Host Hayley Mears welcomes Olivia Thompson, also known as OMG! Artistry, who joins the podcast from Fort Lauderdale ahead of their first trip to Australia for Hair Festival. The discussion covers Olivia's extensive career, their commitment to education, the development of their viral social media strategy, and a preview of the blonding and colour techniques they will be teaching.

Key Takeaways & Discussion Points

• Career and Education Philosophy: OMG! Artistry transitioned from videography to cosmetology. A struggle to receive a cosmetology grant in 2008 led to their "why"—a lifelong commitment to teaching and a vow never to "gatekeep" industry knowledge.
• Integrating Skills for Social Media: They integrated their videography skills, such as storytelling and storyboarding, into hair content about two years into their career, recognising the need to show the before, process, and result.
• The "Proumer" Content Model: After pivoting content five times due to algorithm changes, OMG! Artistry coined the term "proumer". This strategy allows them to serve both professionals and consumers simultaneously, providing content that identifies a problem, offers a solution, and includes the product solution.
• Going Viral: They recounted the story of their viral "water bottle curls" video (a hack involving a water bottle and a blow dryer). The video gained 3 million views in five hours and resulted in 30,000 new followers within two weeks.
• The Power of Personality: To stand out in the beauty industry, stylists need to be themselves and showcase their personality alongside their techniques and hacks to build trust and client exposure.
• Hair Festival Education: OMG! Artistry will be joining Katy Reeve and Carolyn Gahan to teach their session, "Method and Mindset," on Sunday, June 28th, from 4:30 to 5:30.
  • Technique Focus: The education will focus on simplifying blonding and creative colour techniques with real-life, repeatable, numeric steps.
  • Blonding Inspiration: Their blonding technique is inspired by the haircutting concept of overdirection to create softness.
  • Consultation: The class will cover consultation, including reverse engineering the desired look from the client's request. Attendees receive a swag bag valued at $140.
• Favourite Joico Hero Products:
  • Silver Light lightener: Lifts over nine levels and contains charcoal-infused ingredients that multitask by lifting and toning simultaneously.
  • K-Pak Color Therapy Luster Lock Treatment (K-PAK 20): Strengthens the hair and is considered an essential product.
  • Heat Hero: A dry thermal protection spray with a hold of three, featuring a split-end mender that activates with heat.e heat to deeply absorb the treatment.

Links & Resources

• Follow OMG! Artistry (Olivia Thompson): Instagram & TikTok under the handle OMG Artistry. @omgartistry https://linktr.ee/Omgartistry
• Follow Joico: https://www.instagram.com/joicoaustralianz/
• Hair Festival Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-hair-festival/tickets#group3
• Hair Festival Session: "Method and Mindset" with OMG! Artistry, Katy Reeve, and Carolyn Gahan https://hairfestival.com.au/sessions/joico-presentation/ (Sunday, June 28th, 4:30 – 5:30)

In this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears sits down with Natalie Chadwick, Creative Director of CPR Hair, for a conversation about intuition, creativity, and the mindset required to build something meaningful in the hair industry.

Nat reflects on the role intuition has played throughout her career, describing it as both a superpower and a challenge. Her ability to read people and environments quickly has helped shape creative direction and leadership decisions, but it also means absorbing the anxieties and energy around her — something she’s learned to manage over time.

Hayley highlights Nat’s agility when it comes to branding and execution, noting how her ability to move quickly from idea to action has been a key factor in the growth of the CPR brand. This same creative instinct continues to shape the vision behind Salon Forum 2026, where the theme centres on choosing courage over comfort. Rather than predictable conference environments, the goal is to place the community in spaces that challenge perspectives and create memorable, transformative experiences.

Nat also shares her concept of “purple patches” — bursts of creative magic that tend to arrive at the least convenient times. Whether during holidays or late-night moments of inspiration, these periods of clarity often spark some of her most impactful ideas.

The conversation also traces Nat’s personal journey into the industry. From being a single mum with no savings and a background in music to becoming the Creative Director of CPR, she reflects on the power of taking consistent steps forward, even when the bigger picture feels uncertain.

Throughout the episode, Nat emphasises the importance of a collaborative ecosystem within the industry. Rejecting the idea of competition between brands and artists, she believes progress happens when people share knowledge, support each other’s work, and contribute to a stronger collective community.

This is an inspiring conversation about trusting instinct, embracing creativity, and building a career through courage, curiosity, and connection.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why intuition can be both a strength and a challenge in leadership
• The agility required to build and scale a brand
• The vision behind Salon Forum 2026: choosing courage over comfort
• Creative “purple patches” and where ideas really come from
• Nat’s journey from musician and single mum to Creative Director
• The importance of collaboration over competition in the industry

Related Links:

@natalie_cprhair

@cprhair

@cprhairpro

www.holisticsalons.com/jointhemovement

In this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears sits down with salon owner and entrepreneur Sheridan Rose Shaw for a deeply honest conversation about growth, motherhood, and redefining leadership during major life transitions.

Sheridan shares what the past year has looked like as her business continues to expand while welcoming her second daughter, Queenie. While the growth has been exciting, she opens up about the reality behind the scenes — navigating postpartum anxiety, battling mastitis, and learning to slow down after years of being driven by ambition and momentum.

The conversation explores how these experiences reshaped Sheridan’s approach to leadership and business. Rather than working constantly in the salon, she began shifting her focus to working on the business — bringing on a manager, Tom, and implementing backend systems like Trello to support daily operations and allow the team to thrive without her being across every detail.

Sheridan also speaks about the importance of daily rituals that support her wellbeing and mindset. Breathwork, meditation, and intentional moments of stillness have become non-negotiable anchors that help her stay present both as a mother and as a leader.

A self-described “fast manifester,” Sheridan reflects on the power of clarity and commitment when pursuing goals. Once she sets her mind on a vision, she pours her energy into making it happen — a mindset that has shaped both her career and her personal growth.

The episode also highlights the importance of mentorship and collaboration within the industry, including Sheridan’s long-standing connection with award-winning hairdresser Chris Benson, whose guidance and support have played a role in her development.

This is a thoughtful and vulnerable conversation about ambition, resilience, and learning how to evolve as both a business owner and a parent.

In this episode, we cover:

• Growing a salon business while welcoming a second child
• Postpartum anxiety, mastitis, and the realities of new motherhood
• Transitioning from working in the business to working on it
• Building systems and hiring leadership support
• The role of daily rituals in maintaining mental wellbeing
• Manifestation, mindset, and turning vision into action
• The value of mentorship and industry collaboration

🔗 Useful Links:

https://www.instagram.com/sheridanroseshaw_mamawest/

https://www.instagram.com/mamawest_/

Learn a thing or two from MAMAWEST!

In this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears is joined by Soul Hair co-owners Andrea MacKellar and Ash Lennan for an honest conversation about career growth, partnership, motherhood, and building a values-led salon in regional New South Wales.

Andrea shares her journey from starting hairdressing at 15 to relocating from Sydney to Gunnedah for a slower pace of life — a move that unexpectedly led to opening and scaling a thriving salon. What began as a small, personal space evolved into a fully structured business, shaped by strong leadership, clear goals, and a commitment to team culture over rent-a-chair models.

Ash reflects on her unconventional career path, returning to hairdressing as a young mother and using her ambition to set an example for her daughter. Her progression from team member to salon manager — and ultimately buying into the business — highlights the power of mentorship, belief, and shared vision.

Together, Andrea and Ash unpack the realities of juggling motherhood and business ownership, sharing practical strategies like “healthy compartmentalisation” and “brain allocation” to stay present both at work and at home. They also discuss the importance of supportive partners, emotional resilience, and creating a workplace that genuinely accommodates working parents.

The episode dives into Soul Hair’s strong team-first culture, including their success with mature-age apprentices who bring drive, discipline, and lived experience. They also share their innovative commission model, where upsell treatments contribute to a team education fund — helping finance external training such as Salon Forum, where Andrea will appear on the Mom Panel.

This is a heartfelt and practical conversation about leadership, loyalty, learning, and redefining success — especially for women balancing family, ambition, and business.

In this episode, we cover:

• Building and scaling a salon in regional NSW
• From team member to co-owner: Ash’s partnership journey
• Motherhood, mindset, and managing mental load
• “Healthy compartmentalisation” and brain allocation strategies
• Creating a supportive, family-first team culture
• Employing and empowering mature-age apprentices
• Team-based commission and education incentives
• Preparing for Salon Forum and the Mom Panel

Useful Links:

https://www.instagram.com/soulhairstudiogunnedah

https://www.instagram.com/andrea_soulhairstudio

https://www.instagram.com/ash_soulhairstudio

In this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears sits down with industry disruptor, founder, and author David Thurston to unpack the release of his book The Spiral Staircase and the seismic shifts shaping the global hair industry.

David reflects on the deeply personal journey behind the book — a candid account of his path from the independent salon movement through the rise of social media and into the current AI-driven era. Written in his signature “rock and roll swagger,” the book captures the highs, failures, reinvention, and purpose that defined his career, offering lessons that extend far beyond hair.

The conversation explores the industry’s current era of change, with both Hayley and David sharing concerns around the rapid acceleration of AI and the blurring of professional and consumer channels. David doesn’t shy away from calling this shift “troubling,” warning that brands and businesses who fail to adapt risk being left behind at speed.

David also opens up about selling Pulp Riot, the unexpected emptiness that followed financial success, and the clarity that led to creating Danger Jones — a brand built on community, culture, and creative impact rather than quick wins. From paying artists instead of himself to launching the global Dangerfest event, his focus remains firmly on legacy, not ego.

They discuss partnership, purpose, and what it truly means to build something meaningful in a noisy industry — touching on failure, humility, reinvention, and choosing both freedom and ambition.

This is an honest, future-facing conversation about leadership, creativity, and staying human while everything else evolves.

In this episode, we cover:

• The story behind The Spiral Staircase and why David finally wrote it
• How the hair industry has transformed across multiple revolutions
• AI, automation, and why those who don’t adapt will fall behind
• The blurring of professional and consumer channels — and why it’s concerning
• Selling Pulp Riot and redefining purpose beyond financial success
• Building Danger Jones as a community-first brand
• The power of partnership, failure, and long-term vision
• Why culture, creativity, and human connection still matter most

Useful Links:

@davidthurstonofficial

Thurston Productions Website

The Spiral Staircase BOOK

http://dangerjonescreative.com/en-au

https://www.instagram.com/dangerjonesbalayage/

https://www.instagram.com/dangerjonesbold/

In this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears is joined by industry icon Tabatha Coffey for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about growth, discomfort, and the realities of building a sustainable career in the hair industry.

Drawing from salon forum discussions and decades of global experience, Tabatha shares why growth isn’t meant to feel comfortable — and why chasing too much expansion at once can fragment focus and energy. From scaling a business to personal reinvention, they unpack the importance of planning, logistics, and creating a sense of safety when navigating disruption.

The conversation also explores the differences between the Australian and US hair industries, with Tabatha highlighting Australia’s strong team-based culture, high calibre of work, and thoughtful approach to education. While AI and automation are rapidly reshaping admin, marketing, and customer touchpoints, both agree that human connection, communication, and touch remain irreplaceable — making soft skills training more important than ever.

Tabatha introduces somatic work as a powerful tool for overcoming resistance to change, helping salon owners and creatives move beyond paralysis, procrastination, and burnout. By aligning decisions with personal values and learning to respond rather than react, long-term confidence and self-trust become possible.

The episode closes with a candid discussion on hustle culture, the difference between hard work and sacrifice, and why “not all money is good money.” Tabatha offers grounded advice for both seasoned salon owners and those just starting out: sustainable success comes from fluidity, self-awareness, and a willingness to stay uncomfortable — on purpose.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why growth always involves discomfort — and why that’s a good thing
• The danger of chasing too many goals at once
• Key differences between the Australian and US hair industries
• How AI will reshape admin, but not human connection
• Why soft skills and communication training are essential
• Using somatic work to move through fear and resistance
• Making decisions aligned with personal values
• Hard work vs sacrifice — and dismantling hustle culture
• Advice for the next generation of hair professionals

Useful Links:

• https://www.tabathacoffey.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/tabathacoffey/

In this kick-off episode for 2026 of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears sits down with Jordan Alexander — co-founder of Goddess — to unpack what it really takes to build a global hair brand without losing sight of the hairdresser.

Although recorded in late 2025, this conversation looks firmly ahead. Jordan shares why 2026 marks the first full year of Goddess following its launch in April 2025, and how the brand has spent its early months prioritising compliance, regulation, and long-term foundations before rapid global expansion — with plans to be present in over 100 countries by early 2026.

Jordan reflects on growing up in the hair industry, rebelling against it briefly through a pre-law degree, before finding their way back behind the chair via Toni & Guy. A move to Los Angeles and working alongside celebrity colourist Tracy Cunningham sparked a deeper passion for chemical services, eventually leading to the launch of category-defining brands including Olaplex and later K18.

Now with Goddess, Jordan explains why this chapter feels different. With mentors Ed Conigan and Denise Russell as hands-on owners, the focus has shifted toward simplifying the stylist’s life — creating products that genuinely perform, not just market well. Central to that philosophy is Goddess’s move away from repair-led narratives toward protection-first hair science, including the development of the brand’s proprietary “Goddess molecule” inspired by silk biomaterials.

The conversation dives deep into product development, including the upcoming shampoo and conditioner launching in January, and why high performance must always outweigh hype. Jordan breaks down how Goddess functions like a Swiss Army knife for hair — strengthening strands over time, extending blow-dries, reducing styling time, and improving manageability with continued use.

Beyond product, Hayley and Jordan explore broader industry shifts — from the rise of booth and suite models in the US to the decline of major trade shows and education platforms. Jordan shares concerns around the loss of collaboration, mentorship, and inspiration when hairdressers operate in isolation, and reinforces the importance of lifelong education at every stage of a career.

The discussion also touches on retail, distribution, and the evolving role of technology. While innovation has its place, both agree that hairdressing remains a human-to-human industry — one built on touch, intuition, relationships, and shared experience — something AI and automation can never fully replace.

Jordan also reflects on working with celebrity clients, the realities of global travel, and the biggest lesson learned across decades in the industry: brands only thrive when hairdressers and salons remain the top priority.

A thoughtful, honest conversation about protection over repair, people over platforms, and why the future of hair depends on staying human.

Useful Links

Jordan Alexander: @jordanstylist

Goddess: @goddessmaintenanceco

In this episode, Hayley Mears is joined by two industry icons — Emiliano Vitale and Lisa Vitale of the award-winning é Salon. Celebrating 25 years in business, é Salon is built on a core philosophy that has shaped every part of their success: “We see people first, hair second.”

Emiliano shares the story behind é Salon’s legacy — from starting in the industry at age 11 to opening their first salon at just 22, and later building one of Australia’s most respected creative and cultural pillars. Their formula? Values, consistency, and the power of “repetition, repetition, repetition.”

Lisa opens up about her evolution as a creative force. From winning major national awards to stepping back during motherhood, and now returning with more hunger and maturity. Her new avant-garde collection, Ascension (shot in the UK) marks her entry into the Australian Hairdresser of the Year category at AHFAS. A reset, a rise, and a reclaiming of artistry.

Together, the Vitales unpack culture, work ethic, leadership, and the importance of being uncompromising on vision while remaining flexible in how that vision is delivered. They discuss how hard work always beats talent, why culture starts with the owners, and why they're entering a new renaissance season as their family grows.

A powerful and deeply human episode for anyone wanting longevity, legacy, and creativity in the hair industry.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

• The 25-year history and philosophy behind E Salon
• Culture: why owners set 50% of it — and how the team shapes the rest
• Lisa Vitale’s creative resurgence and her new collection, Ascension
• What it takes to enter the “Australian Hairdresser of the Year” category
• The impact of motherhood, maturity, and realigning purpose
• Avant-garde hair artistry vs. commercial trends
• Why repetition is the foundation of E Salon’s profitability
• Hard work over talent — and the values they teach their children
• International opportunities and future collaborations
• Rebuilding the brand for its next era

USEFUL LINKS

https://esalonhair.com.au/

E Salon – https://www.instagram.com/esalonhair/

Lisa Vitale – https://www.instagram.com/lisa.esalonhair/

Emiliano Vitale – https://www.instagram.com/emilianovitale.esalonhair/