Stephanie Mason set out ten years ago with a goal to build an enviable hair extensions brand and wound up with the empire that is Showpony Professional. Her entrepreneurial mindset has catapulted the brand from strength to strength, born from her work and experience on set as a model and supported and maintained through quality and innovation. This year the company celebrates this success on their 10th birthday.
“I became acutely aware of the lack of quality hair extension products available within the hair and beauty industry while working as a model,” Stephanie said of the brand’s genesis. “A few synthetic clip-in and lower grade human hair products were being produced, but most of these products were made from cheap materials and were difficult to blend naturally.”
“After a few tough years in start-up mode, the business exploded overnight,” Stephanie continued of the brand’s evolution. “The brand has always been about exceptional product quality and salon education. We work really hard at the frontline alongside our salon clients to ensure application and styling techniques are of the highest standard for their customers, which is why we have such loyal clientele. I test every Showpony Professional product line and would never sell anything I wouldn’t wear personally.”
The brand has enjoyed recent success, paving the way for international expansion into the US and being named the official partner for The Voice Australia and Miss Universe Australia. They also boast clients and influencers such as Sam Frost, Cartia Mallan, Steph Pacca and Sophie Monk who are fans of the brand.
The brand’s journey is a dynamic one, starting at its former base at Stephanie’s own apartment, from which she went selling her products personally door to door, and elevating to an exhibit at Hair Expo that propelled the brand. The brand champions a new movement in the extensions market, prioritising safe application, care, customer service, support and education. They also continue to innovate in their signature range of clip-ins and slimline tape hair extensions.
“I’ve had many inspiring mentors along the way including family members, business professionals and some truly amazing hairstylists,” Stephanie said of her inspiring journey. “My step-father in-particular has been an ongoing mentor, having had a successful career spanning 35 years himself importing wigs, he has been an advocate for Showpony Professional since day one and an ongoing source of inspiration and business advice.”
Innovation, expansion and confidence in their product and business cement Showpony Professional’s success 10 years in. With so much on the horizon and stellar success building the brand, the future looks bright.
For more information visit www.showponyaus.com.au
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