Vasse salon lands in awards finals

For the third year straight, Vasse salon Cinco Hair Boutique is a finalist in seven categories of the Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA).

The Australian Hair Industry Awards set the industry benchmark for excellence in business on a state-by-state basis.

The salon is a finalist in the categories of Best Customer Care, Best Salon Team Member, Salon Team of the Year, Salon of the Year WA, Salon Design, and Salon Director.

The small business was established in 2018 by Busselton local Kendall Drake.

“I’m thrilled that Cinco is a finalist in multiple categories this year, it’s incredible recognition for the business and for the team, and has given us all an extra boost,” the 32-year-old business owner said.

“With the growth we’ve had, the amazing support from our customers that includes 345 Google reviews, and being named a finalist in both of the industry’s awards in multiple categories makes the investment and hard work all worthwhile – it’s quite humbling.”

Last year, Cinco took over retail space next door in the shopping strip at Vasse, effectively doubling in size.

“Expanding the salon has meant we’ve been able to offer more appointments to more clients as well as create more jobs for local hair stylists – our team has grown to 12 team members,” Ms Drake said.

Ms Drake, who also launched a range of Cinco styling tools and hair extensions in 2023, says she is proud of the success.

“To be a finalist for the third year in a row, Cinco, in little-known Vasse, makes me feel so proud of the team and their dedication to their craft to help every client look and feel amazing. Even better, seeing our team members named as finalists makes my heart sing with pride, they truly deserve it.”

Stylist Lily Clark, one of two finalists ‘Best Salon Team Member’ has been with Cinco for four years, and master stylist and salon educator India Christian four-and-a-half years.

Cinco was the first salon in the South West to do away with separate seating in front of a mirror, installing a colour bar station. Guests are seated at a large table, where they can work from with their laptops or chat to each other as they wait for their colour to be completed.

They are the only stockists of Kerastase products south of Bunbury and one of the top three stockists of Keune products in WA.

“Cinco is more than a place to come and get your hair done, it’s become a beautiful community, that’s the way we’ve approached Cinco since the beginning,” Ms Drake said.

Cinco is also a national finalist for Salon of the Year at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards which will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on 28 October.

More information visit cincohairboutique.com.au