MEET THE MAKER
LOVE OUR COMMUNITY
Joey Scandizzo – Eleven
Often when we start a business we think it’s a ‘hair’ brain idea but we push on.
This is the perfect example of why dreams can become a reality. Joey Scandizzo has been Australian Hair Dresser of the Year on multiple occasions and he has done the hair of the world’s biggest stars when they are here in Australia.
Joey started hairdressing in 1995 and 10 years later, started Joey Scandizzo Salon Group in 2005. Taking his brand and growing it further, Scandizzo’s ELEVEN Australia brand started with the hero – Miracle Hair Treatment – which has now grown into a full range of hair and body care lifestyle products sold in over 32 countries.
Joey is good at ‘tips,’ so here they are!
What inspires you as small business owner in Australia?
Seeing the next generation of hairstylists come through. I love to feed of their energy and new take on creativity from hair to the digital landscape.
You have a host of products made locally – how important is Aussie production to the success of your businesses?
Our Australian Heritage is one of our key pillars of ELEVEN Australia so naturally Made in Australia is extremely important. We have Australia on our packaging!
We love that Australians have been so supportive of the brand, it’s important that we can give back. ELEVEN Australia keeps our local industry employed and growing. That important to me. There’s something also really special about seeing our distributors and customers overseas fall in love with the brand not only because it performs, but because its Australian!
Do customers appreciate the Australian made credentials of your brands?
For sure. Listening to our international partners, there’s definitely strength in Australian made products. There’s a sense of quality and a feeling of trust that comes with products made in Australia. I’m really proud of that.
Personally, I have a love for our beaches and surf culture and I know that there’s definitely also that appeal with our overseas customers.
How do you keep growing your various businesses?
Simple. Surround yourself with the right people that could keep the business going even when you’re not there.
What role does digital media and marketing play?
Other than the role people play it’s the most important part of our businesses. Good digital and marketing really helps sell your product or service. It gives you your competitive edge. Without it, your brand or business will simply meander or become irrelevant overnight.
What’s the best piece of business advice you could share with fellow business owners?
Business is tough, and our industry particularly, is massively competitive. My best advice to other small businesses is simple – if you’re going to give it a crack then be sure to really understand the costs involved with a start-up. Most businesses fail in the first couple of years because they think it’s going to be an Instagram overnight success dream business. It won’t! Invest in the right people from the start and really understand what investment you need to weather the tough times.
