A WOMAN running a business by herself faces plenty of challenges, says Como salon owner Jenni Spence, not least of which is showing clients and staff that she is serious and capable.
After five years in the local hairdressing industry, Ms Spence has received some recognition for her talent and hard work with a nomination for WA Hairdresser of the Year.
Ms Spence is among six finalists who will compete for the top prize in Sydney in March.
Ms Spence opened Aoki Hair after moving to Perth from South Africa and said one of her biggest challenges was holding on to staff.
“In South Africa, wages are lower so you can afford more staff and people are really hungry for jobs,” she said.
“Here, to employ reception staff costs more than I could |afford, so to start off I was doing everything from answering phones to watering the garden.”
She said being a finalist was a big thrill after she worked hard and saved the money for the photo shoot to enter the competition.
The exposure would help attract both clients and top stylists, she said.
She said she had as good a chance as the other finalists of winning the competition.
“Looking at each other’s photo shoots, I don’t see why not,” she said.
“I have a good collection and some of the best people working with me.”