Michelle McCubbin-Gannon and Pina Khalaf truly believe in what they do. So you can expect a lot of passion when working with them.
With 70 years combined experience and knowledge between them, they have worked through many varied business challenges but thrived and these two powerhouses want to share that!
“Not long ago it dawned on us that we needed to look at our business through a different lens. It’s really easy to become fatigued and stale when your focus remains the same. So we started to change! We worked on our self-development in our craft, in the creative space and in the business space.We’re ready to share this wealth of knowledge, experience and learnings with other salon owners and stylists.” explains Pina.
“We’re blessed that we both bring different things to our business. Together we’re the perfect balance of creativity and commercial sense. So we’ve harnessed our strengths, skills and experience to develop a strong and dynamic education platform that will inspire salons and stylists across both of these facets of their salon business.” says Michelle
Their dry-cutting concepts and unique way of approaching hair have proven to a point of difference with a mission is to support growth and elevate capabilities within the hairdressing industry by optimising and engaging salon professionals. By sharing and giving back.
We spoke to Hair, Body and Soul salon owners, Pina and Michelle about their new Education venture…
You are passionate about coaching and supporting the Salon industry – from new start-ups to long term salons – what can you bring to salons you work with?
We know there are many ways to succeed. However understanding what got you there isn’t always enough to keep you there. We want to help salons identify their gaps, on the floor and in their business. We take this information to clarify their vision, make a plan for success, and develop the systems they’ll need to continue their growth.
What salons would benefit and how does coaching support take place
We truly believe that everyone needs a mentor or coach. The biggest mistake that any business owner can make is thinking they know it all. We still have a mentor and we always will.
In our consultancy business, we offer a free ‘clarity call’ to precisely and concisely identify the salon owner’s business requirements, from staff training, hair services and everything in between. We also offer expertise and guidance for young stylists right through to senior stylists. We run masterclasses at our salon in Camberwell, Melbourne. Or we can come to you. Our Apprentice Elevation program is an online self-paced introduction for each year of the apprenticeship journey. It’s designed to take the pressure off busy salon owners and give apprentices a kick start to build their skills and confidence.
Please share a few challenges you are seeing salons needing support with and some ways how one might work through these challenges.
The first thing salons need to do is a health check on their business. Break it down across all areas, from business practices, education, staff and productivity. The biggest problem we see is that salon owners can feel like a prisoner in their own business. Staff shortages combined with economic uncertainty can make it easy for despair and fatigue to kick in, and that’s got danger written all over it. But there is a way forward! Every business owner should have a clear vision, and a clear plan to move forward. It’s essential to understand exactly what type of business they’re in and to remember never to think they know it all.
The Salon Industry is ever changing, and the last few years has seen a decline of staff in the industry. How do HBS retain their team?
Honestly, it’s what goes on at the top that matters. Let us put it to you like this, why should anyone want to work with you and would you work for yourself? That will give you your answer. At HBS we always make an effort to understand the diversity and the challenges that we and our team are faced with, and we approach situations in a way that promised a positive outcome for all involved. We stand strongly by our culture and team, we really do. If they don’t fit, well they don’t fit
How will HBS education up-skill apprentices?
We need to focus on our apprentices and give them the time they deserve. They need to feel part of the team and they need to be heard. At HBS we make it a priority to bring the best out of our apprentices, understanding that everyone has weaknesses and strengths. Knowing how to position education so apprentices feel supported by the salon, school and personal life is essential. We have an apprentice program available that is designed to take the pressure off busy salon owners. This is an online, self-paced program that reinforces exactly what they should expect at every stage of the apprenticeship journey. It helps give apprentices a kick start and build their confidence.
Feedback from salons who have taken part in HBS Education?
We’re often told that our education is like nothing they’ve seen before, simply because it is real and can be implemented straight away. It’s practical and also very commercial
What does success look like for you both?
Knowing that we can open our doors every day and be really proud of our achievements. The 100s of people we’ve mentored, educated and developed from young adults into amazing stylists, managers and business owners. That’s the true sign of success.
What makes this dynamic duo work? What’s the secret?
We’re so different, but we just get each other. We each bring different things to the business, but the most important thing is that we share the same passion and vision. And we certainly have a lot of champagne and fun along the way.
