Join Australian business women, Stephanie Mason, and Hayley Mears as they explore the new business landscape in a post-pandemic world. They will take a deep dive into the disruption and changes across digital marketing, the supply chain, the influence of culture in business and the latest news in tech.
In this episode, we sit down with Hayley May, General Manager (Sales) at BLC Cosmetics, to explore how salons can thrive through strategic sales, brand partnerships, and innovative business models. With experience at KEVIN.MURPHY, Showpony, and Rationale, Hayley brings a no-nonsense, results-driven approach to industry growth. Join us as we discuss the evolving salon landscape, the power of collaboration, and the role of premium beauty and wellness brands in shaping the future. About Hayley May: General Manager (Sales) at BLC Cosmetics Expertise in business development, distributor management, and retail training Passionate about growing salon businesses through strategic partnerships Formerly with KEVIN.MURPHY, Showpony, and Rationale Advocates mentorship, team empowerment, and industry collaboration About BLC Cosmetics: BLC Cosmetics (Beauty Loves Community) is a leading distributor of premium beauty and wellness brands. Led by Josie Cosgrove and Hayley May, BLC provides salons, spas, and clinics with world-class products, strategic support, and education. Key Topics Discussed: The Evolution of the Salon Industry: How holistic beauty and wellness treatments are reshaping salons. The Role of BLC Cosmetics: Connecting salons with premium brands and driving business growth through education and strategy. Building a Future-Ready Salon: The importance of client retention, premium offerings, and luxury beauty experiences. Trends in Professional Hair & Beauty: The rise of clean, ethical, and science-backed beauty solutions, focusing on scalp health and holistic haircare. Empowering Beauty Entrepreneurs: How salon owners can future-proof their businesses through innovation and education. Where to Find BLC Cosmetics & Hayley May: Website: blccosmetics.com Instagram:@blccosmetics @thalgoaustralia @prioriaust @uspaskincare @alphahskincare @skinregimenlx.au @mandahair.au Final Thoughts: Hayley May emphasizes the importance of innovation, education, and collaboration in shaping the future of the salon industry. The modern salon is holistic, experience-driven, and focused on long-term client care. BLC Cosmetics continues to support beauty entrepreneurs with premium brands and expert guidance. Tune in to the full episode to learn how your salon can embrace holistic beauty for long-term success!
In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Sharlene Lee, widely known as the TikTok Queen. Sharlene has built a massive following by leveraging her unique content, creativity, and deep understanding of how TikTok works. We dive into her journey, the strategies that propelled her success, and tips for anyone looking to grow their brand on the platform. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, salon owner, or just curious about the power of short-form video, this episode is packed with golden nuggets you won’t want to miss! Key Topics Covered: Sharlene’s Background & JourneyHow she got started on TikTok What inspired her to create content The moment she realized she was onto something big Building a Personal Brand on TikTokThe power of authenticity and relatability Finding your niche and staying consistent Engagement strategies that work Viral Strategies & Growth HacksUnderstanding the TikTok algorithm The role of trending sounds and challenges Posting frequency and timing for maximum reach Monetizing TikTok SuccessBrand collaborations and sponsorships Using TikTok to drive traffic to other platforms The business side of being a content creator Advice for Aspiring TikTok CreatorsOvercoming fear and imposter syndrome Tools and apps to enhance content The importance of community and networking Key Takeaways: TikTok isn’t just about luck – strategy plays a huge role. Authenticity and consistency are key to growing an engaged audience. Anyone can start, but staying adaptable is crucial for long-term success. Final Thoughts: Sharlene shares her biggest lessons, mistakes, and what she wishes she knew when she started. If you’re looking to step up your TikTok game, this episode is a must-listen! Follow Sharlene Lee: TikTok: @sharleneleelee Instagram: @Sharleelee @circlesofhair
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