2018 ABIA Complete Submission

202020

Business Director/Owner
of the Year

Salon or Spa Owner or Director of the Year 2018

Part 1 - Give details of your day to day role within the salon and what makes you the
business director/owner of the year. Include the goals and ambitions you have for the
future both for you personally and for your business.

Whether or not to become a salon owner was a big decision but with a passion for makeup
and the beauty industry it was the next step for me in establishing my career. This passion
for the beauty industry was a great starting point but is only one of many necessary
ingredients. The ability to be a great makeup artist is completely different from the ability
to be a great business owner. I had to build my own business on the reputation I had
created as an employee which did not mean I would be an instant success. Becoming a
salon owner would call for a different skill set to be added to that of the beauty therapist, I
would have to work in my salon as well as on it and most of all become business minded.

From the day, I started planning the salon I was now responsible for much more than
providing the services my clients come looking for. As the owner, I have taken ultimate
control of every aspect of the salon from making a profit, branding, marketing, hiring, cash
flow, financial issues, stock control, cleanliness of the salon, appearance and OH&S.

I have achieved my vision by establishing a successful beauty salon which is now over 8
years old. By not using my start up on creating an expensively fitted out salon but creating a
friendly and welcoming atmosphere and consistently and frequently promoting the salon. I
have built it from the ground up, by only introducing new staff as I build my clientele. I now
boast 9 staff, 4 operational rooms, a designated makeup bar with 6 makeup stations, 3 Spa
Pedicure Chairs and 4 Nail stations.

The future involves more learning, new techniques and building my salon space. Growing
my own skills to bring to our region the art of brow feathering/ microblading by traveling to
the city to learn from the best. By branching out this will bring a new clientele to my salon
and in turn provide assurance to my staff that I will always endeavour to maintain a sought-
after salon for them to work in.

Winning this ABIA Award would mean that hard work, long hours and commitment pay off.
That providing consistently professional and personal service to my clients, keeps them
returning to where there are welcome, comfortable and respected. It would mean that I
have found the right balance as an employer who has built up an amazing team of
supportive girls who have my back, who work by my values and ethics to provide to their
clients exactly what I set out to do. It would mean that I would be recognised for providing
effective guidance and supportive leadership to my staff. The long-term success and strong
financial growth of my bustling regional beauty salon will stand me in good stead as Salon
Owner of the Year. (480 Words)

Salon or Spa Owner or Director of the Year 2018
Career History
Include CV style information on your Career History to date

Napoleon Perdis Melbourne Makeup Course 2002

SA TAFE Beauty Cert 3 2001 2002

Worked at leading regional Hair & Beauty Salon Giannis Mt Gambier SA 2002 - 2009

**Melbourne International Beauty Expo**
Face to Face Makeup Awards
1st Place High Fashion 2007
2nd Place Modern Bride 2007
1st Place Modern Bride 2008
2nd Place High Fashion 2008
1st Place Classic Bridal 2009

**Hair & Beauty SA State Awards**
Open Bridal
1st Place Pre-Done 2010
2nd Place Pre Done 2010
Open Bridal
1st Place Pre Done 2011
Runner Up Pre Done 2011
Open Runway
2nd place Pre Done 2011
Runner up Pre Done 2011

**Australian Bridal Industry Awards**
Top 5 South Australian MUA of the year 2011

**Hair & Beauty SA State Awards**
Invited Member of the Judging Panel 2012

**Masterclass** with Rae Morris 2012

**Australian Hair Fashion Awards**
Makeup Artist of the Year Finalist 2012

**Australian Beauty Industry Award**
Best Retail Salon Finalist 2012

**Australian Beauty Industry Awards**
Best Beauty Salon (less than 4 rooms) Finalist 2012

**Australian Beauty Industry Awards**
Makeup Artist of the Year Finalist 2012

**Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce Awards**
Small Business - Highly Commended 2012

**Advantage SA Regional Awards Limestone Coast**
BEST Small Business Award 2012

**Mt Gambier Chamber of Commerce**
BEST SMALL BUSINESS 2013

**Masterclass** with Merton Muerami 2013

**Masterclass** with Mia Connor 2014

**Qualified Cert 4 Beauty** TAFE SA 2015

**2016 Melb Beauty Expo**
Online Photographic Editorial Makeup
Mentored Trainees Tori Evans & Erin Hudson to win 1st and 2nd place
and Qualified MUA Sophie Chilton to a High Distinction

**Australian Beauty Industry Awards 2017**
Top 4 Beauty Salons 4 Rooms and Under SA/TAS/VIC

**Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce 2017**
MOST OUTSTANDING RETAIL BUSINESS

**MUSE Magazine Jan 2018**
3-page Editorial on Face Trends for 2018

Salon or Spa Owner or Director of the Year 2018

Explain how you keep up-to-date to ensure that you are at the
forefront of your profession when it comes to skills. Include what
plans you have for future training.

To stay at the top of my game, the salon must maintain high levels of customer
satisfaction while offering new products and services.

I continually strive to follow the latest trends and learn techniques that will
best suit my salon and stock a range of skin care and makeup which is
reputable and guide my staff to be able to sell all the above to their clients who
trust them to give only the best advice.

To do this I need to stay in touch with the changing trends in the industry,
research and seek training and travel to the city to keep myself and my staff at
the top of their game. I regularly attend trade shows and conventions. I have in
the past mentored my staff to enter national online editorial makeup
competitions at which they were very successful to return with their own
awards.

Daily I turn my eye to social media, Instagram and Face Book. Following
industry leaders on social media can provide me with links to important
articles. Mentors, both with in my region, not in the beauty industry, but full of
knowledge on running my business successfully through local business groups,
for example Women in Business Regional Development, Business SA and
Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce and Hair & Beauty SA.

I try to attend industry events which puts me in the direct company of industry
thought leaders. Not only are these great networking opportunities, but they
are amazing learning opportunities as well. Both the Melbourne and Sydney
Beauty Expos are my go to for short training courses every year.

The beauty industry changes rapidly, as a salon owner I and constantly striving
to stay in front, future training will depend on the next big trend that will come
to my attention that may be suitable to introduce in to my salon. For now, I am
concentrating on my micro blading technique and pushing 'Brow Perfection' as
one of the salons major points of difference, this is where my passion lies. (
345 Words)

Salon or Spa Owner or Director of the Year 2018

Explain the success your business has enjoyed during the period April 17 - March 18

Continued strong growth going into our 8th year of trading proves that we are continuing to
head in the right direction, but this stems from continued hard work to remaining at the top
of our game. From my entry into the 2017 ABIA awards, finishing in the top 4 Salons in
SA/TAS/VIC provided us with fantastic social media opportunities throughout our local
region.

This accolade was backed by winning the Mount Gambier Chamber of Most Outstanding
Retail Business Award, this is the most prestigious award given at this regions annual
business awards, an absolute honour for me after winning the Best Small Business.

I have added two extra staff members leading into the busy summer period to build a strong
team. I have personally under taken training in the art of Brow Micro Blading to add to the
salon menu, as this is currently one of the fastest growing services in the industry.

One of the biggest changes we had embrace for 2017-18 being a wedding provider is the
Marriage Equality Bill passed in Parliament in December 2017. From a personal point of
view, I totally support the 'Yes' Vote but from a beauty salon specialising in makeup it has
bought important changes as happy couples celebrate this milestone and are booking
weddings with us, adding to the nearly 40 we service on a seasonal basis.

I was excited to submit a feature article for MUSE Magazine Australia in Jan 2018. I was
successfully submitted articles for three different internet blogs for the Melbourne Beauty
Expo Insider, 42 Dubonnet and MyDeals.com, it is great to be able to work with Freelance
Writers and reach outside the realm of my salon and share my expertise.

Our Social Media pages have seen strong growth after working hard on maintaining
engaging and in formative post which continue to feature work of my staff. I believe if we
can do it well, then use images of what my staff achieve daily to promote our services on
Social Media pages.

Used positively Facebook and Instagram are our cheapest, and quickest promotional tools,
being able to reach clients with in minutes if we find ourselves with cancellations that need
filling but as business owners we must be aware exactly how these platforms work and not
think that just because we have a huge number of followers that they are all seeing what we
post. Another area as a business owner, we must keep up with.

Sales of Dermalogica were up considerably for the past 12 months bringing in more bonus
deals and reward incentives for staff. Inglot has been a huge success for our retail sales, all
this is available on line but for regional makeup lovers, to be able to come in and see the
new products is a huge plus.

Overall, the hard work is paying off and Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge has had a very
successful past 12 months with further exciting challenges ahead for the coming year.

Salon or Spa Owner or Director of the Year 2018

Give details of how you have contributed to the beauty industry continually in a positive light
through every channel available to you, within your work environment, the local area and in the
beauty industry at large.

I pride myself on creating a workspace that is friendly, personal but professional. Customer
satisfaction is important and can be measured by the re booking of appointments and the
very realistic growth of my business.

My passion for what I do and what I can offer my clients through service and advice is one
thing that stands me above similar beauty businesses in my region. I personally stay in tune
with the latest trends in the industry and research new and innovative products to
introduce to my salon for in house use and retail. I know from experience that customers
are loyal when they have positive experiences, and a good rapport with those customers are
an integral part of developing my business. Each successful sale is a new opportunity for a
new client, so each sale presents a new opportunity for the future.

Being set in a regional location I need to look at what I can offer my community. From the
beginning I have worked with local schools to provide classes for students to boost self-
esteem, learn basic adolescent skin care and pass on my take of age appropriate makeup. I
provide work place experience for any secondary students who apply and being the biggest
salon in the region this can often be up to 10 girls for weekly stints, from several secondary
schools in the region.

To pass on my expertise and to use as an advertising tool for products we retail, I have
produced a series of videos to use on our social media. I want to engage my audience with
my knowledge both with tips and tricks for applying makeup and skin care routines.
Targeting all ages, these videos have been popular and a proven winner for promoting retail
sales and gaining trust from viewers that I can offer the best advice and service.

I have attended training with Australian industry leaders to remain at the top of my field
and bring to my clients and Mt Gambier the best I can.

I have a passion for the importance of brows due to my own personal journey with a form
of Alopecia. Six years ago, my eyebrow hairs started falling out and as a result I found
myself constantly filling in my brows every day. Having my eyebrows micro bladed changed
my life. And after 2 years of having mine done I decided I would like to bring this technique
to my own clients so I can help others who have the same struggle. Helping clients who may
be suffering from scarring, Trichotillomania, Alopecia and Cancer, or other diseases and
disorders that have led to natural hair loss. This change in direction for my personal career
began with intensive training in Feb 2018.

"I don't look at what the opposition are doing and do the same, I look at what they are
doing and do it better"

In looking for the right attachments to support Mel’s Submission , I asked a client for a personal Reference, my
brief was simply to tell me how she sees Mel in relation to running her business and as a Beauty Therapist, this
is her reply

Debbie Menzies (Salon Coordinator)

To Whom it May Concern

Mel’s professionalism, skill and the ability to relate to clients, regardless of age is unsurpassed. My daughter
and I are both clients, as was my 82 year old mother until her passing. We all receive the warm, down to earth
approach of Mel, regardless of the time between appointments. This is something that makes a visit to Mel so
special, it is like catching up where you left off!

Living in a regional area often has the disadvantage of being left behind in any trends of the city. This is not
the case with Mel and her business, with Mel continually researching and challenging herself to learn new
techniques or services to offer to her clientele. Mel’s passion for her work and business does not end there -
any new knowledge or skill is transferred to her staff in training, further building on what Vanity can offer the
region.

I have seen Mel’s business grow over the years, a testament to the hard work she is prepared to put in and the
high standard that she expects, both of herself and her staff. In a town of this size, word of mouth is a very
powerful publicity tool, and for a business to grow like Vanity has you need to “walk the walk” and deliver –
Mel certainly walks it!

If Mel needed luck I would be the first to wish that to her, however, Mel’s reputation does not have luck as its
foundation. Mel’s reputation is based on care, skill, professionalism and a passion for what she does, every
single day. This cannot be bought it is earned. Mel deserves every single accolade that comes her way.

Maree Little 0417 029 354

Posted by a very satisfied client
So little Miss Z had the most wonderful time today getting pampered at Vanity. She received a birthday voucher,
which included mini facial, painted hand & toe nails and finished it off with her favourite part, makeup!
Thank you Mel Von Stanke and your Mum for your amazing friendly staff & for making her day special. The ladies
were so beautiful & patient with her. What a gorgeous salon. I highly recommend it.

Every stages she was able to choose her
own colours! So much fun!

The end result: all buffed, sparkly &
pampered

Painting the toenails. While I waited they
even let me sit on the electric massage

chair! Winning!

I can’t express enough how much I love the work of Vanity, especially Mel. The make up she did on my wedding
day was stunning and I will never grow tired of it. It lasted all day, looked amazing in pics...as does all the make
up she does, as well as Kirby and Megan, who have also done gorgeous jobs with my make up for various other
events. They came to us on my special day which took so much stress off.
Any time I have a special event to go to booking in for my make up is the first thing I do!
Mel also does an amazing job of gel nails in all the trending shapes and her ideas for colour are always amazing.
Erin does my sisters nails and I am always jealous of the creative shellac she gets there ;-) as well as all of this, I
have never been disappointed with my full body tans or brow sugaring. Thank you, ladies,! Xx

Renae Vino

Highly recommend!!!!
Mel is a fantastic makeup artist who listens to her client’s requests. So so talented lovely lady, you did an
amazing job on my daughter her bridal party and me at her recent wedding.
I especially loved my own makeup and tattoo Cover ups you did ����

Thank you so much xx

Carolyn Edwards

Mel is amazing! She currently did our bridal party airbrush make up for a wedding in Robe. No trial was
needed as photos from the business page showed the talent. Everyone loved their make up on the day. So
professional and made everyone feel at ease on what can be a stressful morning. Thanks heaps Mel and the
team x

Bridie Shilton

Been so happy with my last 3 make up appts with Mel. For my Hens night, my wedding and for another
wedding I was a guest at. Just loving it and with what she comes up with!! Can’t wait for the next time!!

Aimee Marshall

As posted on Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge Oct 14th, 2017

By Mel, in response to winning the

Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Retail Business Award

Mo

Firstly, I would like to say how honoured I am to have won the Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Retail
Business Award for 2017.

This post is a little long winded but please see it through.
I don't usually post the following on fb but felt I needed to tell people why I couldn't make the awards last night.

As some of you may know I have recently been diagnosed with a disease of the lower colon and the past six
months for me has been quite a battle. I am finally feeling like I am getting on top of things but at times this
disease can be quite debilitating and last night was one of these and being in the middle of working 11 days
straight I felt I the need to put my health first, so our clients and business don't suffer.

I am very grateful to Mum for being there to accept this award and feel that she deserves it just as much as I do
as we are in this as a team, without her by my side this business would not be. She does what I cannot, and I do
what she cannot and together it just works. Thank you for your hours or tireless work, support, babysitting and
just being there for me.

Opening the salon 7 years ago by myself and taking my business plan to the accountant with the prospect of
maybe one day having 1 staff member and myself, I never dreamed that 7 years later and we would be
employing 8 staff and have 4 beauty rooms. But with hard work, an amazing team and big dreams, we have
slowly built our business to what It is today, and It is currently surpassing everything I had ever imagined.

To my team, you are such a strong group of individuals, but we form an even stronger team. Without you beside
me I would not be where I am today.

To my husband, thank you for your endless support. We make a great team and are both working hard towards
the bigger picture.

To my amazing parents and in-laws, your support means so much to me. And without you I couldn't work as
much as I do.

And finally to our clients who have supported us along the way.

ThanTkhyiosupost received 441 Likes and reached 8400 people
Meloxrganically (not paid for) and received 70 Supporting

Comments
As some of you may know I have recently been diagnosed with a disease of the lower colon and the past six
monAthtsefsotrammeenhtastobeMenelq’suwiteoarkbeattthleic.,IpaompfuinlaarlilytyfeaenldingthliekesaI laomn getting on top of things but at times this
dise‘asseprcoafnebsseioqnuiatleisdmeb. ilitating and last night was one of these, and being in the middle of working 11 days
straight I felt I the need to put my health first so our clients and business don't suffer.

I am very grateful to Mum for being there to accept this award and feel that she deserves it just as much as I do
as we are in this as a team ,without her by my side this businesss would not be. She does what I can not and I do
what she can not and together it just works. Thankyou for your hours or tireless work, support, babysitting and
just being there for me.

Opening the salon 7 years ago by myself and taking my business plan to the accountant with the prospect of

Maree Little Thoroughly deserved Mel! we are now up to our third generation of supporting you and your business
& its been great to see things grow. Debbie is a do-er, the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. Congratulations x

Dianne Jones Because you believe in yourself and your business, you are so successful at it and this award is a
testament to that effort. And yes your mum is amazing too. Love your work. Congratulations. Xx

Georgia Zacardo Amazing xxx I have only known you a very short time Mel but you are such a beautiful soul,
you soo deserve this! Well done to the team at Vanity xx you girls are incredible

Jenny Chapman Congratulations Mel and team that is fantastic news. As a client I highly recommend your
beauty salon to anyone, very efficient and friendly and make me feel welcome. Well done
Izzy Slatery I've been going to you guys for 7 years and I can't think of a better quality of service
congrats Mel, you deserve this and more xxx
Sophie McElroy Congratulations Mel! So deserving ❤ Such an inspiration X

Sarah Barney Your a star your such a beautiful soul ❤ congratulations, well deserved xxx

Amanda Jensen Congratulations Mel and your amazing team behind you

Kate Morris So well deserved Mel. You earned this! Hope you’re feeling better x
Gail Richards Well done Mel. Fantastic work!! Well deserved xxx
Kate Evans Congratulations Mel & De b. I really loved your speech Deb, it was heart-warming to hear you speak
about Mel and give your team so much credit.
Kelley Evans: Fantastic effort, from little things big things grow with hard work and passion

Jenny Heemskerk: Big Congratulations Mel, Deb and the great team that you have....well deserved
Sharon Fox Congratulations Mel, Deb and Team so very happy for you. Well deserved

louiseagnewThreading her heart away! The talent, passion and
dedication of this amazing woman blows me away

lizziecokemusicMy eyebrow Angel
louiseagnew@lizziecokemusic also my eyebrow Ange! My face would
be a wreck without her!!!
meldavs21Thankyou you beautiful lady for your kind words!

# Please supply a photograph of yourself

# Supply a single or multi page pdf of copies of your professional qualifications

# Upload a multi page pdf of photograph(s) of the salon/spa including interior
and exterior.

# Supporting documents & images
Include any additional photos or documentation that you feel is required to
support your entry
Client References
Personal Reference
http://online.anyflip.com/mpli/nzmv/mobile/index.html
Salon magazine
https://www.instagram.com/melvonstanke_browartist/?hl=en
MVS Brow Artistry
https://www.facebook.com/DesignerMakeupToolsAustralia/photos/a.2771321
32426057.1073741827.117919325014006/922362981236299/?type=3&theat
er
Designer Makeup Tools Brand Ambassador
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se1B9jd5RGE&t=1s
Tutorial Video
http://www.beautyexpomelbourne.com.au/en/beautyinsider/Beauty-With-
Love/Holidays-with-loveFive-tips-for-surviving-the-silly-season/
Article for Melbourne Beauty Expo

Salon of the Year

4 Treatment Rooms or Less SA/TAS/ VIC

Entrants may be a hotel based beauty salon/spa or individual boutique style beauty salon/spa
offering beauty treatments including but not limited to facial, aesthetic, body work,
aromatherapy, manicure/pedicure, waxing, massage and skin health.
Services can also include water, steam or other heat experiences in addition to relaxation
areas and treatment rooms.

This award is given to the beauty salon or spa that has 4 Treatment rooms or less and shows
the highest excellence in facilities, environment, customer care, services, menu and training.

Winners of each state award in this category are all automatically entered into the category of
Australian Salon/Spa of the Year (4 Treatment rooms or less). The winner is determined
based on the highest judging points and a secondary round of judging if required

Salon of the Year

4 Treatment Rooms or Less SA/TAS/ VIC - Opening Statement

State why your salon/spa should be awarded as the Best State Salon/Spa of the Year (4 Treatment
rooms or less) and how you have demonstrated excellence.

Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge has been recognized locally in our region as both " Best
Small Business in 2012" and "Most Outstanding Retail Business in 2017" by the Mount
Gambier Chamber of Commerce. The second being the most prestigious local award for the
Limestone Coast Region of South Australia. This accolade itself proves how we have
demonstrated excellence over the past 8 years. From humble beginnings, starting out as a
single owner operator in Feb 2010, the salon has been developed in to a bustling go to salon
employing 9 people.

It is not just the ambiance but the salon culture that stands this business above others in the
region. Lead by Mel Von Stanke, with a life time of experience in the beauty industry, who is
a sort after Makeup Artist and now Microblading specialist that keeps clients returning to a
salon where they are made to feel respected and welcome every time they visit.

Mel has worked at developing a strong branding and marketing. Quality lifestyle images of
our staff portray the right image through social media, our website and print media. Our
team are well presented professionals and this personal touch reaps rewards when posted
to social media. Clients see real people doing real services and we get a bigger reaction from
using these for our advertising. We pride our social media on being full of content created
by the staff. Images of perfect on trend nail art, pictures of makeup, lash extensions and
much more provide those viewing our page in an honest representation of what they can
expect from a visit to my salon.

Our Creative Director of Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge Mel works on or in the business
every day. She leads a team of 8 vibrant and professional staff and has chosen a decor that
would rival many a city salon. Having someone in charge that understands what we need to
do to succeed, not only as a Qualified Beautician and a business person, continually looking
for ways to grow her business propels this salon further each year.

Service excellence is leader driven, it is the result of the relentlessly hard work. It does not
occur by chance and together as a team we have built a strong brand of our own.

Salon of the Year

4 Treatment Rooms or Less SA/TAS/ VIC - Business Success

Explain the success your business has enjoyed during the period April 17 - March 18

Apart from a continued growth, adding more staff and hence a bigger turnover, 2017-18
saw some exciting things happen in the salon. From our successful entry into the 2017 ABIA
awards, finishing in the top 4 Salons in SA/TAS/VIC provided us with fantastic social media
opportunities throughout our local region. This accolade was backed by winning the Mount
Gambier Chamber of Commerce Most Outstanding Retail Business Award, this is the most
prestigious award given at this local business award, an absolute honour after winning the
Best Small Business in 2012.

One of the biggest changes we must embrace for 2017-18 being a wedding provider is the
Marriage Equality Bill passed in Parliament in December 2017. This bought about the need
change our booking forms to accommodate any combination of partners. Together with the
introduction of Microblading to our service Menu which created a need to provide a waiver
form for those clients about to undertake this service. We researched and developed an on-
line, signable form which is sent to our prospective clients and can be found attached to our
website. The need for change forced us to re evaluate and provide a more efficient and
professional way of taking client details for both the above services, which in hindsight was
good move.

As individuals, all our staff were happy to see the 'YES' vote succeed but from a business
point of view it will bring forward exciting opportunities to embrace new clients, having
already booked 3 weddings by ecstatic couples.

Mel loves sharing her expertise from makeup, skin care and business and found an exciting
new way to work with Freelance Writers through sourcebottle.com. She has submitted
successful articles to several on-line blogs, but most recent seen her name in print in MUSE
Magazine Australia for a 3-page spread predicting makeup trends for 2018. Whilst this
article may not have impacted the flow of clients into the salon directly, it gave us a chance
to boast on social media and shows clients that they are in fact dealing with someone who
can offer them professional advice and that as a salon we keep abreast of the everchanging
beauty industry.

We introduced the PINK table, always looking for ideas to attract our client’s attention, and
to stand out in our plant filled salon with its pink macramé hangers we painted a table Fluro
pink. It was first used laden with Christmas packs, since then we are using it as a clearance
table, clients know now that whatever is on the table is on special and it has proved a
fantastic tool for attracting client’s attention and boosting retail sales.

This year instead of purchasing pre-packed Christmas gift ideas, we packed current stock up
into vibrant cellophane covered gift ideas and discounted them to attract purchasers. We
were able to make them up to suit a wider variety of price points and after Christmas they

were unpacked and returned to stock, without any wastage or need to discount further to
clear.

Mel also released a second series of Tutorial Videos. The first series were a huge success in
reaching a wide audience of clients. Mainly directed at giving tips and tricks about using
products and skin care, the second series were designed more at promoting the retail sales
of certain products. Mel wanted to gain a viewing audience first before pushing products, so
people were more inclined to watch them all the way through, not thinking they were
directed at pushing products. These have been far more effective than previous print media,
that can cost more than $1k for a page in one magazine or newspaper. Whereas $1k can
create around 5 personal tutorial videos which can be featured and reach a far wider
audience on social media than a full page in a local paper for one edition.

We are on target to reach sales over $500k for the 17/18 financial year, showing continued
and consistent growth over 8 years which is a very, very high turnover considering our
location.

In all, April 17 - March 18 has been a very successful year for Vanity Makeup Bar & Body
Lounge.

Include images of Interior and Exterior of your Salon

Spacious Reception

Makeup Bar Original 1950’s ...simply stunning
Spa Pedicure Chairs

Perfect Selfie Station ... Colour Pop ….

The PINK Table , great for grabbing the attention Good size rooms , space for Mums with Prams
of clients ….

Well-presented windows
and A frame

Step inside where you are
always welcome….

Sunshine is good for the sole, staff
entrance & lunch space and drying
by the sun fits our Green Policy

Green Policy

Create a great first impression

Well lit night view

Salon of the Year
4 Treatment Rooms or Less SA/TAS/ VIC - Green Policy

What you have done to enhance the environment of your salon/spa and your green policy

The bohemian vibe of our salon calls for the inclusion of plants and lots of them. The
presence of plants in the workplace is said to increase creativity levels, hopefully this is true.

We have not only filled out work space with them, we are creating an inner-city court yard
vibe to our back entrance, extending our staff area by creating a relaxing place to unwind
over lunch breaks and to get out of the staff room and get fresh air and sunshine. Plants
make the workplace appear more calm and serene, they improve the air quality of a
workplace because they absorb pollutants.

When possible, we sun dry our towels, saving power and leaving them extra white, and
smelling fresher utilising our courtyard for another purpose.

We recently replaced all our old fluros with compact fluorescent lights which last 10 times
longer and use 66% less energy than incandescent bulbs and deliver a more efficient white
light level.

We have installed dimmer switches in areas in which maximum lamp output is not
necessary.

We run a programmable thermostat on our air conditioning unit and set to a comfortable
temperature rather that heat and cool in bursts. We also run a quarterly maintenance
program for the unit to make sure it is always running at its peak.

We have timers on all power points where possible, so they are always warm when needed
but there is not wastage of power over the weekends and when we are not here.

"It's the small things that count"

Include proof of any accolades your salon has enjoyed

Finalist Business Woman of the Year 2017

Mel Von Stanke

Finalist Best Business ( Over 5 Employees) 2017

Vanity Make Up Bar & Body Lounge

MOST OUTSTANDING RETAIL BUSINESS

2017

State Salon/Spa of the Year VIC/TAS/SA - 4 Treatment Rooms or Less

Salon of the Year

4 Treatment Rooms or Less SA/TAS/ VIC - Full Description

Give a full description of your salon/spa including any relevant history, size, position, number of
staff, demographic of clientele, services and any other information that supports your entry.

I opened my salon Vanity Make Up Bar and Body Lounge in Feb 2010. Built on a reputation I had as
an employee which may not prove that I would be an instant success running my own business. As a
single owner operator, it was only 3 months before I needed to employ my first trainee and a further
3 saw the addition of my first full time qualified beautician, (still with me today) I now boast a team
of 9 employees which includes a full time Salon Coordinator.

I did not use my start-up to create an expensively fitted out salon, but instead chose my own eclectic
taste in furniture to fill my salon with upcycled furniture. I wanted to strike the right balance, there
would be no use having and amazingly fitted out salon and no money to invest in marketing it.

Step inside this energetic salon and you are transported in time through the plant filled reception
area and the collection of cane furniture, featuring a traditional black peacock chair. With an eclectic
mix of Chandeliers, Vintage mirrors and authentic white padded half circle reception desk which
puts a modern twist to a Bohemian atmosphere.

Located in the bustling regional city of Mount Gamier, South Australia, we have a reach of over 200
kms where we are regularly booked for wedding destinations as part of an average of 35 weddings
we provide makeup services for every year. Specialising in makeup but not targeting clients based
only on those wanting this service. We also provide all beauty services to attract a wide variety of
aged clients to fill our appointment books. In this type of location, we must attract a broad client
base to be successful.

Growing comfortably each year, by knowing my clients and demographic, following trends, learning
new techniques and building a reliable professional team.

My Salon is 120 sq mtrs with a designated makeup area filled with natural light and lit by white light
to create a perfect space for applying the 100's of makeup we have booked in for Graduations,
Debutantes , Wedding Parties and more. I have 4 designated treatment rooms and 4 nail stations
and 3 Spa Pedicure Chairs filling the large open area which also houses retail and reception.

I have myself entered National Makeup Competitions, and been successful in reaching the finals,
mentored my staff to succeed in on line photographic competitions through the Melbourne Beauty
Expo and reached finals in previous ABIA Awards. I have judged Statewide Makeup Competitions
after winning these for 2 years in succession. I enter these for several reasons, firstly to challenge
myself and secondly as a promotional tool for my salon and to show my team they can reach outside
the limits of their home town.

Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge is now a well-established and popular salon, we support the
community through sponsorship of important fundraising events. We are the go to salon, followed
on social media, just last week we had girls travel over 150 kms to have their makeup done for their
school formal.

But the beauty industry is forever changing , there is no time to become complacent.

Salon of the Year

4 Treatment Rooms or Less SA/TAS/ VIC - Customer Experience

What do you offer your customers to make their experience the best that it can be?

When you choose Vanity, I ensure you put yourself in the hands of a team of dedicated,
friendly and versatile professionals

I have built up a team of qualified staff who share my passion for what they do. Megan,
Kirby , Emma Tori , Georgia , Abby and Erin along with my Salon Coordinator Debbie offer
clients attention to detail through exceptional customer service and specialized advice. We
make sure all of the small things count. From first impressions which is our website, our
window, Street A Frame and our reception area.

Keeping up with the latest trends in the industry and research new and innovative products
to introduce to the salon for in house use and retail is a key to staying in a number one
position in the region and respected by clients looking for the right advice.

Having dedicated and motivated employees is the best key to the success of the business.
Knowing why my employees come to work, finding someone who is working to fulfill
personal goals or gain new experience and opportunities to widen their horizons. Which
is buoyed by creating an exciting work environment for my staff to fulfill personal
development and positive affirmation. Because when employees are connected they
understand what it takes for my salon to be successful, want to see the it succeed and are
willing to do what it takes to help the salon get there.

The appearance of our salon, our equipment, our team and written material is of utmost
importance, in creating the right impression to our clients. Even our window and A Frame ,
being our street appeal and advertising to entice clients into our salon.

An eye catching and professional website can be the first impression for new clients. This is
the first point of contact for many, so after 5 years , this year has been the ideal time to
recreate our website with the lifestyle images we had professionally taken featuring all
aspects of our salon and services.

Each staff member offers something unique to my business, each girl has a different
personality , which in turn connects them with different clients , hence widening our client
base.

" I believe true leadership is delivered with passion and by example I always instill in my
staff to treat every client as though they write your pay cheque, because they do “

Salon of the Year

4 Treatment Rooms or Less SA/TAS/ VIC - Staff Training

What training do you offer your staff both on and off site, what incentives do you offer and what
additional activities do you have in place help them be the best that they can be.

It is important that for my salon that I invest in my team and continue to educate them as
they are my greatest profit potential.

I must help build self-esteem and self confidence in themselves and in their artistic skills. I
work hard to help my staff become successful. I know if I show them how to double and
triple their income, the salon will in turn grow in profitability.

Being in regional SA, 500 kms from both Adelaide or Melbourne it can be very costly to send
staff to the city for training. Our Local TAFE caters for basic Cert 3 and 4 studies, but this
does not encompass the latest trends like eyelash extensions, threading, lash lifts, brow
henna.

For example, after being the only person fully trained in threading, I bought in an expert
from Adelaide and now I have 7 girls all confident in this fast-growing technique. I could
have tried to fit into our busy salon schedule time for myself to pass on my skills, but I feel
that I was also able to benefit from a refresher course. The most previous other technique I
undertook in this manner was for eyelash extensions training in May 2017.

Wednesday is training day, I dedicate 3 hours to work with my trainees as they bring clients
in and work under my supervision to make sure their TAFE skills learnt in a class
environment are developed up to the standard that I want all my team to work to.

All my senior staff act as mentors to the trainees, it is part of our culture which I insist is
important to every one’s commitment to the salon which is their workplace.

Supply a Salon/Spa/Service/Business logo

Upload a multi page pdf of photograph(s) of the salon/spa including interior and exterior.

Supply a multi page pdf including 2 different testimonials by clients.

Salon Menu
Upload your service menu showing what services you offer, and prices charged.

Financials
Supply a pdf including graph(s) or bullet points showing growth in business over the last year (April
17 - March 18) covering: financial growth, increase in clients and growth of repeat business

Press Coverage
Supply a multi page pdf and show examples of any relevant press coverage you have enjoyed during
the period of March 2016 - February 2017. that will support your entry
: Erin’s feature after winnin Regional World Skills Competition
: Mel’s feature after winning Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce
Awards & Accolades ( optional)
Include information on any awards or accolades you or your team have enjoyed during the period of
April 17 - March 18 that will support your entry
:Finalist WIBRD Business Awards
: Finalist at the 2017 ABIA

: Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce
Links to

https://www.facebook.com/vanitymakeupbar/
Face Book
https://www.vanitymakeupbar.com/
Website
https://www.instagram.com/vanitymakeupbar/?hl=en
Instagram
http://anyflip.com/mpli/snjj/
Magazine

Media Advertising
Include copies of any advertising or marketing during the period of April 17 - March 18 that will
support your entry

Customer Care Award

This award is given to the Salon/Spa who can demonstrate excellence in the area of customer care.

Customer Care Award - Opening Statement

Explain what practices and procedures you implement in your salon or spa to make you an award
winner.

The growing number of beauty conscious women and their demand for variety of services
are the reason we are seeing continuous growth in our salon. In saturated market we need
to establish what makes our salon stand out, attract clients and most importantly, retain
them. It is far more cost effective for us to retain a loyal client than to attract a new one.

Vanity is the go to salon in the Limestone Coast of South Australia, encompassing a region
extending over a 200 kms in circumference from where clients secure our services for
destination weddings, and we have built our reputation by creating a professional team,
who learn the latest techniques and offer the best service.

I always instil that clients of Vanity are to be treated equal by all members of the staff, and
that team provide a consistent quality of service so if they have a preferred beautician to
take care of their need they may in future be happy to stay with the salon if their preferred
beautician is not available.

Reliability is my first measure of customer satisfaction. Ensuring my staff can perform the
promised service dependably and accurately giving our clients confidence that in returning
they will receive the same level of service every time.

A smile, a cheerful greeting, great conversation, laughter on top of professionalism, by team
members who are at the top of their game. The one thing I tell my team is to remember
that we never get a second opportunity to make a good first impression.

I tell my team to communicate with their clients, tell them what we are doing throughout
procedures, what is coming next or how long they may have left. I feel this is particularly
important for treatments where the client's eyes may be closed.

Clients are likely to ask about the products that you are using on them. My team need to
know all of the products that we use and sell in order to be able to upsell them to our
clients, being confident with their product knowledge makes the client feel confident in
their service.

Providing our own in salon magazine in our reception area provide our clients with
information about our team, our products and show them they are in fact in the hands of a
an well trained team that can provide them the best product information and services for
them.

Offering free advice through this magazine is a long-term strategy offering ideas and advice.
Hopefully this will build new relationships and acquire business over time. For example, one
client on reading and article, while in reception, bought the new BECCA primer after reading
about its qualities. Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge has along successful history of
winning local and regional awards for exemplary service which would stand it in good stead
as an award winner at any Beauty Industry Awards

Customer Care Award - Unique Customer Service

Give a full description of your unique customer care service and what sets you apart. Include an
explanation of how you look after your customers before, during and after a visit to your salon or
spa.

I feel to excel in the service industry is always more of a challenge that the retail industry.
Customers of the service industry are often more critical and demanding, since they are in
direct contact with the service through the experience.

When a client walks into the salon for the first time, they will immediately create an
impression and we make sure to give them a warm welcome, make eye contact and make
sure everything is ready for their appointment. Every one of these clients is an asset to our
business and should be served sincerely and exceeding that their expectations should start
at the inquiry stage and be maintained throughout our whole future relationship with them.

We do the traditional customer care in sending reminder text, this has helped us with a
decline in no shows. But to maintain a personal relationship with our clients we have not
moved down the line of booking on line. Touted as a way to increase bookings and lessen
the time needed on reception, we like to be in control so if a client needs help beyond the
realm of a set booking system , we may be able to entertain changes to our appointment
calender at short notice. We always try to be as accommodating as possible, our clients
won't forget if we go above an beyond despite our busy schedule.

With a salon coordinator at reception and in control of the daily schedule, we have
someone to keep up with time management. Things go wrong and if a beauty therapist is
running behind we make a courtesy call suggest the next client may be able to take and
extra 15 min to complete another chore or our salon coordinator can help by staring
removing a client’s nails, help them choose a colour, get them soaking in the Spa Pedi chair,
to pick up valuable minutes for the therapist.

Simple measures like playing good music, having up to date and quality magazines will help
create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere shows our clients that we care about making
their experience a pleasant one.

The appearance of our salon, our equipment, our team and written material is of utmost
importance, in creating the right impression to our clients. Even our window and A Frame,
being our street appeal and advertising to entice clients into our salon.

An eye catching, and professional website can be the first impression for new clients. This is
the first point of contact for many so after 5 years, this year has been the ideal time to
recreate our own website with the lifestyle images we had professionally taken featuring all
aspects of our salon and services.

Apart from providing affordable services we feel knowing our product, giving trusted advice
and professional execution of our services are 3 key factors to doing just that.

From the very beginning, our salon motto has been, " treat your client as though they write
your pay cheque, because they do"

Customer Care Award - Facilities

Give a full description of your salon/service facilities and what you see as your point of difference

Vanity is not like any other salon in that is full of colour, cane, and plants. "There is nothing like cane to create
a Bohemian relaxed 1970's state of mind". With accents of Fluro pink in macramé planters hanging from the
corners of the beauty rooms and Ahoy Trader ceramics offering further hints of vibrant colours on black walls
creates an immediate point of difference from all the classic beauty salons.

Our staff wear their own choice off black on black, on trend clothing to accentuate their own style and
personality, which sees each attract their own clients through their varied personalities which in turn broadens
our client base.

Two things were on my list of to do's when I opened salon and to this day 8 years later, they are still the first
thing I instil into my staff members to answer the phone 'Welcome to Vanity , you are speaking with "Name"
which allows the caller to identify with you as the last thing they hear from our greeting is our beauty
therapists name.

AND welcome every client with the shortest possible time frame when they walk into the salon. Either greet
them for their appointment, attend to their query as soon as you can but always acknowledge that they are in
our salon and welcome and someone will be with them as soon as possible.

We are the ideal size to be flexible. Small salons are limited to having only beauticians who are with clients to
run the salon, calls are missed and need to be recalled when there is time and they get held up by valuable
walk in retail customers and leave their clients half way through their service.

Being a medium to larger size salon we are in a great position as we usually have the flexibility to go the extra
mile to make customers and potential customers feel valued with trainees who may have gaps to pick up walk
ins and our Salon Coordinator to be available to answer calls as they come in and find placement for those who
want to book or answer any query in any way to help.

After years of media advertising, we have turned to a new way of promoting the salon through our own in
store magazine. Clients want to know that they are visiting a salon with knowledgeable staff, who are up-to-
date with the latest trends and innovations in the industry. So we felt, what better way to promote our teams
skill-set by creating a simple magazine offering tips and advice on treatments and products. Easily created on-
line, sharable from our reception area and through social media, email and available to hand out at any
promotional evenings and given to local charity events who ask for donations, which we happily give in return
for them handing out advertising for our salon.

No salon should be running their salon without using Face Book and Instagram as a tool to attract clients and
communicate with them. Whilst you do need to switch off from work, messages can be rapidly attended to
and prospective new and regular clients booked fast and efficiently through these platforms from inquiries
that may come in through messenger.

Both our Instagram and Face Book are driven by our staff, recording images of their nails, brow tinting and
shaping and lash extensions and Lifts. Enticing clients with consistent uploads and demonstrate the expertise
of our staff and increase confidence in them and our business.Overall, we provide a warm and friendly
environment for our team of professionals to work with in and they in turn pass this on to our clients to make
them feel respected and valued. Therefore, their clients will become a walking advertisement for services they
provide and the salon they work in.

Customer Care Award - Full Description

Give a full description of your salon/spa including any relevant history, size, position, number of
staff, demographic of clientele, services and any other information that supports your entry.

I opened my salon Vanity Make Up Bar and Body Lounge in Feb 2010. Built on a reputation I had as
an employee which may not prove that I would be an instant success running my own business.

As a single owner operator, it was only 3 months before I needed to employ my first trainee and a
further 3 saw the addition of my first full time qualified beautician, (still with me today) I now boast
a team of 9 employees which includes a full time Salon Coordinator.

I did not use my start-up to create an expensively fitted out salon, but instead chose my own eclectic
taste in furniture to fill my salon with upcycled furniture. I wanted to strike the right balance, there
would be no use having and amazingly fitted out salon and no money to invest in marketing it.

Step inside this energetic salon and you are transported in time through the plant filled reception
area and the collection of cane furniture, featuring a traditional black peacock chair. With a eclectic
mix of Chandeliers, Vintage mirrors and authentic white padded half circle reception desk which
puts a modern twist to a Bohemian atmosphere.

Located in the bustling regional city of Mount Gamier, South Australia, we have a reach of over 200
kms where we are regularly booked for wedding destinations as part of an average of 35 weddings
we provide makeup services for every year. Specialising in makeup but not targeting clients based
only on those wanting this service. We also provide all beauty services to attract a wide variety of
aged clients to fill our appointment books. In this type of location, we must attract a broad client
base to be successful.

Growing comfortably each year, by knowing my clients and demographic, following trends, learning
new techniques and building a reliable professional team.

My Salon is 120 sq mtrs with a designated makeup area filled with natural light and lit by white light
to create a perfect space for applying the 100's of makeup we have booked in for Graduations,
Debutantes, Wedding Parties and more. I have 4 designated treatment rooms and 4 nail stations and
3 Spa Pedicure Chairs filling the large open area which also houses retail and reception.

I have myself entered National Makeup Competitions, and been successful in reaching the finals,
mentored my staff to succeed in on line photographic competitions through the Melbourne Beauty
Expo and reached finals in previous ABIA Awards. I have judged State-wide Makeup Competitions
after winning these for 2 years in succession.

I enter these for several reasons, firstly to challenge myself and secondly as a promotional tool for
my salon and to show my team they can reach outside the limits of their home town.

Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge is now a well-established and popular salon, we support the
community through sponsorship of important fundraising events. We are the go to salon, followed
on social media, just last week we had girls travel over 150 kms to have their makeup done for their
school formal.

But the beauty industry is forever changing, there is no time to become complacent

Customer Care Award - Client Care

Give some real examples of how you offer superior customer care.

Beauty services are all about making a client gain confidence about themselves, our staff
will go above and beyond to assist anyone.

Client 1 - Bev

Bev is ailing in her movement and health, she was always a very astute business woman and
still feels a little regular waxing and nail polish makes her feel a real woman. She now uses a
frame and relies on her husband to bring her down to the salon.

We always keep an eye out for on arrival and help her with the door and walk her to the car
to meet her husband. Due to her health issues, she often needs to change appointments at
short notice, we never let her feel as though this is an issue. She insists on having Mel, but
with gentle persuasion of the and the friendliness of all the girls toward her, we have
convinced her to accept any of the staff and they have all made her feel comfortable with
their same professional service.

Client 2 - Jane

Jane has an autistic daughter and needs to be with her for most of the time, rarely getting
time to herself to make her own appointments. We are more than happy to book a mini
buff & polish with our trainee to amuse Lily while Jane relaxes for a short 20 minutes and
Lily is safe with our staff. This gives Jane time to feel good about herself, we are happy to
help.

Client 3: Sue

As I prepared to press the send button for this submission from my desk, a client sat down
to have her nails done. He 15-year-old son rang to say her was locked out of the house and
needed the computer she had in her bag to complete an important document before
4.30pm. She was looking to apologise and to leave which would have left a therapist with an
hour gap. Knowing her home was less than 10 minutes away and being a country salon, my
car was parked close by, I offered to run both to her son, allowing her to have her nails done
which were well overdue and diverting a crisis for her. This type of customer service is
beyond the scope of most salons, and is outside the box of normal customer care, but to us
it is all in a day’s work.

Attach a PDF to show at least 4 or more examples of client care

Attention to your every detail

Spa Pedicures

Threading Professional Advice
Massage Waxing

Professional Makeup Application by trained staff

Latest Trends—Lash Extensions

Perfect Nail Application and Care

Relaxing Facials with best Skin Care
Advice

Wide choice of color , quality products

Courteous Service Product Knowledge

Always with a Smile Consistent Service

Dermalogica Trained Skin Advice Well presented staff

Customer Care Award - Philosophy & Mission Statement

Give details of the ethos and culture of your business

Phiosophy
If you choose to visit Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge it is our goal to exceed your
expectations.
Come experience a friendly atmosphere where you come as guests and leave as friends. Our
staff are highly trained with diversity in all aspects of Makeup and Beauty Therapy.
Our primary mission is to provide the highest level of customer service to each client,
thereby establishing a long-lasting relationship of trust and commitment.
Our expertise and professionalism allow us to provide clients with the utmost beauty
experience!
We keep up on the latest trends in our industry by continually attending hair shows and
education classes throughout the year.
Come let us pamper you and provide you with quality services.

Mission Statement
To be innovative and motivated in the pursuit of excellence and embrace the challenges of
change in the Beauty Industry.
To achieve profit through team members and client satisfaction.
To be number one in our area, training, our salon, prices and wages.
To be alert to changes in our situation and the market.
To care about ourselves, our business and our community.
To be a happy, growing, profitable and high quality business achieving our personal targets.
To be a team of people aware of good values, appreciative of excellent results and
constantly alert to the importance of consistency.

Salon Team of the Year

This award is given to a beauty salon or spa with three or more employees that can demonstrate
excellence in teamwork and who have collectively contributed to the business success of the salon
or spa.

Salon Team of the Year

State why you think your team deserves this award including the team's strengths and what makes
your team special.

My team affectionately known as Team #Vanity103 are enthusiastic, artistic professionals
who provide outstanding service to the clients of Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge. As
their creative director I work hard to provide thriving culture in my business for them and
give them vision, values, purpose, and a WOW factor to work within.

One of the challenging aspects of being a salon owner is the hiring and retention of good
employees but from girls I will introduce to you in this submission, I have attained just that.

Their ability and talent, as well as their attitudes and work ethic, influences every aspect of
my business, so I always choose my team members very carefully. When I add a new
member, I make sure they are compatible with my other employees. Now I have a team
who contribute to a very positive and fun salon environment. If the fit is right, I can easily
develop their skills to reach the level I require for consistent provision of services and
professional advice to support their retail sales.

Their cooperative spirit is very strong, my team are like family. I believe team momentum
and excitement i infectious and teamwork pulls people together in the most positive way.
When clients walk into a salon and see this mutual trust and friendship among people who
spend a lot of time together, they feel that they are important to us, which of course they
are.

Only the other day a new client was having a nail service and listening to the friendly banter
between the girls after what had been a very busy morning lead her to say "This seems a
very fun place to work" proving we must be doing it right.

Located in a bustling regional city, my team members are well known and respected
community members. As a team they deserve the exposure winning such an award as 'Team
of the Year' would give them. It would be an exciting reward for my submission, to give
them such an honour which would in turn provide us all with exciting advertising
opportunities for their commitment to the salon on all forms of local & social media.

They go above and beyond during busy times such as the lead up to Christmas when
everyone works so many extra hours to keep their clients happy. Or when we provide
makeup for 5 separate high school graduations in 3 weeks in November. And on Local Race
Day with their 6 am start to a day filled with statement makeups for the racegoers or start
early and travel to destination weddings over 150 kms away.

As an employer, I could not wish for more supportive team.

Salon Team of the Year

State how many people are in your team, their individual roles and what they contribute to the
team.
1 Mel / 35 / Owner / Cert 4 / 8 years
*"has a passion for BROWS"*
2 Megan 28 / Senior Cert 3 / 7 yrs / FT 38 hrs
*"makeup is art and my clients face the canvas"*
3 Kirby 30 / Senior Diploma / 5 yrs / Casual 20 hrs
*"sharing her passion for skin care with clients"*
4 Erin 22 / Trainee 2 yrs / Senior Cert 4 2 yrs / FT 38 hrs
*"perfecting nail application and creating interesing combinations of gel colours"*
5 Tori 18 / Trainee 2 yrs / Senior Cert 3 2 yrs / FT 38 hrs
*"helping people look their best and feel great about themselves*
6 Emma 28 / Senior Cert 4 / 3 yrs / 5 PPT
*"giving good tans they are an instant confidence booster"*
7 Abby 20 / Cert 3 Beautician / Qualified MUA / PPT 30 hours
*"love makeup but looking forward to building my clientele and skill in all aspects of the
salon"
8 *Georgia 22 / Social Media Guru / Trainee / PPT 38 hours
*"both learning beauty and social media advertising for the salon*"
9 Debbie 59 / Salon Co Ordinator / 8 year*" co ordinating such a great bunch of girls*

# Supporting documents & images

Include any additional photos or documentation that you feel is required to

support your entry

Introducing Team Vanity103 @ Vanity HQ

Vanity Makeup Bar & Body Lounge has a great team of talented Beauty Therapists.
We strive to achieve the highest results in all fields of our work, with making sure we
have 100% customer satisfaction in all aspects of Beauty Services Here at Vanity

we are not just an ordinary team, we value each other as workers and friends
creating a happy, positive and fun environment.

Below is all our staff members and a little bit about themselves.

MEL Salon Owner and Creative Director , MUA

and Beauty Therapist ay Vanity Makeup Bar & Body
Lounge . Mel began beauty therapy in 2002, 16
years ago. Then in 2010 opened her own salon and
has grown her outstanding business to where it is
today. Mel has passion and dedication like no other,
which makes her, and her salon achieve the most
rewarding and outstanding results. Juggling running
her business with raising her 3 children. Mel and her
husband have recently bought their own country
block of land with plans to build their forever home
soon. Mel’s Motto “ Self Confidence is the best outfit
– Rock it – Own it “

Megan was the first full time, fully qualified #Vanity103 team member to

be chosen by Mel to join her shortly after opening in 2010. Megan is much loved
by her clients and is a very valued team member. Megan will make sure you are
given the best service and advice she can offer. She is very knowledgeable and
caring. Taking on the role as manager at times Mel is away, she has and strong
work ethic and amazing client loyalty. Megan’s favourite motto is “my life is not
perfect, but my makeup is “

Kirby joined #Vanity103 in 2012. Kirby completed her Diploma in Beauty

Therapy whilst living in Adelaide. She has a passion for skin care and has gained
excellent product knowledge of all aspect of Dermalogica. Kirby has a very friendly
and warm manner, she loves meeting new people and loves all aspects of beauty
especially facials. Kirby has a 2 yr old son, Harvey and has returned to part time
casual work and has recently purchased a new home. Kirby’s favourite motto is “life
is short, make every hair flip fabulous”

Erin joined team # Vanity103 over 4 years ago. Erin began as a Trainee

Therapist and has gone on to complete her Cert 4 studies Erin recently won our
regional World Skills and is due to compete in Sydney in June as a National Level
She is much loved by her clients and is a very valued team member. Erin will make
sure you are given the best service and advice she can offer. She is very
knowledgeable and caring. Erin is looking forward to her next big adventure in June
when she travels to Europe for a Contiki Tour with her partner Jack. Erin’s favourite
motto is “Be your own kind of beautiful”

Abby joined our team in Oct 2017 after she had graduated from the Media

Makeup Academy in Adelaide. Abby is a fantastic MUA and has recently completed
her Cert 3 studies in Beauty through TAFE. She is excited about being the latest
new team member and considers working at Team #Vanity103 as being her dream
job. With her poise and chic style she is a great team member and we are very lucky
to have her on board. Abby’s favourite motto is “you don’t have to be perfect to be
amazing”

Georgia is our newest face at #Vanity HQ and commenced study at TAFE this year.

She is a bright and bubbly member of our team who loves working on our Social Media.
She is already a skilled MUA and will be a great beautician as she has the passion and
dedication. We love having Georgia as part of our team and look forward to watching
her grow into an amazing beauty therapist, she is a genuine person who encompasses
the heart that all true beauty therapists need to possess. Georgia’s favourite motto
is “never ask a woman with winged eyeliner why she is late”

Tori is our youngest team member but having started with us at 15years old as

after school and Sat mornings girl. She already has an extensive knowledge and a
strong client base after completing her traineeship 12 months ago.
Tori’s favourite motto is “Live life by a compass not a clock”

Emma is one of our very valued team members, she is very caring and loving towards
all her clients, and is very respected by all staff. Emma has been with us for 3 years
and after the arrival of her little boy Zade , pops into work every Wednesday to keep in
touch with both her fellow team members and her favourite clients and further develop
her Cert 4 skills each time we introduce staff training in new techniques. Married in
Dec 17 to the love of her life Daniel , she endures the life of a FIFO wife as they save
for their new home, Emma’s favourite motto is “There is no time to be bored in a
world as beautiful as this”

Debbie is our Salon coordinator is a very caring, warming and friendly person

who will go above and beyond to make sure you are happy and receive the best
service she can provide. Handling promotions, advertising, sales and reception, a real
all-rounder , Debbie is like a mother to all the girls and will keep up a supply of treats
on buy days Debbie’s favourite motto is “When you look good, you feel good”

Salon Team of the Year - Team Building Activities

What team building activities and/or initiatives have you put in place to ensure team integration and
motivation during the period of April 17 - March 18.

I provide further training for all the staff. Being in a regional location it is sometimes easier
to bring qualified professionals to Mt Gambier and train all girls rather than sending
individuals to the city for selected courses. I find if they all learn together they are all on the
same page and when they require assistance or back up knowledge, they are very able and
willing to support each other with their new skills and knowledge.

For example, after being the only person fully trained in threading, I bought in an expert
from Adelaide and now I have 7 girls all confident in this fast-growing technique. I could
have tried to fit into our busy salon schedule time for myself to pass on my skills, but I feel
that I was also able to benefit from a refresher course. The most previous other technique I
undertook in this manner was for eyelash extensions training which over 2 days created a
fun learning environment, time also for a bonding lunch together between class.

I try and keep my staff ‘bonded’ by offering regular staff meetings, occasional outings
together and fun and innovative ideas for our festive celebrations and proof of their
infectious natures can been seen in my attachments supporting this submission.

Our local WIBRD (Women in Business Regional Development) hold regular initiatives for
business building. Monthly breakfast meetings provide a time for the team to get together
before work and network with other local business women and enjoy their Guest Speakers
who in turn can be a motivation to the team.

Every year we attend the Melbourne Beauty Expo, being the closest to where we are
situated. Travel and Accommodation is paid for as a reward for a busy Nov / Dec and the
extra effort the girls always put forward. Two days in Melbourne is a great girls weekend
away and rewarding for everyone to look and learn together at the Expo. The team are
encouraged to get about together as a group and enjoy their time away from the salon
environment.

When I have new trainees on board and they are studying their Cert 3 through our local
TAFE I make weekly time to mentor them to bring them up to salon standard and build their
confidence within our environment. I stay abreast of the latest techniques and pass my
expertise to my staff.

I also encourage my team regularly, I make sure that I take notice of nails they have done or
a makeup, if possible in front of the client, enforce how great the service looks on that
client. I like to make them feel special and I feel a “thank you” even for the smallest tasks,
go a long way.

Word of Mouth is the best form of Advertising

The perfect experience every time! City style The girls at Vanity are an absolute
and professionalism combined with country pleasure to work with. Quality,

friendliness gorgeous results with a genuine
care for their clients x
Karen Burrow
Amy Agnew
Highly recommend!!!!

Mel is a fantastic makeup artist who listens to her clients
requests. So ,so talented lovely lady, you did an amazing
job on my daughter her bridal party and me at her recent
wedding.
I especially loved my own makeup and tattoo cover ups
you did

Thank you so much xx

Car0line Edwards

Congratulations on your win this evening These girls are so talented! Makeup,
at the Chamber of commerce. I was lucky tans, waxing, whatever you need done
enough to have my make up done today they will make you look and feel
by one of your new girls, and wow she did fabulous!! Also, Erin is AMAZING at nails
a great job. A wonderful first time
experience for me. Will definitely return Simone Loring

Nina Thompson

I can’t express enough how much I love the work of Vanity, especially Mel. The
make up she did on my wedding day was stunning and I will never grow tired of
it. It lasted all day, looked amazing in pics...as does all the make up she does, as
well as Kirby and Megan, who have also done gorgeous jobs with my make up

for various other events. They came to us on my special day which took so
much stress off.

Any time I have a special event to go to booking in for my make up is the first
thing I do! Mel also does an amazing job of gel nails in all the trending shapes

and her ideas for colour are always amazing. ;-) as well as all of this, I have
never been disappointed with my full body tans or brow sugaring.

Thank you ladies! Xx

Rene Vino

.Salon Team of the Year - Team Culture

Explain the team culture in the salon such as how they work together, what they do to assist
each other and how they contribute as a team to the overall success of the salon.

My staff and I work together as a professional team who treat every client with the utmost
importance. Together we need to exceed our client’s expectations from the first phone call,
in our regional setting it is a crowded market and we must stand out. Our atmosphere
provides our clients with a feeling of comfort, cleanliness, beauty, relaxation and optimum
service. Our check-out offers respect and appreciation to our clients. It allows each client a
chance to happily pay for a job well done and to schedule their next appointment.

Motivated employees are the key success of my business. I have someone who is working to
fulfil personal goals or to widen their horizons because if they have a purpose as
employees are they connected and understand what it takes for my salon to be successful
and they are willing to do what it takes to help the salon get there. By creating an exciting
work environment for them to fulfil personal development.

Each staff member offers something unique to the salon, each different personality, in turn
connects them with different clients, hence widening my salons client base.

"I believe true leadership is delivered with passion and by example. I always instil in my
staff to treat every client as though they write their pay cheque.... because they do!

Salon Logo

Supply a Salon/Spa/Service/Business logo

Upload a photo of your team

Supply a multi page pdf including 2 different testimonials by clients.

Salon Menu

Upload your service menu showing what services you offer and prices charged

Photographic Evidence

Supply a multi-page pdf showing a minimum of four treatments, areas or services which back up
your entry to show customer care practices/services or environment

Press Coverage

Supply a multi-page pdf and show examples of any relevant press coverage you have enjoyed during
the period of March 2016 - February 2017. that will support your entry
Supporting documents & images
Include any additional photos or documentation that you feel is required to support your entry

https://www.facebook.com/vanitymakeupbar/
https://www.vanitymakeupbar.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vanitymakeupbar/videos/10156001612576974/
http://anyflip.com/mpli/ahoa