Cutting Through The Noise

UNDERSTANDING THE AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE WITH TEXTURE | STATS & STORIES

• 67% of the world’s population has textured hair.
• Textured hair is defined as hair that does not grow out of the follicle bone straight—categorized as coily, curly, and wavy.
• Australia is seeing a demographic shift with more individuals with textured hair calling it home. These clients expect salon access similar to what they have in their home country but often face challenges finding experienced stylists.
• Heartbreaking stories: Parents bring their teenage daughters for their first salon service, only to be turned away due to lack of stylist expertise.
• The hair industry is one of the few professions where it's still acceptable to say, “I don’t do this kind of hair, even though I know hair, just not yours.”
• Economic disparity: Tighter textures often pay up to three times more than clients with straight hair due to the additional time and skill required.

EMPLOYABILITY IN THE AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE & GLOBALLY

• 60% of first-year apprentices canceled their contracts last year.
• International musicians and actors bring their own hair teams to Australia due to a lack of local professionals skilled in textured hair.
• Gen Z trends: Looking for salons that not only prioritize environmental sustainability but also modernize technical skills to align with global standards.
• Australian hairdressers are missing out on international opportunities due to gaps in texture education within the current curriculum.
• Organic SUKU presents a sustainable learning pathway, preparing stylists to compete globally and be invited to high-profile spaces such as fashion runways, film, and international salons.

ENTER ORGANIC SUKU

• Vision for Organic SUKU in the evolving demographic landscape.
• Key team roles:
  • Global Education Director
  • Creative Director ANZ (Aligned with Education)

EDUCATION | TEXTURE RE.IMAGINED

• 2024 Debut: Coil & curl education introduced through TEXTURE RE.IMAGINED.
• Impact on the industry: Bridging the knowledge gap in Australian salons, ensuring inclusivity.
• Upcoming education offerings: What’s next for stylists looking to expand their skills?

TEXTURE-CENTERED PRODUCTS

• How does Organic SUKU support textured hair with sustainable, performance-driven product innovations?

HAIR FESTIVAL

• Organic SUKU will be educating and showcasing at Hair Festival!
• What can attendees expect from your sessions and demonstrations?

CLOSING THOUGHTS

• Final insights from Michelle and Chrissy on the future of textured hair education in Australia.
• Call to action for stylists looking to upskill and prepare for a more inclusive industry.

Instagram

@organicsuku

@chrissyzemurahair

@michellegarandehair

In this episode, Sheridan Rose Shaw from Mama West Salon joins us to share how she scaled her salon to a 20-chair powerhouse while many others in the industry are downsizing. She reveals the key strategies behind her success, the pivotal decisions she made, and the mentors who guided her along the way.

Key Discussion Points:

• Scaling the Salon: Sheridan breaks down how she successfully expanded Mama West Salon by focusing on growth, strategic hiring, and strong operational systems.
• Facing Industry Trends: With many salons closing or reducing their size, she shares how she leveraged market demand and community ties to expand rather than contract.
• Key Decisions for Success: From branding to salon culture, she discusses the crucial choices that fuelled her business’s growth.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Sheridan highlights the role of mentors in her journey and the mindset shifts that were game-changers for her.
• Building a Strong Team: The importance of training and development to maintain a motivated and high-performing team.
• Adapting to Client Needs: Staying ahead of trends while keeping customer satisfaction at the core.
• Overcoming Challenges: She opens up about financial hurdles, managing a large team, and maintaining work-life balance.
• Future Plans for Mama West Salon: What’s next for Sheridan and her vision for the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Growth: Scaling requires intentional planning, investment in systems, and a strong leadership approach.
• Mentorship is Essential: Having experienced mentors can make all the difference when navigating tough business decisions.
• Innovation & Client Focus: Staying adaptable and in tune with client needs is critical to staying competitive.
• Building a Strong Team: A positive culture and hiring the right people drive long-term success.

Sheridan’s journey proves that with the right mindset, strategy, and mentorship, it is possible to thrive—even in challenging times.

About Sheridan Rose Shaw: Sheridan Rose Shaw is a powerhouse in the hairdressing industry and the sole Creative Director of Mama West Salon. Celebrating 12 years of sobriety, she has channelled her energy into transforming Melbourne’s inner-west hair scene for the past 17 years. Her name is synonymous with creativity, community, and excellence, earning her numerous accolades, including:

• AHFA FAME TEAM Artistic Team of the Year
• AHIA Victorian Salon of the Year 2023
• Newcomer Salon of the Year
• Most Innovative Business of the Year
• Contribution to Business Award
• Finalist: AHFA Victorian Hairdresser, AHIA New Creative Talent, HOT SHOTS
• Australian FAME TEAM 2023

A true all-rounder in hairdressing, Sheridan’s passion for creative cutting and bold colour is next level. As a salon owner, she is fiercely dedicated to mentoring the next generation of hairdressers and shaping a more inclusive future in the industry. Her motto? Life’s too short for bad hair. Under her leadership, Mama West is not just a salon—it is a movement.

Instagram:

@sheridanroseshaw_mamawest

@mamawest_

CJ returned to the podcast with exciting updates on AH Salons' expansion from two to three locations, now with 55 team members. Despite industry challenges, their unique hybrid salon model has fueled their success, blending traditional services with flexible work conditions.

The Hybrid Model: Flexibility and Growth

CJ explained how the hybrid model grants stylists autonomy while maintaining salon support. It enhances work-life balance and job satisfaction but requires complex management. While ideal for independent stylists, it may not suit those preferring structure.

A Culture That Puts Stylists First

Prioritizing stylists’ well-being has been key to AH Salons’ success. A strong, supportive culture keeps stylists motivated, benefiting clients and helping the business stand out in a tough market.

The Power of “Why”

CJ revisited the importance of knowing one’s "Why." This purpose-driven approach has guided AH Salons’ growth and resilience.

The “Come Together” Charity Event

CJ shared plans for the “Come Together” charity event on 7-8 April 2025, aiming to build on last year’s success. The event fosters community, collaboration, and giving back, reinforcing AH Salons’ commitment to impact beyond the industry.

Final Thoughts

AH Salons' growth showcases the power of innovation and strong values. CJ’s insights on culture, flexibility, and purpose offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. With the upcoming charity event, AH Salons continues to make a difference.

Stay tuned for the next episode, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for the “Come Together” event in April!

Episode Links:

• AH Salons Website
• Come Together Charity Event Tickets

Award-winning salon owner, educator, and editorial hairdresser Peter Thomsen has built a global reputation not only for his mastery in blonde, balayage, and textured colour work but also for his ability to elevate brands through education and innovation. As a Global Brand Ambassador, Peter seamlessly blends his artistry with strategic brand partnerships, using his influence to inspire and educate hair professionals worldwide.

With over 25 years leading Chelsea Haircutters, Peter understands the power of aligning with brands that share his vision for excellence. His ambassador role extends beyond just representation—he is a driving force in shaping education, product innovation, and salon success strategies. Through stage work, in-salon education, and global collaborations, Peter continues to showcase the transformative impact of quality products and expert techniques, proving that the right partnership can elevate an entire industry.

Links: @chelseahaircutters @pjthomsen

In this episode, we're catching up with Sharon Blain to talk about what's really going on with education in the hairdressing world these days. We dig into the struggles and opportunities new stylists are facing and how that's sparked Sharon to kick off Hair The Movement. Trust us, this is the must-attend event of the year for anyone in this industry! Want the scoop on what’s happening and why you don’t want to miss it? We’ve got all the deets—plus, links to snag your tickets and follow along on social media.

Sharon chats about how everyone's leaning on influencers and social media for hairdressing education right now. But is that really enough? She thinks it's missing some big chunks of solid, in-depth training. Sharon explains her view on the current industry entry point (why new stylists get a rough start), and how that’s causing people to bounce from salons faster than we have ever seen.

The Importance of Ongoing Learning is the catalyst behind every move Sharon has made to bring the event to life. Mark your calendar for September 14th to 16th because this event is gonna blow you away! We're talking top-tier hairdressers and industry pros leading hands-on sessions in styling, cutting, colouring, and the business of being in business. It’ll also have some laid-back networking, interactive talks, and special platforms for apprentices. Sharon's all about creating killer education experiences without breaking the bank. She’s dedicated to keeping things within reach for everyone in the hair community.

Subscribe & Stay Updated: Make sure you subscribe to Cutting Through The Noise for more raw and honest conversations featuring industry leaders and innovations from across the industry.

LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/hairthemovement/

https://www.instagram.com/sharonblaineducation/

https://hairthemovement.com/

[email protected]

In this captivating episode of "Cutting Through the Noise," host Hayley Mears sits down with the innovative hairdresser Kaine Vakai to discuss the exciting rebrand of his salon, from Kaine Vakai Hair to Haus of Vakai. Get an inside look at Kaine's ambitious mission to reach 500K followers on TikTok and explore the growth and evolution of his content strategy.

Key Topics Covered:

- Rebranding Journey: Discover the motivation and creative process behind Kaine's decision to rebrand his salon to Haus of Vakai.

- TikTok Strategy and Growth: Gain valuable insights into Kaine’s strategies for expanding his presence on TikTok as he navigates his journey towards half a million followers.

- Career Origins: Learn about the beginnings of Kaine's career in hairdressing, influenced by his rich family heritage in the industry.

- Daily Balancing Act: Hear how Kaine manages to balance his hectic schedule with ongoing family traditions and professional commitments.

- The inspiration and challenges behind transitioning from Kaine Vakai Hair to Haus of Vakai.

- Insightful tips on building a successful TikTok following and maintaining engaging content.

- Personal stories about his family’s legacy in hairdressing and how it shaped his career path.

- Time management techniques and personal habits that help Kaine achieve his daily goals.

Why You Should Listen:

Whether you're a salon owner, hairstylist, or someone interested in content creation and personal branding, Kaine Vakai’s story offers practical lessons and inspiration. His unique blend of creativity, heritage, and modern marketing techniques exemplifies how passion and strategy can merge to create a successful brand.

Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Ensure you never miss an insightful episode of "Cutting Through the Noise." Subscribe today on [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform] to keep up with inspiring stories and industry insights.

Thank you for joining us for this enriching conversation with one of the industry's sweetest and most innovative talents!

We are proud to introduce Kaine Vakai to the speaker panel for The Salon Forum 2025! Salon Owner, Global Educator, and online influencer in the hair world boasting an audience of over 400,000 across his channels, Kaine has taken the hair industry by storm, and we can't wait to have him share his experiences and invaluable knowledge with you!

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

https://www.instagram.com/hausofvakai_salon/

https://www.instagram.com/hausofvakai_extensions/

https://www.instagram.com/kainevakaihair/

https://hausofvakai.com/

GENERAL - [email protected]

EXTENSIONS - [email protected]

BOOKINGS - [email protected]

EDUCATION - [email protected]

Hayley is the cohost of the Cutting Through the Noise Podcast, the owner of Six Underground Media, and the co-collaborator on Watch This Space Education. Her life is BUSY and there are always multiple projects on the go. Steph returns to where it all began in Newcastle in the late 90s as a tea and tidy salon assistant working for Sandy Chong. What followed in the coming decades was a stint as a London-based educator for Goldwell and a further four years working on the floor in one of Sydney's most thriving salons. After that chapter had ended a new one began and Hayley launched her creative agency Six Underground Media, which has been servicing the Hair, Beauty and Fashion space since 2010.

Links

instagram.com/haylsmears

instgram.com/sixundergroundmedia

instagram.com/cuttingthroughthenoise.podcast

instragram.com/watchthisspace.education

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmears/

Discover this incredible British talent that is reinventing classic British looks with a bespoke and modern twist. Tom is famous for his underground street looks reminiscent of the punk, and brit-pop subcultures. His unique fusion of shapes and cuts has made him insta-famous and marked a turning point in his professional career.

https://www.instagram.com/tomskinwarr/

https://www.instagram.com/bluetitlondon/

https://www.instagram.com/bluetitacademy/

https://www.youtube.com/@bluetitlondon

https://bluetitlondon.com/

Tune in to this exciting episode of "Cutting Through the Noise" as co-hosts Stephanie Mason and Hayley Mears switch roles, with Stephanie stepping into the guest seat to unveil her groundbreaking new venture, Global Brand Connect. Dive deep into Stephanie's inspiring career journey, from being the founder of the global extension brand Showpony Extensions to becoming a renowned global industry consultant.

Stephanie's Career Journey: Explore how Stephanie built and scaled Showpony Extensions into an internationally recognized brand.

Transition to Global Consulting: Discover her pivotal role in consulting for the UK brand DENSE and how she was instrumental in propelling the Australian brand O&M to the forefront of the European market.

Career Evolution: Gain insights into Stephanie’s transition from her early start-up days to repositioning her career as a global thought leader in the beauty industry.

Relocation to Majorca: Hear about her personal and professional experiences associated with relocating to Majorca, Spain, and how this move influenced her latest entrepreneurial endeavour.

- Insights into the challenges and successes faced while building a brand from the ground up.

- Discussion on the opportunity to consult for international brands and the strategies implemented to succeed on a global scale.

- Personal anecdotes from Stephanie’s relocation to Majorca and how the change in environment has fueled her creativity and business approaches.

This episode is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs and professionals in the beauty and lifestyle industries, offering a firsthand account of building a brand, expanding into international markets, and making visionary career shifts. Stephanie's expertise and experiences are bound to inspire and provide actionable insights for aspiring business leaders.

Don’t miss out on future episodes of "Cutting Through the Noise." Subscribe on [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform] to stay updated on the latest industry insights and inspiring stories.

Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it.

https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemason/

https://linktr.ee/iamstephaniemason

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