Cutting Through The Noise

In this episode, Hayley Mears chats to 2015 Australian of the year 2022 WA Local Hero Craig Hollywood, the founder of Short Back & Sidewalks (SBSW).

This dynamic not-for-profit organisation provides haircuts, free of charge and free of judgment to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. To date, they have delivered over 10,000 haircuts, 17,000 positive connections and over 420,000 hours of community-building time by over 150 volunteers. SBSW partner with experienced homelessness service providers to deliver our value-add services regularly in capital cities around Australia, with Perth being our largest operation.

To get involved you can contact craig and the team here

https://www.shortbackandsidewalks.com

https://www.instagram.com/short_back_and_sidewalks/

https://www.facebook.com/shortbackandsidewalks

Bridging the Divide – Perspective on the Salon Industry Evolution

Introduction:

In this episode, we sit down with Tom, the visionary behind Same Same But Different, a salon that not only stands out for its creative prowess but is also at the forefront of redefining the traditional salon model. Tom, named Australian Men’s Hairdresser of the Year, shares his insights on the evolving salon industry and his unique approach to navigating the challenges, particularly in relation to freelance hairstylists.

The Great Divide:

Tom opens up about the evident divide within the salon industry, especially the dynamic between traditional salons and freelance hairstylists. He sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that this division presents and why addressing this issue is crucial for the industry's future.

Creating a New Model:

Tom shares his innovative approach to bridge the gap, discussing the new salon model he has created for Same Same But Different. This model not only adapts to the changing landscape but also provides a space for freelance hairstylists to thrive within the structure of a salon. Tom's vision is not just about running a salon; it's about creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and inclusivity.

Tom's Take on Solutions:

Delving into the solutions the industry needs, Tom discusses his perspective on what can save it from further division. From embracing a more collaborative mindset to adopting flexible salon models, Tom provides his insights into how the industry can evolve to meet the demands of the modern world.

Same Same But Different's Role:

Tom emphasizes how Same Same But Different is not just a salon but a living example of a solution to the industry's challenges. He discusses how his team, united by shared values, has played a pivotal role in creating an environment that accommodates diverse talents and approaches.

Conclusion:

In this thought-provoking episode, Tom challenges conventional norms within the salon industry. His insights on the great divide and his proactive approach to create a new model serve as a beacon for others navigating this changing landscape. Tom's take on solutions not only sparks conversation but invites industry-wide reflection on the steps needed to save and revitalize the salon experience.

Connect with Same Same But Different:

Instagram @samesamebutdifferent.salon

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Cuttingthroughthenoise.

Welcome back to a brand new season of Cutting Through the Noise. In episode one for 2024 Hayley Mears is joined by Renée Meredith Day, the Member Growth Manager from Salon Lane.

This discussion goes deep into why the Salon Lane culture has been so successful in the Hairdressing Co-Working space.

Renée explains why freelancers across Sydney and Brisbane and loving the salon suite offering and are using the space to launch their independent businesses with Huge success. With 70% of our industry now working as ‘Solo Operators’, there has never been a better time to understand how being self employed and embracing the co-working salon space can elevate your professional reach and increase your lifestyle and flexibility.

Salon lane offers single-chair spaces as well as private rooms and booths. They handle retail and colour stock so you don’t have to OR you can bring your own.

With more locations popping up, this is a space to watch.

https://salonlane.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ren%C3%A9e-meredith-day-97a838a5/

https://www.instagram.com/salon.lane/

https://bio.link/salonlane

In the final podcast for 2023, Hayley and Steph explore the changing landscape and the observations of all things across the hairdressing industry. in addition to sharing their learnings and takeaways from the wide range of guests on Cutting Through the Noise, they also want to know what you want more of in 2024.

Please share your thoughts and commentary on industry changes, supply chain, profitability, the shift to stylists working independently and the cultural changes and impacts we have experienced post-pandemic across mental health and wellbeing.

Here are some resources we mentioned in the podcast.

Previous episodes can be accessed here:

https://rss.com/podcasts/cuttingthroughthenoise/

https://open.spotify.com/show/5LCH5CDIlseUI9EqRjeeiA

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/cutting-through-the-noise/id1650200897

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/62df908e-76f7-4f60-b895-a869e2e69ef1

If you want to find the Joe Rogan AI episode featuring Sam Altman of ChatAi here is the link:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/66edV3LAbUXa26HG1ZQaKB?si=UV5MtCxVSB-00XjfoCK-Xw

Meet Lani and Alannah and hear about the journey of texture inclusivity and how Ella and Jade salons are getting new staff knocking on their door and more clients by being a fully inclusive salon that can do all hair types.

Our first guest is Lani Masuku, founder of professional Afro-texture brand Organic SUKU, who understands that the future of haircare is texture inclusivity. She's passionate about supporting salon owners & stylists with the skillset and confidence to open their doors to the textured community.

Next guest is the Jade to Ella & Jade, Alannah is the Salon Director, and Creative Director for Organic Suku. Alannah’s ability to bring together and further train an award-winning team, is at the heart of Ella & Jade’s success. Having been on the floor of the family-owned salon since the age of 14 and having traveled and trained extensively outside of Australia since then, Alannah was in a unique position when she took over ownership of Ella & Jade. Inclusivity is at the core of everything that she does, this leading the brand to become one of Australia’s first texture inclusive hair hubs. Alannah’s passion is arming stylists with the fundamental skills and understanding for hair colour, so that no matter the canvas or the hair texture they’re confident to service the client. This in turn has strengthened the Ella & Jade brand as clients look to Ella & Jade as the team to help them on their hair journey, no matter the texture.

https://www.ellajade.com.au/

https://organicsuku.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ellajadehair

https://www.instagram.com/organicsuku

Unwritten is the brainchild of two Aussie business dudes with one bloody great idea - an idea that would empower a growing legion of unsung heroes, embrace the exiled, muscle up the underdogs… champion the Indies!

Rob Aubin has worked in the hairdressing industry for more than 20 years, in software with Shortcuts Software and professional haircare in his family’s business distributing Matrix, La Biosthetique and Great Lengths, while simultaneously leading the education charge with Pivot Point.

Hayden Brooks is an entrepreneurial problem solver - he spent two decades working with tradies and improving businesses in finance, property and construction. Both are Sydney-based mates, on a mission to help the Indie community to grow strong, successful solo businesses.

https://pro.unwritten.hair/

https://www.instagram.com/unwritten.indie/

https://www.instagram.com/theunofficial_rob/

https://www.instagram.com/unwritten.hayden/

The Hair Aid story began in 2010 when founder and CEO, Selina Tomasich, was holidaying in the Philippines when she met two nuns living in Manila.

Starting up a conversation with Sister Kate, a fellow Australian, and Sister Claudia from Canada, Selina heard about the Sisters' work with children abandoned on the streets of Manila whose parents were too poor to feed them.

Hayley chats to Selina to unpack her story and identify how our industry can best support Selina and Hair Aid to create a positive impact in both our local community and the most impoverished parts of the world.

Hair Aid International

Hair Aid and its collective volunteers travel to developing countries and teach people living in poverty, the skill of haircutting. Once they've been trained, people can start their own micro business, cutting hair in their own communities, earning money. With money, they can support their families by buying fresh water and food, educate their children, and move into housing. Since 2014 more than 5,500 people have been trained.

You can get involved in YOUR community

Secondly, we do Hair Aid Community Cuts. This is where volunteer hairdressers go along to a location in their own community and work with local groups that support people in need. Free hair cuts are gifted, providing dignity and respect and empowering them to take positive steps forward.

Hair Aid Inc. is an Australian non-profit organisation that works globally to make a difference and create change by teaching people living in poverty the skill of haircutting.

How you can get involved:

https://www.instagram.com/hairaidinc/

https://www.facebook.com/HairAidAustralia

Stephanie and Hayley connect to look at why now is a time for INNOVATION. There have been so many big innovations in the industry over the last 20 years, from the introduction of ghd’s to the market, to OLAPLEX and now to AI as a consultation tool.

The current industry shifts are still fluid with an urgent need for business owners to really look at the agility of their company structure and be flexible as they think about future plans.

@stephaniemason

@haylsmears

@cuttingthroughthenoise.podcast

We want to know what topic you want us to cover next. What innovation needs to be discovered or what past concept can be explored. Please reach out to us on Instagram.

In this episode of Cutting Through The Noise, Hayley Mears talks to Sustainable Salons Co-Founder and Owner Paul Frasca about how his journey in the world of hairdressing lead him to become a sustainability warrior.

Paul and Hayley talk about what the future looks like across industry changes and pivots and how sustainability will play a huge part in that. Paul’s philosophies and approaches to business are always governed by his values for People, Planet and Profit.

To connect with Paul or Sustainable Salons you can follow the links below. https://www.facebook.com/sustainablesalonsANZ

https://www.instagram.com/sustainablesalonsanz/

https://www.instagram.com/paul.frasca/

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

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM8AbQS0BZ2QKy-SJrPiPJw