The South Australian Hair & Beauty Association (SAHBA) has named Marcela Lastra and Merrill Gratton as Co-Presidents for the organisation.
The not-for-profit organisation is run by professional volunteers to elevate the South Australian hair industry, and Marcela and Merrill will now drive that important mission. SAHBA communicates across government entities, industry enterprises, practitioners and students to facilitate multiple facets of the industry, addressing issues on both a local and global scale.
Marcela is the owner of Adelaide’s award-winning Longko Salon and new venture Mr & Ms Salon, and has been a strong advocate for the South Australian hair and barbery industry. Merrill’s experience is as a hair and beauty Education Manager with a background in the VET (Vocational Education and Training) sector and over 29 years of experience as an Education Manager at TAFE SA. Merrill is also in the role of Board Director for SAHBA.
“Hairdressing has given me some of the most incredible experiences in my life,” Marcela shared. “This industry has shaped me into the person I am today, and I want to share my passion and encourage future generations to experience this great craft. That being said, not everything is as easy as it seems in our ever-evolving world. I believe I can be a great advocate for hairdressers, beauty industry and barbers. Our voice needs to be heard.”
“The beauty industry is a 500 billion global industry and has exciting career pathways for South Australians who are entrepreneurial and looking for a career in beauty,” Merrill added. “This industry needs advocacy to ensure the thriving and diverse sector is well supported. Connecting our members with industry bodies, government and key stake holders is an exciting part of this role by building collaboration and finding synergies that align across hairdressing, beauty and barbery.”
The Board Directors were careful to elect leaders across sectors of hair, barbery and beauty, and to keep evolving with new leadership to reflect the current industry climate of change. Merill and Marcela both showcase the necessary commitment to the hair and beauty community, building on a legacy of SAHBA leaders who prioritised and aided these industries through difficult times, most recently through the pandemic. The new leaders needed these values, as well education experience, leadership skills, a community driven mindset and the ability to communicate across generations, particularly with younger, emerging industry members.
“Education, leadership and an unwavering community connection are paramount, especially as we engage with the vibrant Generation Y and Z, who are essentially responsible for preserving tradition but also leading the way for the hair and beauty industry,” Marcela said.
“The shifting landscape post-pandemic compelled us, as Board Directors, to recognise the need for inclusive representation spanning both hair and beauty domains. Moreover, it became evident that the incoming leader should possess a robust background in Vocational Education and Training, coupled with a flair for industry collaboration,” Merrill added.
Marcela and Merrill’s first task as Co-Presidents was to elect partners in in collaboration with the Board of Directors, which align with SAHBA’s key pillars of education, health and wellbeing, environmental impact, workplace recognition and community engagement. They are now working with Government Vocational Training & Education, teachers and students to facilitate education and highlight this field.
“Conversations with the right people at the right time have begun, and we as an association they cannot wait to share what the future holds in respect to its Accreditation, Education and Training for the hair and beauty industry,” the organisation said.
For more information visit www.sahba.com.au
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