What has stood out the most in our industry in the last year and a half is the way everyone has pulled together and supported each other and their clients. Even the clients themselves have come to the front in support of their beloved stylists, all joining en masse to the largest FB Groups to add their voices in loyalty and solidarity.
Stylists and salon owners have put so much heart and consideration into surviving the lockdown and recovering, sharing creative ideas on what can be used when materials are in short supply, where can supplies be found and who can provide employment for each other’s staff as salons reorganise and relocate.
Brilliantly creative solutions were found for communication with clients in a time when face-to-face was impossible and social media became the go-to platform of existence. An industry known for its creativity and artistic flair sprang into action.
Many of our nominators took the time to express how the contributions of their nominees to the industry in the last eighteen months were so important and worthy of respect, both suppliers and salon owners/stylists.
Below are the heartfelt tributes which were submitted with each nomination.
Kevin Tabilo – National Sales Manager Goldwell / KAO
“I would like to nominate Kevin Tabilo for this award as it was obviously apparent that he was bleeding alongside us stylists when he started the #untieourhands movement during lockdown.
Having been in the industry for years he has an in-depth understanding of our industry and just what it meant to us as creatives to 'have our hands tied', but also as people forced to shut down our salons with no offer of alternative support in many cases. “
• • • • • • • • • • • •
“I nominate Kevin Tabilo for the #untieourhands movement for industry leadership.
He survived Covid and after coming back into society, he wanted to make a difference and be a voice for the industry, and to be a peace maker for the in-fighting that was happening.”
• • • • • • • • • • • •
“Kevin started the #untieourhands digital protest when salons were forced to shut during lockdown. He showed tremendous leadership in his desire to help his colleagues across the country fight for their rights to work. This is commendable.”
• • • • • • • • • • • •
“I know that you need to be a SAFFA living in ZA but I hope that you allow me to vote on this even though I’m living in the UK but still in the industry. Still keep a keen eye on my ZA industry Familia & love for all the grinders back home putting effort still into the ZA industry.
I’m nominating my vote in for my good mate and colleague Kevin Tabilo for the “Best Lockdown Leadership “ He’s been through some rough times but cream always rises to the top when he’s been down struggling with issues thrown his way. So please allow this nomination with open arms!”
Chris Stofberg – Managing Director Modern Hair and Beauty
“Chris is well known as a family-oriented man who wears his heart on his sleeve and genuinely cares about the people in the industry.”
• • • • • • • • • • • •
“He was informative during lockdown, keeping in touch with personalized videos. He is a positive attribute to the industry.”
• • • • • • • • • • • •
“He has just been the most amazing boss, not just in lockdown but in the 6 years I have been with the company. He definitely pioneered the industry during lockdown with a great “going-back-to-the-salon” plan of action. He is an amazing support system for both his staff and the industry.
He deserves this award because of his kind heart and commitment towards the industry!”
Stav Dimitriadis – CEO Twincare International
“Stav was so supportive during lockdown. In particular, he organised the Future of Hair and Beauty 2020 - Online seminar held during lockdown to give industry hope! Stav also launched all innovations by Twincare to survive lockdown successfully.”
The Redken Artist Network South Africa
“Throughout lockdown we all had to work together on videos, education, training, and check-ins. Without them and Redken, there would have been no purpose in those uncertain days.
Not only did they check in on each one of the Redken artists, but I believe they made a difference in all of our lives. Charlene has a sense of calmness about her that makes you feel everything will be okay. Maritza is a rock, she became my best friend, she is a cheerleader, a believer, and an energizer bunny. Richard is just amazing with his faith, hope and the ability to bring out the best in everyone.
What a rockstar team they were!!!”
Emma Kriek - Goldwell Representative
“We nominate Emma from Goldwell as the best representative. She always made an effort to see us and even during lockdown she was always available. By far she is a true ambassador of her brand. Always helpful and smiling.”
Ursula Brett – Social Media - Hairstyles South Africa powered by Salon Central
(RIP: Ursula sadly passed away earlier in 2021)
“I nominate Ursula Brett for her heartfelt leadership during Lockdown and after, her unfailing support of industry organisations, standing up to misinformation, and standing firm against those trying to divide the industry. Her excellent management of the Hairstyles SA group not only kept the industry informed but also inspired the consumers, keeping them enthused and supportive of their stylists. She was an amazing, strong woman, standing up to adversity with style, class, poise, and ultimate professionalism.”
Corinne Macchia - Owner/Stylist Shag High Voltage Hair
“It's no secret that the initial hard lockdown period was an extremely difficult and trying time for all of us in the industry, but I am so fortunate to be able to work in a salon environment where colleagues are considered family. It's because we are all so close that we were able to witness Corinne rally and hustle every single day, but never for herself and ALWAYS for all of us.
Whether it was handling the admin of sorting out TERS or physically driving to staff members homes to hand over money to make sure they would be able to feed their families for the week, no task was too big for Corinne. It didn't end with us either, she helped wherever and whoever she could, all while trying to maintain a business ready to be opened once again and be there emotionally for her family. I am certain that she has touched so many people’s lives through her acts of kindness and motivation.
There wasn't a day that went by without communication from Corinne, and she consistently made sure we would all always have a smile on our face and stay motivated and inspired for when the time came for us to go back to work. She has always been a strong leader that is able to combine an incredible business brain with an unfathomable amount of compassion for people, and lockdown showed us exactly how fearless and selfless she truly is.”
Alexia Chrysafis – Owner Fox and Davidson Hair Design
“Lockdown was hard on all hairstylist and salons, but I think Alexia was amazing at how she tried her best to make sure the salon stays in business and help her staff get some money in, even if it was just selling products to clients and claiming for UIF. She was truly supportive and accommodating in any way she could help, even while she was on maternity leave with a newborn at that. She is truly an amazing boss, leader and business owner.”
Aileen Share - Hairlounge
“She's the best leader I've had. She has taught me so much and for a lot of other people, to do better in everything, and we look up to her and her work. She has such a good heart, someone who reaches out to help everyone.”
Debbie Le Roux – Owner The Cutting Room, Lonehill
“Debbie owns two salons and made huge personal sacrifice to assist wherever she could with her staff, without retrenching anyone. Her landlord was unsympathetic with rental, and Debbie, unselfishly, carried the full burden to ensure continuity for her entire staff and clientele once lockdown was lifted. Throughout lockdown, Debbie was in continuous communication with her clientele, and when lockdown was lifted, she ensured a promotion on products and services to ease the client burden and a busy re-start for her staff. Ultimate Professional Stylist, Manager, Owner.”
• • • • • • • • • • • •
“Debbie showed such amazing leadership over the hard lock down period. She was able to retain her staff and keep all her customers but supporting both over these hard times. Debbie found inventive ways of supplying her customers with products once the levels were dropped and keep in contact with all her customer to make sure they can contact her for any questions or concerns over the lock down.
Debbie runs an amazing business and is loved by all her staff and customers.”
• • • • • • • • • • • •
“I nominate Debbie Le Roux owner of Cutting Room because Debbie is the most selfless human being I know. She single-handedly kept our salon afloat.
Not only our salon but she mustered the inner strength to encourage other salons to keep their morale up during the brutal lockdown.
Our thanks and loyalty go out to Debbie for being the most amazing boss and leader.”
• • • • • • • • • • • •
“Debbie Le Roux, as a Salon owner her attention to detail and dedication to her client’s needs is out of this world AMAZING!“
Comments