Paul Atherton (right) with City of Greater Dandenong retail development coordinator Leanne McCready and Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce representative Peter Helmore at Tuesday night’s Australian Retailers Association of Victoria 2006 awards ceremony.By Shaun Inguanzo
PAUL Atherton has capped off a hair-raising start to his Dandenong hair salon with a stylish nomination as a finalist for Victorian Retailer of the Year.
Mr Atherton, 26, attended the awards ceremony on Tuesday, hosted by the Australian Retailers Association of Victoria.
He went with family and friends – many who help out with his Answers for Hair salon – and while he did not take out the top prize, Mr Atherton said he was rapt with his achievements so far.
Mr Atherton’s Answers for Hair business that he started with brother Matthew, 23, has already earned him top awards from the Dandenong Retail Traders Association and the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Atherton has also scooped the Victorian Young Retailer of the Year, and National Young Retailer of the Year award in previous years.
So what makes his hair salon a cut above the rest? He says it is ensuring staff are well-trained and constantly kept up to date with emerging styles and trends.
“Without the staff training it really doesn’t work,” Mr Atherton said.
“It never stops, you always continue your training the whole way through your career.
“The industry is changing constantly so you have got to change your skills accordingly.”
Now, Mr Atherton and Answers for Hair are looking to open a hairdressing academy in Lonsdale Street – they are just waiting for council approval.
“It will be called the Answers Hair and Beauty Academy,” Mr Atherton said.
“People can train to become qualified hairdressers, enhance their skills and also learn about beauty therapy.”
