Revlon Professional brought salon owners and stylists together in August for the second Empowered Salons Client Conference. The location was Hamilton Island. The purpose was connection, education and community.

Over four days, salon owners from each state took part in a program that mixed serious learning with time out to connect and recharge.

With mocha group being the official media partner, Jarred Stedman, GM, was there to join in the fun, representing through an insightful keynote as well as his usual flair and fun!

Education That Matters

The education sessions were designed to give attendees something they could take back and implement in their salons.

Geoffrey Herberg drew on decades of industry experience to share insights into product development. His session gave salon owners a chance to understand what goes into the professional products they rely on every day and how those innovations can shape their client offerings. And Revlon’s Senior Brand Manager Monica Costello did a keynote on new products, what activations Revlon has done over the year (Australian Fashion Week Show) and the activations with Empowered Salons during the year.

Mocha Group GM Jarred Stedman followed with a deep dive into all things branding. Jarred has built a reputation for cutting through the noise and breaking down digital strategies into language salon owners can actually use. His session wasn’t about trends or chasing likes. It was about showing up consistently, telling your story with confidence and using social media as a genuine business tool. And the amazing Julie Cross was another keynote speaker, who spoke about bringing your sparkle to everything you do, beating diversity and having a winning spirit.

After this amazing session then came the surprise of the conference. Attendees were introduced to Samantha Bloom, whose personal story of resilience and transformation has inspired people around the world. Samantha’s session wasn’t polished or packaged. It was raw and honest, and it had every person in the room on their feet by the end. The themes of authenticity and empowerment that ran through the event all came together in that moment.

Connection in Every Corner

As important as the sessions were, the conference was just as much about what happened in between. From poolside cocktails to beachfront dinners, there was plenty of space for salon owners and stylists to come together, share stories and build relationships.

These moments matter. Running a salon can be isolating, and the chance to step away, talk openly with peers and realise that others are facing the same challenges is powerful. The connections made at events like this often last long after the last dinner is cleared away.

The lighter side of the program also stood out. A Hamilton Island buggy race saw teams of salon owners take to the wheel in a competition that had everyone laughing and cheering. The event was captured across social reels and became one of the most talked about highlights of the week.

Revlon Professional also added a social media competition into the mix, which was judged by senior Brand Manager for Revlon professional, Monica Costello and GM of Mocha Group, Jarred Stedman, encouraging delegates to share their conference experience online. It wasn’t just about posting content. It was about giving owners the confidence to show their personality and creativity in the same way they should be doing for their own salons. The prize was $1000 gift from Angel Hair Extensions.

The Program Behind the Event

The Empowered Salons program is Revlon Professional’s national loyalty and leadership initiative. It is built to support salon owners and managers year-round, not just during the annual conference. The program combines education, business tools and mentoring with shared experiences that help owners grow personally and professionally.

In an industry that is constantly evolving, with new products, client demands and market pressures, having that support network is essential. Empowered Salons creates a community where owners can learn from experts but also from each other. The message is clear: you don’t have to do it alone.

Why It Resonates

What set this event apart was balance. The mix of business education, personal inspiration, downtime and fun meant every part of the program had a role to play. It wasn’t about overloading delegates with information. It was about creating an environment where they could learn, connect and step back into their salons with renewed energy.

For salon owners who spend most of their time looking after others, having the chance to be looked after themselves was a reminder of why they do what they do. The conference delivered that in spades.

Lasting Impact

As the event wrapped up and attendees boarded flights back to their states, they weren’t just leaving with notebooks full of ideas. They left with stronger networks, practical strategies

and a fresh sense of confidence. The value of events like this is measured not just in the days spent together but in the ripple effect that carries back into salons, teams and client experiences.

The 2025 Empowered Salons Client Conference showed again that education, connection and community are at the heart of Revlon Professional’s approach. By investing in salon owners and giving them a platform to grow, the brand is helping shape a stronger future for the industry.

Hamilton Island was the backdrop, but the real story was in the conversations, the laughter, the learning and the shared belief that together, salons can thrive.

@revlonprofessionalaustralia