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/