Staff loyalty is proving a growing rarity in our industry, yet Jacky Chan has chosen Oscar Oscar for over 16 years. From apprentice to Salon Partner of Oscar Oscar Chadstone (25 staff!), Jacky chats systems, procedures and the importance of likeminded brands. 

TJ: It has been 16 years since you first started as an apprentice with Oscar Oscar, what drew you to the salon brand all those years ago?

JC: Living in Brisbane at the time, Oscar Oscar represents the epitome of ‘luxury salon experience.’ The branding was unparalleled and the work coming out of the salon was truly inspiring. This paired with incredible training and unlimited growth opportunities, and it was the only choice for me.

TJ: What have proved some of the most instrumental opportunities to the growth of your artist (and business) profile?

JC: The opportunity to grow and evolve as a trainer has proved invaluable as an Oscar Oscar Salon Partner (now with 25 staff!). Creatively speaking, through careful alignment with only the best and proactive product companies, I welcome ongoing opportunities and support working across fashion weeks and editorials to really hone my artistry.

TJ: And it’s these opportunities that have paved the way for your success story from apprentice to Salon Partner of Oscar Oscar Chadstone, Melbourne?

JC: Absolutely. It is a rare circumstance that a salon can offer a staff member this kind of unlimited growth within the one company, that’s why I have stayed for over 16 years. I now co-manage a team of 25 amazing hairdressers, and there is no way I would be where I am today without the tried and tested systems and procedures definitive of Oscar Oscar: This and the experienced support and mentorship of Oscar Cullinan himself.

TJ: It is easy for hairdressers to get caught up in the fun and creative opportunities of a salon/brand with little regard to the very systems and procedures that make them possible, would you agree?

JC: This is definitely apparent in our industry, yes. It is these systems and procedures – from the first service touch point to consultation, technical training, colour/retail partnerships and overall brand strategy – that manifest the culture of a salon (including creative opportunities). Having been with Oscar Oscar for so long, I feel lucky to have these ingrained in me, making the transition from senior stylist/trainer to Salon Partner an easy one. For this, our business is profitable with a clear trajectory for continued growth.

TJ: Chadstone is Melbourne’s largest, premium shopping centre. The foot traffic alone must drive a profitable business?

JC: There are pros and cons in anything. Yes, the foot traffic is fantastic and the marketing support we receive from the centre equates to great exposure. There is also the benefit of being aligned with some of the world’s leading luxury brands. However this all comes at a cost with high expenses (in particular rent) … but hey, that’s Chadstone!

TJ: So you’re situated in the luxury side of the centre. Is this why it’s important for you to align with likeminded brands such as Shu Uemura Art of Hair?

JC: Exactly. It’s important for us to partner with high-end brands the consumer recognizes (and seeks out), particularly given our location among luxury retailers including Chanel, YSL and Slavatore Ferragamo. Clients are drawn to the slick packaging before connecting with the brand on a deeper level courtesy of in-salon rituals and ceremonies – practices that really provide a unique point of difference in a competitive space. On a professional level, the service, education, support and creative gateways provided by Shu Uemura Art of Hair are truly phenomenal.

TJ: A perfect example in this beautiful photoshoot that saw you lead hair in conjunction with the Oscar Oscar Shu Cru Artist Team, and that we were lucky enough to publish in Issue 4 of THE JOURNAL magazine!

JC: Yes! This was a great opportunity to celebrate Oscar Oscar’s relationship with Shu Uemura Art of Hair. Both brands have such a strong story and culture driving them and it was a great experience to work with such talent in the 2019 Shu Cru, manifesting the aesthetic and ethos of each in one cohesive editorial story.

TJ: And the Shu Uemura Art of Hair products you couldn’t have done it without …

JC: The Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil and Wonder Worker Blow Dry Perfector.

Visit Oscar Oscar: oscaroscar.com.au

Discover Shu Uemura Art of Hair: shuuemuraartofhair.com.au

Follow: @jacky_oscaroscarchadstone