Aurora Beauty Parlour wins 2023 Central Highlands Business Excellence Award

On Saturday 9th September, at Emerald Town Hall, hundreds of people gathered at the 2023 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner to showcase and celebrate the fantastic achievements of businesses in the region…including two of Tieri’s own entrepreneurs: Jamie-Lee O’Reilly of Koa Hair Studio and Jodie McKenzie of Aurora Beauty Parlour!

Koa Hair Studio was successfully listed as a Finalist in two of the Business Excellence Awards categories: Emerging Business and Sole Trader, as well as the People’s Choice category which celebrates outstanding customer service and practices.

Aurora Beauty Parlour was also listed as a Finalist in two categories: Beauty, Health & Lifestyle and Sole Trader, as well as the People’s Choice category.

We’re delighted to report that Aurora Beauty Parlour took home the Sole Trader award – congratulations, Jodie!

Tieri News caught up with Jamie-Lee and Jodie to find out how they were feeling…

Congratulations to you both on being listed as finalists in your respective categories! How did it feel to get to that stage and be at the 2023 Awards Night? 

Jamie-Lee: So surreal! There were times when I was so overwhelmed. At the time of application, I’d only been open for eight months so I was worried it wasn’t enough. But I had the encouragement and guidance from a very lovely lady here in Tieri. It started with a little chat about what I wanted to do with Koa and how I wanted each guest at the salon to feel relaxed and comfortable. She was front and centre in helping me make that happen. I had a vision and she believed in me which makes me more determined to stay focused.

I wanted to show the kids that with a little hard work and determination, anything is possible. I’ve always worked so hard on my career, improving my skills and I’m beyond grateful that this beautiful town has been so welcoming and supportive every step of the way. Being in the country shouldn’t mean you get to miss out on those city-like experiences. I feel so grateful when people walk into Koa Hair and they fall in love with this space and the relaxed environment. It’s been fantastic to celebrate that at the 2023 Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards Night. 

Jodie: It feels really exciting! I never expected that I would even be nominated for these types of awards. We’ve been nominated for industry awards (brow and lash) before, but these can often be swept under the carpet as being a ‘hobby’. It’s incredible to be recognised from a business perspective. To those people who nominated Aurora, from the depths of my heart, thank you so much. I’ve always wanted to make others feel good about themselves and for them to recognise this and nominate me in return, is so surreal. I can’t thank them enough. When people support me, they’re supporting my entire family. They’re helping me look after my entire world!

What’s your journey been like so far, to get your business to this point?

Jamie-Lee: Rewarding. I knew when the doors opened I’d give it my all. But I can’t take all the credit for how amazing this salon is. Every client I have whether it’s here in Tieri or the surrounding towns, that’s what makes it so rewarding. Opening a salon and working with my sister has always been a dream. She is the feta to my bruschetta!

Who has been instrumental in your journey?

Jamie-Lee: My husband, Brodie. He is the most patient man in the world. Giving me the opportunity to work my heart out while he is at home with our little boy, Kobe. Being a working mum is a lot but he was the strength I need and is my biggest supporter. I am truly blessed.

Why did you start your business?

Jodie: As part of the Awards process we were asked why we do what we do, what drives us. For me, part of this is helping people to see the beauty they already have, to boost their confidence, which in turn helps exude beauty. But it’s also about providing a safe space for people to take some self-care. To vent, share, speak about their struggles, or to forget about them for a bit. Either way, I want people to know they’re not alone. We’re here. Self care isn’t frivolous, it’s proven to be important to good mental health. Especially in rural towns, where suicide rates can be double that of a major city. Whether it’s domestic violence, cancer, a miscarriage, divorce, I’m often the first person people speak to about these massive, life changing events. I want to do everything in my power to always provide that safe space, and be that safe person for people to take some self-care.

Jodie, what does it mean to you personally, and for your business to win the 2023 Sole Trader Business Excellence award?

Jodie: It means so many things, on multiple levels. Mainly, it’s recognition of seven years of hard work and dedication to build a legitimate, successful business. My focus now is to use this as a platform to bring mental health awareness to light. Even if you have anxiety and depression, like me, you can still achieve amazing things. It doesn’t need to define you.

What have you learnt about yourself and about running a business during this process?

Jamie-Lee: Just being recognised as a small business doing what I love is enough for me. This opportunity gave me a nudge to stop and think about how I would like to run Koa Hair and build a business plan to keep me on track. It’s an incredible feeling to know how lucky I am to be in such a supportive and uplifting town like this. Every day I look forward to going to work and treating our beautiful guests.

Jodie: It’s been a really insightful process that’s helped me realise the importance of setting healthy work boundaries and how to set them. It’s important to look after our own mental health no matter how busy we are! It has also been a really educational experience in terms of employment and different job roles. For example, I’m now considering employing a non-beautician for general duties such as reception, stocktake, etc. that frees me up to see more clients. I’ve learned how to take a step back and be proud of my achievements. To stop looking at myself as ‘just’ a beautician and to start seeing myself as the business person and entrepreneur that I’ve grown to be.