Kicking goals

By Helen Tatchell

At just 23-years old, Abbey Kick seems to be an old hand at her trade.

The Bacchus Marsh local business woman has been involved in hairdressing for just on eight years, the past two have seen her running her own business, Amber Hair Studio.
Last Friday night Abbey claimed the Young Achiever Award in the 2017 Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Four finalists had their
applications judged by Bacchus Marsh Grammar principal Andrew Neale.

Held at the Wallace Hotel with 184 guests, Ms Kick said the award was a “massive shock”.

“My mum said I should write a speech because I was nominated and when I won, I left it in my bag!
“I’m in shock and I’m pretty proud.”

Ms Kick employs eight people and started as a 16-year old apprentice at Hair House Warehouse in Melton.

“I was employed at Amber Hair Studio after my apprenticeship and then had the opportunity to purchase the salon two years ago.

“It was exciting taking over at such a young age, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself in to at the start, and every month I found a new thing I was meant to be doing; I’m pretty much onto it now though and have it a lot more under control.

“I guess the key to a good business is to keep up with trends and training is never ending. I also have a great accountant and have business coaching as part of my business plan into the future,” Ms Kick said.

And having a hairdressing salon is not just about cutting hair.
“My biggest challenge was learning how to communicate with different people and understand how different people can be from each other, and have different priorities. I definitely respect peoples differences a lot more now.

“I also think it’s important to continue learning to grown both personally and professionally to always keep things fresh and exciting for both staff and clients. I want to grow to give my staff the best opportunities I possibly can and also to have the knowledge, products and equipment to provide clients with the service and experience that they deserve.”

Ms Kick said the future will see continual growth and her employees will be ever learning and growing.
“I love giving people great opportunities, so I hope only success for the salon so I am able to achieve this.”

The Young Achiever Award was sponsored by The Moorabool News and presented by senior journalist Jessica Howard, herself a 23-year old professional.
All the winners of the BEA, including Business of the Year, next edition.