Larissa Macleman, Founder & CEO of Salon Owners Collective™. Larissa Macleman is a business coach helping Salons scale to $1 Million+.

With 20 years as a Salon Owner, Larissa built a thriving, multi-million dollar salon from the ground up- growing her team to 30, stepping fully off the floor, and proving that freedom and profit aren’t just possible... they’re inevitable with the right systems and support. After her own successful exit, she founded the Salon Owners Collective™ in 2016 - a global business community on a mission to help ambitious Salon Owners step out of daily grind and into confident CEO leadership.

From apprentice in ’84 to award-winning salon owner, Natalie’s journey is all about passion, people, and purpose. She transformed her hair salon, Yahzoo into a creative hub where laughter, learning, and mentorship flowed, guiding 20+ apprentices with wisdom and heart (often three at once!).

She’s walked the talk, snagging the L’Oréal Colour Trophy and leading by example in comps. In between, she wrangled sheep, taught agriculture students, and globetrotted through London salons, soaking up global inspo.

After 20 years running Yahzoo she sold to Vivo and stepped up as Regional Manager, mentoring 16 salons with trademark warmth and know-how.

As the co-founder of Vivo, Lynden didn’t just grow a business - he changed the face of hairdressing in New Zealand. What began as one humble salon became a nationwide network of 85 thriving locations, making Vivo the largest privately owned salon group in the Southern Hemisphere. But Lynden’s magic wasn’t just in the numbers, it was in his ability to grow people. He’s spent his career mentoring stylists, championing education, and turning raw talent into confident, successful professionals.

In 2024, he stepped away from Vivo to go all-in on his biggest passion: empowering stylists and salon owners to grow brilliant, profitable businesses. Alongside his wife and business partner, Tereze Taber, he launched Behind the Brand and BTB Salon Services, a consultancy and distribution company that now supports hundreds of salons around the country. Through BTB, they also exclusively distribute Professional by Fama, a premium Italian colour range known for technical excellence without big-brand baggage and prices.

Fiona Beamish is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC), appointed in February 2025. With over 30 years of experience in the global hair industry, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge across the sectors of education, training, sales, and brand distribution.

Her career has taken her across Australia, Ireland, the UK, and Asia, where she has built a reputation for identifying emerging trends, streamlining business operations, and delivering strategic growth for salon businesses and industry partners alike. Fiona has also successfully owned and operated the national distribution of a UK-based professional hair brand, further deepening her understanding of the commercial side of the industry.

Her leadership at the AHC is shaped by a deep passion for community and connection. A former AHC member and member support team contributor, Fiona is excited to return to the organisation in a leadership role during a time of transformation and opportunity.

Shaughan is best known as the Owner, Event Director and driving force behind the NZ Hair & Beauty Expo. Under his leadership (and since acquisition in 2019), the Expo has grown from its roots at the ASB Showgrounds to become the country’s premier trade event for hair, male grooming, and beauty products. A passionate advocate for industry collaboration, Shaughan emphasizes the importance of education, networking, and efficiency. He built the popular Education Arena and live stage demonstrations into the Expo’s core, giving attendees direct access to brands and education.

Beyond the NZ Hair & Beauty Expo, Shaughan also produces the annual Chocolate & Coffee Festival.

John has worked in the hair industry for over a decade, starting out behind the chair as a barber before moving into salon management. He’s now part of the team at Kitomba Salon and Spa Software as a Key Account Manager. He’s spent years inside salons, running teams, building client bases and managing the day-to-day challenges that come with running a successful business.

These days, he works alongside owners and managers across the country, helping them improve how they operate and grow. John is passionate about the business side of the industry, and loves seeing salons succeed in their own unique way. He’s proud to be part of this year’s judging panel and is looking forward to recognising the hard work, leadership and care that go into building great businesses.

Sam James, Director of SJ Establishment in Adelaide, and AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the year 2024.

Beginning her hair journey in 2001, at an exclusive salon in London, she immigrated to Adelaide a few years later, at the age of 17. Fast forward to five years ago, she made the leap to built and developed her brand and business; where they have become an award winning, go-to salon - celebrating loyalty, inclusivity and
sustainability.

With an incredibly long list of business and creative wins and achievements, not to mention a five time winner of the SA/TAS Hairdresser of the Year, (across 2 platforms)! - Sam is currently part of Loreal Access and the global MATRIX Artistic Team; diverse roles that allow her to travel the world, leading shows in Bratislava, creating Global Campaigns from New York and educating live and digitally; her major passion and driving force behind her success.

Danny is a multiple award-winning hairdresser, co-owner of D&M Hair Design, editorial stylist, media commentator, international artist, celebrity stylist and art director based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Danny is the only person appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hairdressing (2025).
He is an eight-time consecutive winner of NZ Hairdresser of the Year, 2016 to 2023 (Hair Expo and Creative AHIA, Australia; Fashion Quarterly, NZ) and is the winner of 14 international awards.

He is a session stylist, with editorial work regularly featured in the likes of Vogue, Fashion Quarterly, Remix, Style and Coup de Main. Has hair education shows and fashion show direction across Europe, America, Asia and Australasia.

Also passionately involved in charity projects, regularly raising funds for disaster relief, children’s charities and various local community groups, including $27,000 for KidsCan.

Dylan is a TV Star of E4s The Big Blow Out, GLOBAL Hairdresser of The Year and International Hairdresser of The Year Finalist 2024. He's a 3X BHA Avant Garde Hairdresser of The Year, and hairstylist to the Stars of Made In Chelsea, Love Island and Married at First Sight.

Last but not least he's the Air Touch Balayage Colour Expert and Men’s colour Expert Winner 2021 and 2024.

You can find Dylan (Creative Director & Artistic Colour Director) at Dylan McConnachie Hair London, UK.

Lydia is the co-founder of Jack & the Wolfe, an award-winning UK salon known for its progressive ethos, creative excellence, and strong sense of community. She has earned a reputation for bold yet wearable colour work, pioneering education, and championing the next generation of talent as a yuv beauty colour ambassador.

Her unique approach blends high-fashion artistry with grounded, inclusive leadership—qualities that have positioned her as a respected mentor, colour expert, and voice for positive change in the industry. Lydia is passionate about reshaping the future of hairdressing through creativity, collaboration, and authenticity.

NZHA Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge – Senior & Next Generation judge.

A master of long hairdressing and a venerated public speaker, Patrick has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic presentations and educational mastery.

His expertise has been showcased many times at Wella’s prestigious International Trend Vision, captivating 2,000+ live attendees and reaching over 64 million digital viewers.

Renowned for his motivational speaking, Patrick excels at helping hairdressers understand the importance of their digital reach.

Patrick’s approach to presentations is deeply rooted in understanding his audience's needs and crafting each event to uniquely resonate with attendees.

His commitment to audience engagement is celebrated for its motivational and inspirational qualities, particularly effective among fellow hairdressers.

Yuki is originally from Japan and currently living in Sydney, Australia. Starting her journey with Toni&Guy, Yuki quickly realised her passion for cutting short hair. A few years later, she started her barbering journey with The Barberhood.

Inspired by culture and her love for traditional barbering, 2019 saw her became part of the Japanese Wahl Education Team. Yuki is globally recognised for her unique approach in barbering and hairdressing and has the ability to blend both editorial and commerciality to her work.

From 2022, Yuki also joined the Wahl Australia Education Team and will divide her time between Australia and Japan, sharing her knowledge and industry trends between countries

As a Wahl Artistic & Education Team Member for the UK and newly named Wahl Future Maker 2025, Rhys brings a wealth of talent, experience, and inspiration to the competition.

Renowned for his technical excellence and creative edge, Rhys has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including:

- Wahl British Barber of the Year Winner 2021
- Pro-Barber World Series British Barber of the Year Finalist 2021
- Pro-Barber World Series British Barber of the Year Winner 2022
- BarberExpo Barber of the Year Finalist 2023
- Modern Barber Best All Round Barber Finalist 2023 & 2024
- Recognised among the National Hair and Beauty Federation Top 100 Influencers 2024

Rhys’s deep passion for the craft, combined with his commitment to education and innovation, makes him an outstanding addition to our panel. We look forward to seeing his impact on this year’s competition.

Matt Clarke – Australian Barber of the Year (2023 & 2025)

With over 12 years of experience behind the chair and 8 years as an industry educator, Matt Clarke is a leading figure in Australian barbering. His career spans the full spectrum of the craft—from session styling and brand collaboration, education as well as owning Australia's premier barbershop - Esquire Male Grooming (australian barbershop of the year 2024).

Matt has served as a full-time college educator, developed cutting-edge training programs, and worked closely with global brands to elevate barbering standards across the country. His dedication to technical excellence and innovation has earned him the prestigious title of Australian Barber of the Year twice, in both 2023 and 2025 as well as Australian mens hairdresser of the year (2025). Today, Matt runs his Premier Brisbane based Barbershop (Esquire male grooming) as well as his academy (The Barber Academy - Brisbane) and serves as creative director for the education and supply company 4B.