Get ready for an unmissable Business Session, The Panel on Day 2 – 15 September 2025!
Hosted by the dynamic @linda_mochagroup , CEO and founder of our official media partner, Mocha Group this panel promises to deliver powerful insights into the future of the hair industry.
Joining Linda is a handpicked lineup of AHIA Business award-winning business experts representing diverse and innovative business models. Together, they’ll pull back the curtain and share their strategies on tackling the biggest challenges facing the hair industry today:
– Navigating Industry Changes – Adapting to shifting trends and economic pressures.
– Pricing for Success – How to value your services in a competitive market.
– Finding and Retaining Talent – Strategies for building a dream team.
– The Future of the Industry – Where they see us in 10 years and how to prepare.
– Sustainable Growth – Building systems that meet demand while staying adaptable.
Whether you’re a salon owner, a stylist dreaming of your next step, or someone passionate about the business of beauty, this session will inspire, inform, and equip you with the tools to thrive.
The inspirational lineup includes:
✨ Linda Woodhead – HOST
With over 42 years in media and more than 25 years in the hair, beauty, and barber industries, Linda has been at the forefront of numerous groundbreaking initiatives. As the driving force behind Mocha Group, she has introduced leading industry events, professional mentoring, and business recognition awards, while overseeing flagship titles like Mocha Hair, Mocha Beauty, and Mocha Barber Magazines. Linda is renowned for her professionalism, integrity, and passion for advancing the reputation of the hair, beauty, and barbershop industries, working tirelessly to support business owners and foster innovation
✨ Helen Owens – Tigerlamb Salons
Helen Owens has spent 37 years in the hairdressing industry, working internationally as a session stylist and collaborating with top product companies. Now based in Brisbane, she celebrates 21 years at the helm of the award-winning Tigerlamb Salon Group, a boutique luxury brand known for strong leadership and innovation. Passionate about giving back, Helen is deeply involved in charity work and founded the Tigerlamb Phoenix Project to support those overcoming grief, trauma, and setbacks.
✨ Sam James – SJ Establishment
Sam James, the reigning AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2024, is a powerhouse in the hair industry, recognised both nationally and internationally for her artistry and innovation. As the founder of SJ Establishment in Adelaide, she has built an award-winning salon known for trend-focused styling, exceptional colour work, and a commitment to creativity and sustainability. Beyond the salon, Sam is a global educator, mentor, and Matrix Global Artistic Team member, shaping the future of hairdressing through international education, fashion forecasting, and product development.
✨ Nicole Kae Creative
Nicole Kae is the Global Creative Director for Evo, specialising in cutting and styling. With 20 years in the industry, she leads campaigns, develops products, and writes and teaches education. Beyond Evo, she runs her own business across salon, education, and session work—three areas she’s deeply passionate about. When she’s not creating, she’s a devoted mum to Maci and Jasper.
✨ Samantha Jones – Ms Monaco Hair Society
Sam is the proud owner of Ms Monaco Hair Society on the Sunshine Coast and a true customer service guru. Her passion for exceptional client experiences began in 1998 as a flight attendant for a renowned British airline, where she developed an intuitive ability to anticipate guests’ needs before they even realised them. Now, she instills that same level of care in her team of 14, mentoring the next generation of hair professionals. As the winner of the AHIA Customer Care Award in both 2023 and 2024, Sam is dedicated to elevating the standard of customer service in the Australian hairdressing industry.
✨ Oscar Cullinan – Oscar Oscar Salons
Oscar Cullinan, the founder and director of Oscar Oscar Salons, has led the brand to over 30 years of creating award-winning, glamorous hair. With salons in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, Oscar has cemented his reputation as a leading celebrity hairdresser. A two-time recipient of the AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year award, his accolades also include multiple Hair Expo finalist spots and recognition as an Aveda Master of the Arts. Under his guidance, Oscar Oscar Salons continues to set the standard for luxury hairdressing across Australia.
✨ Carla Thompson -H&B Hair Art & Beauty Salon, NZ
Originally from the UK, Carla has over 40 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry as a stylist, educator, and business owner. As the force behind H&B Hair Art & Beauty in Christchurch, she has created a salon that leads in sustainability, education, and community impact. Passionate about lifelong learning, Carla ensures her team stays at the forefront of industry innovation while championing environmental responsibility and social change.