Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them
Times they are a changing and today more than ever, sisters the planet over are annihilating glass ceilings; challenging archaic perceptions of womanhood and raising the female flag to heights previously impenetrable. We picked the brains of some of the bravest, most kick-ass wonder ladies we have the pleasure of knowing.
TJ: Name one of your greatest achievements as a woman.
LS: Stepping out of a safe corporate role and starting my own creative agency. This was in 2011 and it was about creating a unique service in the hair industry. I felt there was a need to offer creative consultancy with modern business solutions. Name a time when you felt most challenged as a woman in the industry. Not a challenging time – more so about my style. I have a direct style and that is who I am, I don’t beat around the bush. Sometimes this can be taken as being too strong for a woman. It’s not about gender it should be about consistency and celebrating the individual.
TJ: How has the perception of women changed in the industry?
LS: There has been change however its been slow, and there is a long way to go. I am an advocate for gender equality. I never base my decisions around gender, I always look at the task and the individual best suited to deliver the results. Leading by example is the way I help to be the agent of change. Change is always challenging however actions speak louder than words.
Name another female figure who has supported your industry journey/ whom you look up to.
LS: Sue Wills is the woman who I admire and is the one person that has guided me throughout my career. I met Sue in the salon when she was the Store Manager for the prestigious department store Georges of Collins Street in Melbourne. Sue had a broad business career in the fashion industry. Working across fashion houses to running department stores. Sue has been my sounding board for many years and to this day she is my one and only hair client. Sue has always advised me to ‘act on fact not on emotions’, and to ‘seek first to understand’. Sue is also my style icon. Her look is always chic and with a divine eye for detail. I feel very fortunate to have her in my life.
TJ: Advice for young women starting out in the industry/your line of work?
LS: Don’t act like a man or a woman to be noticed. Trust yourself and respect others around you. Listen, observe and don’t miss out on an opportunity. Develop your individual style and own it, you are your brand and the responsibility lies within you, so define who you are and your style. Life and work is all about creating experiences – don’t chase money, chase experiences.
TJ: Name one of your greatest achievements as a woman.
SB: Being recognised internationally as an educator and attracting renowned and respected students into my classroom. Also, being a mother of three equally grounded and successful children.
TJ: Name a time when you felt most challenged as a woman in the industry.
SB: After starting my business from scratch and expanding quite quickly to three salons, my marriage broke down. The bank manager was so disrespectful towards me. He believed I would not be able to service the OD and run my salon successfully without the support of my ex-husband – who I may add, made limited contribution to the business. The pressure on me was extreme and for years I had to deal with this challenge, all while putting on a strong bold front.
TJ: How has the perception of women changed in the industry?
SB: From my observation, there has been none. We are in a female dominated industry, yet it’s still a challenge for women to earn the respect and credibility deserved. Rarely do females win the top awards here and especially internationally. Last year the British Awards saw the first female nominated in ten years, who went on to win. Females have to work so much harder to prove themselves. No matter how hard we work, it’s a never-ending fight to get to the top and stay there.
TJ: Name another female figure who has supported your industry journey/whom you look up to.
SB: I think the amazing staff I have employed over the years have been my greatest supporters, especially Sandra Osman who worked with me for 26 years. She was instrumental in the success of my salon business, has supported me through all of my career endeavours and was notoriously prepared to be good cop, bad cop when needed.
TJ: Advice for young women starting out in the industry?
SB: Don’t get caught up in the whole social media phenomenon. Many young hairdressers feel their success is based on likes rather than a loyal client base, self-drive and enhanced talent and creativity. Success is not about the likes, it’s about longevity. Social media is a big part of our world, but my advice is to focus on developing exceptional skills. This will offer a more sustainable future that enhances career growth and success. As an educator, my success is built on superior skills, willingness to reinvent oneself and being grounded and real.
TJ: Name one of your greatest achievements as a woman.
LM: Creating my career. I did my own Visa and moved myself to New York in 2010. That experience made me fearless and I have never let someone dictate to me the traditional path I should take as a hairdresser.
TJ: Name a time when you felt most challenged as a woman in the industry.
LM: When I started working in higher echelons of education. There’s a lot of male guest artists and at times it has felt like a boys club. I felt personally challenged to disrupt the notion that only straight male hairdressers could be rock stars, so I worked even harder to let my work and my signature speak for itself.
TJ: How has the perception of women changed in the industry?
LM: I think it is an interesting statistic that the majority of hairdressers worldwide are female, but the balance between male to female CEO’s, Creative Directors, Guest Artists and other roles is largely more male. I think as the world is catching up on an equality level, it’s only natural that this will transfer into our industry as well.
TJ: Name another female figure who has supported your industry journey/whom you look up to.
LM: Jan Gauvin is the power behind Haircare Australia and I have always admired her tenacity and passion for the industry. Renya Xydis and Juliet Cummins have been amazing support figures for me. They are both absolute powerhouses and set an incredible example of what happens when women support and challenge each other in business.
TJ: Advice for young women starting out in the industry/your line of work?
LM: Create your signature and set a long term plan for what you want your life to look like – don’t limit yourself based on what other people say to you. Find some mentors. We are all built on the shoulders of giants but also hold yourself to lofty standards. Your vibe attracts your tribe. Be authentic to your vision and don’t compromise. And be prepared to work your ass off.
TJ: Name one of your greatest achievements as a woman.
TL: Maintaining my passion and vision whilst raising two teenage boys and somehow staying sane! I’m a hairdresser by trade and have not had any formal brand development, business or marketing training. Since the beginning, I’ve done everything on my own; from research and development to marketing our brand.
TJ: Name a time when you felt most challenged as a woman in the industry.
TL: There’s sometimes a tendency for individuals to treat us as though we don’t know anything, or need rescuing. As a woman, mother and provider, I’ve made so many mistakes by trusting and being burnt or simply not knowing any better. I believe everything happens for a reason and there’s no-where to go but forward. There’s so many tough moments but the biggest challenge is juggling the boys, home and life balance with the business.
TJ: How has the perception of women changed in the industry?
TL: I think we’re still a minority as brand owners and distributors. Men and corporations tend to run this side of the industry but we are nonetheless holding our ground as power women. There are a few of us now and I really love and admire those around me who have paved the way, and continue to do so.
TJ: Name another female figure who has supported your industry journey/whom you look up to.
TL: Marie Cocciolone (InSkin Cosmedics) has always been my mentor and continues to inspire me. Marie is always a great source for advice, reminding me that it’s normal to experience high levels of pressure when you set your goals high. Advice for young women starting out in the industry/your line of work? Be educated in many areas. Believe in yourself (that’s a hard one for so many women); know your product and field. Follow your dreams and vision. Never give up; every mistake is part of the journey. LOVE what you do and it will never feel like work. Finally, hide well from your kids if you are working late!
TJ: Name one of your greatest achievements as a woman.
RM: Becoming a mother and best selling author even though I’m Dyslexic. Designing the World’s First Magnetic Brush line, ‘Jishaku by Rae Morris.’
TJ: Name a time when you felt most challenged as a woman in the industry.
RM: I’ve only felt challenged by other women. Sometimes (and it’s very rare) insecure celebrities feel threatened by female artists and stylists; wearing little makeup and not judging – this is important. Overall the makeup industry embraces women.
TJ: How has the perception of women changed in the industry?
RM: It’s great to see more female makeup artists take on the ‘A Grade’ celebrities. For example Lady Gaga’s artist is Sarah Tanno, Madonna’s artist is Lucia. There was a time when the bigger the star, the more male artists we saw.
TJ: Name another female figure who has supported your industry journey/whom you look up to.
RM: I have my celebrity clients who I admire, like Pink and Kelly Rowland – both strong, solid women who, no matter how famous, stay humble with no ego. From a business perspective, I really respect the founder of Mecca here in Australia, Jo Horgan. She has incredible values and always does the right thing for the right reason. For Jo, it’s never about her, it’s always about the person standing in front of her.
TJ: Advice for young women starting out in the industry?
RM: Work at making women of all ages and skin colour look like they are about to walk the red carpet. That is what VOGUE and all the celebrities want – master this and it will make you a super star. Assist an artist who is living your dream. And lastly … eat drink and live makeup!
TJ: Name one of your greatest achievements as a woman.
NA: Establishing and growing my business. Being a young woman in the business sphere and managing a salon, staff and brand can be challenging, though it’s also incredibly rewarding.
TJ: Name a time when you felt most challenged as a woman in the industry.
NA: In my experience, I’m yet to see my being a woman as an issue. There may come I time however when I have children and find myself more restricted.
TJ: How has the perception of women changed in the industry?
NA: There’s more of us now! When I was first getting my start in the industry, most of the stylists I was inspired by were great men. Nowadays, women are becoming more respected and recognised through social media. Women are building thriving global brands; from Jen Atkin to Hudda Kattan (Huda Beauty) these girls are inspiring women around the world to go out and get theirs!
TJ: Name another female figure who has supported your industry journey/whom you look up to.
NA: Kathy K from TONI&GUY was my first mentor as a hairdresser and a business woman. During my apprenticeship, she taught me how to dress appropriately, articulate myself and manage my business. Jen Atkin has been both a huge inspiration and mentor; she’s always been there when I’ve reached out for advice. Before launching my brand, we had a mentoring session on the challenges I would face and the options I’d have moving forward.
TJ: Advice for young women starting out in the industry?
NA: Go HARD, don’t stop, and be kind! When you respect and grow with those around you, it’s appreciated and reciprocated. As people, we’re stronger together. Social media has been an invaluable tool for me, but it can also affect you negatively if you’re fixated on numbers/ comments. Use it as a networking tool; a way to connect with like-minded artists and clients. Your flavour won’t satisfy all taste buds but don’t give up; your people will find you.