The Florence Society, founded by Alisha Loach in Invercargill three years ago, is a finalist in the 2025 New Zealand Hair Awards in six categories including business of the year.
Ms Loach felt grateful and proud that her team were finalists in so many categories for the awards.
"The girls have worked incredibly hard," Ms Loach said.
"All I want is for them to find their goals, see what their future looks like and work towards that."
Rahera Tamihana is a finalist for best hairdresser and Annie Armstrong has been put forward for the next generation stylist award.
Both Ms Loach and Ms Tamihana will vie for the Patrick Cameron Award for best bridal hairstylist of the year.
The winners will be announced at the industry awards ceremony at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch on November 2.
The Florence Society is the only Southland finalist.
Invercargill born, Ms Loach (32) was initially "embarrassed" by her chosen profession.
She did not think hairdressing paid enough for the job to be considered "popular".
After honing her craft during her 20s, she realised the job she was once uncertain of had become a "dream come true".
"I remember when I first started, I was slightly embarrassed because I knew that it wasn’t a well-paid job, and . . . it wasn’t considered acool profession," she said.
"Now . . .I just want to show that no matter what — if you do it [hairdressing] really well, you can create your dream life."
She completed her studies in Invercargill, then worked her way up to opening her own salon in 2023.
The passionate entrepreneur also has an eyebrow studio and has recently added a jewellery business to her list of work achievements.
Raising two toddlers while running three businesses has kept the Southlander motivated to keep reaching goals, not just for herself but for her staff’s development.
She said seeing her staff curate their own dream lives was what motivated her.
"I want my team to thrive, and for my girls to go out and do whatever they want, to achieve their dreams."
The salon received the runner-up award for New Zealand’s best hairdressing salon last year.
Ms Loach is also a finalist in three categories for the Southland Business Excellence Awards.
