- 1/239 Brygon Creek Dr, Upper Coomera QLD 4209
Established in 2005, Mocha Group provides the definitive media, digital and awards network for the ANZ hair, beauty and barber industries. Sharing knowledge and championing the best of the best, we continue to raise the benchmark of excellence and represent our industry on a global scale. We are proud to use our diverse platforms to celebrate, support and inspire creatives, business owners and brands alike.
Led by industry visionary Linda Woodhead, the business was originally created in 2005 as a publishing house offering in salon magazines followed by industry B2B magazines to truly reflect the challenges and achievements of individuals, businesses and brands within the industry. Over the years we have evolved into the multi-layered omni channel support system that the industry now trusts to represent it across Australia, NZ and the world.
Media
News, education and inspiration via the printed and digital publications mochahair, mochabeauty and mochabarber.
Awards
The industry’s most comprehensive awards program comprising of AHIA Business, AHIA Creative, ABIA and AMBA.
Digital
Innovative and meaningful online interaction/dialogue through our website, EDM, social media and blog.
Charity
Mocha Angels division makes a difference to those touched by cancer alongside the life changing Love Your Sister charity.
Mocha Group is made up of a professional team, who have unparalleled combined experience in trade & consumer publishing, events, marketing, pr and the hair, beauty, barber and fashion industry.
I emigrated to Australia in 1986 and launched my own publishing company with the first publication being RAVE magazine – A free street press weekly music and entertainment newspaper. We were instrumental in sponsoring and assisting the launch of Big Day Out here in Australia!
I went on to own a number of consumer titles including Insight (Spiritual New Age), Work From Home, (Business) and Which Franchising and after selling the business, acted as an independent full time consultant to AHJ Publications in the role of General Manager overseeing the bi-monthly journal for the hair industry – the AHJ – for 5 years. I also event managed the Australian Hair Fashion Awards and set up the FAME TEAM here In Australia in association with the British Fellowship. I am a proud single mother to my adult children, Kellie (partner in crime at mocha group), and boys Jake and Sam, and Nanny Loulou to my 5 grandchildren
I launched mocha group 21 years ago, in 2005 – A hair and beauty company offering print and online magazines, media, events and awards to the hair, beauty and barber industries and am very proud of bringing the hair, beauty and barber industries together collectively for an annual fund-raising campaign in alliance with Samuel Johnson supporting Love Your Sister raising over $180,000 so far. This year we have turned our attention to The Tarrant Foundation. Watch this space!
I’ve been known as a business and motivational speaker, am a Reiki Master, Qualified Masseuse and Fire Walker! I live on a beautiful acreage property in the Gold Coast Hinterland with my adopted cat Mittens!
I’m not your average General Manager. My journey is defined by a passion for branding, an obsession with innovation, and a string of accolades for my fashion and hair photography, and marketing skills. I’ve always seen myself as a conduit between problems and solutions, a role that has been my unwavering anchor point throughout my career.
Working with clients like Louis Vuitton, Disney, Marie Claire, and major hair companies has allowed my influence to span diverse sectors. My career started in my year 9 dark room, armed with a cheap film camera, smelly chemicals, and a passionate photography teacher. Since then, it has taken me around the world—working with football clubs in Africa, fashion labels in Europe, and charities in outback Australia.
My exceptional blend of left and right brain attributes—creative yet organized, spontaneous yet strategic, socially intelligent with strong business acumen—perfectly aligns with my role as the General Manager for MochaGroup.
For me, it’s not just about managing; it’s about fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where authentic connections drive success.
I was born in Australia and come from a very musical and adventurous family – pioneers in fact, however I started my hairdressing career in the UK at the age of 15years and 10 months.
Finishing my training in Australia at Bryan Krebs Toowong & Kangaroo Point College, Brisbane, I went back to Britain to further my career. On returning to Australia I became the owner of Ravels Hair Design, one of the first salons to open the very first HAIR EXPO at the Sheraton Hotel back in the 80s with a live showcase, in Brisbane before it moved to Sydney. In the mid 90’s I moved across to the publishing side of the Hair industry and worked at The Australian Hairdressers Journal for 10 years. Wanting more knowledge in the small business and business coaching industry I started working alongside Brad Sugars/Action Coaching who went on to launch Kenzi Publishing, publishing franchise, small business & work from home magazines. In the early 2000’s I had also started publishing my own magazine titled ‘Passport to your Local Suburbs.’ A community driven magazine, working in all areas of the community supporting youth, aged care and small businesses; a project I am extremely proud of to this day.
Then in 2005 back to my true ‘amore’, the Hair industry and a new adventure with my wonderful friend of over 35 years Linda Woodhead. I have been at Mocha now for 19 years enjoying every moment in the role of Group Sales Manager. Oh and along the way I have managed to have two of the greatest kids on the planet from my first ‘mistake’ sorry ‘marriage’ and have 4 stepchildren with my amazing bestie who I also married… oops don’t forget the 8 grandkids!
With a decade of admin experience and four of those spent in one of Australia’s busiest Emergency Departments during COVID – I was craving a simpler life.
Based on the Gold Coast with my husband and two spirited little dragons, I felt the pull for a different pace of life — one filled with purpose, flexibility, and a team that feels like family.
Having known Linda and Kellie for over 10 years, the stars aligned and I joined the crew at the start of 2025 — and haven’t looked back since. Every day brings something new, and for the first time, work truly feels like home.
If I’m not wrangling a to-do list or a toddler tantrum, you’ll find me living my best land mermaid life — swimming, socialising, and subtly plotting the next girls’ trip (as long as I’m home by 9pm).
I often joke that I accidentally fell into the beauty industry.
At 16, I was studying remedial massage with dreams of becoming a massage therapist for the West Coast Eagles. While completing my clinical hours, I landed a traineeship in a local beauty salon and discovered an industry that would go on to shape the next 20+ years of my life.
Since then, I’ve worn more hats than I can count: therapist, trainer, salon manager, salon owner, educator, speaker, marketing strategist and social media agency owner. Each chapter has given me a different lens on our industry and a deeper appreciation for the people behind it, the hundreds of salon owners, educators and globally recognised brands I’ve had the privilege of working alongside.
What’s never changed is my fascination with people and their stories (I still remember things about my clients that they’ve forgotten themselves). Behind every salon, clinic, educator, or brand is a story worth telling, the challenges, the wins, the reinventions, and the passion that keeps people showing up year after year in an industry that never stands still.
After over two decades in this incredible industry, I understand the realities of running a business because I’ve lived them, the power of education and community because I’ve experienced them first hand, and the importance of great storytelling, because it’s often the difference between being seen and being remembered.
Today, my passion is helping uncover, capture and share the stories that shape our industry, while celebrating the people who continue to push it forward.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me with my husband and two kids, planning our next holiday, shooting hoops, or rewatching Ted Lasso for what feels like the millionth time (no judgement, it’s a lifestyle).
