With a special guest appearance by Fabio Antonino, the owner of Great Lengths from Italy, more than 100 Great Lengths and La Biosthetique salons and stylists gathered in Sydney for a full day of education and inspiration followed by a celebratory evening cocktail party at Barangaroo’s Smoke Rooftop for the 2024 Soiree, writes Cameron Pine.

With a full day of learning, listening and business held at Fraser Suites Sydney, salon owners and staff were given the invaluable opportunity to spend time with their peers and be warmly welcomed by Australian Great Lengths and La Biosthetique distributors Karen and Rob Aubin.  An inherent focus on family, loyalty and connection was front of mind for an excited room for of partners and stylists, many who have been with their brands for more than 20 years.

Learning the essence of Great Lengths and their 34 year-long commitment to quality and sustainability as the leader globally in the conscious manufacturing of hair extensions, by hearing from Fabio himself, instilled confidence in salon owners who too are passionate about their family owned and run businesses and using the most quality products available.

Joined also by special guest speaker Sandy Chong with her first major presentation since leaving her full-time role with the Australian Hairdressing Council, Sandy spoke to mindset, attitude and how to manage ‘above the line’ and ‘below the line’ behaviours to create a better harmony and balance in-salon, while also sharing insights into our industry statistics and the industry’s current state of play.

A mindset-based speaker, Peter Merrett, shared insight into creating positive outcomes through positive focus and designing the life and business you want for the future despite adversity.

“The purpose of La Soiree and the day we’ve shared was to reset our headspace in business and lead into an exciting night that allowed hairdressers to get together for a lot of fun and networking,” said Great Lengths and La Biosthetique General Manager, Karen Aubin.  “To be honest there is a lot of doom and gloom out there in the world right now and we know that work life is tough, so this year we focused on bringing the lightness back and reminding ourselves and each other why we do what we do.”

Deep-rooted with brands that carry a strong family culture, La Biosthetique began decades ago and is still owned by a German based Weisser family to this day. As with Great Lengths, which is wholly owned by the Antonino family in Italy, Karen stressed the importance of reminding their salon network that we are all family-first and it’s about feeling included and proud of the quality and individual service we all offer to each other through every step of business challenges in 2024.

“Our salons, stylists and partners immediately recognise that our culture and network is really unique. I honestly believe that people originally came to us for the products but end up staying for the people,” Karen said. “I’m just so glad to have our network together all the way from New Zealand to Perth to make this event so special – there’s a huge amount of effort that goes into this event, our speakers, stylists creating the hair, and most of all us all celebrating each other.”

A resounding appreciation for the trust and care that goes into the relationships, service and opportunities, the soiree was also a great chance to congratulate each and every salon for their contribution to the Colour with Care initiative and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) that has raised an impressive 100,000 dollars in donations from the Australian and New Zealand network.

“I love the spirit and the vibe from the hairdressers in Australia and the biggest difference for us is we are a born manufacturer of hair extensions to create the product that we receive the most demand from in different markets, said Antonino.

“We take a process used by the cashmere making industry and years of Research and Development to produce the best quality hair extensions. People come to us globally for the quality and consistency of our products and our sustainable values.”

Celebrating into the night with free-flowing cocktails, delectable canapes including beef tartare, crab cakes and tuna, and an impressive atmosphere exclusive to Barangaroo House, Karen and Rob Aubin really wanted to celebrate and thank their loyal clients for their service and contribution to the brand family. This loyalty ensures that they enjoy the experience with not only some of the industry’s best products but also relish in the atmosphere, long-standing relationships and conscious minded culture their businesses share.

Awards were also given for salon guests and their loyalty from five to 25 years plus and judging by using first names only – the family culture continued throughout every aspect of the night, with hugs, laughs and celebration of a network like no other.

Congratulations to the below long-serving winners:

Antonella, Hairdressers @ Work – 5 years with La Biosthetique
Makayla, Elite Hair Extensions – 5 years with La Biosthetique
Marc and Thalia, Mecca Hair – 5 years with La Biosthetique
Andrea, Andrea Barr – 5 years with La Biosthetique
Jennifer, Kutrize Hair Studio – 5 years with La Biosthetique
Donna and Maria, Amicus Hair and Beauty – 5 years with La Biosthetique
Julie, Kaos Hair and Body – 5 years with La Biosthetique
Shelley, Shelley and Co – 5 years with La Biosthetique
Jayme and Leasa, Simply Shine – 15 years  with La Biosthetique
Cindy, Hair of Arden – 20 years with La Biosthetique
Jo, To Be Hair, Skin and Body – 20 years with La Biosthetique
Sally, Tracey Wells – 20 years with La Biosthetique
Byron, Goldie Sydney – 5 years with Great Lengths
Prue, Evoke Hair Extensions – 10 years with Great Lengths
Makayla, Elite Hair Extensions – 10 years with Great Lengths
Steven, Christopher Hanna Platinum – 15 years with Great Lengths
Sonia, Salon on Victoria – 25 years with Great Lengths

For more information visit pro.labiosthetique.com.au

Catch up with INSTYLE and Styleicons!

• Subscribe to our bi-monthly magazine
• Check out www.styleicons.com.au
• Subscribe to our twice-weekly newsletter
• View our digital magazine
• Follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn