Redken Salons Recognised for Excellence
Salons from Auckland, Hamilton and Mt Maunganui dominated the inaugural Club 5th Avenue Awards at Redken’s Tribe event during the recent 2012 iD Dunedin Fashion Week.
The ceremony, held at Dunedin’s historic Larnach Castle, recognises New Zealand-based Redken salons for excellence and commitment to the salon industry during 2011.
The awards are exclusive to Redken salons and represent an opportunity to both salute the hard work and dedication that goes into growing a salon as well as recognise outstanding individual achievement.
The categories for the awards were Salon of the Year, Educational Excellence, Rising Star and Largest Percentage Growth.
The prestigious Salon of the Year Award was won by BLAZE in Auckland. This is awarded to the Redken salon that demonstrates excellence in education, marketing and overall business achievement and growth.
For Mana Dave (pictured with Kelly Lutu), head stylist and co-owner of BLAZE, the award is testament to the hard work and dedication of each staff member of the salon.
“We've worked hard to establish a strong team culture and really embody the Redken philosophy of learn, earn and live better. It's such an honour to have been selected from a very strong group of finalists, but this success is truly because of our amazing team and their efforts,” says Mana.
He says education and brand awareness are essential to the growth of the business.
“Our participation in industry competitions and fashion events such as iD Dunedin reinforces BLAZE’s presence within the Redken community and helps develop our skill set.”
For a salon celebrating its fourth birthday this month, BLAZE has achieved much, but Mana isn’t resting on his laurels.
“We are really happy with how our BLAZE brand has developed in the time we've been operating, but like any successful brand we're always looking to find opportunities for growth and improvement.”
Other finalists for Salon of the Year included En Jay in Mount Maunganui and Morph Hair in Hamilton.
For Dave Rogers, Morph’s owner and director, being nominated for Salon of the Year was almost enough reward.
“To be in the company of salons such as BLAZE in the Salon of the Year Award category feels like an achievement in itself,” says Dave.
Morph dominated in two of the four categories taking out the Educational Excellence Award and the Rising Star Award.
The Educational Excellence Award recognises outstanding in-salon education. Other finalists in the category included Cambridge-based salon Capelli and En Jay in Mount Maunganui.
The Rising Star category recognises salons that are visionary and forward-thinking in their approach to running a business. Other finalists were Gloss from New Plymouth and Soho Hair & Beauty in Christchurch.
In respect of the Rising Star Award, Dave Rogers says social media has played a large part in getting people’s attention.
“Facebook has been a fantastic tool for us, we currently have 950 followers and the number growing on a daily basis,” Dave says.
The Award for Largest Percentage Growth was won by Dunedin salon Aart on St Andrew, beating out Christchurch salon Evolve and Ponsonby Hair in Auckland. It is presented to the Redken salon that has demonstrated the largest percentage growth as a result of retail and service sales.
Darryl McNamara, owner of Aart on St Andrew, puts the win down to an emphasis on team spirit and clever branding.
“We have a high level of transparency in our business. Each stylist micro-manages his or her own clients, gaining valuable business skills. We then come together as a group once a week to openly discuss figures.”
A big congratulations to all the winners!
