Join us on this episode of Cutting Through the Noise as we sit down with Belinda Mills, the creative force behind Pipsqueek In Saigon. With 26 years in the hairdressing industry under her belt, Belinda opened her first salon at the tender age of 21. Now, 20 years later, her name is synonymous with innovation and artistry. Her success isn't confined to the salon; she’s amassed a remarkable following of 327,000 on Instagram, where her creative hair content has become a sensation. Belinda discusses how she started using Instagram around 2017 as an artistic outlet, revelling in the ability to showcase her vibrant, aesthetic hair designs. She balances the demands of running two salons and a thriving online presence by compartmentalising her week—dedicating specific days to content creation, business, and family.

Belinda takes us back to the start, recounting her beginnings at 15, when work experience introduced her to a profession that fuses elements she loved—art, photography, and drama. In founding Pipsqueek In Saigon, she broke away from traditional salon norms to create a unique and welcoming environment. Our conversation journeys through her organic business growth without sticking rigidly to a business plan, as she candidly shares insights into the realities of salon ownership. Belinda emphasises the critical role of showcasing a salon's culture online, particularly in recruiting. She also shares her future plans to streamline her focus by selling one salon location while rebranding the other.

Listeners get a glimpse into Belinda's artistic approach, where she sees hair as a canvas, drawing inspiration from nature, AI images, and other creatives. Her content creation isn’t just a side project; it’s integral to her work, with dedicated shoot days using a mix of regular clients and professional models. Belinda even offers a subscription service featuring tutorials for those wanting direct access to her expertise.

Living what she calls a ‘workhorse’ lifestyle, Belinda acknowledges the struggles of balancing professional demands with family life but prioritises quality time with her two children. Her secret to keeping it all together? Consistent sleep habits and the strategic location of her main salon, which simplifies school runs. This episode offers valuable insights into managing a burgeoning creative career while still nurturing personal passions and a family life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true industry trailblazer.

https://www.instagram.com/bel_pipsqueekinsaigon/

https://www.instagram.com/pipsqueekinsaigon/

https://www.tiktok.com/@bel_pipsqueek

This episode uncovers a bunch of stuff you never knew about session stylist, educator, and all-round industry gem Paula Hibbard. Explore Paula's career and why she is now in the career sweet spot as an entrepreneur. Paula is heading to the CPR Salon forum in February where she will share the stage with her fellow educators, Tabatha, Kaine and Tom. This episode goes into how the foundations of your career are key to your future success. Paula's growth mindset and love of hair have taken her around the world and back again and she is ready kick of 2025 by sharing her knowledge with her class “It’s All About The Shoes”. From Brides, to movie stars and then to hair toppers to dancing with the stars. There is lots to learn from Paula so tune in and enjoy.

https://paulahibbard.com/

https://www.facebook.com/hairbypaulahibbard/

https://www.instagram.com/hairbypaulahibbard/

https://www.facebook.com/becrownedbykp

https://www.instagram.com/becrownedbykp

Join us as we delve into the highlights of CPR's Salon Forum 2025, an event that sold out six months in advance, showcasing the immense demand and excitement within the salon industry. We explore CPR's "empowering you" philosophy and its holistic salon approach, highlighting how it's driving positive change across the industry.

The Impact of CPR's Salon Forum 2025:

- Discover why this event was a sell-out sensation, with salon professionals eager to join the movement of empowerment and holistic care.

Empowering You – The Philosophy:

- Explore how CPR is revolutionising the industry by placing empowerment at the forefront, fostering confidence and growth in salon professionals.

A Holistic Approach to Salon Success

- Learn about the comprehensive strategies CPR promotes for well-being and professional success in the salon community and beyond.

12 Days of Gifting – A Tribute to Generosity:

- CPR's commitment to community shines through their 12 Days of Gifting campaign, offering a unique expression of gratitude and giving back.

- High-Profile Speakers and Their Insights:

- Insights from esteemed speakers like Kaine Vakai, Paula Hibbard, Tabatha Coffey, and Tom Warr, each bringing their unique perspectives on industry innovation and growth.

Links & Resources

- Subscribe to our podcast for more episodes.

- Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates.

- Visit CPR's website to learn more about their empowering philosophy and upcoming events.

Stay Connected:

- Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cprhair/

https://www.instagram.com/natalie_cprhair/

https://www.instagram.com/education_cprhair/

https://www.instagram.com/thecircle_cprhair/

https://www.instagram.com/cass_cprhair/

https://www.instagram.com/holisticsalons/

https://www.the-circle.cprhair.com/the-salon-forum

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating career journey of the iconic Australian hairstylist, Tabatha Coffey. From her early inspirations in Australia to her training and eventual move to the United States, Tabatha shares how her passion for hairdressing set the stage for international success. Known for her roles on reality tv shows such as Shear Genius, Tabathas Salon Takeover and Tabatha Takes Over, she discusses the decision to join the medium as a challenge that amplified her voice and reshaped public perceptions of hairdressers, highlighting the often-underappreciated artistry of the profession. With a focus on embracing change for professional growth, Tabatha outlines a framework for navigating industry shifts, emphasising collaboration and community for salon professionals to overcome isolation. As she prepares to share these insights at the upcoming CPR Salon Forum in Byron, she reflects on the importance of aligning personal goals with professional values amidst recent industry upheavals. This episode offers a rich tapestry of insights on thriving in changing times, with a reminder that meaningful change begins at a personal level. Stay tuned for more updates as Tabatha inspires and collaborates at the CPR Salon Forum in February 2025.

https://www.tabathacoffey.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tabathacoffey/

https://www.the-circle.cprhair.com/the-salon-forum

https://linktr.ee/tabathacoffey?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

In this episode, we sit down with Sherri, a seasoned hair industry expert and solopreneur, to dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between when it comes to going solo in the hairdressing world. With over 20 years in the industry and a successful solo career under her belt, Sherri shares her personal journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From setting goals to embracing a future-focused mindset, Sherri’s story is full of practical advice and inspiring moments.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why Go Solo? Sherri talks about what motivated her to leave the safety net of working in a larger salon and take the leap as a solo operator. She shares the initial goals she set and how her vision evolved over time.
• Being Future-Focused as a SoloPreneur: We explore what it means to maintain a future-focused mindset in the face of change and industry trends. Sherri gives insight into how solo operators can plan for the long term while adapting to the demands of the present.
• Crazy Stories and Hard-Earned Lessons: Sherri gets candid about the most memorable, and sometimes ‘crazy,’ things she did to get clients through the door in her early days. Sherri’s journey highlights the determination and creativity required to build a solo business from the ground up.
• The Rise of Solo-Preneurs in Hairdressing: As more professionals branch out on their own, Sherri discusses the growth in the solopreneur space and why this trend is gaining traction. She highlights the importance of understanding business fundamentals before taking the leap.
• Surviving (and Thriving) in the First Year: Sherri opens up about the common pitfalls that solo operators face in their first year and beyond. She shares proactive strategies to help new solopreneurs overcome these challenges and build a thriving business.

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of setting clear goals and evolving them as you grow
• Using the right system to support your business journey success.
• Embracing a growth mindset and being adaptable in the face of change
• Creative and unconventional strategies for building a client base as a solo operator
• Why mastering business basics is crucial for success in the solo space
• Common mistakes new solo operators make and how to avoid them

Key Takeaway: For anyone considering the journey of becoming a solopreneur in the hairdressing industry, Sherri’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t come without its challenges—but with creativity, determination, and a focus on growth, it’s entirely possible to build a thriving solo business.

Receive 50% off the subscription to Timely for 3 months: CUTTINGTHROUGHTHENOISE

Important Links:

• @timely
• @sherri_timely
• Timely website

In this inspiring episode, host Hayley Mears sits down with renowned hairdressing icon, Renya Xydis, to delve into her extraordinary career that not only reached the pinnacle of success but remains at the forefront of the industry. Renya shares insights from her early days, her rise to prominence, and how she continues to shape and innovate in the world of hairdressing and shares her latest education partnership with Natalie-Ann.

Key Topics:

1. Introduction to Renya Xydis:

- A brief overview of Renya’s impressive career.

- The unique qualities that set her apart in the hairdressing industry.

2. The Early Career and Building a Session Profile:

- Renya's beginnings and journey into the world of hairdressing.

- Strategies she employed to build a strong session profile.

3. Juggling Act: Balancing Salon Ownership and Personal Life:

- Insights into how Renya successfully manages the demands of being a salon owner, a mother, a wife, and an in-demand editorial stylist.

- Personal anecdotes and tips for maintaining balance in a high-paced industry.

4. Staying at the Top: Continuous Innovation:

- How Renya continues to stay relevant and innovate within the hairdressing field.

- The importance of adapting and learning new skills as trends evolve.

5. Renya’s Latest Education Endeavors:

- A sneak peek into Renya's latest educational initiatives and what aspiring stylists can learn from them. On November 11 Natalie Anne and Renya will be presenting their immersive Sydney Masterclass featuring a host of guest platform artists. Grab your tickets at the link: https://bit.ly/RenyaNatalieAnne

You can find Renya on socials at the links below:

TikTok

@valonzpaddington

Instagram

@______renyaxydis______

@valonzhaircutters

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please share your feedback and questions with us on

Instagram @cuttingthroughthenoisepodcast

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to stay updated on our latest episodes.

In this episode, Hayley Mears sits down with Chetan Mongia, the director of Vision Blonde salon in Melbourne, to discuss the challenges and rewards of managing a salon and building a brand. Chetan shares his professional journey, from his early days in New Zealand to working with global fashion brands and participating in high-profile fashion events like New York Fashion Week.

Chetan opens up about his path to owning Vision Blonde, detailing the strategic relaunch of the salon, his innovative marketing approaches, and the importance of mentorship in his career. Together, Hayley and Chetan explore the evolving trends in the hairdressing industry, particularly around blonde hair, and the need for customisation to meet clients' lifestyles and expectations.

They also delve into team culture, emphasising the importance of strong client relationships and personalised services. Chetan shares his long-term vision for Vision Blonde, including his plans for launching an educational platform and expanding globally. With a focus on creative growth and staying ahead of industry trends, this episode is full of valuable insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and the beauty industry.

Links

https://www.visionblonde.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/visionblonde/

https://www.instagram.com/visionblonde/

[email protected]

VICTORIAN Hairdresser of the Year Finalist Collection

https://www.visionblonde.com.au/2024/09/16/chetan-mongia-finalist-ahfa-victorian-hairdresser-of-the-year-2024/

Hayley Mears leads an insightful discussion with Raphael Veron the founder of Muse Avenue. Raphael shares his journey in the hairdressing industry from the national manager of the Frank Provost group to entrepreneur and start-up founder. This podcast episode explores the development of Muse Avenue, an innovative platform transforming how hair and beauty professionals connect and collaborate. The conversation covers everything from evolving trends, financial challenges, and future opportunities within the industry, highlighting the importance of adaptation and technological integration.

Links:

https://museavenue.co/

https://www.instagram.com/museavenue.co

https://www.instagram.com/raph.veron/

https://linktr.ee/museavenue

https://www.linkedin.com/company/museavenue/

Key Quotes from the Episode

- “The hair and beauty industry is constantly evolving, and it's critical to embrace these changes to thrive."

- “Muse Avenue began as a co-working space concept and has transformed into a digital hub for salons and freelancers.”

- “We're excited about our fundraising efforts as they will enable us to accelerate our growth and introduce new features to our product.”

Thank You for Listening!

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a rating and review on your favourite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on the hair and beauty industry!

In this episode of the Cutting Through The Noise podcast, Hayley Mears sits down with Cecilie Torvik, the visionary founder behind the luxurious new Norwegian hair care line, Manda of Scandinavia. Cecilie opens up about her inspiring career path, from working as a hairdresser to becoming a distributor and finally a product founder.

As Manda of Scandinavia prepares to make its debut in the Australian market, Cecilie offers listeners an inside look at the journey from the initial concept to the creation of their sophisticated and comprehensive hair care line, specifically designed for long hair. With packaging that's simply stunning, this range is set to make a significant impact in the industry.

Manda of Scandinavia stands apart with its remarkable innovation, commitment to sustainability, and unique market positioning. Tune in to learn how this groundbreaking product line is poised to disrupt the high-end hair care sector globally. This is a brand you definitely want to keep on your radar!

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/cecilie.torvik/

https://www.instagram.com/iconhairspaas/

www.mandaofscandinavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/mandaofscandinavia/

If you are interested in becoming a stockist please contact:

https://www.instagram.com/hayley_blc_cosmetics/

https://www.instagram.com/blccosmetics/

https://blccosmetics.com/pages/contact-us

+61 2 8667 4695

In this episode Grace shares her hairdressing career story from leaving school in year 11 to working at a salon in Albany, then moving to London and Canada before returning to Perth to establish Los Pastel salon in Subiaco. Grace's vision for the Los Pastel brand emphasises the importance of maintaining steady growth and her unique approach to staff management. Hayley and Grace explore their views on the changing industry landscape and the challenges and opportunities it presents for salon owners, employees, and educators.

Grace believes in evolving trends and techniques in the salon industry, emphasising the importance of customisation and specialised techniques in attracting and retaining clients and the strategic advantages of targeting a niche market and tailoring services to meet specific client needs. This episode is a MUST listen for any business owner who is looking for inspiration and guidance to follow their unique ideas and concepts rather than conform and follow traditional business models and concepts.

@los_pastel

@lospastel.education