Why Losing a Hair Award is Good for Business

I was thrilled to be nominated for the AHIA Educator of the Year, and reaching finalist status is a pivotal moment in my career. In this podcast episode, I share why not winning the award was a strategic win for me—and how it can be for you too.

Show notes for episode 185

Entering industry awards is often seen as the ultimate test of recognition and prestige. But what if not winning turns out to be just as valuable? In this podcast blog, I’ll share my personal journey of entering the Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA) for Educator of the Year, why the process itself was transformational, and how the lessons I learned can inspire your own career growth.

Submitting an award entry isn’t just about filling out a form—it’s an intense, reflective journey. For my submission, I had to dive deep into my past year’s achievements, growth, and goals. This required more than just ticking boxes; it made me pause and truly assess what I had accomplished, the milestones I had reached, and the challenges I had overcome. This level of scrutiny can feel overwhelming, but it’s an essential part of understanding the full scope of your work.

The process wasn’t without its emotional ups and downs, but it’s all part of the creative process. 

We often get so caught up in the day-to-day that we forget to appreciate how far we’ve come. When you create a written entry for a hair award you’re able to see the growth. Now that’s something to celebrate.

PRO TIPS FOR ENTERING HAIRDRESSING AWARDS

• Embrace the Process, Win or Lose My biggest takeaway is that the value of entering awards goes beyond winning. The process itself offers an opportunity for growth and reflection that can strengthen your business. It challenges you to clarify your achievements and aspirations and reminds you of why you started.
• Repurpose Your Submission All your written work can be repurposed. Use the content to tell your story through social media, newsletters, or client communications. Even if you don’t win, the submission can become a powerful marketing asset.
• Celebrate and Share Don’t forget to share your journey, whether you win or not. Being a finalist or simply taking part in the process shows your dedication to excellence. Highlight this on your platforms—it’s a badge of honour that can inspire trust and engagement from your audience.

Listen to episode 185 of the Colour Kristina Talks Podcast to learn Why Losing a Hair Award is Good for Business.

Entering awards is more than a competition; it’s a chance to grow, reflect, and refine your vision. If you’re thinking about entering, I encourage you to take the leap. The insights and opportunities gained can be as rewarding as the win itself.