Sandy Chong CEO Australian Hairdressing Council and 2023 COSBOA Small Business Champion on pathways from a trade to business ownership.

@Sandy Chong brings 39 years experience as a salon owner to her current role as CEO at @The Australian Hairdressing Council. She's the current @cosboa #smallbusinesschampion and has multiple other board and advisory roles that involve advocacy and improving effectiveness for industry bodies.

Sandy sold her own salon during 2023 to focus on her CEO role. In that role she is actively involved in advocating for small businesses and shaping the future of the industry. Her extensive background as a business owner gives her valuable insights to guide those aspiring to venture into entrepreneurship and business ownership after completing their trade apprenticeships.

In our discussion we talk about;

• the crucial role industry bodies play in supporting and advocating for small businesses
• the importance of education and training in helping #apprentices become skilled professionals, and then business owners
• how vital apprenticeships are for the growth and sustainability of industries
• why small businesses, like hairdressing salons, have such a significant impact on the community and contribute to people's self-esteem and mental wellness
• nurturing and developing homegrown talent
• navigating the impact of Government Regulations on hairdressers
• addressing #skillshortages and Workforce Sustainability in trades
• what she learnt running a salon with up to 45 staff (all but 1 apprenticed by Sandy!) over 39 years
• shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities within the hairdressing industry
• inspiring entrepreneurs in the trades industry

I think hairdressers often give back and I think that's one thing that really stands out for me, is they have really incredible business structures. They're incredibly generous to their staff, but it's the community generosity. - Sandy Chong

Visit the Australian Hairdressing Council website at www.ahc.org.au to learn more about the organization and its initiatives.

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:12 - Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 
Michael Ker introduces the Small Business Banter podcast and its relevance to business owners, especially those looking to sell or buy a new business. He emphasizes the stress, emotions, and challenges involved in these processes.

00:01:21 - Sandy Chong's Background and Role 
Sandy Chong shares her extensive background as the CEO of the Australian Hairdressers Council and her experience as a past salon owner for 39 years. She highlights the importance of developing relationships with clients and the unique challenges of the hairdressing industry.

00:07:20 - Career Opportunities in Hairdressing 
Discussion on the potential career opportunities in the hairdressing industry, including the potential for financial success, international work, and diverse roles beyond salon ownership. Emphasis on the importance of education and training for career growth.

00:09:50 - Apprenticeship and Business Ownership 
Sandy Chong reflects on her commitment to apprenticing her staff and the importance of finding the right buyer for her salon. She discusses the need for a pathway to guide talented practitioners toward business ownership and the challenges of running a business.

00:14:59 - Industry Support and Sustainability 
Sandy Chong emphasizes the role of industry associations in educating and supporting business owners, particularly in navigating complex issues such as industrial relations and HR. The importance of belonging to an association for access to industry-specific information and support is highlighted.

00:16:25 - Migration Revie