Cutting Through The Noise

In this very first episode of our Zoom Room series, Hayley Mears chats with Lucas Tucker, the founder of Tucker Browne and CLUB men's grooming ranges. Lucas shares his inspiration behind developing his brands and his love for product formulation and development. CLUB are launching their own online education portal that will allow stockists to access education from the best barbers in the country, with easy 20-minute tutorials that will drop every three weeks. Linkshttps://tuckerbrowne.com.au/https://www.clubbarberpro.com/Social Assetshttps://www.instagram.com/clubproducts/https://www.instagram.com/tucker.browne/

In this episode, Hayley and Antony dive into the evolving landscape of the hairdressing industry, sharing their own journeys and perspectives on education, employment models, and the state of creativity in the salon world. From perm trends and the rise of online learning to the decline of industry awards and shifting business models, the duo offers a candid, insightful conversation about where the industry has been—and where it might be heading. We’re not giving too much away, but this episode has so much value for anyone wondering if their view of the industry aligns with Antony's. To connect with Antony, you can find him here..https://growmysalonbusiness.com/https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/https://www.instagram.com/growmysalonbusiness/https://www.facebook.com/growmysalonbusiness/If you loved this episode, take advantage of registering for Antony's upcoming ManagementCourse from April 28 https://growmysalonbusiness.com/course/managementYour complete blueprint for running a salon successfully.Who’s it for? This course is for salon owners and managers who want a smoother, more efficient business—one that runs well even when you're not around. Whether you're looking to grow or step back a bit, this course gives you the tools and systems to make it happen.It’s perfect if you’re a... Salon owner who wants to scale or take a step back—but needs to train up a solid management team. Salon manager who’s full of energy but wants a clear system to build a strong culture and lead a motivated, goal-driven team.What you’ll learnProven systems to organise your salon Tools to build your team culture A clear vision to lead your business forwardWhat’s included?8 training modules – Step-by-step video lessons packed with practical advice. Workbook – Turn ideas into action from day one. Course calendar – Stay on track and see your progress. Live group coaching – 10 x free 1-hour calls with Antony to ask questions and get support (recordings included). Private community – Join other salon pros, share advice, and support each other. Plug-and-play templates – Save hours with done-for-you forms, checklists, and more.

Errol Douglas MBE is one of the most respected names in modern hairdressing. Recognised throughout the world and known for his ever-evolving brand of glamorous hair that has no boundaries – creatively, or in its origins – he’s simply one of the best. Globally award-winning, Errol has run his prestigious Belgravia salon for four decades. As well as tending to a long list of celebrity clientele and working with some of the most elite brands on shows and photoshoots, Errol has recently taken up residency at the Peninsula Hotel in London with his own atelier salon. As part of their new spa and wellness centre, it allows the Errol Douglas brand to bring back the craftsmanship and individuality of traditional hairdressing in a beautiful, bespoke space.IntroductionA true icon in the world of hairdressing, Errol Douglas MBE has spent over 40 years defining luxury hairdressing in the UK and beyond.His salon in Belgravia is a staple in high-end hair, catering to A-list clients, industry leaders, and hair enthusiasts alike.Recently, he has expanded his presence with a new atelier salon at The Peninsula London, reinforcing the art and craftsmanship of bespoke hairdressing in a luxury setting.Key Topics of Discussion:1. The Evolution of Errol’s CareerMemorable moments from his career, from working with celebrities to winning prestigious industry awards.The Peninsula London and how it aligns with the changing landscape of high-end hair services.2. The State of the UK Hair IndustryHow has the industry changed over the past four decades?The impact of economic shifts on salons and hairstylists.The challenges for new stylists and salon owners in today’s climate.The importance of craftsmanship and individuality and being good at your craft3. What’s Next for Errol?His vision for the future of hairdressing and where his concerns are for the UK hair industryThe role of luxury experiences in modern hairdressingHis advice to aspiring hair professionals looking to make a mark in the industry.Final Thoughts & TakeawaysErrol’s perspective on why education, heritage, and artistry still matter in today’s industry.The resilience of UK hairdressers despite the challenges of the past few years.What keeps him inspired and excited after four decades in the industry.Links & Resources:Follow Errol Douglas on Instagram: @erroldouglashair

Kristina Russell is a highly accomplished and dynamic hair colourist and educator with over two decades of experience at the forefront of the industry. Renowned as the go-to expert for reds and pastel hair, and the author of 'The Ultimate Guide to Hair-Painting for Redheads', Kristina's expertise extends to blondes and corrective colour, underpinned by her technical skill and artistic flair, which earned her the prestigious title of 'Australian Hair Expo Colour Technician of the Year' in 2010. As an independent educator since 2017, she coaches hairdressers of all levels through her unique learner-focused programs and has pioneered accessible education through various platforms, including being the first hair colourist to launch a podcast, alongside workshops, digital resources, and her role as the Australian Ambassador for the Dresscode Project, championing inclusivity within the hairdressing industry.https://kristinarussell.com.au/Email: hello@kristinarussell.com.auColour Kristina Talks Podcast on iTuneshttps://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/colour-kristina-talks-podcast/id1490781679Colour Kristina Talks Podcast on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/7ITjqHmOpiJnyZb7ZUHKgsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/colourkristina/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ColourKristina/The Shop https://kristinarussell.com.au/the-shop/The Podcast Blog https://kristinarussell.com.au/the-blog/Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com.au/colourkristina/boards/Hair Painting for Redheads https://kristinarussell.com.au/online-elevate-your-craft/

In this episode of "Cutting Through the Noise," Hayley Mears introduces Rita Marcon, who returns to share updates on her life and career. This career journey is an empowering message about growing your career and pivoting roles to explore and grow into new skill sets. This evolution of skills has brought Rita to an exciting new chapter both personally and professionally.We’re not giving anything away in the show notes, you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out more.Links:www.iamconsciousliving.com.auInstagram

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 CosmeticsExpertise in business development, distributor management, and retail trainingPassionate about growing salon businesses through strategic partnershipsFormerly with KEVIN.MURPHY, Showpony, and RationaleAdvocates mentorship, team empowerment, and industry collaborationAbout 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.comInstagram:@blccosmetics@thalgoaustralia@prioriaust@uspaskincare@alphahskincare@skinregimenlx.au@mandahair.auFinal 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 TikTokWhat inspired her to create contentThe moment she realized she was onto something bigBuilding a Personal Brand on TikTokThe power of authenticity and relatabilityFinding your niche and staying consistentEngagement strategies that workViral Strategies & Growth HacksUnderstanding the TikTok algorithmThe role of trending sounds and challengesPosting frequency and timing for maximum reachMonetizing TikTok SuccessBrand collaborations and sponsorshipsUsing TikTok to drive traffic to other platformsThe business side of being a content creatorAdvice for Aspiring TikTok CreatorsOvercoming fear and imposter syndromeTools and apps to enhance contentThe importance of community and networkingKey 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: @sharleneleeleeInstagram: @Sharleelee @circlesofhair

UNDERSTANDING THE AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE WITH TEXTURE | STATS & STORIES67% 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 & GLOBALLY60% 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 SUKUVision for Organic SUKU in the evolving demographic landscape.Key team roles:Global Education DirectorCreative Director ANZ (Aligned with Education)EDUCATION | TEXTURE RE.IMAGINED2024 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 PRODUCTSHow does Organic SUKU support textured hair with sustainable, performance-driven product innovations?HAIR FESTIVALOrganic SUKU will be educating and showcasing at Hair Festival!What can attendees expect from your sessions and demonstrations?CLOSING THOUGHTSFinal 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 YearAHIA Victorian Salon of the Year 2023Newcomer Salon of the YearMost Innovative Business of the YearContribution to Business AwardFinalist: AHFA Victorian Hairdresser, AHIA New Creative Talent, HOT SHOTSAustralian FAME TEAM 2023A 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 GrowthCJ 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 FirstPrioritizing 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 EventCJ 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 ThoughtsAH 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 WebsiteCome Together Charity Event Tickets