My first years of hairdressing were full of learning both via structured training but also observation.

Watching people work is something I still proactively make time for today. Amazing haircuts come from amazing hands; you can't substitute watching those hands in action - up close. I also spent a million hours a day (at least that's what it felt like) cleaning, which I was not very fond of. I worked out early that you had to do your time on the cleaning tools before you would get to get your hands on the real tools! I figured if I cleaned the hell out of the salon to the best of my ability, the seniors and bosses would take notice and give me a chance by getting me to blow dry, pass up a foil or even starting to put on colours.

When I got to work closely with the seniors, I would listen to the way they spoke with the clients as well as how they cut or coloured. One of the most important things I learned in the early years was that it's not about how cool I thought a cut was, it was about how good I made the client feel.

WOULD YOU SAY YOU WERE NATURALLY CREATIVE RIGHT FROM THE START?

Creativity has always been in my life, but I’m not sure if I was creative naturally from the start. To 50

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this day, I still question if I’m creative. I think what does comes naturally to me is to be curious. To ask 'why' or 'why not’; to question things and to do things a bit differently, not to be self-indulgent but to just try and create something that hasn't been seen before, or at least hasn't been seen in that particular environment. I would also say that I've always wanted to carve out my own style. I really dig some brands, but I pick stuff because I like them. I bought a North Face jacket last week because I liked the print, not because I am really into the brand. I buy limited-edition sneakers A LOT. Probably a bit too much if you ask my wife!

YOU HAD ASPIRATIONS, RIGHT FROM THE EARLY YEARS, OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP AND FINANCIAL STABILITY. WHAT DO YOU THINK SHAPED THIS EARLY FOCUS?

Right from the start, I wanted my own business. I think that want came from my upbringing. I came from a family where both my parents worked really hard, Mum in the Tax Office and Dad on big-ass two-trailer semi-trailers! I knew the worth of every dollar and my parents instilled a strong work ethic. We never went without, but money wasn’t flowing. That’s where it came from, being able to create an opportunity that wasn't defined by money.

YOU’RE KNOWN FOR BEING A BALL OF FUN ON YOUR INSTAGRAM @NATESTHEKID.

HAS THE BUSINESS ASPECTS OF THE INDUSTRY BEEN AN EASY ADJUSTMENT FOR YOU?

Tackling the business side of things does not come easily. I still find it really hard and I definitely prefer being up to my ears in hair rather than paperwork.

Now more than ever, I have to put the same if not more effort into the business side of things.

When I was with the franchise, there were some business decisions that were made for me. Now I try to surround myself with people I trust who run brilliant businesses and beg them to help me.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE IN YOUR EYES?

Success to me is being able to make decisions in my life without money being a defining factor. To have people appreciate my work and recognise it without seeing my name attached to it. Above and beyond all of that, having a strong relationship with my son and providing for my family.

Sometimes it's the simple things

YOU JOINED THE TONI & GUY BRAND WHERE YOU FORGED YOUR CAREER FOR 8 YEARS. WHAT WERE THE BEST ASPECTS OF THOSE YEARS?

I think the great aspects of working at T&G were that I got to travel and work on some very cool runway shows and shoots. But the relationships I have made through those years and the people I can call real friends were the absolute best aspect.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE BRAND HAS INFLUENCED YOU AND YOUR CAREER? The brand has given me many things including having structure and discipline in my work. It taught me patience and perseverance.

IN LATE 2018, YOU LAUNCHED YOUR OWN VENTURE, SALON ZEPHYR. TALK US THOROUGH YOUR VISION FOR THE BUSINESS AND WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE.

Salon Zephyr was created with an inclusive spirit, front and centre. I wanted everyone to feel welcome. We picked the tagline ‘Come as you are’

and put a huge neon sign at the front desk so my vision was clear.

We do high-quality hair that suits the client, in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Similarly, I encourage each staff member to bring their thing to the table, that’s what shapes ‘Zephyr’.

Salon Zephyr is not all about a manufactured entity, but a collective of unique people working together to make it what it is.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING THING YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME IN BUSINESS SO FAR?

My biggest challenge in business so far has been stepping away from T&G. The whole process took a very big toll on me personally and professionally.

It impacted my sense of worth and my confidence.

It also took away time from me being with my new son, which was a big sacrifice. The light at the end of the tunnel was that after going through a really challenging time, I was able to bring my vision to life in creating Salon Zephyr.

IF YOU COULD DO ONE THING OVER AGAIN, WHAT MIGHT THAT BE?

Understand business processes. Read contracts, understand legal obligations and ask more questions.

SHARE WITH US YOUR PHILOSOPHIES AROUND BUILDING A STRONG TEAM AND CULTURE.

My philosophy around team building is to create an inclusive environment where individuals can be themselves whilst being a part of the team. I strive to treat my staff how I would like to be treated.

I need them to have a clear understanding of the business needs, but equally, I need to ensure that I understand theirs.

YOU ARE A FORMER FAME TEAM MEMBER. WHY IS THAT SUCH A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE FOR ASPIRING STYLISTS?

FAME is an amazing program because it puts you in the company of some of the very best creatives in Australia and the world. It helps you develop your own creative identity. I have made lifelong friends from it too.

YOU WON HAIR EXPO NSW HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING. WHAT IMPACT HAS THAT HAD ON YOUR BUSINESS AND CAREER?

Winning Hair Expo NSW/ ACT Hairdresser of the Year for two years in a row has given me lots of creative and educational opportunities. I've gained recognition from brands who like what I do and who I am, and I think that's the best scenario; to let people see you in your own skin and if it fits with them. The awards have given me the platform to showcase my creativity, nationally and internationally, but promoting the accolade in my salon has been the most valuable.

LOOKING FORWARD 5-10 YEARS, WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO SEE ON THE HORIZON FOR YOU BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?

In 5 to 10 years, I hope to see Zephyr as a recognised brand in Australia, maybe even internationally.

I would hope to be working with brands that support my creativity. I’d also still want to be producing collections for the awards and lastly, travelling for work and with my little crew!

AND FINALLY, WHAT’S YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR SOMEONE AIMING TO EMULATE YOUR SUCCESS?

Say yes to every opportunity. Understand that respect is not given, it is earned, it takes a long time to build and is lost fast. Always stay true to yourself no matter what and follow your gut. Every time I have not followed mine, things have gone south. Lastly, a good friend of mine told me this a long time ago and I always think of it before I do anything of importance. “Always say please and thank you, and always wear clean shoes’’. www.salonzephyr.com.au Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

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AN URBAN LOFTnce e i er p x E

DiMattia & Co is an award-winning, uniquely progressive salon offering services of the highest quality. Established over fifteen years ago, and hidden away from the hub of everyday life, this urban loft style salon’s signature guest experience, developed by Creative Director Kerrie DiMattia, has seen it become one of the most sought-after hair destinations in NSW’s Clarence Valley.

With over 38 years’ experience within the industry as a Stylist, Salon Owner & Educator, Kerrie DiMattia’s creative and innovative mind combined with her incredible work ethic, have enabled her to carve a long and successful career path.

Kerrie has educated both nationally and internationally as a Guest Artist and member the Joico Australasian Design Team, TIGI Creative Team, and most recently as a member of the MATRIX H.O.T Team and juggles this while continuing to work on the salon floor 4 days a week.

A salon owner for over 25 years and avid supporter of the Australian hair community, Kerrie is driven by a genuine passion for her craft and her commitment to leading her team to be the best they can be.

Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey spoke with Kerrie recently to learn more about what fuels her ongoing success.

EDUCATION HAS BEEN A HUGE PART OF YOUR CAREER, INSPIRING HAIRDRESSERS BOTH HERE AND OVERSEAS. WHAT DO YOU FIND SO REWARDING ABOUT SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE?

One of my favourite sayings is, “We rise by lifting others”, and for me, sharing with a bunch of likeminded people what I have been privileged enough to learn over the 38 years, is nothing short of a blessing! They say when one teaches, two learn and that sits just about right with me.

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Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

YOU WERE SELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE MATRIX 2019 H.O.T (HOUSE OF TALENT) TEAM. CONGRATS! WHAT ARE YOU LOVING MOST ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY?

THANK YOU! I’m loving being part of the Matrix family! At first I was a little in awe of the title.

Being 53, it’s not often that you want to use the word HOT when the you describe yourself!! But I can tell you that as part of the Matrix H.O.T team, I am not only surrounded by talent in my fellow team mates, but I get the chance to be mentored by, and often work alongside, some of Australia’s most incredibly talented Artists on our Design Team. Now I’m not normally a name dropper (oh… who am I kidding?!), but to have the likes of Stevie English, Kobi Bokshish, Adam Ciaccia, Matthew Johnson, Sam James (have I gone too far?...wink…) and many more to learn from, is an incredible experience and one I’m extremely grateful for!

What am I hoping this opportunity will do for me is

to polish me as an educator. The backing and effort that Matrix puts into our team is phenomenal and I look forward to anything they throw at me in the future.

YOU’VE BEEN SELF-EMPLOYED FOR 25, WHICH SUGGESTS TO ME A SENSE OF INDEPENDENCE AND DESIRE TO DO THINGS YOUR OWN WAY. WAS BUSINESS OWNERSHIP ALWAYS THE PLAN FOR YOU?

It was. I didn’t have all that many employers before I became a salon owner but, except for my very first (who taught me everything about how NOT to treat people), they were all great and each contributed to who I am today. I guess I just wanted to go it alone, mistakes and all, and there were many! I’ve never regretted it for a moment.

HOW HAS THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING A BUSINESS OWNER CHANGED YOU OVER THE YEARS?

Too many ways to mention, but I would hope those who know me well and have worked for me over the years would say it has taught me to be flexible!

“IF YOUR TEAM HAVE YOUR BACK AND SHARE YOUR VISION, YOU HAVE THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD!”

YOU HAVE BEEN A BACKSTAGE FASHION WEEK CREW MEMBER SINCE 2010. DO YOU FIND THAT THIS WORK REQUIRES A UNIQUE SET OF SKILLS COMPARED TO EDUCATION OR SALON WORK?

Fashion week is a totally different beast to both of those! Its fast, its fabulous, it gets your heart pumping and it can also be very tense at times, so experience is a must! But it’s also highly addictive and you definitely get hooked on the high. I will be forever grateful to those who believed in me enough to give me the opportunity to be a part of Fashion Week; it has played a big part in how I do hair today.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR SALON, DIMATTIA & CO AND THE TEAM YOU WORK WITH TODAY.

Now this is where my heart melts. It is my baby, it is my castle, it is where I get to be my most creative. It is also where I have taught both my daughters, and many others over the years, to be as passionate about our industry as I am. In short, if I wasn’t on the floor anymore, I would probably still want to go hang out there every day. My team are family and as much as we all know that running a salon is often like riding a rollercoaster, one day you are up and the next you can be down, at the end of each day, if your team have your back and share your vision, you have the best job in the world!

BALANCING CREATIVITY WITH THE DEMANDS OF RUNNING A BUSINESS AND BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR A TEAM CAN BE QUITE THE CHALLENGE. HOW DO YOU BALANCE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BRAIN DEMANDS?

If you had asked me that question a few years ago Kym, I would have laughed and said I don’t use my left side!! Up until a few years ago, wearing my business owner’s hat was a job I avoided like the plague. Actually, if it wasn’t for the fact that I can do hair pretty well, I would have probably gone broke years ago! One day I decided to put my big girl pants on and learn a little about running my business properly, and I’ve never looked back! A huge shout out here to The AHC, The Keeleys and Julie Piantadosi for whipping me into shape!

WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU THINK YOUR VARIOUS EDUCATION AND AMBASSADOR ROLES BRING TO YOUR SALON TEAM?

Haha….. I think you may have to ask them that one.

I could be totally honest and say they love meeting all the celebrities and stylists, and who wouldn’t, but realistically my guys know that getting somewhere in our industry takes hard work, persistence and heart, and whatever direction they see themselves heading in the future, they know I will always be there to help and mentor, but the rest is up to them.

WHAT ARE YOUR CORE PHILOSOPHIES WHEN BUILDING YOUR TEAM?

RECRUITING - This is a hard one to answer Kym, as I feel like we are in the middle of a big shift in the way we view recruiting these days. It’s a whole new ball game with the shortage of not only qualified Hairstylists (I’ve been advertising for months), but also of people (not just youth) who are committed enough to see out an apprenticeship.

My philosophy is don’t hire people with great skills if they aren’t great people; hire great people and teach them great skill.

DEVELOPING - We train for 2 hours every Wednesday and although I am an educator, I believe it’s very different training your own crew to training other people’s, so we also have external educators come in at least 10 times a year and attend most large industry events. We’d go to the opening of an envelope if it had anything to do with hair

HOW HAVE YOU NOTICED THE INDUSTRY CHANGING OVER YOUR YEARS IN BUSINESS?

Hell yes, I’m old! Change is inevitable and right now, the biggest challenge I’m facing because I’ve been around a while, is how reliant we are on social media to run our businesses. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t disagree with it, in fact I’m loving it- it is the fastest and most cost-effective way to fill your books I’ve ever known! It’s instant and I love that about it, but it’s also a fast-changing and often temperamental portal and I’ve had to get really savvy really quickly to make sure I use it our best advantage.

IF YOU WERE STARTING OUT IN BUSINESS TODAY, IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU THINK YOU WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY?

Yep… hire a social media guru! Oh… and take The Keeleys and Julie’s courses from the beginning.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER OR BUSINESS?

I’m proud that I’m still incredibly passionate about the career that I chose as a 15-year-old. I’m still growing and I’m still learning; I’m achieving now what I actually dreamt of doing when I first started hairdressing all those years ago by finally having some images published, not only here but around the world! I’m still blown away by that!

But what I’m most proud of is that my family are proud of me; that my girls will open up Hair Biz magazine and say, “That’s my Mum!”

IS THERE A FAVOURITE QUOTE, MOTTO OR PIECE OF ADVICE YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE BY?

“Far from what I once was, not yet what I’m going to be”.

AND WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE A COMB OR BRUSH IN YOUR HAND, WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU?

In winter, sitting around a fire somewhere with family and friends with a scotch in my hand, and in summer, Minnie Water beach with all of the same. www.dimattiaandco.com

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es m a J Sam

SJ ESTABLISHMENT

Superstar and all-round talented gal, Sam James, has embarked upon an exciting new business venture to bring her creative vision to life.

SJ Establishment is the embodiment of Sam’s extensive background in the hair industry, working across Australia and London for 16 years, educating for the last 9, and being in business previously for 5 years. Says Sam, “SJ Establishment is a space, where you are surrounded by highly skilled, award winning stylists: a journey from curiosity and excitement through to relaxation and confidence. We create a unique space for you rejuvenate, unwind and reset”.

client journey in mind - from busy, time-poor professionals and hectic, unrested mothers, to the cool young Fashionistas and kooky locals. The goal is to give every client a fresh, nurturing experience, which includes thorough consultations using PIIQ Digital, time out at our zen colour table and relaxation in our beautiful basin space. We’re building a culture of friendly, like-minded, passionate people looking after our clients, building their confidence whilst transforming them into their best self.

She’s also been enjoying some serious stage time recently, winning Hair Expo SA/TAS Hairdresser of The Year for the second time in 2019, the fourth time in total! She was also announced as the 2019 Hair Expo Editor’s Choice Award Winner, an award voted by top national and international editors of leading magazines in the fashion industry and is the latest sassy edition to the Matrix Artistic Design Team… and it’s first ever female.

YOU WERE BUSY WITH AN ALMOST FULL CLIENTELE RIGHT FROM THE START. WAS THIS A LOVELY SURPRISE?

Knowing that the new SJ’s is destined for big things, Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey spoke to Sam recently to hear all about her newest venture.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO STEP OUT ON YOUR OWN IN YOUR NEWEST VENTURE, SJ ESTABLISHMENT?

Evolution really, I think. I had so many of my own thoughts and visions, so it was just time to break away and create my own brand and feel the connection to it as my own.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VISION FOR THIS NEW ENDEAVOUR AND WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE.

SJ’s was designed with the ultimate current

It was soooo overwhelming, I literally cried every time my clients walked through the door for the first two weeks. It wasn’t something I’d planned on or had factored into my goals and budgets, so it really was the most humbling, special experience and of course, so wonderful for a new brand that had never existed before.

It comes with its challenges though, in that I had to double my staff in the first month.

YOUR PREVIOUS BUSINESS WAS RECOGNISED AS A FINALIST FOR AHIA BEST NEW SALON DESIGN, BEST SALON NEWCOMER BUSINESS AND WON AHIA STATE SALON OF THE YEAR IN 2017. WHAT IMPACT DID THAT HAVE ON YOUR BUSINESS?

Accolades are a great recognition amongst our clients and the industry. Achieving success with awards, showcases my passion and dedication to my craft which my clients are always reminding me of. Thanks to the awards, I’ve had so many opportunities to work with incredible

people and brands in our hair world as well as attracting incredible stylists wanting to be part of what I’m building.

YOU'RE A GO-TO GAL FOR NAMES LIKE RUBY ROSE AND KATE CEBRANO, WAS IT WORD OF MOUTH REFERRAL AND WHAT’S YOUR BEST TIP FOR WORKING WITH CELEBRITIES?

It’s always the same thing …. always say yes!

Opportunities come around through the relationships that I’m constantly building. If you always say ‘yes’ and make it easy to deal with you, they’ll keep asking. My biggest tip for stylists is don’t forget who’s important and who pays your bills - YOUR LOYAL CLIENTS! I won’t fit anyone famous in if it means cancelling bookings. I think people respect me for that and try to be more organised for future appointments in my experience.

YOU ARE THE FIRST FEMALE MEMBER OF THE MATRIX NATIONAL DESIGN TEAM. IS IT A TOUGH GIG KEEPING THOSE MISCHIEVOUS BOYS IN LINE?

Haha…. yes I am, but I don’t know if I’ve taken on the job of keeping them in line – I encourage them lol, and I think that’s why it works! I know we talk about surrounding yourself with like-minded people, but it really is the perfect example of that. They say I’m the missing piece of the puzzle so I couldn’t be happier.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT YOUR MATRIX ROLE COMPARED 54

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“WE’RE BUILDING A CULTURE OF FRIENDLY, LIKEMINDED, PASSIONATE PEOPLE LOOKING AFTER OUR CLIENTS, BUILDING THEIR CONFIDENCE WHILST TRANSFORMING THEM INTO THEIR BEST SELF.” TO PREVIOUS AMBASSADOR OR EDUCATIONAL ROLES?

I am getting back to focusing more on colour which is really exciting for me. Matrix offer so much education to their salons, so it’s great to be part of a brand that dedicates so much time to that, creating lots of opportunities to get hands-on with many of them. And the shows we put together are amazing! I think what makes it different is the diversity between us all as artists.

YOU HAVE QUITE THE BUSY SCHEDULE MAINTAINING PARTNERSHIPS WITH AMAZING HAIR AUSTRALIA, EXCELLENT EDGES, EVY PROFESSIONAL, EVO HAIR AND HAIR AID. HOW ON EARTH DO YOU FIND TIME TO OWN A BUSINESS?

Yes I do, lol, but to be honest, they all go hand in hand. Partnering with these brands makes it easier not harder, and I need them all to do what I do in salon and creatively plus I love the people I get to do fun stuff with! Yes it can be hard to find enough time to do the business side, but I have an incredible team, especially my bookkeeper! We work very closely together.

YOU ARE THE CURRENT 2018/2019 HAIR EXPO SA/TAS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, AND WERE ALSO CELEBRATED WITH THE 2019 EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD. WHAT DO THESE TITLES MEAN TO YOU?

Well I’m not going to lie; I didn’t think it would happen given that the timing was just too perfect! To receive that recognition only one week after the salon opened was mind blowing.

You can’t pay for that kind of press that soon, and I’ve done quite a few interviews, which is all for one main goal – brand awareness, exposure and starting strong for my team. But I’ll admit, it was a nice confidence boost at a time where I felt at my weakest during the transition period and new opening. Definitely a feeling that I wish I could bottle.

YOU WERE ALSO A TOP 3 FINALIST FOR THE 2016 TELSTRA YOUNG BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD, WHAT DID YOU GAIN THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE?

Oh… that takes me back a little. What an experience! I learnt how to really evaluate a business and create a great business with all the detail that I had to go into for the process. Also being part of the Telstra Alumni Group is a great thing, as I get invited to catch up with the other finalists at events, which is a great networking experience that I am exposed to ongoing.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING ON A MAGAZINE SHOOT?

I love the collaboration with designers and photographers, and as many Session Stylists will know, it’s different to how we create for day to day life. Working in front of a camera is a whole other skill, so I love continuously learning how to master that and evolving those concepts.

WHAT BENEFITS HAVE BEING INTERNATIONALLY PUBLISHED BROUGHT TO YOUR BUSINESS, SAM?

It’s all great exposure but being internationally recognised has a sense of prestige about it to Australians I find, so it’s great when our clients see that recognition; they get so excited for me. It also really strengthens my desire to work overseas and will hopefully help me to achieve that goal.

OF ALL THE WORK YOU DO, BE IT IN THE SALON, FASHION WEEK, PHOTO SHOOTS, OR ON-STAGE EDUCATION, IS THERE ONE THAT YOU ESPECIALLY ENJOY ABOVE ALL OTHERS?

Easy and cliché I know but being with my clients

is at the top. I just have fun all day, especially since the majority of them have been with me through my toughest and most exciting times over the last 12 years. However I get such a buzz when I’m doing editorial and with my crews on stage I love it all!

HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR CAREER 5-10 YEARS FROM NOW?

Definitely still working with my clients, with an incredibly strong and passionate team of 8, and a very reputable business model, I hope. I would love to be working more overseas, of course still with all of my fabulous brands.

WHAT’S LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST, EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY, THAT YOU’D LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH?

New York, New York! The Big Apple is a definite one that I’m hoping for soon, and definitely having a cheeky crack at Australian Hairdresser of the Year.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO HER?

Sooooo much lol, but I think I would tell her to back herself a little more, spend less time second-guessing or comparing herself to others. It’s taken a while but I’m getting better at trusting my own decisions. www.sjestablishment.com.au Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

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DEVELOPING A CULTURE

FROM TEA AND TIDY TO TEACHER Tracey Coles, started her career in High School as a ‘Tea & Tidy’ (as they were called back then) in 1984 in Ipswich, QLD. This experience confirmed her passion in Hairdressing and after several knock backs, because Iat the time she was a shy girl, she was offered an apprenticeship in 1987.

“Quite a different story now!”, says Tracey.

“During my apprenticeship with Kensu Hair Designs, I worked under an incredible Hairdresser, Sue Thackeray. She was highly skilled and very passionate. I developed many skills and learnt the importance and value of training.”

my skills through this experience, giving the confidence to venture out and open my own salon in 2016.”

With a thirst for knowledge and wanting more skills, Tracey attended many workshops and entered various competitions with IHS in Brisbane, committing endless of hours of insalon training.

“Just quietly, I love, love, love operating and developing my own culture and salon experience here in my home town of Rosewood. Currently, I have three fulltime staff, which includes two senior stylists who are extremely passionate and whom I am greatly appreciative of. They have allowed us to develop a wonderful rapport within our region of Rosewood and surrounding areas of Ipswich. I also have a fabulous second year apprentice, who is sensational and gives 100% to everything she does. Shannae, Jess and Maddy make my salon a vibrant happy environment, where everyone is welcomed.”

“I now know I was very blessed with these opportunities, which lead me to work with an incredible salon chain in Ipswich, Gaye’s Hair Salon and was lucky to have been mentored by the matriarch, Gaye Anderson.”

After training young hairstylists, Tracey continued on to teach at TAFE Queensland South West in the Ipswich Campus, which is where she truly fell in love with teaching and mentoring young passionate hairdressers, including her favourite, the High School Students that enrolled into a Cert II in Hairdressing.

“Igniting their passion in this incredible career and making a difference to so many is where I found my place. I developed and increased

The Pavilion hair.relax.rejuvenate is now a reality for Tracey and something she never thought she would achieve.

The Pavilion is situated on the main street of Rosewood, in an historic old building which has had many lives. Clientele ranges from school children to young mothers and even farmers.

“We meet the needs the of such a wide variety of needs – from a child’s first haircut to grandma’s last. Everyone is made to feel welcome. A country salon is such a wonderful venture and

I am still just as passionate as I was when I was a shy young girl doing that first nervous haircut on a paying client.”

One of the services that Tracey offers her clients is Keratherapy, first founded in South Florida, home to both bold fashion and epic humidity that can make hair appear frizzy, unruly and unhealthy.

Keratherapy’s experts developed treatments using natural keratin chemistry to tame wild hair, quickly and easily; giving it a smooth, natural, luxurious look even in the most challenging environments. Keratherapy’s Keratin treatments have been proven worldwide to not just provide a quick transformation into smooth, touchable hair, but to maintain that look for months at a time.

Every Keratherapy product contains our unique, proprietary Kerabond Technology® delivery system that penetrates and bonds the keratin deep into the hair, while sealing the cuticle layer to provide superior smoothing, superior frizz control, superior shine and superior conditioning. Kerabond delivers the hair women love and have always dreamed about!

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE IN-SALON PROCESS?

Thorough hair and scalp consultation to see if the procedure is the correct service for them, giving the client the information how the hair will look afterwards and how to manage their hair at home followed by:• 30mins to shampoo/dry/apply • 60mins to process • 15/20sec rinse • Blow dry • Straighten (this process is extremely important to have correct temperature and number of passes through hair • Checking each section for a glossy polish finish to hair shaft

DOES THE CARE, STYLING AND TREATMENT RANGE HELP TO MAINTAIN RESULTS AND WHAT DO YOUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT THE RETAIL RANGE?

- TRACEY COLES

It aids by giving the hair extra karatin to top up the bonds which enables the hair to last longer between services.

It also gives further smoothness, manageability and humidity control.

Our clients using this specific range said their hair was radiant and gave them longer out of their service. Our clients found they could stretch their blow dry or straighten for an extra day or even up to 3 days longer, which is a huge winner as most clients are time poor. Our clients with very long hair use a paddle brush and smoothing cream (leave in product) and gave them the same result as hot ironing.

Keratherapy products go beyond salon treatments and provide a complete line of aftercare products to maintain that smooth, healthy look for months at a time.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE ON KERATHERAPY WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY BRANDS NOW ON THE MARKET?

“WE MEET THE NEEDS THE OF SUCH A WIDE VARIETY OF NEEDS – FROM A CHILD’S FIRST HAIRCUT TO GRANDMA’S LAST.”

We thought we would ask Tracey to give us the low down on this treatment and how her clients have adopted it.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT KERATHERAPY?

That it is a 2 step process. The time of the procedure is great which allows you to do a client in between, application is simple. It also has the ability to give incredible shine and elasticity to the hair, giving the hair more integrity and allowing the client to easier more manageable unruly hair. Minimal colour fade throughout the process afterwards. You can straighten the clients hair with bounce if they request by lifting at roots during this process

WHAT SUCCESS HAVE YOU SEEN WITH YOUR CLIENTS?

Our clients have used Keratherapy for growing their hair, which allows them to style hair with minimal effort. It defrizzes all types of hair, giving clients the ability to style their own hair and giving longevity to their style. They love that it is frizz free.

Through demonstration at TAFE, as I was a teacher when the first brand came onto the market. I had seen many other products available as well and Keratherapy had the most simple procedure and great results. We used the product many times and have witnessed the product improve as the formulas has been tweeted. The ability for apprentices and stylists to understand and use the product was wonderful, the instructions were simple, well structured, and easy to follow. The price point was a major consideration which made the service to our salon very worthwhile. We include the take home haircare range of Shampoo/conditioner/treatment in of the price of our in salon service, which is always a winner and the daily leave in products are extra.

The Pavilion is situated at Shop1/8 John St, ROSEWOOD 4340 QLD For more information on Keratherapy visit www.muimports.com.au Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

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YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

ELLE SCHOEMAKER STELIOS PAPAS TOOWONG

She’s the rising star who has set the hairdressing world on fire this year with a succession of impressive awards, but as you’ll learn, Elle Schoemaker is no overnight success.

Starting out as a school-based apprentice whilst also completing her OP, she set her mind to being the best stylist she could be, steadily building the skills that would become the basis of her future success. It was under the expert guidance of industry legend, Stelios Papas, that Elle truly flourished, but it took her determination, focus and consistent hard work to turn her training into trophies.

2019 has been a massive year for Elle, collecting the AHIA 2019 Salon Stylist of the Year, Hair Expo New Creative Force and earning her place on the HotShots team, plus being named Finalist in AHFA QLD Hairdresser of the Year category.

We know she’s only getting started and there’s so much more to come, but we wanted to take a brief time out to celebrate her wins, understand her preparation and perspective and applaud her admirable work ethic, giving us an insight into the mind of a champion.

Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey spoke with Elle Schoemaker as the dust finally started to settle.

SHARE WITH US WHAT IT’S BEEN LIKE WINNING MULTIPLE AWARDS ACROSS BOTH HAIR EXPO AND AHIA AWARD PLATFORMS AND EXPERIENCING HOTSHOTS HOUSE!

This year has really been about growth for me. Winning four individual awards has been a catalyst for self-assessment and some deep personal development.

I entered the Hot Shots House the morning after my Hair Expo wins, which was perfect timing because it meant I avoided the ‘noise’ that goes along with that. My experience in the house ignited a shift in my mentality, and the conversations were so much more than I ever could have imagined. Our mentors were unreservedly authentic, and I left feeling very empowered. The hype and excitement of winning an industry award is honestly over within a few days; the significance lies within what I can do now and in the future with this exposure and recognition 58

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TAKE US RIGHT BACK TO THE BEGINNING AND WHAT ORIGINALLY DREW YOU TO THE HAIRDRESSING INDUSTRY.

I decided I wanted to be a hairdresser when I was just 7 years old! I had never even set foot in a salon (My Mum always cut my hair at home... though she wasn’t a hairdresser). I guess as a young girl, I loved playing with my dolls’ hair and thought I would do that all day as a job. I never truly considered doing anything else.

WHAT WERE YOUR EARLY YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY LIKE?

I sought out a school-based apprenticeship at 14 and lucky enough, I loved it. Being a natural academic, I decided to continue my secondary education to also be eligible for an OP score.

I attended school full time 5 days a week and would work about 20 hours a week on Thursday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. I guess I leaned early that I had to hustle, and I worked hard.

DID YOU THINK OF YOURSELF AS CREATIVE RIGHT FROM THE START?

I have certainly always been a creative person. I am a deep thinker and have a vivid imagination.

However, I started my career in a small suburban salon, where I didn’t really have an understanding of my potential in the industry.

It wasn’t until I started working for Stelios Papas that I was introduced to a more creative side of the industry and my ambitions grew.

CONSISTENT HIGH-LEVEL ACHIEVEMENT LIKE THIS IS NO ACCIDENT. HOW HAVE YOU

everyday with integrity and sincerity. They go above and beyond to provide the ultimate client experience, seek continued education and push their creative boundaries with the intention and drive to always be better.

WHO ARE YOUR HAIR INDUSTRY HEROES? WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Oh I have too many to name! On a skill level, I am obsessed with Lyndal Salmon’s work. Her precision and technical accuracy gives me life. I love the creative genius’ within Robert Lobetta and Angelo Seminara. All of our mentors in the Hot Shots house were absolutely incredible. I especially love what Kobi Bokshish is doing within the industry. He is killing it creatively, sharing his passion through education and all for giving back and growing the next generation of talent.

PREPARED FOR THIS AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ACHIEVE SUCH SUCCESS?

I do believe consistency is key. I aim to turn up every day, work with purpose and do my absolute best.

My professional connections are authentic, and I choose every day to focus on good energy and deflect negative energy that I could do without.

When it comes to my awards success, I believe that writing an awards submission is the ultimate opportunity for self-assessment. Planning, prepping and executing a photographic collection comes with many emotions and lessons to be learned. I’d like to think that with the experience I’ve gained over the last 5 years of competition entries, I have developed personally and creatively which has led to my success.

I also celebrate the success of my peers and mentors. I learn from them and this organically elevates my own journey to success.

DID YOU ALWAYS HAVE BIG GOALS AND AMBITION?

I am someone who wants to be the best at whatever I put my mind to and my goals evolve as I grow. I’ve achieved some, but I’m honestly still figuring out what my goals and ambitions are! I sometimes struggle to see the big picture; I’m working on that. The value is in the process for me. Trophies are nice, but the journey and the work I put in is the same either way - and it’s just as rewarding.

Like anyone else I am vulnerable to self-doubt and second guessing myself, but I think that keeps me accountable, and hungry to always keep improving.

CAN YOU REMEMBER A TIME WHEN YOU LACKED CONFIDENCE AS A STYLIST AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THIS?

Absolutely! I believe education and acknowledging the foundations of our craft is key. If you execute your skills with purpose and know your ‘why’, you’re halfway there. Being on the floor, responsible for clients is always scary at first, and I believe confidence comes with experience. Until then, fake it ‘til you make it! I swear, clients can smell fear.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SEPARATES A GOOD HAIRDRESSER FROM AN EXCEPTIONAL ONE?

Intention. A good hairdresser shows up to work and services their clients. An exceptional one works

5 YEARS FROM NOW, HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR CAREER?

I would love to be spending more time working creatively and providing collaborative education to work towards lifting our industry standard. There’s always so many twists and turns in life that I find it difficult to envision what my future may really look like. I’m all for embracing opportunities as they come.

WHAT’S ON YOUR CAREER WISHLIST THAT YOU’D LIKE TO ACHIEVE?

I would love to back up my QLD Hairdresser of the Year title, with a photographic collection that I love and really connect with. It’s important to me to be creating work that is true to myself and my journey.

I’d love to collaborate and align myself with a brand that I really believe in. I feel that a brand’s values and ethos are just as important as the product they are supplying, and to advocate that would be amazing.

I aspire to continue advancing my skills. Our industry is forever changing, and to stay relevant we need to push our boundaries and get out of our comfort zone.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT CREATING HAIR WIZARDRY, WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU?

In the salon I am always “on”, so outside of that I really just endeavour to find my calm. For me, it’s easiest to find in nature. Sometimes that means sitting at the beach, a bush walk, or swimming at a creek. I can be a bit of a homebody too though, so sometimes it can simply be sitting on the grass at home absorbing some sun or doing some breathing exercises while listening to a podcast.

AND WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER ASPIRING YOUNG STYLISTS WHO AIM TO EMULATE YOUR SUCCESS?

• Work with integrity and trust in your journey - I’ve been giving my best for 12 years in the industry to achieve my ‘overnight’ success. Embrace the ups and downs along the way.

• Know your craft - Ongoing education is vital to a successful career in our industry.

• Align with people who support you - People who believe in your success, beyond what you can even imagine for yourself.

• Support your peers - There is already too much ego and greed in our world. Lift others, cheer them on and voice your appreciation for people you admire.

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TRAINING TALK

THE NEW CREATIVES

By Anthony Gray, MIG Training

Every individual’s hairdressing journey is their own and while the apprenticeship path is time honoured and well worn by many, even this educational journey can include many twists, turns and differing opportunities.

In a job market where competition for the best and brightest is at an all-time high, attracting new entrants to the industry and finding quality staff is the number one issue for salons. With this as the back drop it is timely to delve a little deeper.

• What does the journey look like for the emerging hairdressers of tomorrow?

• How are those new to the industry finding and entering the wonderful world of hairdressing?

• What are the types of education programs that are providing the attraction to those new to Hairdressing?

There is no better way to look at these questions than through the lived experience of someone 60

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who has discovered a love for Hairdressing and has started the journey to become a senior stylist.

Caitlyn McMillan is an apprentice at the awardwinning Brisbane salon Ella & Jade. Caitlyn’s journey has been an incredible one to date.

We sat down with Caitlyn at the beautiful Ella & Jade and spoke with her about all-things hairdressing.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR HAIRDRESSING EDUCATION JOURNEY?

I started at my local high school before moving to the YMCA school at Kingston. I liked school but got into a bit of trouble here and there. I found it hard to sit still in the classroom and eventually YMCA Kingston took me in.

At YMCA school at Kingston, I found the Certificate II in Salon Assistant and I knew that I wanted to continue with Hairdressing from the very beginning. So, I started doing work experience at different salons, one thing led to another and I had an interview at Ella & Jade. I was lucky enough to land an apprenticeship as a school-based apprentice.

About halfway through my first year I wanted to become full time, I just wanted to keep learning. I wanted to pick up the pace because I was a school based apprentice and was keen to cut down on the time. I left school and became a full-time apprentice and went into my insalon training program as well as training at MIG.”

RUMOUR HAS IT YOU CAME BACK FROM HAIR EXPO AND NEVER WENT BACK TO SCHOOL. CAN YOU CONFIRM OR DENY THIS? No comment!

CAN YOU RECALL YOUR LIGHTBULB MOMENT WHEN YOU REALISED A HAIRDRESSING CAREER WAS YOUR CALLING?

I knew I wanted to continue Hairdressing and keep going and learning when I found that the salon was the only place where I felt at home and comfortable to be myself.

WHAT IS THE SCARIEST THING YOU HAVE DONE OR THE BIGGEST HAIRDRESSING RISK YOU HAVE TAKEN?

The biggest leap that I have taken so far would be participating in our GenNext showcase at Hair Expo in Sydney. I was in charge of making sure that our creative looks were completed. So on the day, I was in charge of all the sectioning and total looks. We had assistants come on the day that I had to take through the braiding and how to complete the looks, so that was a very big responsibility. It was definitely one of the scariest things I have done so far.

WHAT ARE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER TO DATE?

The very first one would be when I completed my Certificate II in Salon Assistant at YMCA and won Hairdressing student of the year at YMCA. From there it would be the GenNext showcase…..getting through that day! And then recently completing my look for the futuristic Colour competition at the Brisbane Hair & Beauty Expo. Even though I did not place or anything it was amazing bringing my idea to life…I was very happy with it.

WHO HAVE BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL HAIRDRESSERS IN YOUR CAREER?

There have been a few. The first one was MIG Trainer Mandy. She introduced me to Hairdressing. She took me in and was the first pathway into Hairdressing for which I’ll be forever grateful. She always believed in me, backed me and told me to follow my dreams.

She told me I could get an apprenticeship and work wherever I want.

And then of course Alannah for giving me the best opportunity of my life so far, an apprenticeship at Ella & Jade. She has always been there for me. Both her and William have both pushed me to enter competitions and have always backed me through my training. They have been the best so far.

Also my aunty. I am very lucky to have such a great aunty. She is also a Hairdresser at Joey Scandizzo Hair Salon. She inspires me and backs me 100%.

“I AM VERY LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A GREAT AUNTY. SHE IS ALSO A HAIRDRESSER AT JOEY SCANDIZZO HAIR SALON. SHE INSPIRES ME AND BACKS ME 100%.”

NAME THREE HAIRDRESSERS YOU FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM FOR INSPO?

Renya Xydis - @renyaxydis @renyaawydis_editorialhair Natalie Anne @natalieannehair And a page called @Bangstyle. This page reposts other hairdresser’s images and is amazing.

WHAT ARE YOUR HAIRDRESSING DREAMS OR ASPIRATIONS?

I am not sure of the end game. Instead of big dreams or goals I’ve got small goals that I would like to reach. I would love to be able to create a collection before I finish my apprenticeship.

Entering Apprentice of the Year at Hair Expo is probably my biggest dream or goal at the

moment. I would also like to enter Brisbane Hair & Beauty Expo futuristic Colour again next year after competing in the event this year.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?

Probably just to be myself and to try and not fit into anyone else’s version of me.”

As evidenced by Caitlyn’s journey, a creative’s path can be difficult to navigate within an education system geared toward academic achievement and performance. Unfortunately, this can often be at the expense of those with creative and emotional intelligence.

Caitlyn’s story is inspiring and brings together a passion ignited through a school-based Certificate II in Salon Assistant program with wonderful mentors and employers who have been willing to invest and support a young Hairdresser on her journey.

The challenge for us as an industry is to take every opportunity to connect with fellow creatives in order for them to taste and feel our wonderful trade. The more we do this the more chance we have of finding diamonds like Caitlyn McMillan. www.migtraining.com.au Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

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w o sh Road

NO.2

The Professional edition

adshow_Hairbiz_A4_PrintAd_FA.indd 1

Melbourne hairdressers arrived at Docklands recently to be inspired by the stellar team of Dyson ambassadors – Frank Apostolopoulos, Joey Scandizzo, Damien Rinaldo, Peter Thomsen, Renya Xydis and Jayne Wild, in the second of three National roadshows to celebrate the wonderful world of Dyson. Each of these industry icons created two looks live on stage and then participated in an intimate Q and A to an eager audience, hanging on every word of this incredibly talented team.

The evening was compared by Dyson’s own Kelly Morgan, and as the evening progressed, the team gave some great insight into the Dyson SupersonicTM hair dryer Professional edition and the Dyson AirwrapTM styler.

JAYNE WILD treated the audience to her first look, showcasing spectacular anti-gravity achieved with the styling concentrator attachment. She followed this up with what can only be described as an Inspiring Avant Garde look with height that she worked into the style defying all usual possibilities.

JOEY SCANDIZZO was next up and did not disappoint with his session styling expertise including Givenchy inspired editorial excellence with delicate pieces of hair on the face followed by his second look of commercial must-have waves.

RENYA XYDIS brought festival hair to the event with some colourful strings, braiding and stitching with unique texture and long hair styling. Her second look was a box-like structure, coated with glitter using the Diffuser attachment to set the look.

DAMIEN RINALDO treated the audience with the now infamous boned pony that has literally lit up Instagram since the first Roadhsow and then an on trend short bob, styled to perfection. The effortlessly styled bob showcased the importance of precision airflow in styling and how the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer Professional edition is a must have in your tool kit.

PETER THOMSEN surprised onlookers with a beautiful cut showcasing a chin-length fringe disconnected from the length of the rest of the cut and a creation of texture and waves, dragon inspired by Games of Thrones using the Dyson Airwrap™ styler.

The Q and A section of the eventing gave an excited audience an insight into the life of these superstars, discussing aesthetics, top tips and experiences of their illustrious careers, not to mention their collective love of the Dyson tools.

The Dyson Professional Education Roadshow

Finally FRANK APOSTOLOPOULOS did what he does best with some editorial live cutting, fringe shaping and a Dyson AirwrapTM styling An exclusive The industry event featuring evening culminated in a final runway show, a extravaganza! His final look was a stunning true testament to stylists the power of Dyson. six of Australia’s leading masterpiece of curls, crimping and a gold head piece straight from the 80’s!

The Sydney instalment will be held on November 11, 2019

“WOW! WHAT EYE CANDY FOR THE INDUSTRY ! THE LINE-UP OF INDUSTRY ICONS WAS LEGENDARY, SHARING THEIR THOUGHTS AND INSPIRATIONAL STYLES, ALONGSIDE THE NEW DYSON PRO TOOLS, WAS A PERFECT MARRIAGE OF INNOVATION AND ARTISTRY. SO MUCH SO, I JUST HAD TO BUY ONE! THE TOOLS CERTAINLY LIVE UP TO THEIR REPUTATION AND DELIVER WHAT THEY PROMISE! IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE AND HONOUR TO ATTEND THIS EVENT ON BEHALF OF HAIRBIZ MAGAZINE!” - MICHELLE ANTHONY 62 Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

www.dyson.com.au/educationroadshow

The Professional edition

The Dyson Professional Education Roadshow An exclusive industry event featuring six of Australia’s leading stylists

Sydney 11th November 2019 For more information please visit Dyson.com.au/educationroadshow

The Professional edition

COLOR ZOOM CHALLENGE '19 NATIONAL GOLD WINNERS ANNOUNCED Every year Goldwell invites hairdressers from all over the world to participate in the Color Zoom Challenge. Stylists participating in three different categories (Partner, New Talent & Creative) demonstrate their creativity and their interpretation of Goldwell’s current Hair Fashion Collection to become a part of the Global Color Zoom Creative Team.

Goldwell Australia & NZ are happy to announce the National Gold Winners of the Color Zoom Challenge '19, which will compete in the Competition Live Final at Global Zoom 19 in Vienna are :Creative Colorist : Priscilla Hume, Pump House Hair VIC, AUS New Talent Colorist: Demi Richards, Mazee Hair VIC, AUS Creative Colorist: Nicky Crombie, Vivo Hair & Beauty, NZ

Creative Coloris t: Pump House HaPriscilla Hume, ir VIC, AUS

New Talent Colorist: Kayla Green, Vivo Hair & Beauty, NZ Demi New Talent Colorist: , AUS VIC Richards, Mazee Hair

This year, hairdressers from all over the world interpreted the Color Zoom Collection REMIX: a collection which is a mix of bold colors, sharp contours and strong contrasts inspired by Pop art and graphic minimalism to create an optical pop effect. The Color Zoom '19 Creative Team has created a collection that is playful, energetic and refreshing.

Since 2015 a new set of awards completes the Color Zoom Challenge: The Goldwell Stylists’ Favorite Awards. Anyone, anywhere in the world, is able to participate in an online vote to choose their favorite entry in each category, from all of the National Gold Winners.

The online vote for the Stylists’ Favorite Award will take place at www.goldwell.com/ stylistsfavorite as of September 1st, ending on the 15th just before the official live competition to be held at the Global Zoom Event in Vienna. The winner of each category with the most Stylists’ Favorite online votes will be announced on stage during this year's Global Zoom Gala Show in Vienna, September 29th 2019. www.goldwell.com/color-zoom

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ky Crombie, Creative Colorist: Nicuty, NZ Vivo Hair & Bea

New Talent Colo rist: Vivo Hair & BeauKayla Green, ty, NZ

HAIR BIZ Forum 2020

2020 AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

SAVE THE DATE! t s a o C d l o G

SUNDAY 3RD MAY 2020

Winners were recently announced for De Lorenzo’s Novacolorist competition which allows hairdressers with all levels of experience to showcase their skills.

The images were judged on colour selection, technical skill, overall look and photographic composition. Each year the entries lift the bar and the competition gets tougher to judge. Entrants use this opportunity as a platform to receive recognition in the industry across 4 categories with an overall winner being the Novacolorist of the year - an accolade to aspire to.

CATEGORIES INCLUDE:Novacolor Creative: Open to all hairdressers. Recognises superior and innovative colour work used to enhance and complete the finished look.

Novacolor Rookie: Open to colourists with less than three years’ experience in hairdressing. Recognises colour selection, creativity and overall finished look.

Novacolor Men’s: Open to all hairdressers and barbers. Recognises individual interpretation of colour selection and resulting overall finished look.

Novacolor Avant Garde: Open to all hairdressers. Recognises creativity and imagination of the true artist. Make-up and styling are used to enhance and complete the finished look.

Each category winner received a $1,000 travel voucher and a trophy and the overall winner (Novacolorist of The Year) also wins a window transparency of their winning image for their salon announcing the award and beauty press.

Overall winner: Charlene Monks, Bliss the Art of Hair SA

Congrats to all of the Winners!

Novacolor Creative: Rebecca Day, The Hair Pin QLD

Novacolor Rookies: Amber Kelly, Luxe Hair and Beauty QLD

Novacolor Mens: Shelby Goy, Guildford Hair Studio WA 66

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Avant Garde: Madison Eylward, Bliss the Art of Hair SA

N E W G E N E R AT I O N BOND TECHNOLOGY Repairs and restores broken hair leaving it smooth and silky so you can take your colour service to the next level.

Independently tested and proven to outperform the leading competitior, the Novaplex system was shown to

reduce hair breakage during lightening by 71%

pH… What’s all the pHuss?

By Simone Lee

There are many questions I am asked during my trichology and creative styling sessions from artists, and topping the list is all about that little word pH! What is PH? What exactly has it got to do with our work and why do I need to even know this?”

The term pH stands for “potential hydrogen” and is the amount of hydrogen ions found in a substance. pH is an essential factor in the quest to maintain optimal scalp skin health.

According to an article featured in The Star Daily, by Dr Riffat Lucy, “The scalp needs to be treated with a focus on exfoliation and balancing PH and doctor recommended hair loss treatments to make hair friendly scalps revolve around this theory”.

A pH value is: • a number between 1 and 14, • 7 is the neutral point, • values below 7 are acidic (1 is the most acidic) and • values above 7 are basic or alkali (14 is the most alkali).

The ideal pH of scalp skin is 5.5 (acidic) and the pH level of hair at its stem is approximately 3.67 (acidic). Generally, healthy hair sits between a pH of a 4.5 – 5.5.

reformation solutions and hair colourants often raise the hair’s pH level above a 7 level during processing procedures and this is something that hairstylists really need to pay close attention to.

If the hair’s pH is not reduced to back to a suitable acidic level after chemical applications (or is not able to be, after excessive chemical or mechanical processing stressors), the hair can become: • very porous, • damaged • unable to hold artificial hair colour pigments • tangled, • dull in appearance, • and frizz. pH imbalances of hair can create a raised cuticle layer (outer surface of hair) which may also expose the cortex (inner most layer of hair), making locks much more susceptible to damage such as: • greater static electricity may occur in strands that are alkaline, • increase the electrical charge of the hair’s surface, • increase friction between strands of hair and • cause cuticle damage that may lead to hair breakage.

When the pH of hair becomes more alkaline (above a 7ph level): • hair cuticles soften, expand and • the more alkaline hair becomes, the greater the possibility of damage.

The acidic nature of both hair and skin helps to maintain the yeast and bacteria levels on the scalp preventing overgrowth which can cause or exasperate conditions like: • dandruff, • seborrheic dermatitis and eczema.

When the pH of scalp skin sits higher than its suitable level, hair loss and many skin complaints can suddenly occur. Chemical

These conditions are often triggered from the scalp having a more alkaline pH value. Hair and scalp alkalinity can reduce the ability of

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sebaceous oils to fight bacteria and yeast.

Products used on hair that have an alkaline pH may also leave hair cuticles raised, and cosmetics that are overly acidic when applied to hair, can close the hair cuticles very tightly and cause skin irritation. Hair care treatments with a pH between 4 and 5.5 are considered more beneficial for maintaining hair health.

When hair is properly pH balanced, the hair cuticles generally remain flat, which ensures that they do not cause unwanted fuzz or activated hair texture.

Hair cosmetics can control the pH of hair. The number of leading hair care brands that are now using sophisticated pH ingredient strategies to help create a healthy scalp for hair to grow from, is growing at a rapid rate.

It is very exciting to see the cosmetic industry investing millions of dollars into product research and development of the pH factor as well as artificial intelligence devices to measure and monitor scalp skin pH and moisture content levels.

Trichology tip: Look out for acidic hair colour systems! This new colour chemical innovation is set to make its mark as a game changer for hair and scalp health.

Simone Lee is a formally qualified Trichologist, an esteemed member of The American Hair Loss Council, a former Ambassador for The World Trichology Society and the director of Education for The Australian Institute of Trichology which addresses the scientific study and practice relating to the health of hair and scalp. Simone can be contacted at www. australianinstituteoftrichology.org

Engineered for professionals Annular element construction Air Multiplier™ technology The volume of the air drawn in is amplified by three times, producing a high-pressure, high-velocity jet of air.

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Enables precise control of heating element.

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Clearly show selected settings and filter cleaning prompt.

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Helps protect hair from extreme heat damage

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Constructed from liquid crystal polymer to ensure thermal stability.

Intelligent heat control measures air temperature 40 times a second.

Precise settings 3 speed settings and 4 heat settings, including cool shot.

Negative ions Charged particles in the air reduce static in the hair.

Fast drying Dyson digital motor V9 spins at up to 110,000rpm.

Cold shot Activated and locked-on by the temperature control or cold shot button.

Acoustically tuned One inaudible frequency.

Quiet Mark accredited.

Vibration sound reduction mount A rubber isolation mount prevents the motor from vibrating against the inside of the handle, reducing the transfer of noise between the motor and the case.

Light in the hand The 27mm diameter motor is uniquely positioned in the handle, for balance.

Filter built for salons Magnetic, removable and washable, with filter cleaning brush.

The Professional edition 3.3 metre cable For freer movement.

Only at Dyson.com.au/supersonic-professional #dysonprohair

A WEEK OF HOMELESSNESS

with Jenni Tarrant

Imagine sleeping in your car on freezing Canberra winter nights. And then imagine doing it willingly.

That’s exactly what prolific humanitarian and Bond Hair Religion fearless leader, Jenni Tarrant elected to do in the middle of winter, to personally experience and to raise funds and awareness for the crippling issue of homelessness.

Aware that more than 1600 Canberrans do not have a home to go, that older single women are the fastest growing cohort within this group and that 80% of the women local charity Toora Women Inc. assist who are experiencing homelessness have children in their care, Jenni decided to step in and do what she could do help.

ACT-based charity Toora Women Inc. is run by women, for women with complex needs and Jenni has been a strong Toora supporter for many years. So, for seven cold Canberra winter nights, Jenni slept in her car, using only public bathrooms and survived on just $20 a day.

“Many homeless women lived in their cars with their children before receiving the muchneeded support from Toora. As tempting as it would have been, it was important to me that I definitely did not turn my car heater on, no matter how cold I was. I hoped that my project would raise awareness of the challenges experienced by homeless women and children 70

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and of course, 100% of all money raised went directly to service delivery” said Jenni.

Now, our industry is known for being empathetic and supportive of those in need, whether they be industry peers or complete strangers, but actually being homeless in subzero temperatures for a week and working every day thorough it, takes generosity to a whole new level.

Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey sat with incredible human, Jenni Tarrant, in awe of her experience.

JENNI, TO COMMIT YOURSELF TO LIVING THE LIFE OF A HOMELESS PERSON IS AN EXTRAORDINARY THING TO DO. WHAT MOVED YOU TO DO IT? I don’t believe you can truly have an understanding of other people’s experience unless you are willing to put your feet in their shoes. I have been involved with Toora Women’s Refuges for some time now and

am a great admirer of the work they do with homeless women and children - many of whom are trying to escape family violence situations.

When I discovered the number of people who actually sleep in their cars, rather than on the streets, I was really surprised. That’s what led me to create the “Invisible Homeless Project”.

Not only did I live out of my car for 7 days, I also had a $20 budget each day. If my aim was to replicate the experience, I also had to incorporate the issue of poverty.

TELL US ABOUT THAT FIRST COLD NIGHT IN THE CAR.

It was freezing at minus 3 degrees. Canberra's winters are cold and can be cruel without any heating. To be authentic, I lived in my little Holden Barina. I am over 180cms tall and it was a tight fit. I was sore, my legs were cramping, and I had a bad headache from being in a small space with no fresh air. I thought keeping the windows shut tight would help keep me warm, but it had other consequences. Aside from all this, I was really hungry!

I IMAGINE THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A REAL SENSE OF ISOLATION AND LONELINESS. HOW DID YOU WORK THROUGH THIS?

Most people expected me to be scared and I wasn’t really. Perhaps it was because I had a finite date and I was tucked away in an alleyway? Perhaps I was naive? Loneliness wasn’t a big issue for me. My life is filled with people and conversation, so it was quite nice to have silence and space. Again, I am sure if this was an ongoing experience for me, I would have felt incredibly lonely and hopeless.

IN THE MORNINGS, YOU WOULD SOMETIMES APPROACH A CAFÉ ASKING FOR HOT WATER FOR YOUR TEA. HOW WERE YOU RECEIVED?

It was quite hard the first morning, as I traipsed around in my beanie, PJs, and coat with a mug and a teabag. I approached a cafe and said, “I am living in my car and I would really appreciate a cup of hot water”. From there it wasn’t an issue for me to get hot water for my beloved cup of tea.

Without a doubt, I put that down to being fairly well presented and having confidence - both of these things would not be the case if I lived in my car as a state of existence. I am no Pollyanna about this. Even though I tried to replicate the experience, there are so many factors that made my seven days so much better and easier than those who are really suffering. It was a really difficult week for me and, even though I suffered, I can’t even imagine how it must be for entire families to be in that situation with no end in sight.

HOW DID PEOPLE RESPOND TO YOU IN GENERAL?

People who knew me responded well but that was to be expected. One of the most emotional challenges was on my fifth night. Many of the restaurants around the area were busy and being in a back alley meant that I saw lots of people on smoke breaks etc. They looked at me disapprovingly. They stared and laughed between themselves. I felt ashamed, looked down upon and less. I climbed into my car and cried. I cried because there are so many people who feel less in situations they can’t find a solution to escape. We all judge and walk past, trying not to meet the eyes of people on the street or people who look dishevelled. They are the same as us, they are just doing it harder.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF THE EXPERIENCE?

There were two main difficulties. The physical effects were tough: the corners of my mouth split, my hips ached, my asthma flared up because of the cold air, my head ached, my skin on my face and hands felt burned from the cold - the list goes on. Mentally, I felt frustrated and disconnected.

The other challenge was something I didn’t anticipate. I have many people who love and care for me. These people were desperate to

offer me food and blankets. Someone even left money in an envelope on my windscreen.

I wanted my experience to be as authentic as possible. The fact is, so many of these kindhearted people wouldn’t do that for someone they pass by, who is living on the street. They become invisible. I urged people to give those items to others who were actually living on the streets. It was a real conflict for me to appreciate their care but to express the importance of helping those who really need it.

WERE YOU EVER TEMPTED TO QUIT?

Never. There are a lot of ‘gonna’s’ out there “I’m gonna do this, and I’m gonna do that.” I decided a long time ago that if I say I’m going to

do something, I do it until it is complete. When I have to find the extra push, I summon it up from my toenails because I know that every minute I do something like this, someone will donate, and it will positively contribute to the lives of the people I have committed to helping. I am in my 50th year and the highest demographic of people living in their cars is 50+ women.

I’ve climbed the highest mountain in Africa, I have walked 130 kilometres in a rugged and remote jungle, I have stopped speaking for a week to raise awareness about the silence of mental health, and more. People donate more when I do something that takes courage and is challenging. It’s bigger than me and I will always see it through. I’m a tough old bird!

cont’d over page

cont’d from page 71

THERE ARE A LOT OF ‘GONNA’S’ OUT THERE“I’M GONNA DO THIS, AND I’M GONNA DO THAT.” I DECIDED A LONG TIME AGO THAT IF I SAY I’M GOING TO DO SOMETHING, I DO IT UNTIL IT IS COMPLETE. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE FROM THIS CAMPAIGN AND WHO HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO ASSIST AS A RESULT?

With the support of family, friends, clients and many people who have seen my experience in the media, well over $12,000 was raised for Toora Women’s Refuges. In addition to monetary donations, I encouraged people to donate goods that are essentials: toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, nappies, feminine hygiene products and more. A conservative estimate of the amount of goods donated is $3,000.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PEOPLE WHO ARE FORCED TO LIVE LIFE ON THE STREETS?

That they are just like us. Given a different start to life and/or different health and/or different life experiences, that person who is asleep on the street or who is living in their car could be us.

They need interaction and they need to be asked “what can I do for you?”.

YOU WORKED THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS, EVEN THOUGH YOU WERE ACHING AND NOT ABLE TO SHOWER FOR AN ENTIRE WEEK. HOW DID YOU GET THROUGH THAT AND HOW DID YOUR CLIENTS RESPOND?

Working was bittersweet. It was great to have a sense of purpose (many homeless people don’t have that) and to have interaction and warmth.

Yet, at the same time, it was very hard to do up to 12 hours of clients after very little sleep and with so much of my body aching. I was self-conscious about not having showered, but my team assured me I didn’t smell. Thank God for wet wipes!

The clients responded well. They made a healthy contribution to the money raised and they were willing to hear about my experience and have their eyes opened to the ‘invisible’ homeless who are tucked away in places all over our wealthy nation.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU DID WHEN YOU RETURNED HOME TO YOUR NORMAL LIFE?

Oh my God! I had the most delicious hot shower I have had since finishing the Kokoda Trail. It was incredible and I scrubbed every inch of myself. I’d had a busy day (as usual) so didn’t get to lie down in my comfy bed until 8pm but that was also a glorious experience. I did feel guilty however that 72

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I could eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted etc., when so many face no hope of a hot shower, comfortable bed and plentiful food.

WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST?

I missed feeling clean. I missed being able to stretch out and have a decent sleep for more than two hours. I missed being warm. And I missed going to sleep at night seeing the eyes of people who love me.

HOW HAS YOUR VIEW CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THIS EXPERIENCE?

I believe myself to be charitable and committed to helping those less fortunate that I am. I did not realise, however, how much I assume about people. I have given people who are living rough money, bought them food, I even carry around new sleeping bags and jackets in my car boot every winter to give to anyone I see living on the street.

What I had never done though, was to ask them “What would you like me to do for you?”. I had an unconscious smugness that I knew better and that I knew how to help. But none of us truly know anything until we ask. I intend never to make such assumptions again. The way I engage with people less fortunate than myself will be on a far more equal level than approaching from a loving but judging place where I decide what someone else needs.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR INDUSTRY ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE?

I have a number of health issues - mental and physical for which I need medication. Just one of my prescribed meds ran out during my seven days living in my car. The cost of the script was just under $40 which meant I had to choose between the meds or food for two days. I chose the meds which meant no money for food for two days except for the stale bread and apples I bought on day one.

We all hear about the correlation between mental health and homelessness, but this situation was a poignant moment of clarity.

How can someone who is struggling to buy food afford the medication they need to deal with their mental and physical health issues? How do they break the cycle? No wonder people sleeping rough feel an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. And then to find people turning away, smirking or trying to avoid them as they walk around or beg for money.

How would you go if this was your life experience?

What will you do differently next time you see someone sleeping rough? www.toora.org.au Photography by Hilary Wardhaugh Photography

Get your credit card out for the best $110 donation you can make…and get educated at the same time!

In an unprecedented initiative to unite the hairdressing community and make a positive impact by raising money and awareness for two important causes, The Hair Raiser Fellowship will launch an exciting online education event from 18-25 August designed to inspire and inform salon owners and stylists around the world.

The Hair Raiser Fellowship has brought a stellar line up of hairdressing artists and associates together into one online space to deliver hours of business and creative education in a closed Facebook group forum. Attracting leading industry names and talents from Australia and around the globe, 100% of funds raised from ticket purchase donations will go directly to two causes 1. An Australian hairdressing family that has been tragically affected by suicide.

2. Beyond Blue, an Australian independent nonprofit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental disorders.

Some of the Hair Raiser headliners include Antony Whitaker, Candy Shaw, Julie Piantadosi, Sharon Blain, Clive Allwright, Scott Sloan, Adam Ciaccia, Dario Cotroneo, Jose Bryce Smith, Kobi Bokshish, Matt Clements and Jules Tognini. More international guest artists will be announced in the coming week.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do much.” Helen Keller.

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The 70+ videos in the Hair Raiser library span from five minutes to an hour long and ticket holders will have an entire year to soak up the knowledge on offer, perfect for those gaps in salon between appointments or to indulge at night or on weekends when you have some spare time. Ticket purchase donations available are: $110 AUD - a single person added to group $250 AUD - a salon or corporation of up to 5 people added to group $500 AUD - a salon or corporation of up to 20 people added to group $1,000 AUD - a salon or corporation up to 30 people added to group Ticket holders will have access to the private FB page to watch the videos in real or catch up time at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ hairraiserfellowship2019

members to the group. 100% of all money raised will go to our causes and ticket purchases are fully tax deductable.

“As event organisers, we are giving our time to the cause and using our influence, intelligence and skills to be able to make a difference, so please come and join us by being part of Hair Raiser. Our goal is to raise $50,000 for our two causes, which are very close to the hearts of the hairdressing community. So get your credit card out for the best $110 donation you can make!”

HOW CAN YOU HELP? 1. Donate/purchase tickets via the Hair Raiser

Gofundme page (100% tax deductible & watch the figure grow) https://www.gofundme.com/the-hair-raiserfellowship

The names behind The Hair Raiser Fellowship are stylist and educator Steve Corthine from Stevie English Hair, Mia De Vries from The Secret Fox Education and salon owner Kirstie Stafford from Woohoo Hairdressing.

2. Send a request to join us at Hair Raiser

“The purpose of Hair Raiser is to open up the dialogue around mental health, and start the hard but necessary conversations around depression, anxiety and suicide,” Kirstie explains. “We are uniting hairdressers all over the globe, through a shared vision of education.

3. Are you an educator and would like to be

“We have colourists, cutters, some motivation, business, a bit of pilates, product info, some hair stories and social media content, all of which will add value to your business. Stylists can purchase a single pass or salon owners can buy a team pass so they can add their staff

If you or anyone you know is in imminent danger or at risk of suicide (in Australia) please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000

Fellowship group on Facebook. This is where the videos will be able to be accessed https://www.facebook.com/groups/ hairraiserfellowship2019

involved? Message us here: http://Bit.ly/HairRaiser

‘Giving is not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference.’

If you have any further questions you can contact us at hello@hairraiserfellowship.com

GET YOUR CREDIT CARD OUT FOR THE BEST $110 DONATION YOU CAN MAKE… & get educated at the same time!

In an unprecedented initiative to unite the hairdressing community and make a positive impact by raising money and awareness for two important causes, The Hair Raiser Fellowship will launch an exciting online education event designed to inspire and inform salon owners and stylists around the world.

The 70+ videos in the Hair Raiser library span from five minutes to an hour long and ticket holders will have an entire year to soak up the knowledge on offer, perfect for those gaps in salon between appointments or to indulge at night or on weekends when you have some spare time.

For more information, and to get involved, visit www.hairraiserfellowship.com “Alone we can do so little, together we can do much.”

Helen Keller

PLUS MANY MORE! The Hair Raiser Fellowship has brought a stellar line up of hairdressing artists and associates together into one online space to deliver hours of business and creative education in a closed Facebook group forum. Attracting leading industry names and talents from Australia and around the globe, including Antony Whitaker, Candy Shaw, Julie Piantadosi, Sharon Blain, Clive Allwright, Scott Sloan, Adam Ciaccia, Dario Cotroneo, Jose Bryce Smith, Kobi Bokshish, Matt Clements and Jules Tognini.

100% OF ALL MONEY RAISED WILL GO TO OUR TWO CAUSES: • An Australian hairdressing family that has been tragically affected by suicide.

• Beyond Blue, an Australian independent non-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental disorders.

The helping hands behind the Hair Raiser Fellowship are colourist and Matrix global educator Steve Corthine from Stevie English Salon. Mia De Vries and her suave cool brother Lee Cooper, from instafamous salon The Fox and the Hair and the Founder of the Secret Fox Education, and industry darling Kirstie Stafford xx

“The purpose of Hair Raiser is to open up the dialogue around mental health, and start the hard but necessary conversations around depression, anxiety and suicide,” Kirstie explains. “We are uniting hairdressers all over the globe, through a shared vision of education.

“As event organisers, we are giving our time to the cause and using our influence, intelligence and skills to be able to make a difference, so please come and join us by being part of Hair Raiser. Our goal is to raise $50,000 for our two causes, which are very close to the hearts of the hairdressing community. “

COMING SOON AHC Mental Health Talk

PRODUCT LAUNCHES & CANDID CONVERSATIONS AT THE

AFFINAGE PROFESSIONAL DISTRIBUTOR CONFERENCE

The first stop for attendees of Affinage Professional’s 2019 Distributor Conference was Brisbane’s newest luxury boutique hotel, Ovolo The Valley and dinner at the recently renovated Za Za Ta restaurant.

Hosted at the Brisbane Powerhouse Rooftop Terrace with panoramic river views, the conference agenda was filled with engaging and productive sessions. With the focus of the event firmly on the future, attendees had a front row seat to Affinage Professional’s latest product launches and topical discussions on product development, education, marketing and business development.

The first product reveal was the tenth addition to Affinage Professional’s styling collection, Volume Powder. Its puff release system distributes a controlled amount of fine powder into the hair, boosting volume at the roots and absorbing excess hair oil without overloading the scalp or leaving a residue.

The second launch featured two new Affinage Professional Infiniti Permanent colours: 8.021 and 9.021. As an extension of the company’s popular Velvet series, these are ideal for lowlights, toning, grey coverage, colour melt and root stretch over pre lightened hair. Their built-in filler also allows darker colouring of blonde hair without any unwanted warmth or ashen tones.

Affinage Professional’s Global Creative Artistic Director Truc Le followed with an informative and entertaining showcase of six couture looks highlighting current styling trends and techniques. For the final session, attendees had the opportunity to voice their questions and ideas during a candid Open Forum panel with the leadership team.

“We’ve received fantastic feedback from our guests about the insight they gained, the personal connections they made and the exciting direction of our company,” said Marketing Manager, Mandy Jolly. “We thank each of our distributor partners, ambassadors and special guests for attending and look forward to the next Affinage Professional conference.”

SPRING SUMMER 2019/20 SHOOT The arrival of the warmer months calls for a new collection of creative looks inspired by sun, sand and sea.

Five fresh hair colour concepts by Affinage Professional’s Global Creative Artistic Director Truc Le feature trending copper and bronze tones, sunset pink hues, honey blonde foils and ocean mist balayage.

Finished with statement braids and clips, soft movement and lustrous shine, these vibrant Affinage Professional Infiniti and Pop Art colours are accentuated with lightweight styling and texture for spring and summer.

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M I K A E L A STYLING

CHAIR

M E G H A N STYLING

CHAIR

G O L D I E STYLING

CHAIR

BLACK UPHOLSTERY/ TIMBER FRAME

EARTH UPHOLSTERY/BLACK FRAME

BLACK UPHOLSTERY/GOLD FRAME

42261D-CH 42261F-CH 42261D-BL 42261F-BL 42261D-GO

42297F-BL BLACK 5Star hydraulic (ALSO AVAILABLE IN BLACK UPHOLSTERY)

42260D-CH 42260F-CH 42260D-BL 42260F-BL 42260D-GO

CHROME Disc hydraulic CHROME 5Star hydraulic BLACK Disc hydraulic BLACK 5Star hydraulic ROSE GOLD Disc hydraulic

CHROME Disc hydraulic CHROME 5Star hydraulic BLACK Disc hydraulic BLACK 5Star hydraulic ROSE GOLD Disc hydraulic

Electric Electric Adjustable Adjustable Legrest

V A L E N C I A SHAMPOO K I N G TROLLEY

A X E L STYLING

Code: 44461

BLACK

• • • •

Code: 43817

Flat top 6 Drawers Drawer dividers Easy Rolling Wheels

UNIT

BLACK UPHOLSTERY / TIMBER FRAME

• Dryer Holder • Footrest

STATION

Code: 448167B - BLACK Ceramic Basin Code: 448167W - WHITE Ceramic Basin • Electric Adjustable legrest • Electric Adjustable Height • USB port • Tilting Ceramic Basin • Includes Australian Approved Tapware W: 680 mm L: 1800 mm OPEN H: 990 mm

USB Port

ghd ORACLE

So man One tool, endless One“curls tool, Onecurls. tool, endless

their hai The new hair curling revolution.

The newrevolut hair The new hair curling curling is Plates heat hair to the optimum styling temperature of 185°C

says Ad Plates heat hair to the optimum styling temperature of 185°C

BOW DOWN TO THE CURLING REVOLUTION.

Plates heat hair to the optimu styling temperature of 185°C

Cool air inlet

The ghd ORACLE makes curling hair easier than ever before. This innovative curling tool uses patented breakthrough curl-zone technology which combines the unique barrel shape, the styling power of heat and the setting effect of cooling, to create a variety of curls for all hair types – in just one stroke.

Heat quickly transferred from Curl-zone using heat-pipes to handle

30s

30s

S Curls are flash-cooled Heat quickly transferre and set infrom place in the using Curl-zone Curl-zone heat-pipes to handle

30s

ONE TOOL, ENDLESS CURLS Creating endless curls is now easy with ghd oracle, the world’s first styling tool that creates an endless variety of curls, waves and textures in one simple stroke.

The result of $9.5 million and over 6 years development, ghd’s innovative new tool utilises patented curl-zone technology and a unique U-shaped barrel to create an array of perfectly styled curls as it glides through the ceramic plates, leaving hair beautiful and healthy.

The ghd oracle heats hair to the optimum temperature of 185°C and then curls and sets the hair by flash-cooling it with a temperature differential of over 100°C. No matter which section of hair you are styling, or which angle, the hair will always pass through the same U shape for the perfect curl effect with ease. By tilting the ghd oracle at slightly different angles can take your look from romantic soft curls, to deep waves, to loose and beachy lived in curls.

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“We wanted to make a versatile tool that creates multiple looks while maintaining hair health and allowing for versatility of use,” said Ludovic Dellazzeri, managing director, ghd ANZ. “Not only that but the curl-zone technology means it won’t burn your clients if it touches their scalp, ears, or neck, ensuring a fear-free and comfortable curling experience.”

A salon-exclusive tool, the ghd oracle is only available to select ghd oracle partner salons, who are required and committed to providing complimentary tutorials to consumers so they can learn how to use the tool before purchase. “ghd oracle is our most versatile and creative curling tool yet – meaning education is vital

for consumers to get the most out of it,” Ludovic said. “Stylists are the key to teaching consumers how to confidently and easily use this professional tool to create these looks at home.”

5 months on since the launch of oracle, ghd still receives hundreds of DMs through social each week about the product, and says they are excited to welcome more salons onto the ghd oracle journey.

So how does the ghd oracle experience stack up? We reached out to four stylists to hear what they had to say about the ghd oracle…

JW: I do think it’s great having a salon exclusive tool. Now that online purchasing and price comparison is so quick and simple it often means salons lose a lot of sales. The Oracle will mean more in salon sales for sure.

PM: Having a salon exclusive tool really is important to us in the salon, it puts the stylist back in the position of being an authority in Hair. We have Oracle consultations for clients who are interested in purchasing or have purchased the Oracle, it allows us to educate our clients and also to recommend the products that will be needed to help create the client’s specific desired results.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE GHD ORACLE AS A STYLIST?

Hermiz Daniel: So super easy to use and something different that we needed in the market – it filled a gap!

Brodie lee Tsiknaris: I love that for a client they get excited because it’s easy to use when they take it home.

Jakeob Williams: I love the variety of curls you can achieve using the GHD Oracle just by changing the angle.

Pauline McCabe: The oracle allows me to have one tool which can create so many variations of curls and textures, I love that it is intuitive and the more I use it, the more I discover its many possibilities.

HOW HAVE YOUR CLIENTS REACTED TO THE GHD ORACLE?

HD: I get clients calling up asking about it, wanting to come into the salon and purchase it all the time.

BT: Our clients are always super excited for a new tool that ghd release. They know that the portfolio is already incredible and anything on top of what they have is a bonus.

JW: It has definitely created a lot of intrigue, and I’ve been met with a little bit of scepticism because it really has simplified at home styling.

PM: Our clients have been wowed by the Oracle, they love how easy it is to use, and that their curls really hold.

HAVE CLIENTS FOUND THE GHD ORACLE EASY TO USE AND HAS THIS RESULTED INTO RETAIL SALES FOR YOU IN THE SALON?

HD: Most def!!!

BT: Yes! Clients are finding it easy to use with many already big fans of ghd tongs so they are excited to expand their portfolio.

JW: As with any new tool, I encourage everyone that practice will make perfect. Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Translating this to sales has been slow, but I can already tell this will change in time as people see it being used more often.

PM: Clients have been amazed by how easy it is to use, and really as soon as we use it and demonstrate to our clients they want to purchase one as well as our heat protecting products and curl hold products, it’s definitely generated increased sales for us.

BEING ABLE TO HAVE A UNIQUE SALON EXCLUSIVE TOOL, HOW DOES THIS IMPACT ON YOUR BUSINESS?

HD: I feel privileged that I’ve been selected as one of the salons to stock it and it just makes it sound extra special.

BT: This means a lot to me as a business owner. I feel this is what we need - exclusivity and professionalism.

Hermiz Daniel @hermizdaniel Hermiz Salon, VIC

WHAT SUPPORT HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM GHD IN TERMS OF MARKETING, MERCHANDISING, TRAINING AND EDUCATION?

HD: ghd has been all over it regarding their advertising and training us! I feel like I’m seeing it everywhere!

BT: ghd have provided great support through point of sale marketing, training of “oracle expert stylists” in salon and merchandising in salon.

JW: ghd have been great in following up support on the Oracle. Truthfully I struggled to begin with and really needed more education and practice using the tool. It was great to have that support from the whole team in organising more education.

PM: The marketing for the Oracle has been incredible, the videos and how to’s across all of the social media platforms really generated so much interest from our consumers, it drove lots of new business to our salon. We had a ghd educator come into the salon to train the team immediately, leaving all of our team feeling confident to recommend. We also received mirror decals, window decals and great merchandising support to showcase that our salon stocked and was educated in the Oracle.

Brodie Lee Tsiknaris @brodieleerokstar Rokstar Salon, QLD

HOW DOES THE GHD ORACLE DIFFER TO OTHER MORE TRADITIONAL CURLERS?

HD: The shape is different making it easier to use than using a flat iron to curl. Also the hair doesn’t escape from the styler like it does using flat irons.

BT: It’s definitely a very different result altered by the simple turn of a wrist. Endless options of all different types of curls from a wave press to a ringlet.

JW: It’s different in a lot of ways. I like to think it’s much more advanced as it’s simplified creating curls, and removed the fear of heat burns for the client.

PM: The Oracle differs from traditional curlers in that it can create a multitude of curls, waves and textures with one tool, depending on the angle it is held and positioned.

It also differs in that it heats and cools in one pass, thanks to the Cool zones, which allows for a better hold on the curls.

Jakeob Williams @jakeob_edwardsandco Edwards and Co Surry Hills

IF YOU COULD SUM UP THE GHD ORACLE IN 3 WORDS WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

HD: EASY, DIFFERENT and FRESH. BT: UNIQUE, EXCITING and INNOVATIVE. JW: INNOVATIVE, SIMPLE and CHIC. PM: CREATIVE, INTUITIVE and REVOLUTIONARY.

#ghdoracleanz www.ghdhair.com.au

Pauline McCabe @pauline_mccabehair Rock Paper Scissors

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EXCEPTIONAL LUXURY CARE

Introducing luxury brand INNOVATIS, a brand with an objective to create unique Salon experiences through innovative, quick and simple treatments and products that allows Salons to stand out and thrive.

Abbas Maqbool, a hairdresser for over 17 years, had become frustrated with the same Treatments, Brands and Products appearing in almost every Salon and wanted something that would give his new Salon Ladies Lair in Rouse Hill, which he co-owns with Aj Sri (a client turned friend turned business partner), a point of difference, he found Innovatis Luxury Haircare!

While they had all the confidence in Innovatis’ success, Abbas, Creative Director and AJ Sri, Director Business Operations had no idea the extent their clients would love it. So much so that word started to spread and they started getting enquiries from other Salons wanting Innovatis as well.

It might be fate, but clients turning into friends that turn into business relationships seems to be trend with Abbas and Aj. Whatever it is, it has allowed them to fill a void they long sought to solve. Joining the Australian distributors of the brand in the role of National Sales Manager is Nicole O’Brien, owner of Zen Hair and one of the first to stock the Innovatis range. 16 years of industry experience and still a current salon owner today, allows Nicole to recognise the importance of staying ahead of the game in an industry that is constantly changing, understanding the needs and demands placed on Salons today.

We spoke to the Innovatis team about this new and unique luxury brand.

TELL US HOW YOU CAME ACROSS INNOVATIS?

Abbas: I travelled to Europe and attended a trade 80

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show where I found a few brands that I thought were interesting and had potential. The problem was that they were all based in different countries across the continent which lead to the most random trip of my life. I think I did 4 countries in 8 days visiting the offices of each brand. and working with the products in local salons. Thank god the hair world is an almost universal language.

During my trip, something in the universe told me to visit the Innovatis office in Alicante Spain, a beautiful port city 2 hours south of the betterknown Valencia. The rest is history!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE RANGE?

Abbas: I love absolutely everything about the brand. Before I set out on my search, I wanted something that aligned with the principles that has served me well to date and Innovatis ticked all the boxes and more. The packaging is on point, the client experience is unique, it’s affordable, but most importantly the product performs as it promises. Clients notice a difference immediately which makes it a winner in my eyes.

Nicole: I love its sheer simplicity and the fact that it’s suitable for all hair types, from virgin to even the most damaged, it's also amazing on hair extensions and has actually helped my clients extend the life of them.

My team at Zen Hair say it’s hands down the easiest and quickest treatment they have ever used and the fact that it gives the clients dramatic results instantly that they can see and feel after just one 15min application has helped

them improve client retention and increased the frequency that they visit us.

AJ: I love how it has helped Salons thrive from a business perspective, each treatment costs the salon around $5 and salons are charging an average price of $50! With rising costs across the board, one of our missions was to help reduce the cost of running a salon without having to compromise on quality of outcome. The small retail line also helps reduce the amount of money salons have to sink into keeping stock on hand and fits nicely alongside other brands salons may stock.

WHAT IS THE MAIN POINT OF DIFFERENCE WITH THE RANGE?

Nicole: Definitely the science and ingredients behind the Innovatis range. Pardon the pun but the team at Innovatis Spain are an innovative bunch of chemists, some of the stuff they come up with is next level. The Caviar treatment for example is a waterless concentrate of ingredients typically found in high end beauty such as Collagen and Caviar oil. Combined with amino acids, vitamins and panthenol it forms the anti-aging miracle for the hair that some refer to it as, Hair Botox!

Abbas: We live in a world now where anti-aging and cosmetic enhancements are so popular.

People get Botox on their lunch breaks so it was only a matter of time before the cosmetic and hair industry overlapped.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN A LITTLE ABOUT THE INNOVATIS EXPERIENCE IN THE SALON

Aj: We keep mentioning it but I’ll say it again, its quick and simple. Everything about innovatis is built on using science to create a world of convenience and simplicity. The ampules and the syringe also make it very unique to anything else in the market.

Nicole: Explaining to clients that they can’t inject it into their face has been one of more amusing challenges.

Abbas: Our team love going into cosmetic surgery mode, in particular Nicole. I think there are a few videos on Insta! On a serious note, it’s worth mentioning that it’s nothing like Keratin, considering it is probably the most common question we get. The treatment doesn’t produce smoke and fumes when ironing which makes it an enjoyable experience for not only clients but the Salon team as well.

WHY IS THIS A RANGE THAT SALONS SHOULD OFFER TO THEIR CLIENTS?

Abbas: Clients these days are results driven and time poor, they are constantly searching for the next new thing to make their life more convenient. The results are immediate. Clients don’t need to be in the salon for extended periods however clients see the greatest benefit at home where they find that their hair becomes so much easier to manage.

Nicole: I have always looked to stay ahead of the game to provide clients with a Point of Difference which they really do appreciate knowing that you as their stylist are always searching for new ways to improve the health of their hair. With how fast the industry changes these days there are some amazing products out there but the Innovatis Luxury Haircare range has been an absolute breath for fresh air, it performs amazingly without the huge price tag.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER SALONS IN TERMS OF TRAINING, EDUCATION AND MARKETING?

AJ: The product is so simple that once initial training is complete, we find most salons have the apprentices or juniors applying the

treatment, however in saying that we are very committed to providing as much support our partner’s needs.

Most of our marketing budget is allocated to localised campaigns on Digital platforms such as Google Ad Words and Instagram with a specific aim of leading potential clients to our Salon Partner contact channels and not back to us.

It’s a unique strategy that not only lets us build our brand awareness but also helps Salon Partners and is more relevant to Consumers. We came up with the idea after we kept getting consumers asking us where they could find our treatments locally.

The best part has been seeing some salons taking on the strategy and executing it themselves.

HOW DOES THE INNOVATIS RANGE COMPLIMENT HAIR HEALTH AND COLOUR LONGEVITY?

Abbas: Both the Salon Only Treatment and the retail range not only restore the hair giving you incredible shine with a light silky softness, they can be applied straight after colour helping lock in and seal it meaning clients will actually have more intense colours for longer and Blondes in particular will appear brighter with more life.

We have even seen results where the treatment brings the colour back to life so much that it looks like a fresh colour was applied.

The treatment lasts 3-4 weeks, even longer if the client is using the retail line and no it does not build up on the hair and won’t affect the lightening process on the clients next colour.

The only thing we recommended is that the treatments are performed after colour not immediately before.

WHAT SHOULD AUSTRALIANS KNOW ABOUT DEALING WITH YOU AND WHAT YOU CAN OFFER THEM IN TERMS OF EXPERIENCE.

Nicole: As Salon Owners we intimately understand the challenges in the industry and are committed to helping Salons grow. We want to make a difference and share things we have

learnt over the years.

The three of us come from very different backgrounds that complement each other. We are learning from each other’s perspectives every day and it has made the adventure enjoyable.

The one thing in common though is that all three of us have had success over the years built on a principle of commitment for exceptional service & loyalty. It’s what persuaded me to join Innovatis after they pitched me the range at a random meeting.

Aj: Our pricing is simple and we don’t have minimums for orders. We don’t have sales reps on the road nor do we want to, we don’t want Salons feeling pressured to order more stock than they need, we want those responsible for placing orders to have the flexibility of how and when they order, whether it be over the phone, text or the online platform we created at any time of the day 7 days a week.

It lets us instead focus our attention on understanding our Salon Partners so we can add value in other ways, whether that be helping them with pricing, improving productivity of their business or even spending time with improving their online presence.

Abbas: Salons that have joined the Innovatis family are constantly telling us how nice it is not to feel like just a number. We enjoy sharing knowledge and one of our biggest objectives is to leverage collaboration to build a community of passionate professionals that want to share their experience and stories.

For more information contact Email: info@innovatis.com.au Website: www.innovatis.com.au

TESTIMONIALS “The Innovatis Treatments and Retail has injected new life into my salon with increasing sales and new client inquiries! Thank you Innovatis for the support you have given me and the team, our clients are loving the results!”

Monica from Labelle Hair & Beauty “Innovatis has literally taken off in my salon and the results on Hair Extensions are truly amazing.”

Sally from Uber Hair

Abbas Maqbool, Nicole O’Brien and AJ Sri

“My Clients can’t get enough of the Caviar Treatment, they love how soft and shiny it leaves their hair” Nicole from Hair by Nicole Benson Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

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our l o C ir a H t Vibran THE POLLUTION SHIELD FOR

By Linda Woodhead

I was lucky enough recently, to be invited to a beautiful salon on the Gold Coast ‘Miss Bliss’, to trial the new MAGN±T™ anti-pollution range of products from Revlon Professional, and I must say… I was blown away!

The lovely Melissa Friend, Queensland Educator, expertly talked me through the range, with a lesson in pollution and how it can affect our hair. With this hot topic on everyone’s lips, I guess it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a solution and that is certainly what has happened here.

air that degrade the natural quality of the environment, offend the senses of sight, taste, or smell, or cause a health hazard. The usefulness of the natural resource is usually impaired by the presence of pollutants and contaminants. Pollutants can be natural or created by human activity.

Being the first and innovative line in the fight against environmental aggressors, designed to reveal the best colour result and a healthier hair fibre, MAG±NT™ has all the goods.

Pollution is all around us. And while we may think we know all about it, we most likely are not aware of the full effect it has on our hair.

With 80% of people living in cities affected by air pollution*, and the levels of pollution all over the globe being a growing concern, people are understandably worried about the impact on every aspect of their life, including the appearance and quality of their hair.**

SO, WHAT IS POLLUTION?

Pollution is any substance in water, soil, or 82

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

Skin cells regenerate constantly but hair shafts don’t: we need to protect them from external aggressors to maintain their condition.

Colour precision is also affected by pollution: imprecise and unreliable results, loss of vibrancy, increased damage during technical services, chromacity and shine.

Because colour is at the heart of salon services,

and hair quality a constant obsession, Revlon Professional has created a comprehensive range to answer the growing concern of pollution and its effect on hair.

Depending on where you live, especially in Australia, pollution and the environment can affect hair in many ways. In Queensland, for example, the water can appear much harsher than in southern states and therefore have an effect on longevity and quality of hair colour, not to mention the sun, chlorine in swimming pools, winds and pollution in the air… and I speak from experience being a blonde on the Gold Coast!

The New MAGN±T™ range from Revlon Professional neutralises and repels pollutant particles on hair, reducing the negative effects of poor water quality, reinforcing hair fibre and creating a shield to reveal the best colour result.

My experience involved the in-salon care ritual to include a shampoo, mask and finishing treatment, which left my hair feeling cleaner than it ever has giving me the same experience I have with my skin after I leave the beauty spa, healthy, de-polluted and protected!

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY, PERFORMANCE AND CARE

Because pollutants surround us and interfere negatively with hair’s appearance, health and shininess, even down to its very structure.

The metals already present in polluted hair will interact badly with the hydrogen peroxide needed in colouring and lightening services, generating free radicals that break the keratin bonds, making the final colour unpredictable, unreliable and toned down.

After years of research, the Revlon scientific team has determined how to prevent the damaging effect of pollution. The Pollupl±x™System is an advanced combination of chelating agents, antioxidants, keratin reinforcers and shield ingredients so that each product of the range has its own role in terms of fighting and shielding against pollutants

AN ENTIRE RANGE DEDICATED TO THE FIGHT AGAINST POLLUTION

The range includes professional formulas and products for home use:

COLOURING & LIGHTENING SERVICE STEP 1: DEPOLLUTE

CARE SERVICE STEP 1: CLEANSE

MAG±NT™ ANTI-POLLUTION MICELLAR CLEANSER • Removes impurities and external pollutants from hair and scalp.

• Reduces particle deposits.

• Neutralises the negative effects of poor quality water.

STEP 2: MOISTURISE

MAG±NT™ ANTI-POLLUTION RESTORING MASK • Reduces particle deposit.

• Fights against free-radicals formation.

STEP 3: PROTECT

MAG±NT™ ANTI-POLLUTION NEUTRALISER • Neutralises the negative effects of metals on hair during technical services.

• Fights against free radical formation.

• Protects hair inner structure during technical service, use after use.

• Can be used with any colour or lightening brand.

MAG±NT™ ANTI-POLLUTION DAILY SHIELD • PM filter: shields hair with a lightweight screen for effective daily protection against environmental aggressors.

• Anti-free radicals.

• UV protection: helps to combat UV damages and help premature hair ageing.

• Bad odor prevention: removes and prevents unpleasant odors.

STEP 2: CLEANSE

PROVEN RESULTS

MAG±NT™ COLOUR LOCK REPAIRING SHAMPOO Reduces metal build-up and metallic deposits • Neutralises the negative effects of poor water quality.

• Recovers the hair inner structure during a technical service.

STEP 3: PROTECT

MAG±NT™ ANTI-POLLUTION DAILY SHIELD • PM filter: shields hair with a lightweight screen for effective daily protection against environmental aggressors until the next shampoo.

• Anti-free radicals.

• UV protection: helps to combat UV damages and premature hair ageing.

• Bad odor prevention: removes and prevents unpleasant odor.

• Anti-frizz.

Tests have shown that the MAG±NT™ formulas with Pollupl±x™ System are highly effective to achieve a predictable, vibrant and shiny colour result, while providing protection and repair to the hair fibre and what’s best: It can be used with any colour and lightening brand! Colour results are reliable, vibrant and fully expressed as colour should always really be and the inner structure of the hair is protected, use after use.

NEW ADDED VALUE SERVICES

MAG±NT™ is a range that answers a contemporary and pressing concern of clients.

It allows the hairdressers to answer their question with products that don’t take away from the current and established routines and rituals, but adds value, care and relevancy to the process. It also legitimises the hairdressers as fully aware experts of everything about hair, from colour to care.

REVLON PROFESSIONAL’S COMMITMENT TO COLOUR

Deeply rooted in the brand is the Revlon Professional’s colour expertise and its love for vibrant expression of personalities. The continuous colour creations and innovations are a testimony to this commitment.

The complete MAGN±T™ range is true to this tradition: empowering bold colour expressions by fighting the effects of pollution that stand in the way.

PERSONALISED SERVICES

This range is easy to weave in any existing care and colour procedure, in full or in part depending on the client’s needs and the expert opinion of the hairdresser.

After a simple hair diagnosis, the hairdresser will be able to advise the consumer on her specific needs, creating a tailor-made routine, critically essential in today’s context. The home range creates a link in between visits to the salon.

The conversation can continue on how MAGN±T™ improves the hair health.

Revlon Professional® has also launched a series of merchandising materials and created content for social media, including the #magnetRP and #magnetservices hashtags to catch consumers’ attention and strengthen their relationship with their Revlon Professional® salon.

This exclusive Revlon Professional® range is a testament to the holistic, hair health movement. * Source: www.breathlife2030.org ** Concept test (Test&Think). April 2018.

www.revlonprofessional.com

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

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line for the brave new barber shop

T

oday’s barbershop attracts a converted group of men who are expressing their whiskered version of masculinity.

Old Italian men in white T-shirts have been replaced for young, eccentric barbers, who also take great pride in their hair, beard and mustache.

A “quick trim” walk-in has morphed into a deeper experience – beer, coffee, a good old’ yarn, live artists, and high-energy.

An evolved man-cave, of sorts, with all the traditional barber shop elements.

Colour Shampoo Discover New Services in your

Barber Shop.

9G The barber shop resurgence comes as no surprise, given how serious younger men are about their beard and hair. While the unruly, ‘I haven’t showered in weeks look’ is cool, requisite upkeep made way for regular trims.

Beardburys, the Complete Barber Line has just landed in Australia from Spain, offering Barbers a line for all aspects of grooming men.

No hair, long beard. Long hair, clean cut.

Short hair, small mustache. Beardburys supports barbers, no matter who walks through their doors. Beardburys offers products for hair care, fixation with waxes, pomades and styling products, products for care beard & moustache and shaving.

In addition specific coloring for men, and essential accessories for all Barbershops, without forgetting Doctor Bald, the first specific treatment for bald heads.

2N

3N

Beardbury’s Doctor Bald range is the winner of the 2018 Best New Innovation at the Beauty Global Awards. Think of handsome Jason Statham. He makes bald hair, sexy… and so does Doctor Bald.

Create old-meets-new barber shop, with Beardburys.

The first ever specific shampoo and lotion for bald people in the world, offering a new category of salon services. It is a must for every barber’s shop. The shampoo and cleansing lotion combo cleanses and cares for the scalp. Free of sulphates and parabens, the natural extracts soothe and settle the skin, while removing sebum (oil). It comes with a patented ultra-clean, ultra-handy applicator.

5N

In addition the 1 step easy to use men’s color range in 4 tones, is a semi permeant color with variable coverage in a shampoo format. It is applied to hair, beard or moustache and covers in just 5 minutes for a natural finish, or 10 minutes for more intense. Most importantly there is no root effect and it gradually disappears with washings. It is free of Ammonia and Parabens giving an outstanding result, offering another new salon service.

The Barber Shop is a social club, a place to ‘hang out’, and a place men belong.

Beardburys the complete barber line is just good old-fashioned experience, walking out with a new-age style.

Docto

r

is the Bald fir s hair treat t ment sha mp o o & specif ically lotio n d es for b ald H igned eads

To receive further information on Beardburys beardburys.com.au To order Beardburys, please contact the Australian & NZ Distributor, Hair Beauty Co-Op hairbeautycoop.com.au 1800 635 545 This is a professional-only range

THE ULTIMATE FINISHING TOOL FROM WAHL

By Laura VanderMoere

For those like me who wondered what the difference is between final and finale - in a nutshell “final” speaks of the end, “finale” speaks of spectacular.

While licensed as a barber, I approach our profession as an artist, and I like challenging myself to try to see things from a different perspective. I must admit when we first launched the WAHL 5-Star FINALE I was intrigued to figure out how many ways I can use this tool other than what it’s intended for. Well, the Finale soon became my #1 goto tool, especially for traveling. It takes less space in my bag than a can of shaving cream and razor, and I can take it and use it anywhere - it usually holds the charge for the duration of my trip.

I always get incredible results when I perform the ‘grand FINALE’ on my skin fades - by dissolving the line of demarcation to a beautiful, seamless gradient ‘into nothing but skin’ finish. On top of that, The WAHL 5-Star FINALE is my ‘secret service’ tool for my clients who, for medical reasons, cannot receive the benefits of a straight blade shave, for women who do not want shaving cream on them yet desire an ultra-smooth finish; or for my older clients and children whose skin is crepey and sensitive and needs TLC.

The definition of FINALE:

‘THE LAST PART OF A PIECE OF MUSIC, A PERFORMANCE, OR A PUBLIC EVENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARTICULARLY DRAMATIC OR EXCITING’ Used in a sentence:

“THE WORK ENDS WITH AN ELABORATE FINALE.”

Laura VanderMoere, Global Director of Education, WAHL Clipper Corporation

About the tool itself: the Lithium Ion battery adds longevity to the run time and it also provides more ‘POW’ to the power. I love the fact that it is cord/cordless and now it comes with a sleek CHARGING STAND to boot. The charging stand is the home for me to proudly display my WAHL 5-Star FINALE on my back bar, allowing me easy access, freedom from a cord, and a continuous charge by simply setting it in its stand after every use. It’s easy to clean and maintain! I strongly urge you to keep additional foils on hand to change out after each use and disinfect the used ones with WAHL CLINI-CLIP after each client (making sure you maintain your moneymakers!). If you’re not familiar with the disorders that can spawn from cross contamination go to webmd.com and scroll through contagious skin and scalp disorders (not before lunch though, you will lose your appetite).

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN USING THE WAHL 5-STAR FINALE

Yes, our foils are thin for a reason: we want you to achieve an ultra-close shave. If you find your foil is wearing unusually quick try lightening your grip and not being so heavy-handed. It’s natural to think that the harder you push the closer you will get but this will only push the foil into the cutting bar and wear them down.

This can cause adverse results, such as skin disruption or an uneven cut. Remember back when you learned about ingrown hairs? The hair can curl itself back into the follicle causing

w comes r Finale no nd! ta -S 5 l h a ta W rging s with a cha the ‘bump’ – and sometimes becoming infected and contagious? Working with a light grip will prevent this from happening.

Also, remember the FINALE truly is a finishing tool. If you are looking at hair or stubble that is longer than a day’s growth, then it is necessary to prep the area for stubble with the appropriate clipper or trimmer before-hand. Otherwise the longer hairs will ‘fold’ and not feed into the foil opening when gliding the FINALE over the area.

LET THE TOOL DO THE WORK FOR YOU!

Hold the WAHL 5-Star FINALE in your FINGERTIPS, RELAX and slow down, the technique you should be using is as if you are painting up and down a wall. Practice this to wake up your muscle memory. Using the WAHL 5-Star FINALE is a graceful technique, you do not need to force it. We cannot express the importance of this enough; take a deep breath, resist the urge to push and let the tool do the work for you!

Be spectacular, showcase your talent and finish your work with an elaborate FINALE…the WAHL 5-Star GRAND FINALE! www.wahlpro.com.au

HAIR SHOP COPYRIGHT COLOUR TRUE LIGHT FREESTYLER BLONDER By TiGi

TIGI’s new copyright colour True Light Freestyler Blonder has been specially designed for creative colourists with a passion for freehand techniques such as balayage, micro or baby lights. Developed in lab, this innovative lightener empowers colourists to create lighter and brighter, healthier blondes without compromise, created with an Anti-Breakage Arginine Complex to preserve excellent hair condition during the lightening process. Formulated with clay and mineral oil, True Light Freestyle Blonder guarantees seamless application, achieving up to 7 levels of lift in only 40 minutes.

A perfect colour partner to the TIGI copyright care SOS Extreme Recovery and Booster Treatments, when used as a completed system, this trio offers the ultimate anti-breakage blonding solution for any hair colour or type. www.tigi.com

OSIS+ LONG HAIR TEXTURE RANGE BY SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL

Styling long hair is changing radically, with modern trends turning away from hyper-polished looks to embrace a more individual attitude. Rejecting heavy, stiff and sticky finishes, the Osis+ Long Hair Texture range reinvents styling with invisible performance, innovative science and featherlight action so you can texture your way.

Dry Texture Spray contains silica for the power to create, shape and define volume and texture without compromising on natural feel and shine.

Soft Volumising Powder leaves the hair feeling moisturised and soft to touch. Formulated with hero ingredients, coconut extract and sea salt that give hair incredible texture, root lift and moisture without stickiness.

Dry Shampoo Foam is infused with a blend of 7 herbs and modified rice starch to help absorb excess oil. This cleansing foam treats normal to greasy scalps to deliver root lift and reactive volume without shampooing.

Dry Conditioner is a multi-talented product that detangles the hair, giving it a velvety shine, whilst hydrogenated olive oil allows for flawless, smooth and frizz-free hair surface. www.schwarzkopf-professional.com.au

AND BY SABRE CORP

The first Icea Vegan and Love Nature certified professional hair styling line, AND offers protective and synergistic formulas for effective results and natural, residue-free effects. Procyanidins from grape seeds help prevent the formation of UV-induced free radicals, soothe skin irritation and slow down the cell aging process, while Ferulic Acid naturally derived from rice, is known for its antioxidant power and its capacity to absorb solar radiation, thus providing an excellent UV filter that protects the hair.

The range includes 6 products for priming, styling and finishing which are paraben free, vegan and formulated not to weigh hair down. www.kemon.com/en/and

ACTYVA BY SABRE CORP

The fine line between science and nature, Actyva seeks to create the perfect combination of tradition and innovation to bring together the functionality of science and the gentleness of nature. The perfect synergy between natural ingredients and technologically advanced raw materials, Actyva is backed by Kemon's 50 years of experience in the professional hairdressing market and is stocked in over 15 countries around the world.

Supporting its ICEA vegan certification, no raw material, process aid or auxiliary agent of animal and/or GMO origin is used throughout the entire production process. All packaging, bottles and tubes, are made from recyclable Green PE produced from sugarcane, the raw material is renewable, and the derived polymer has a positive environmental impact, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. www.kemon.com/en/actyva

ACTYVABIO BY SABRE CORP

Actyvabio is the first organic professional hair care line certified to the Cosmos Organic standard, and it is enriched with patented phyto-complexes featuring proven soothing properties. It contains up to 97% of natural origin ingredients, up to 86% of organic ingredients and it comes in recycled and recyclable packaging. All product formulations are free from SLES, SLS, silicones, sulphates, PEGs-PPGs, petrochemical-derived ingredients and GMO derivatives. Natural, organic and sustainable. The range includes 7 products which feature shampoos, softening balms, moisturising masks, body wash and body milk www.kemon.com/en/actyvabio

VOLUME POWDER BY AFFINAGE PROFESSIONAL

Achieve effortless style, body and texture with the new lightweight volumising powder from Affinage professional. Volume Powder provides the perfect root boost whilst absorbing excess hair oil, with each pump delivering a light puff of fine powder, allowing you to apply exactly where needed without wasting product. Its nontacky formula is ideal for next day styling and its convenient size is a great addition to your handbag for quick touch ups. www.affinage.com.au

GLIDE HOT BRUSH BY ghd

Back by popular demand is the ghd Glide, which tames and smooths dry hair quickly and effortlessly to be your perfect partner for second day styling. With the new Glide, you can roll out of bed and have beautiful smooth locks in no time or restore the look of a salon blowdry in seconds. This hot brush glides through dry hair effortlessly and the ceramic technology with ioniser heats the brush uniformly to the optimum 185°C styling temperature for guaranteed healthier looking hair. The ioniser restores balance back in the hair to eliminate frizz so that hair is perfectly smooth and glossy. The combination of highdensity shorter bristles and longer bristles allow large sections to be styled and leaves salon smooth natural movement. It’s wonderful for soft volume, beautiful sleek styling and perfect for fringes too. www.ghdhair.com

SUPER GEL BLACKGEL BY JOIKEN

New, extra strong Super Gel is an alcohol -free gel which gives an intense touch of black to the hair, to camouflage greys and leave a shiny finish. Super Gel BlackGel also eliminates unwanted yellow tones and leaves the hair protected and the style well defined. www.joiken.com.au

ir a h l a n o s r e p , g n li y t s ir a h t s e b e h t o t e ” s “Hom t c u d o r p d e t ia c o s s a d n a ls o o t g in m o o r g FAST FAVES

Fast, friendly, feel-good and fun - that’s Fave4!

Super easy-to-use haircare with cleaner, greener ingredients for salon retail. Shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products which take the guesswork out of gorgeous.

SOMETHING TO TORQUE ABOUT

High torque meets supreme performance.

Now available in beautiful gold and rose gold, BaBylissPRO Hair Clippers offer exceptional power and durability to cut through all hair types with impeccable ease.

FASTER, EASIER WITH ROTATING BARREL

Brilliantly shiny, smoother curls for all hair types.

Silver Bullet Rotating Curling Iron is simple and easy-to-use with a clockwise or anti-clockwise motorised barrel. Ceramic barrel surface infused with Argan Oil.

KERATIN OBSESSED

Multi-benefit treatment spray: Keratin Complex Keratin Obsessed. This lightweight all-in-one spray is bursting with keratin and packed with 30 nourishing benefits that deliver healthier, stronger, more vibrant hair instantly!

THE NO-FUSS FOIL

Life is easier with no-fuss foil! Robert de Soto iFoil Embossed Pop-Up Foil is embossed for secure hold while highlighting, streaking, isolating colour and applying balayage. Fast, easy interleaved foil.

BE BRILLIANT WITH SYNERGY

Deliver extraordinarily brilliant, permanent hair colour. Boosted with a special synergy of keratin, argan oil, linseed oil and silk proteins, Echos Synergy Color is ammonia-free and PPD-free.

Suitable for sensitive and reactive scalps.

Made in Italy.

PARLUX’S NEW IRIDESCENT DRYER

Must-have: Parlux Alyon Air Ionizer Tech Hair Dryer in iridescent jade. Italian-made innovation and technological prowess, now combined with a uniquely gorgeous green iridescence. Limited numbers available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL DATELINE IMPORTS P/L ON (02) 9666 3611 OR VISIT DATELINECITY.COM

HOTTER. FASTER. BETTER.

SALON INTERIOR INSPIRATION

l e t or f m o C y b

NEW SALON FURNITURE COLLECTIONS

If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to achieve the idea aesthetic in your salon, Comfortel are here to help you. Debuting their 2019-20 Lookbook, the salon furniture and equipment company has created 10 new interior design collections this year, each unique and equally aspirational showcases.

• The Romantic Soft. Pretty. Raw • Refined Boho A neutral, laid-back style that’s earthen luxury • Eco Urban A mono organic palette that welcomes the outdoors in • Natural Scandi It’s only natural with a calm and nurturing sense of style • The Modernist modern monochrome • Australiana beauty, rich & rare • Raw Industrial the modern-day industrial urbanite • Blush’in Bold fashion forward pink • A Touch of Luxe Infuse classic elegance with a sophisticated edge • Light Minimalist layers of neutrals with natural raw finishes Known for helping salons create the salon space they love by with their salon furniture and equipment, the brand also outlines how to create the looks that will allow it to come to life. This means you can choose the whole look or take elements from the collections to enhance your existing salon space.

To get more inspiration on creating your ideal salon space visit their inspiring showrooms Australia Wide, or go to www.comfortel.com.au

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Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

BRISBANE SCHOOL OF BARBERING

HAIRDRESSER & BARBER TRAINING DESIGNED FOR YOUR BUSINESS. - Workplace delivery - Campus delivery - Block training - Gap training & - Refresher courses Call 3229 2999 to discuss your training needs.

3229-2999

admin@brishair.com.au

www.brishair.com.au

Image © Wella

YOUR VOICE. NOT JUST A SMALL TOWN COUNTRY HAIRDRESSER!

By Alice Burke

“How do I know if you are any good, you’re not from Melbourne or Sydney?”

“I really didn’t want a country hairdresser touching my hair” “Do you really know what you are doing, I normally only go to high-end salons” These are the things that have stuck in my head over my hairdressing career.

I did my apprenticeship in the small country town of Charters Towers, which is an hour and 20 minutes inland from Townsville, North Queensland. Some of you won’t even know where that is, and if you don’t, Google it.

You see, I count myself as one of the lucky ones. I did my apprentice in a small town.

Yeah, it wasn’t great, but I think not many hairdressing apprenticeships are, but it taught me a lot of things. If I wanted to be a great hairdresser, I needed to put the time and effort into that. I spent 4 weeks a year in Cairns doing my training, and yep, that’s almost a 6 hour drive each week. I loved it. I used to hear the girls whinge about driving half an hour to get there, but to me, this long drive was nothing as I wanted to be a hairdresser so much. Just ask my Barbies from my childhood; they have ‘now’ hair!

Once I finished my hairdressing apprenticeship I was off. My first trip was to Darwin and this is where I knew that I didn’t know it all as a hairdresser, but at the same time learnt that I was trained a lot better than some other hairdressers. I worked hard and learnt so much more and became an even better hairdresser.

Then it was over to Kununurra in the Kimberleys.

This place was magical! I was employed by an older lady who only employed for the tourist season and we had tourists lined up every morning to have their hair done. These small towns rely on peak seasonal times to keep their businesses going and need hairdressers to come and work for the tourist season to meet demand.

My next adventure was the big red rock, Ayers Rock. This place was such a great little community. They’d had such a bad run with hairdressers so they were excited to hear that they had someone who knew what they were doing heading their way. Most people who moved to Ayers Rock felt isolated and went straight back home but not me. This was a place that not only taught me about hairdressing but taught me a lot about me.

Now it was time to put my big girl pants on and head to where I always wanted to go….. London. A hairdresser’s dream.

But this was actually the first time that my entire career was questioned. I was sitting in an interview and the guy (who was a D$%k…. note the capital ‘D’), says to me “How do I know if you are

any good? You are not from Melbourne and Sydney!” I sank in the chair, and left the interview deflated. He didn’t care about anything else but where I came from, which was sad, because I had learnt so much in my hairdressing career to date from my apprenticeship and throughout my travels that I could be just as good as a hairdresser from Melbourne or Sydney. But I was just a small town hairdresser who didn’t know anything.

I eventually found a job in this lovely salon. They were amazing, and again, I learnt so much. They’d had a hairdresser from the big smoke back in Australia and let’s just say she wasn’t as well trained as you’d think she’d be.

My next goal in my hairdressing career was to own my own salon and I was heading back home to my small country town to do this.

I employed staff and put a lot of time and energy into training and education. We would travel to Townsville for day and night courses and Hair Expo in Sydney and let me tell you, flying from Townsville was never cheap! Every time I attended a course, it would surprise me at how many people travel to get there. It was refreshing to see hairdressers from these small towns travel to better themselves.

I had my business for 5 ½ years and I gave it my all. It was a great little salon, but as all salon owners know, it gets hard and you lose track of why you became a hairdresser. Your time isn’t just about the client and their hair.

I learnt that I couldn’t do it all. I wasn’t Super Woman (as we all think we are as a business owner). It was time to have a change and to find my passion as a hairdresser again.

I am now working in Mackay, tropical Queensland, and I have a business which I run on my own. I love it. This gives me time to love what I do but also still grown as a hairdresser. I have also been lucky enough to start a role in educating and it’s all so new to me and again, I am learning so much. I believe knowledge is power and this power is a great thing to share in the hairdressing world.

So you see, I’m not just a small-town country hairdresser who only knows how to perm and do ‘old school’ haircuts. I’m a welleducated, up-to-date hairdresser with so much more to learn, even after 19 years.

THE PALETTE

KIRSTIE STAFFORD

BLOG SPOT.

SO, WE DID A THING! A few years ago, I did a little GoFundMe for a hair friend. I rallied the hairdressing community around and helped her when her house burnt down. Her baby girl was a tiny bit younger than my baby girl, and her son was just a wee bit younger than my son. I wanted to help, but Wollongong to Newcastle is a 4-hour drive. That person was Mia De Vries.

Fast forward a few years and here we are in 2019. Mia has now built a much deserved brand new home, she has started a new online education business that has completely changed the way we can engage and learn called The Secret Fox Education, on top of that she is still running her insta famous salon The Fox and The Hair.

As life would have it, someone else both Mia and I both know in the Australian hair community is having a tough time. She is now raising 3 children without their Daddy, they have just lost him to suicide. I still cannot fathom that statement. Mental illness isn’t always easily recognized.

As we were hearing this devastating news Mia’s words to me were, the hair community rallied to help me so now let’s all help her. So, with the help of her brother Lee Cooper we started to think of how we could raise some money. We had an idea and as luck- or was it FATE- would have it, the universe provided us with one more vital piece - Steve Corthine, Matrix Global Educator from Stevie English Salon in Glebe. Stevie arrived to us with just enough fire inside and with huge motivation to be our biggest voice, our plate shaker, and movie maker. We have become The Hair Raiser Fellowship.

Our idea was to form a group of educators in a social space that would donate their time as well as their money to record for us a short video. We could then form a library of content and in turn 96

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we could ask for donations to watch the videos. The videos are designed for hairdressers to be able to watch during gaps in the appointment book. They are 5 - 60mins in length.

Our mission is to unite hairdressers globally through a shared passion for education by opening up the stigma around mental health and make the hard conversations come naturally. 1 in 3 people now have some form of mental illness, anxiety, depression or contemplate suicide.

We do not pretend to be health professionals, but being a kind, decent human being is free. We can all show empathy just like we would for a sprained ankle or a broken bone. As a society we are all responsible. We must let people share their vulnerabilities.

Being vulnerable is not weakness. We need to eliminate the words and actions that bring guilt and shame associated with mental illness, we need to show more humility & kindness. We are after all manKIND. We are all volunteers just getting some of our tribe and our hairdressing friends together to make a difference. 100% of the money raised is for our two causes. The young family mentioned earlier & we are also proudly supporting Beyond Blue. We want you to join us.

Step 1 Donate www.gofundme.com/the-hair-raiser-fellowship Step 2 Request to Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/ groups/hairraiserfellowship2019/ Step 3 Watch the videos and together we all will proudly be The Hair Raiser Fellowship www.facebook.com/hairraiserfellowship instagram/hairraiserfellowship

STEVE CORTHINE

BLOG SPOT.

I’M NOT ANTI ‘SOCIAL MEDIA’ - BUT ‘SOCIAL MEDIA’ IS ANTI -SOCIAL I’ve stated in this blog space many times, that I’m a fan of social media.

In 2006 I joined Facebook, in 2007 I joined Twitter, 2010 Instagram - Snapchat a little after that. I think a lot of the original success of Stevie English Hair was due to our early adoption of social media and how we leveraged it. I’m grateful to social media, it helped cultivate my career in its current form and I have made actual human friends and business contacts, but as I get older, I’m noticing many negative aspects and I question the new value of social media.

What I’m noticing in society is a dependency upon social media.

I’m guilty! I sometimes watch instagram, flick through my feed, then go through stories, click to Facebook, swipe through… go to snapchat have a look … and repeat. MASSIVE WASTE OF TIME. I watch my staff do the same… How much more productive could I be if I didn’t have all this distraction?

How much more productive could YOU be? I follow my friends, acquaintances some hair heroes and obviously surfing and meme accounts. I enjoy a lot of the content but a lot of it is rubbish that is not enhancing my life.

Does following my friends mean that I am having meaningful relationships with them? S Social media is a curated glimpse into someone’s life so it’s not ever presenting a clear picture. We all know this. It’s not REAL. I am old enough to understand this because I grew up without all the distraction of social media, I know that real life is not edited or always pretty. My concern lies with the younger generation who have only ever been presented with the airbrushed ‘reality’ they see, and how this, impacts on their health.

Young people are vulnerable. They lack the life experience and resilience to understand that they don’t have to be perfect or project an image of perfection. It takes a lot of growing up to stop giving a shit about what you think people think of you, and I think young people are stifled by the omnipotence of social media. Even the ‘news’ outlets source material from instagram and present it as fact, so the lines between fact and fiction are constantly blurred.

In my very new role as a mental health crusader, I have seen and heard some pretty shocking shit. (Still can’t believe I’m here.)

Nearly every single person I know has known someone who has died by suicide. Not some distant six-degrees-of-separation thing, someone real and close. Three young people in my home suburb have died in as many months. It’s a crisis, and social media is not helping. It’s a false representation of life and gives unrealistic expectations to kids who should just be trying to do their best and get through the absolute shitstorm that is puberty and adolescence.

I’m not saying all mental health issues are social media’s fault, but it magnifies issues. I think young people focus on this too much, doing things for other people’s consumption, trying to get likes etc… ultimately you will only be disappointed. It’s hard to know what to do to help, but it starts with a conversation. It’s what we as hairdressers do naturally and opening up this issue could be the gateway to bigger conversations around mental health.

I really don’t know what I’m doing or why I’m in this position. But a good friend said to me … If not YOU? WHO. If not NOW? WHEN. It’s time to talk.

Big Love Stevie

GEOFFREY HERBERG

BLOG SPOT. IMPRESSIONS MATTER Why do we work so hard to fit in, when we were born to stand out?

Great things can happen both personally and in business when you set yourself up to be noticed in the right ways.

“You can do all kinds of things to be noticed, but many often fail to make a lasting impression- myself included.”

After some personal coaching myself, I really wanted to share some of these things that I have learnt to become better at with the amazing “HAIR BIZ” community.

BE PASSIONATE AND BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOU

A passion for life attracts others to you. To stand out and inspire others, you first must be both passionate and inspirational.

Make sure that everything you do--how you show up, how you act, what you say, what you do--is a reflection of who you are, so your character and spirit are consistent across every situation.

BE RESPONSIBLE

Be the kind of person who responds and remembers to follow through.

Most people drop the ball and don’t follow up. Respond to emails, calls, requests, and inquiries as soon as you can. You will stand out as a person who respects others and is accountable.

BE OPEN TO CRITICISM

Invite feedback from others and learn as much as you can about how you come across. Then you can accurately target how you appear in a crowd and what you need to work on.

BE A GOOD LISTENER

Learn to listen truly listen and hear what’s being said. You will stand out in any situation if you become a person who listens from the heart.

BE INTERESTED IN OTHERS

Few things are more boring than a self-centered person. When you meet someone, make the conversation about them, not you. Be interested and engaged; ask questions and listen carefully.

BE OF HIGH QUALITY

Let people know that quality is a core value - that everything that you do, you do with excellence. Leading with excellence prepares you to deliver high-quality work and makes you stand out as a professional.

BE AWARE OF YOUR PURPOSE AND YOUR WHY

Why do you do what you do? How well do you know your purpose-your why?

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Knowing your motivation helps you keep going and makes you easy for others to relate to.

BE SELF AWARE - SERIOUSLY

Being an entrepreneur, leader, or businessperson requires that you become a master at your craft. It means being competent at the things you do, constantly honing and developing your skills in every way possible. When you take yourself seriously, so do others.

BE USEFUL AND PROVIDE IMPACTFUL SERVICE

Being useful and being helpful is an important aspect of making a great impression. Show up with a spirit of empathy and something to give. Impactful service (providing above and beyond service) makes people interested in what you have to offer.

BE KIND

Lots of people are only nice to those who can do something for them.

Stand out by treating everyone as important and interesting--even those who can do nothing for you in return.

BE A MASTER COLLABORATOR

Be a great team player. Make others look good and sound good. When you collaborate well, people remember how you made them feel--and when people feel good around you, you stand out.

BE A LOVER OF YOURSELF

It has nothing to do with ego, but a confidence within you that elevates your relationships with everything else. You’ll stand out by being modest but happy with who you are.

Until next time, Geoffrey Herberg Follow me on Facebook and Instagram www.geoffreyherbergeducation.com.au

PAUL FRASCA

BLOG SPOT. REBELS WITH A CAUSE Disruption. Isn’t it interesting how this word, meaning ‘forcible separation’, was traditionally used in a negative context but is now a cool way to talk about shaking things up for the better, being one of the brave ones… it’s a compliment!

Our industry loves this word. It makes us feel like a bit of a badass, right? A rebel with a cause – whether it’s new product technology, doing business against the traditional salon concept or driving digital to educate a bricks-and-mortar craft. All of these things are challenging the way we interact with each other and the consumer and are forcing those who aren’t creating the disruptions to decide whether they’ll join in or stay put.

But why did these elements need to be shaken up in the first place? Hopefully you already know the answer to this; so our industry won’t die. To create sustainability! If we don’t get ahead of trends or problems, we become voiceless, invisible and stuck with mediocre… or worse.

Earlier this year, we brought The S Event Upcycled to life in Melbourne alongside our friends at Box Hill Institute. During this colourful sustainability showcase, we used this buzz to encourage the audience to do two things – SUPPORT green disruptors and BE green disruptors.

In lieu of any widespread, effective solutions from government, council and major industry, a green disruptor in our eyes is when small business takes sustainability matters into its own hands. These businesses typically target a specific industry, solve a problem, provide a sustainable alternative and act on a social conscience.

There are so many brands out there – some that we at Sustainable Salons are proud to work with – that are shaking up their space in this way; think Who Gives a Crap, OzHarvest, thankyou, Patagonia just to name a few. When you choose these brands over the traditional ‘non-sustainably-minded’ options, you’re supporting change and saying ‘yes’ to a new, improved normal.

As far as BEING the green disruptors in our industry, we believe our Sustainable Salons members are awesome examples of small business standing up for a better way. Each of our salon members offers consumers a practical pathway to prevent their salon service from negatively impacting our planet and communities.

It’s no secret that the Sustainable Salons program was specifically designed to disrupt the waste

management model (there’s almost nothing I love more than getting into juicy debates with the waste industry guys!), but do we tick all the boxes of a green disruptor?

Before we urged our audience at The S Event to go out on this mission, we put ourselves under the microscope first.

WE’RE SALON-FOCUSED

Our goal has always been to create a zero-waste salon industry. One of the great things about pouring our focused attention into one area is that we soon start to see real, measurable results.

So far, we’ve saved more than 358,000kg of valuable resources from polluting our planet in landfill… and along the way, the sale of those materials for recycling has provided 95,200+ meals to those in need via OzHarvest and KiwiHarvest. That’s just one example of the power of a single industry moving as one!

WE’RE PROBLEM SOLVERS

Not only are we on the hunt daily for more repurposing solutions that will take us to our zerowaste goal, but we’re deliberate about solving problems in other areas, too.

In Queensland we work with Endeavour Foundation and recently we partnered with Mambourin in Victoria to provide ongoing work in our reprocessing depots for people with a disability – this sector finds it particularly tough to establish stable employment, and we’ve become part of the solution.

WE’RE MAKING SUSTAINABILITY ACCESSIBLE

Our entire network of members means more than 40,000 consumers every week are now offsetting the impact of their salon visit, and thanks to our salons showing off in the media, thousands of consumers are searching for their nearest Sustainable Salons member salon via our online directory every month.

WE’RE ACTING OUT

We know we’ve said it many times before, but people are the ‘why’ in everything we do.

When our salons choose the right bin for their foil and paper, they feed someone in need. Every time a hairdresser cuts a ponytail with purpose, they provide new confidence for an alopecia or cancer sufferer who’s lost their own crowning glory during a tough time. And when our salons volunteer their time and skills to bring relief to the most vulnerable in our communities via one of the many pop-up events we’re associated with, they give someone the chance to find positive change.

Now we’re not saying we’re badass, but our entire network is full of proud green rebels with a cause… and as far as I’m concerned, they should be the new definition of disruptor.

Keen to join the Sustainable Salons movement?

Register your salon details at www.sustainablesalons.org!

FREEDOM SUITES TO OPEN ND BRISBANE 2 SPACE

Catering to the expanding demand for managed co-working spaces, Freedom Suites will be opening its second Brisbane site in Stones Corner in October, after committing to a 342sqm property on a 10year lease.

The concept, whilst new to Australia, is already well established overseas and has achieved great success in North America.

Freedom Suites’ first site at Caxton Street in Paddington is 95 per cent full after only 12 months of operation, with the third site already planned for Everton Plaza and expected to open in November this year.

Rebecca Randle, Managing Director of Freedom Suites discovered the model whilst travelling the US and recognised the huge potential in Australia. Her plan is to open 15 sites nationally over the next three years.

The Stones Corner location will be double the size of Caxton Street with 19 rooms, and a 100

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high quality, expensive fitout which will be a blend between Industrial and Contemporary Manhattan Loft with polished concrete floors, exposed brick, wood, granite, glass and steel.

As a high percentage of freelancers are already establishe, the large space leased does not necessarily require retail frontage.

Each Freedom Suites location consists of 10 to 20 high quality, lockable, boutique salon suites which are available for freelancers to rent on a monthly or yearly basis, full time or part time, with no lengthy lock-in contracts, personal guarantees and hefty upfront costs.

The ongoing weekly cost for a suite starts from $495 and all suites come fully equipped, ready for freelancers to move in and start working

from day one. They are available with 24/7 access and can be customised so the freelances can build their own brand, and choose their own product, services and prices.

“The Stones Corner location was chosen because it is a hub of hair and beauty salons, only 10 mins from the CBD and 15 mins from the two major shopping centres, Carindale and Garden City. Also, being in a high traffic location and with flexible tenancy configuration, this site attracted gym and Pilates operators, as well as restaurant and café operators,” said Ms Randle.

“It’s a great site where our freelancers would want to work.” www.freedomsuites.com.au

EN PROVENCE

verbena • lavender full energetic • lavender violet correction • orange flower • green tea • helichrysum • rose • rrosemary • iris • grapefruit

EN PROVENCE

EN PROVENCE

10.0 FL.OZ.(300ml)

Crème traitement nourrissant de Rose

Rose Nourishing Treatment

Cream

Organic Ingredients:

Crème traitement nourrissant de Rose

10.0 FL.OZ.(300ml)

ROSE: The rose essential oil is the most expensive in the world, known as “the queen of essential oils” or “liquid gold”. Blended to be used on hair to create an alluring and elegant look. Its lingering fragrance leaves infinite love and romantic imagination.

ROSE EXTRACT, ALOE LEAF EXTRACT. GINKGO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT

Grapefruit Straighten Treatment

Cream

Organic Ingredients:

GRAPEFRUIT: Rich in nutrients, grapefruit has precious vitamin P, C and soluble cellulose. A perfect fruit not only for disease prevention but also for beauty. Now we use it into hair care products to create straight beauty for your hair.

GRAPEFRUIT EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN.GINKGO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SOFTWARE Global salon software program, Phorest has been rapidly growing and making waves all around the world but, according to CEO, Founder & Creator, Ronan Perceval, the usual software functions are not why you’re going to love the program!

Starting life as a basic but revolutionary solution to problems faced in a friend’s beauty salon, this spirit of responding innovatively to industry challenges has been at the very core of Phorest’s evolution and ongoing success.

This is a fascinating story of out-of-thebox thinking, matched with serious grit and determination and a good dash of entrepreneurial vision. Come along for the ride as Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey chats with Phorest CEO, Ronan Perceval.

RONAN, TELL US HOW THIS WHOLE BUSINESS STARTED.

Well, I was working at a friend’s business in my 20’s, managing their reception duties when I noticed that they had an incredibly high level of no-show appointments which was costing the business a fortune. Back then, the process of confirming appointments was not yet done and there was no system to send reminder messages or emails. We actually sent the very first appointment reminder SMS in the industry.

This completely changed the business and word was getting around to the extent that people were calling to ask about what we were doing.

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AND YOU USED THAT SAME METHOD TO RECOVER FROM A CRISIS SHORTLY AFTER?

Yes, we returned to work after a thriving Christmas trade to find absolutely nothing in the appointment book and the phone just wasn’t ringing- Ireland’s economy had crashed.

Feeling the pressure of fixed wages costs and all the other overheads, my friend turned to me and said, ‘You need to fix this!’ We decided that we could use the mobile phone records that we had (and this was well before smart phones were invented!) to try to do a promotion which we’d send via SMS. We spoke to suppliers and created a package which gave clients a free trial size shampoo & conditioner if they made their booking within the month of January. The phone range nonstop for 3 days, we were booked out and had to extend the promotion well into the next month to accommodate demand. It was incredible!

SO, IN EFFECT, YOU ACTUALLY INVENTED SMS MARKETING IN OUR INDUSTRY RIGHT THEN!

We did, yes. I’d used the technique working in the night club industry, but it hadn’t been

done before in hair or beauty. We were just working it out as we went but it was working.

We then developed a basic software program which would allow us to send messages as well as create a basic appointment book and again, other salons were hearing about it and asking us how they could buy it. They were buying it for the marketing capability, not the appointment book. It didn’t even have a point of sale function at that stage, but salon owners were lining up to get it.

YOU EXPANDED INTO THE UK SHORTLY AFTER THAT. TELL US HOW YOU ESTABLISHED THE BRAND THERE.

Ireland’s economy was in bad shape, but I knew we really had something in this program, so I moved to the UK and drove the length of the country, going door to door talking about the product. Each time I sat down with a salon owner, I learned more about what was frustrating for them and was calling my team constantly telling them what we needed to add. We evolved it purely based on creating solutions for salon owner’s problems and we’ve been doing that ever since.

YOU HAVE A STRONG FOCUS ON CREATING CLEVER BUSINESS AND MARKETING TOOLS AND BACKING THEM UP WITH VERY PERSONAL SUPPORT.

This is all about partnering with like-minded business owners for us. We are constantly looking for what causes frustration, what’s too hard and what salon owners just don’t have the time or expertise to do and then challenging ourselves to come up with a solution. Our marketing tools are incredible.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR MARKETING CAPABILITIES

Our goal is to enable a salon owner to completely own their brand online – from sending email newsletters to booking appointments through a salon branded app. In our experience, so many salons have incredible premises but then their online communication or website is not at the same standard – which is a shame because that is how most consumers now interact with you. So when you get Phorest – you get a beautifully designed app in the app store completely matching your offline brand, and this is matched with a simple email tool that comes with lots of beautiful templates, again matched to your brand. Your clients will receive a consistent branded experience no matter how they interact with you.

YOUR ‘TREAT CARD’ LOYALTY PROGRAM ALSO CAME TO LIFE TO SOLVE A PROBLEM. TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT.

We needed an incentive to bring clients back to the salon more often and reward their loyalty without taking money from the cash register.

When salons offer loyalty programs which accumulate points to give clients, say, $50 off their next visit, that literally takes money out of your ‘till. It’s money they likely would have spent with you anyway, but we’ve given it away for free. Of course, we want to reward loyalty, but we felt there was a better way.

Our ‘Treat Card’ gives clients the opportunity to pamper themselves with services they’ve never had before, hence why it’s called a ‘treat’. This gives clients a lovely indulgence without taking money away from the owner. It’s a win-win and it’s been extremely successful

TELL US ABOUT YOUR GROW TEAM AND HOW THEY SUPPORT SALON OWNERS

Another thing we’ve been doing differently for the last 10 years is that every Phorest client gets matched with a Salon Growth Advisor.

This is someone whose role is purely about helping the salon utilise all the tools available in Phorest so that the business grows as much as possible. They help you setup your online booking and app experience, to ensuring your loyalty program is set up the right way and so on. The software has such a bigger impact for salons as a result.

CHANGING FROM ANOTHER SOFTWARE PROVIDER CAN BE A DAUNTING PROCESS! TALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF CHANGING FROM ANOTHER SOFTWARE PROVIDER TO PHOREST.

Moving from one software to another can be painful – anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t being fully honest. However if you go in with your eyes open, then it can be relatively painless. Over the years we have built and honed many data transfer tools to make sure as much data as possible comes over from your existing system and that we’re fully transparent about what isn’t coming – and then put a plan in place to ensure it gets setup properly in time.

THERE ARE MANY OTHER SOFTWARE PROGRAMS IN THE INDUSTRY. WHY DO YOU THINK PHOREST RESONATED WITH SALON OWNERS AND HAS BECOME SO SUCCESSFUL?

RP. A couple of reasons. From the start we didn’t set out just to make software – we set out to solve problems for salon owners – in particular how to help grow their turnover. And then secondly, as a result of that outlook, we have been the first company to bring innovations to the salon market, including branded apps, SMS marketing to Instagram Lookalike audiences today.

BEING CLOUD BASED, (WHICH BRINGS MANY CONVENIENT BENEFITS) HOW DO YOU GET AROUND THE INEVITABLE GLITCHES OF CONNECTIVITY ISSUES AND INTERNET DROPOUTS ETC?

So Phorest is available on any device – so it’s on your desktop at reception, iPads and your phone. So if, for example, the internet did drop at reception – you are still live on the system in your pocket through your cellular (4G) connection. With the arrival of mobile apps, it genuinely is a non-issue.

WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR ANNUAL SALON OWNER’S SUMMIT?

RP. Every year in January, we welcome 600+ Phorest salon owners from all over the world to Dublin for a weekend of advanced business learning and a really good time. There is a mixture of the best international salon business speakers and the latest marketing gurus. But the biggest highlight of all is all the networking you can do with your peers from top salons around the world.

WHO WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL CLIENT AND WHY ARE YOU PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER?

So we call ourselves the Champion of the Independent Salon. Our ideal client is a salon that has more than 3-4 staff but less than 10 locations. Any smaller than that and you don’t really get the benefit of all our marketing tools. Any bigger than that – and you are really looking a different type of product. By focusing on the independent salon owner, we can tailor an amazing product and experience just suited perfectly for their business.

AND LASTLY, HOW DID THE NAME ‘PHOREST’ COME ABOUT?

When we named the business, we had in mind what we call an ‘evergreen’ business model, built on a philosophy of treating people well, providing an outstanding product and service experience and the organic growth that comes from doing something really well. That’s where the ‘forest’ idea came from but… spelling it with an ‘f’ would have been boring! www.phorest.com/au

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SALON OWNING AND PARENTING HOW TO MANAGE YOUR TIME AND MAKE IT WORK FOR EVERYONE

By Estelle Carroll

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Remember when you were kid-free? When a team member resigned or called in sick, you’d come flying in like Superwoman and save the day. Same if the printer stopped working or a client ran late – you’d stay back late and sort it out.

But now you’re a parent, life’s different. Running a business is different. Now, who’s going to watch the kids while you stay back?

Every day, you wonder how you’re going to manage being there for your children as well as for your salon team and your clients.

Don’t despair. You just need to take control and understand you’re the CEO in your life and in your business.

Follow these steps and soon you’ll be embracing the parenting/ salon owner combo like the best CEO in the business.

STEP 1: GET RID OF THE GUILT

You know that guilty feeling? When you walk out of the salon and your team’s still working. Or, when you feel you’ve let a client down. Then there’s mummy guilt to add into the mix.

You need to break down what you’re feeling, apply a solution and move on.

Guilt comes in three categories, each with its own solution: True guilt – when you feel you’ve done something wrong. The only solution is to confess or make things better.

False guilt – when you’re convinced everything’s bad and it’s your fault, even though it’s not. The solution is to take out the emotion and look at things rationally.

Misplaced guilt – when something that’s normally insignificant causes you to feel guilty. This usually happens when you’re worn out and not seeing things clearly. Apply self-care and rethink the situation once your head’s clear.

STEP 2: FIND YOUR MAGIC NUMBER

At Zing we often refer to around 20-25 hours on clients as a good balance for a salon owner, but really there’s no one-sizefits-all magic number.

Everyone’s situation is different. You have to find the right magic number for you.

Look at the things in your life that are important (nonnegotiable time) versus not important (negotiable time).

Schedule in your non-negotiable time first, then see where you have room for other things.

STEP 3: BLOCK OUT FAMILY TIME

Time spent with your partner and/or your children, parents or close family members is special.

Block it out in your schedule so you know you’ll get there for the things that matter like taking your kids to afterschool activities, guiding them through homework, tucking them in at night.

STEP 4: ASK FOR HELP

It’s hard asking for help. But busy families need help and a great way to get support is by buddying up with another family that also needs help. You get to give, and you get to receive!

Draw up a roster to share the pick-ups, drop-offs and afterschool care. You’ll find your kids build stronger relationships through sharing, get to enjoy a fun routine and learn heaps from spending time with other trusted adults.

STEP 5: MULTI-TASK LIKE MAD

How long does it take you to get to work? I only live 6 minutes from my salon so there’s not a lot of opportunity to wedge in extra tasks. But, if you have lengthy travel times, maybe you

can use the time to listen to an audio book or podcast, or wedge in a phone call (hands-free only, of course).

If you’re on public transport, you can go over salon figures, review your marketing plan or prioritise your day’s to-do list.

Multi-tasking lets you leverage time in many different ways. I like to iron while I listen to my kids do their readers. Or catch up on a phone call or sort through some ideas in my head while I watch them play sport. Of course, nothing beats being truly present when you’re with your kids, but sometimes a little wriggle room goes a long way with multi-tasking.

STEP 6: DELEGATE, DELEGATE, DELEGATE

To get started, write a list of all the things you do and label each with one of the following: A – something only you can do B – something someone else can do Now, beside the ones marked with a ‘B’, add the name of the person you can trust to do the task.

And there you have it – a plan for delegating tasks to your team, so you can focus on the things ONLY you can do.

STEP 7: ACCEPT THAT FAILING IS OK

It’s time to stop beating yourself up and understand that everything you do is either success, or a learning experience, or both.

Worrying about failing will paralyse your efforts and prevent you from accomplishing anything.

Not succeeding in something just means you haven’t succeeded yet. It’ doesn’t mean you’ve failed, just that you’re still learning.

STEP 8: THINK CRITICALLY

Critical thinking is the art of analysing and evaluating with a view to improvement.

For a salon owner, thinking critically means looking at your diary and scheduling in the time you need to get tasks done.

Not leaving everything to chance, but planning, delegating where you can and being realistic about what you can manage.

STEP 9: LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

Make time for your own health. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Set a great example for your team and for your children by prioritising your health and wellbeing.

Make time for regular gym sessions, yoga classes and massage appointments. Allow the time you need to prepare nutritious meals, and to rest.

Parenting is a tough gig. So is owning a salon. And both can offer huge rewards and joyful moments when you get the balance and timing right.

You just need to get out of your head and make a plan for change. No one’s coming to your rescue – you are the CEO of your life and business.

Take a deep breath, make some notes, take charge and live the life you want … for you, for your salon and for your children.

Estelle is a salon coach at The ZING Project. To get in contact with Estelle reach out at estelle@zingcoach.com.au or join our private Facebook group: ‘ZING inspired salon collective’.

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ADAPT AND EVOLVE!

By Caitlyn Menzel

Don’t you love when a social media platform has an algorithm change and everyone flips their sh*t?

Because it’s easier to stay in your lane and do what you know, rather than try out something new or ask for help. And why not blame something like a software update for your low interaction? Or what about when people complain ‘We don’t get any sales from our email marketing’ but keep going with their same old, boring, spammy email marketing, and whadda ya know…. still no response!

I find it so damn intriguing that so many salon owners are happy to level up their hairdressing skills, but they can’t be bothered trying to understand and elevate so many areas of the back-end of their business and marketing strategies. And so often I hear ‘We just don’t get any responses’, ‘Nobody returns our calls’ and so on. Ummm, so instead of trying something different, you keep doing the same thing over and over and you expect a different result? How’s that working for you?

The way people live now has changed; it’s constantly changing. Everyone is time poor; the cost of living is forever rising with wages not necessarily keeping up, how we communicate and how we spend our time is totally different to how it was ten years ago, and where we allocate our funds is the same. (I opened my first salon pre-Facebook …let that sink in!) So, how are you adapting to the demands of your clients?

So, people aren’t interacting with you on socials anymore- have you ever thought that maybe it’s the content? If people don’t like your stuff, they probably don’t like your stuff.

Mind blowing. You literally have less than 106

Hair Biz Year 13 Issue 5

half a second to grab a person’s attention and get them to stop mid scroll when they’re flinging through the ‘gram. Are you delivering enjoyable, interesting, relatable content?

Email marketing is basically obsolete. I’m a prime example of a ‘junker’; don’t even think about contacting me more than twice a week or I am screening your emails and filtering you out. Adults are time limited, millennials have different values to the generations before, and technology is a double edged sword – use it wisely and interact positively with your clients, and it will pay in droves, but if you annoy or bore your audience, you’re junked, and you no longer exist.

Email marketing has an average 15% open rate, compared to SMS marketing rolling in the goods at 98% being opened. Emails might be free, texts are what, 10c each? If you’re not using SMS for confirming bookings, pre-appointment advice, aftercare and feedback, you’re doing it wrong!

What’s your feedback process? In 2010 we called clients, they answered, they responded.

Not anymore. How dare you interrupt their day! Then came surveys, and for a long time

they were all the rage, but nowadays majority of clients are going to ‘eye-roll’ at the thought of answering more than three questions. Try this, text them: “Out of 10, how likely are you to recommend us to a friend?” Simple, to the point, and it covers all bases. Waiting until your clients contact you with feedback isn’t exactly solid client care.

Maintaining your existing client base is so much more valuable than spending your time hunting down a new one. With upwards of fifty-thousand hairdressers in the country, what are you doing to set yourself apart? What are you doing to ensure your clients are happy?

How are you engaging with your people? And how are you ensuring that they’re going to keep returning to you.

Being adaptable to the way your clients live their lives, the way they communicate, their lifestyles, and advancing and evolving your business alongside technology, is the only way you can enable growth and keep on your A-game. Don’t be afraid of evolution, embrace it, and don’t just learn about it, make it happen. www.caitlynmenzel.com

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