Level up your entry
The Australian Hairdressing Industry Awards, created by Mocha Group, highlights the achievement and excellence of the impressive quality of work in the hair industry in both the Creative and Business categories. The powerful impact of the awards continues to grow year on year, with 2023 setting a record number of entries.
We sat down with Jarred Stedman, General Manager of Mocha Group, to get the inside scoop on how to enter for success and what to expect in the upcoming 2024 awards.
The awards program is for those who are looking to grow in the industry and future-proof their business. Being in the awards is a fantastic marketing tool, giving you a point of difference and a stamp of credibility in the industry. It's also a great retention tool for existing and potential employees to show that the salon is levelling up and stamping its mark, empowering its stylists and encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zone.
Mocha also announced some changes for this year's AHIA Creative awards, including a brand-new segment for Al-generated entries, being the first of its kind globally.
The awards celebrate individuals and teams' creativity, not relying on the size of the entrant's network, which encourages all hair professionals to enter, whether they are sole operators or have a team. This year, entrants can collaborate with other hair professionals on an entry, that can offset the costs of the photoshoot process that may have been a barrier for some entrants.
Entering the awards is a straightforward process through Mocha's AHIA entry portal online. To guide you through the process, you can watch a video walk-through in The Circle Facebook group under 'The Mane Event guides' section.
Jarred points out that the challenge in entering the Creative Awards lies in the photoshoot, especially for hairstylists not well-versed in editorial shoots. His advice - don't be afraid to dip your toes into the process. Gather a creative team, play around, and learn together in a fun environment. The only way to truly grasp it is to take the plunge and give it a shot!
Drawing on his experience being involved in the creative process of over 60 award-winning entries before his role at Mocha, Jarred offers valuable advice on organising a photoshoot day. Beyond capturing the entry image, he encourages entrants to leverage the opportunity for additional content to set yourself and your salon business up for future months - be it social media content, emerging stylist mentoring, or videos on your team. Maximizing the benefits of the photoshoot day is not just about winning an award but also about enhancing your brand through content via your online platforms.
