These wins add to the salon’s growing list of national accolades, with Best In-Salon Training marking Co and Pace Salons’ third triumph in this highly competitive category. It’s an achievement that recognises not only skill but the unwavering dedication to education and mentorship that lies at the heart of the Co and Pace Salons’ culture.
(image: AHIA Business Winner 2025 – Co and Pace Salons – Brisbane City Hairdresser )
Excellence by Moch Group, and Co and Pace Salons
Launched in 2014 by Mocha Group, the AHIA Business Awards are considered the ultimate benchmark of excellence within the hair industry. Each year, they recognise the best salons, teams, educators, and creative professionals from across Australia and New Zealand. To win an award even once is an incredible honour. To win the same award three times is a testament to a philosophy built on continuous growth, collaboration, and respect for the craft.
Founded in 2020 by multi-award-winning hairdresser and educator Justin Pace, Co and Pace Salons has quickly become a beacon of modern salon culture . . . a balance of refinement, creativity, and innovation. With over three decades in the hairdressing industry, Justin envisioned Co and Pace Salons as a place where education drives evolution, and every team member is encouraged to challenge themselves, refine their skills, and inspire others.
“Education is the foundation of everything we do,” Justin says. “Our goal has always been to create an environment where learning is constant, whether you’ve been in the industry for one year or 30. We’re all students of hair, and that’s what keeps us motivated and united as a team.”
At the heart of Co and Pace Salons’ success is its 12-person team . . . a collective of highly skilled and passionate professionals who share the same pursuit of excellence. The salon’s win for Salon Team Member of the Year 2025 is especially significant. Awarded to long-time team leader Bevan Clark, his commitment to mentoring apprentices and elevating technical education has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of hairdressers.
Bevan’s win reflects not just individual accomplishment but the collaborative spirit that defines the Co and Pace Salons’ ethos. Bevan’s leadership within the salon’s training program ensures apprentices receive more than just technical instruction . . . they gain the confidence, professionalism, and creative curiosity that defines true artistry.
“Our training isn’t about ticking boxes,” Justin adds. “It’s about cultivating mastery. We’re not just teaching people how to cut or colour; we’re teaching them how to think like hairdressers, how to problem-solve, how to connect with clients, and how to hold themselves with pride and professionalism.”
Brisbane’s Co and Pace Salons
Co and Pace Salons’ distinctive style is deeply connected to its design and philosophy. The salon’s 2020 renovation brought together Italian precision and Japanese minimalism, creating a space that feels both luxurious and calming . . . a modern sanctuary for creativity.
The salon attracts a diverse and loyal clientele, from corporate leaders and creative professionals to long-time Brisbane locals who value the team’s honesty, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. It’s a reflection of Justin’s belief that a great salon experience goes beyond beautiful hair . . . it’s about trust, respect, and community.
Since opening its doors, Co and Pace Salons has become one of the most decorated salons in the country, with multiple national accolades recognising both creative and business excellence. Each award, Justin says, is a reflection of the salon’s ongoing commitment to growth.
AHIA Business 2025 Gala Awards’ Night and 20 Years of Moch Group Dominance
The 2025 AHIA Business Awards brought the industry’s biggest names together for a night to remember. A high-voltage, electro-pop supergroup opened the show with a Teddy Swims medley that filled the ballroom with energy — complete with powerhouse vocals, live DJ, drums, saxophone, and surprise performances. The night continued with an after party that buzzed with celebration, music, and the unmistakable energy of creative camaraderie.
This milestone year also celebrated 20 years of Mocha Group, the force behind the awards and one of the most influential organisations in Australian hairdressing. A record-breaking 300+ entries were received in 2025, judged by an independent panel of tens of respected national and international industry leaders — including icons Tabatha Coffey and Sandy Chong.
Mocha Group Owner and Founder, Linda Woodhead, shared her pride in recognising Co and Pace Salons once again:
“This year’s awards have set a new benchmark. The growth in entries, the calibre of winners, and the incredible energy in the room proved that the hair industry across Australia and New Zealand is thriving. These awards don’t just celebrate talent — they shine a light on the creativity, resilience, and community spirit that make Co and Pace Salons so exceptional. I’m so proud to have Justin, Bevan, and the team on board as AHIA Business Ambassadors for 2025.”
Winning Best In-Salon Training for the third time is more than an award for Co and Pace Salons — it’s a validation of a philosophy that values education, empathy, and excellence equally. In an industry where trends come and go, Justin and his team have built something lasting: a culture of curiosity, generosity, and shared purpose.
Co and Pace Salons’ Founder / Owner / Creative Director, Justin Pace Comments
As Co and Pace Salons continues to evolve, its mission remains clear — to nurture the next generation of hair professionals, set new standards in craft and service, and continue representing Brisbane as a creative leader on the national and international stage.
“We’re honoured to be recognised again,” Justin concludes. “But what really makes me proud is the people behind the win. Every member of our team contributes to who we are — and together, we’ll keep striving to raise the bar for the industry we love.”
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