With just days to go until the 2025 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards, the buzz is building — but 20-year-old hairdresser Sophia Gooley is keeping her cool.

The youngest nominee in this year’s lineup, Sophia will be brushing off her formalwear alongside some of the region’s biggest and long-established business names as she heads to the awards night at Ballina RSL next Saturday.

Despite her age, Sophia is no stranger to success — and now she’s in the running for one of Ballina’s top business accolades.

A Rising Star with a Steady Hand

Sophia, from The Lounge Salon in Ballina, began her career as a school-based apprentice while still at Ballina Coast High School. She balanced study, salon work and TAFE training through Years 11 and 12, eventually fast-tracking her qualification to finish a year early.

“It’s a great honour to be a finalist,” Sophia said.

“I’ve always wanted to be a hairdresser, right from when I had my first haircut as a kid.

“As a career, it’s more than lived up to my expectations. I love the creativity, the people, and the fact that every day is different.”

This isn’t her first taste of success. In 2022, Sophia won gold at the WorldSkills national hairdressing competition in Melbourne — a major national title for a young stylist.

Salon owner Vikki Bembridge, who nominated Sophia for the award, praised her as a “calm, kind and confident professional” who stands out in the workplace.

“Nothing fazes her. She’s a quiet achiever who gives every client genuine care,” Ms Bembridge said.

“In a region where opportunities for young people can be limited, Sophia is proof of what can be achieved through dedication and passion.”

The Ballina Business Awards take place at the Ballina RSL on Saturday, August 2 and will feature a three-course meal, entertainment, and post-awards party, with comedian Ellen Briggs as MC.

Limited tickets are still available via the Ballina Chamber of Commerce website.

Main Photo: Sophia Gooley (right) works her magic on a client, under the watch of The Lounge Salon owner Vikki Bembridge

2025 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards Finalists
(in alphabetical order)

Businesses and Organisations
Alder Constructions Pty Ltd
Australasian Order of Old Bastards
Avid Constructions & Contracting
Ballina Fair
Ballina RSL
Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels
Biala Support Services
Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Cherry Street Sports
Club Lennox Sports
ClubIT
Coastal Bin Busters
Collins Hume
CVS Security
Dr. Moose
Ebony & Ivory Hair Studio
Federal Hotel
Gaia Retreat & Spa
ISM Ballina
Kindred Care
Mama’s by Chantal Jephcote
Northern Rivers Media
Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond
Sistability
Southern Cross Credit Union
St Andrew’s Community Organisation
Strategy360 By Collins Hume
Stuart Tyrrell Electrical Pty Ltd
Summerland Bank – Ballina
Sunshine Speech & Allied Health Services
Wardell CORE

Individual Finalists

Chantal Jephcote – Mama’s by Chantal Jephcote
Kate Parry – Northern Rivers Media
Kelly Field – Federal Hotel
Kim Thomas – St Andrew’s
Kirra Connell – Collins Hume
Lisa Smith – Biala Support Services
Mali Heffernan – ISM Ballina
Naomi Monk – Collins Hume
Nathan McGrath – Collins Hume
Nicole Layton – Federal Hotel
Nicole McElwee – Sistability
Petar Ilic – Biala Support Services
Phongpanot Detpang “Chef Euro” – Club Lennox Sports
Rachael Smith – Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Rhys Carmichael – Avid Con Pty Ltd
Shaun Haysom – Ballina Fair Shopping Centre
Shawn Munasinghe – Cherry Street Sports
Sophia Gooley – The Lounge Salon
Tara Buggy – St Andrew’s
Tom Clapham – Ballina Fair Shopping Centre
Vincent James Chee – Federal Hotel