As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “the future depends on what we do in the present.” If this is indeed the case, TONI&GUY can look forward to incredible things ahead.
Following a devastating start to 2022 with the passing of beloved industry icon and former TONI&GUY Managing Director Dennis Langford, the tight knit TONI&GUY community came together and began laying the foundation for the road ahead.
The most important elements of all guiding their way forward? Mentorship, evolution, community, and career changing opportunities at all levels of the business. Newly appointed TONI&GUY Director Sara Langford perfectly embodies this spirit of growth within TONI&GUY. “Believe it or not, my journey with TONI&GUY actually started as an apprentice,” she explains of her beginnings within the company.
Following this, Sara ventured to London, but it wasn’t long before TONI&GUY drew her back. “Like many important connections, Dennis and I crossed paths in the weird and wonderful world that is the hair industry. It didn’t take much convincing and before I knew it, I was part of the TONI&GUY family. Dennis’ passion was infectious, he lived and breathed the TONI&GUY essence – and I wanted to be part of it too.”
“Mentorship and nurturing young talent are the main focuses for our brand moving forward,” continues Sara. “Our legacy is powerful; our future is bright, and we are only as successful as the people we have helped to reach their goals.”
“Our culture is inclusive, nurturing and focused on our team members having access to the tools and support to reach their goals. Each pathway is suited to the individual, a customised approach supported by a global brand that is run by local individuals and families.”
“At first, when I thought of the TONI&GUY name, I was a little intimidated! There were naturally a lot of nerves as I commenced my apprenticeship, however, my team have been amazing! I can honestly say that I’m a different person now to when I started three years ago.”
TIA WRIGHT-PIHAMA, TONI&GUY STYLIST AND AHFA APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2021.
One such TONI&GUY initiative that perfectly embodies this ethos is the Breakthrough Team, a yearlong mentorship program providing young talents direct access to the world class collective of educators and industry influences TONI&GUY has to offer. Spearheading this within Australia is none other than the revered Jude McEwen.
“The Breakthrough Team is designed to offer up and coming super stars an exclusive platform to drive their careers forward, elevate their skills and find their true talent,” says Jude. “At the end of the course, each stylist will have the complete skill sets to pull together and execute a collection, a training session or even a fashion shoot!”
The creative side isn’t TONI&GUY’s sole focus when it comes to mentorship. The Assistant Manager Course focuses on nurturing those with aspirations of salon ownership, and provides the opportunity for members of the TONI&GUY community to hone their skills in the areas of leadership and people management. “The Assistant Management program provides a path for our hairdressers who wish to progress in their careers, but not necessarily creatively,” TONI&GUY General Manager Marie Bombardieri describes. “It’s a great starting point for those interested in salon management and/or ownership.”
“I started with TONI&GUY Bondi Beach in 2012, as an 18-year-old assistant, “reflects Morgan. “From this, I grew into a colourist who is now a part owner of the same business I started with from day dot!” says TONI&GUY Salon Co-Partner and prior Assistant Management student, Morgan Weiss.
Of the company that she has expanded with, Morgan points to the emphasis on internal support and leadership as the key things setting TONI&GUY apart. “We are a family of creatives and have a diverse range of like-minded people to talk to from all over the world to help mentor and guide each other.
“I still pinch myself that I have bought into TONI&GUY Bondi Beach. It was a dream of mine that is now a reality, and I feel so excited about what will happen in this next chapter of my life.”
With a culture this dedicated to mentorship and nurturing the talent of tomorrow, the future at TONI&GUY is looking bright indeed.
