Jo began her hairdressing journey at just 14 years old in the north of England. Against all odds, she discovered her passion early and grew into the incredibly talented and dedicated hairdresser we know today.

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Her professional training began in Cheshire, where she was mentored by her salon boss and trained in the Vidal Sassoon method. To this day, Jo upholds the discipline, structure, and precision that she learned during those early years — not just in her craft, but also in her approach to education and leading her salon team.

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With over 30 years of industry experience, Jo has built an impressive and multifaceted career. She has worked with global brands, taught at national and international levels, organised major events, created award-winning collections, and mentored and trained her team — all while continuing to serve her loyal clientele behind the chair.

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In 2014, Jo opened the doors to her own salon, Hair Art Jo Sym-Choon. Since then, the salon has become a haven for creativity, growth, and community.

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In 2019, Jo proudly qualified her first apprentice, Skye, who has grown rapidly in skill and confidence — quickly building a strong clientele and becoming an inspiring part of the team.

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"I’m so proud to see how Skye has grown, not only in her skills but in her confidence, her interaction with clients, and her drive to continually develop. She is now inspiring me!"

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This year, Jo is thrilled to announce the qualification of her second apprentice, Kiana.

"Kiana is a bright, sparkly individual. Her people skills are second to none, and her passion for the industry is infectious. I truly feel blessed to have mentored her and watched her grow."

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Over the last decade, Jo has also served as a brand ambassador for a globally recognised company — a role that took her across Australia, teaching and mentoring the next generation of hairdressers.

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She’s now preparing to launch her own independent education programs in South Australia — a long-time dream she’s excited to bring to life.

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In the salon, you’ll most often find Jo doing what she loves most: cutting short women’s hair and working with natural curl. Whether it’s shaping it, defining it, or helping it move, Jo is an expert in modern, effortless texture and movement.

 

Awards:

• Semi Finalist, AHFA Hairdresser of the Year 2019 (SA/TAS)

• Semi Finalist, AHFA Hairdresser of the Year 2018 (SA/TAS)

• Semi-finalist, Wella Trend Vision 2017 (SA)

• Semi-finalist, Wella Trend Vision 2016 (SA)

Chief Happiness Officer & Pawfessional Vibe Curator

Mochi is not just a Labradoodle — he’s the heart, soul, and fluffy face of the salon. With a wagging tail and a coat shinier than most people’s hair post-blowout,

Mochi brings the kind of energy money can’t buy (though treats might help).

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His daily duties include:

• Greeting clients like long-lost friends (even if he met you yesterday).

• Supervising all hair transformations from his favourite bed.

• Providing emotional support during drastic fringe decisions.

• Casually judging your split ends while pretending not to stare.
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When he's not on the salon floor offering cuddles and calm, you can find Mochi power-napping mid-shift or subtly reminding staff who's really in charge around here.

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Warning: Sitting in the waiting area may result in unexpected licks, mild paw pressure, and unconditional love.

Skye has been with Hair Art Jo Sym-Choon since the early days of the salon’s opening — and the story of how it all began is as bold and brilliant as she is.

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Over a fun night out with fellow school mums, Skye gathered the courage to approach Jo with a simple but passionate request: could she join the salon and be mentored by her? Jo said yes — and nine years later, they’re still working closely together, building a strong reputation and dynamic team.

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A proud peninsula local, Skye is deeply connected to the area, surrounded by family and rich local history. She began her hairdressing journey during high school at a well-known trade school, where she first earned her certification. After taking time out to raise her beautiful family, she reignited her career in 2015 and joined Jo’s salon in Largs Bay.

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Skye studied hairdressing at Parlour Academy while being mentored hands-on by Jo, and officially qualified in 2019. Since then, she has become a valued and essential member of the team — known for her calm presence, attention to detail, and passion for her craft.

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In the last two years, Skye has honed her expertise in blondes, long hair styling, and hair extensions. She has developed a strong and loyal clientele who value her precision, perfectionism, and warm approach.

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"I love achieving the perfect blonde — from seamless balayage to soft pastel tones. It’s all about the creativity and the blend. For me, it’s not just about how the hair looks when they walk out, but also about educating clients on the right products and home care, so their hair stays beautiful and healthy between visits."

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Skye also thrives on the challenge of complex colour corrections — helping clients transform hair they no longer love into something new, vibrant, and completely tailored to them.

What can we say about Kiana other than… wherever she goes, she leaves a trail of sparkle in her wake — quite literally. From her perfectly styled hair and flawless makeup to her (always) glittering shoes, Kiana brings brightness, energy, and joy into every room she enters.

Kiana joined Hair Art Jo Sym-Choon in 2023 as a second-year apprentice, bringing with her a hunger to learn, a vibrant personality, and already-polished skills from working in a large team environment. But it didn’t take long for her to realise that her heart belonged in a more intimate, personal salon space — one where connection, creativity, and mentorship could truly thrive. And we’re so grateful she chose us.

Under Jo’s guidance and one-on-one mentorship, Kiana qualified as a fully-fledged stylist in April 2025 — and what a proud moment that was for the whole team. Her growth has been rapid, and her creative confidence is now beginning to flourish.

Kiana is the salon’s blowout queen — her Hollywood curls and bombshell blow-dries are the stuff of dreams. She has an incredible eye for detail, a flair for finish, and a real gift for making clients feel stunning. But her talents don’t stop there.

Kiana has also begun to make her mark with bold, vivid colour work — from rich jewel tones to electric brights and statement colour placement. She has a fearless passion for hair that breaks the rules and turns heads, making her a go-to for clients who love to stand out.

Currently, she’s also exploring the world of barbering, sharpening her skills in short cuts and precision work, proving there’s no limit to what this bright star can do.

"We’re so excited to watch Kiana grow — not just in her skills, but in her confidence and unique creative voice. Her energy lights up the salon and her future is absolutely sparkling."