Reflecting on 30 years of innovation
Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? It’s been 30 years since Shortcuts first burst onto the scene, transforming how salons operate and bringing a tech revolution right to your styling chairs! We’ve come a long way since the early ’90s, when the internet was just starting to buzz, and salon appointment books were as bulky as the hairstyles back then. Join us as we kick off our anniversary celebrations and take a nostalgic trip back to the beginning of our journey, right where it all started.
The spark that lit the fire
It all started in a small, vibrant salon with big dreams. Jo Burgess, our co-founder, was right there, cutting through the chaos of paper records and manual bookings. “In those days, before Excel or Google were on our radar, we were making do with handmade tables on paper to track our bookings and sales,” recalls Jo, chuckling at the memory.
Driven by a vision to simplify the complexities of salon management, Jo connected with a couple of innovative, entrepreneurial developers fresh out of university, Paul Gordon and Kaine Escott. Their mission? To craft a system that could handle the hustle and bustle of salon life without breaking a sweat. “I remember the days of carbon copies and manual calculators,” Jo laughs. “Paul and Kaine knew there had to be a smarter way to run a salon, and thus, Shortcuts was born.”
The founding team and first Australian customers pinned on the map.
Touch and Go: Embracing new technology
1994 was a milestone year for Shortcuts. We introduced one of Australia’s first touchscreens tailored for the hair and beauty industry, making waves across salons nationwide. “Getting our hands on one of the first touchscreens was a game-changer. Suddenly, appointment booking, and sales management were literally at our fingertips,” Jo shares with a nostalgic smile, her enthusiasm infectious.
This bold move wasn’t just about keeping up with tech trends; it was about setting new ones. By transforming how appointments were made and managed, we helped salons increase their efficiency and let stylists focus on what they do best – making their clients look and feel fabulous.
Overcoming tech-intimidation
Embracing new technology was no small feat. The initial skepticism from the community was palpable. Many salon owners were wary of ditching their trusted paper systems for a digital solution. “It was a massive cultural shift. Convincing the industry that technology could enhance, not hinder, their personal touch with clients was our biggest hurdle,” explains Jo.
But as more and more salons started seeing the benefits—less time on the phone, fewer mix-ups, and happier customers—the tide turned. Shortcuts became synonymous with simplicity and reliability in salon management.
The digital leap
As the ‘90s rolled on, Shortcuts was at the forefront of the digital revolution. We weren’t just part of the change; we were driving it. “Going digital was like turning on a light in a dark room. We helped salons see their business in a whole new way,” Jo recalls.
By the end of the decade, we’d moved beyond just appointment books. We were helping salons manage everything from stock levels to staff rosters with just a few clicks. Convincing everyone to jump on the digital bandwagon wasn’t always easy, but the results spoke for themselves.
Throwback to the ’90s! Our co-founder Jo Burgess in action at a live hair competition, showcasing the skill and passion that ignited the creation of Shortcuts.
Celebrating the journey together
Reflecting on our beginnings, it’s astounding to see our transformation from a small team with big dreams to a leading name in salon software. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s all thanks to you, our incredible community of hair, beauty and barber professionals. Your support and growth alongside Shortcuts have been pivotal.
As we celebrate 30 fantastic years, we’re not just reminiscing – we’re actively preparing for the future. With innovative features on the horizon, we’re excited to make every salon visit smoother and more magical for you and your clients.
Flashback to the early 2000s! Our team has grown, but our fiery passion burns just as bright. Always innovating, always committed!
Take control of your salon’s today
Ready to enhance your salon’s operations? Contact us today to discover how our latest advancements can streamline your workflows, boost your marketing, and elevate your client experiences. Schedule a free demo or consultation to see the impact firsthand.
Here’s to the past 30 years of innovation – and to many more decades of creating magic together!
