"Honoured" to win national crown

A North Lakes hair salon is “proud and honoured” after becoming one of the 2025 Australian Small Business Champions.

Rapunzel Rapunzel, on Flinders Pde, took out the Hairdressers category at a National Gala Presentation Evening in The Star Sydney.

Founder and owner Ashleigh Armstrong said on Facebook "we couldn't be prouder" after her salon beat a host of finalists to take the national award.

The winning team includes Tamryn Korff, Lauren Grant, Gabby Spiller, Lydia Heberle, Maddie Gadsby and Delilah Mills.

“We’re so honoured to be the winners of the hairdressing category at this year’s Australian small business champion awards,” Ashleigh said.

“This award means so much to us because it reflects the passion, hard work, and dedication we pour into every day at the salon.

“A huge thank you to our incredible team, our beautiful community and all of you who support us. We are beyond grateful!”

Rapunzel Rapunzel started 10 years ago, but opened in North Lakes six-and-a-half years ago and its staff includes apprentices.

Steve Loe, founder of the Australian Small Business Champion Awards and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, paid tribute to the salon.

He said small businesses need “steadfast commitment, leadership, savviness, creativity, people skills, vision, social consciousness and a spirited drive.

“All elements of success our independent judging panel pinpointed among key reasons for their selection of Rapunzel Rapunzel as the 2025 Champion of the Hairdressers category.”

The awards - their 27^th year - showcased small businesses across the retail, hospitality, services and manufacturing industries.

More than 5500 entries were received from cities, regions, rural areas and towns across Australia. From those, 1423 finalists were selected in 106 categories.