LOCAL SALON:
ELLA&JADE HAIR
Ella&Jade is a unique and relaxing space nestled in Brisbane’s South-East which is home to some seriously up-and-coming creative Stylists and Colourists. Having built a reputation for delivering luxurious and beautiful hair that combines individual client requirements with modern fashion direction, the business now celebrates 13 successful years in business and a team of 9 thriving, passionate and vibrant hairdressers. The team includes both local and international talent including 2017 Queensland Hairdresser of the Year, William Webb (Hair Expo) and AHIA HotShots Visionary Finalist Dylan McConnachie (2017) plus the team was honoured as Finalists in Hair Expo Salon Team of the Year (2017). Looks like 2017 was a very big year for this crew! Ella&Jade has been built from the ground up by a dynamic mother and daughter duo Brooke Ella and Alannah Jade, who continually look for ways to not only improve their business, but also provide a better experience for their customers. Strongly believing that they are a team in the driver’s seat to hair industry success, they are attracting top hairdressing talent and building a cult following for their renown creative colouring, - and also proving that you don’t need to be part of a chain or based in a CBD location to be recognised! Wanting to know what the growing buzz was all about, Hair Biz Editor, Kym Krey caught up with Salon Owner and Creative Stylist, Alannah Jade.
YOU’RE A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BUSINESS THAT’S BEEN BUILDING SUCCESSFULLY FOR OVER 13 YEARS. TELL US HOW THE ELLA&JADE STORY BEGAN. AJ. The Ella&Jade story began when I returned
from London in 2013. Having worked both nationally and internationally, I felt there was a gap in the market for beautiful and luxurious hair that customers could find anywhere - not just on the best street in Brisbane. We believe that through building not only our unique brand, but our team along with it, we are at the forefront of motivating and inspiring the industry to value
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and recognise that luxury, beauty and great hair talent can be found anywhere.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UNIQUE ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES OF WORKING TOGETHER IN A FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS? AJ. The advantages are definitely that we are
like-minded & hard-working. Our staff become part of the family which gives us a great team spirit, culture and atmosphere. The disadvantage is that there’s never-ending hair talk at the dinner table. If you call that a disadvantage!
YOU’VE BUILT A HIGHLY ARTISTIC TEAM WHICH HAS ACHIEVED SOME SERIOUS ACCOLADES, INCLUDING EXPO QLD HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR AND AHIA HOTSHOTS VISIONARY FINALIST. DOES THIS STEM FROM YOUR ABILITY TO RECRUIT HIGHLY SKILLED STAFF OR YOUR FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND CREATIVE ARTISTRY? AJ. I met William Webb when we worked
together in London in 2012/2013. When he showed interest in coming to Australia, it was a no brainer to snap him up as quickly as I could. Last year, Will was named Queensland Hairdresser of the Year which was a momentous moment for Will and also for us as a team. I think we celebrated for months! Will became Head of
Alannah Jade Education and of our Artistic Team, and together over the past 2.5 years, we have worked hard to develop a recognisable brand, not only locally but nationally and internationally. I believe it’s because of all of this work building the brand that we have attracted other international talent, and it is proof that success can stem and develop from anywhere, just as long as you have a strong team and vision to back that.
TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR TEAM AND THEIR UNIQUE SKILLS AJ. Ella&Jade currently employ a team of 8, with
4 stylists, 3 apprentices, and a Salon Coordinator and believe it’s important to grow each and every team member. There’s no one size fits all approach when growing a team, so understanding their individual strengths, and listening to their goals is important.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT YOUR STAFF CONTINUE TO GROW AND DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS? AJ. We have developed a strong working
relationship with Wella Professionals, who provide us with ongoing support and education both in-salon and through external programs. They also provide us with opportunities to assist on shows, and most recently our Director of