Creative Skills Retail Council Launches: A New Model for a Changing Era

Creative Skills Retail Council introduces a future-ready membership association offering training credits, per-seat pricing, and a social-impact purpose for hair, barber and beauty (makeup) business professionals nationwide.

Leading Australia's hair, barber and beauty (makeup) industry into a bold new era, the Creative Skills Retail Council (CSRC) has officially launched.

Introducing a "membership-for-good" model that redefines what it means to belong to an industry body, CSRC represents an evolution in how modern associations deliver value, impact and purpose.

Built as a social-enterprise model that gives back, CSRC is a special purpose not-for-profit industry association driving business excellence and social impact across Australia's creative skills retail sector. CSRC reinvests all surplus back into initiatives that empower professionals, strengthen businesses and benefit communities.

"CSRC exists for purpose - to create measurable social impact and deliver positive change," said Executive Director Melissa Kalan, a respected association and business leader.

"Our members are business owners, employers, educators, suppliers and entrepreneurs who want to do business smarter, more sustainably and with greater purpose. Together, we are building a movement - one member at a time."

Membership That Gives Back
Membership options start from a $1-per-month community tier, scaling up to full Professional Membership. The model is designed on a per-seat structure, ensuring fairness for small and large entities alike.

In a first for associations serving this sector, CSRC members also receive cash-back training credits equal to the value of their membership, redeemable through the CSRC Academy. These credits can be used for professional-development courses and micro-credentials - ensuring every dollar spent directly contributes to professional growth and upskilling.

"We wanted a model that genuinely gives back," Ms Kalan explained. "Our focus is on value-centric membership for good."

Shop For Good
Further cementing its social-enterprise credentials, CSRC has launched Shop For Good - an online marketplace where merchandise and courses can be purchased. Every purchase helps fund CSRC's purpose.

"Shop For Good isn't just about commerce - it's about purpose and impact," said Ms Kalan. "It allows our members and non-members to contribute to meaningful change with every transaction."

The CSRC Academy
The CSRC Academy forms another cornerstone of the Council's commitment to workforce capability. As a professional-development hub, the Academy offers business certifications for Professional Members and their teams, delivering exceptional value.

Through short courses, micro-credentials and flexible e-learning modules, the Academy equips creative professionals with future-ready business skills - raising commercial acumen and lifting professional standards across the sector.

"From workplace compliance and sustainability to sales, marketing, artificial intelligence and customer service, we're helping members do business smarter through purposeful membership," Ms Kalan said.

A Modern Model for Purpose-Driven Leadership
CSRC represents a modern, forward-thinking association structure that redefines how not-for-profits engage, lead and deliver value.

Call for Expressions of Interest - CSRC Industry Councils

As part of its national rollout, CSRC is inviting industry business professionals to join a State or Territory Council.

"We want to harness the passion, experience and insight of people working across every corner of our industry," Ms Kalan said.
"By joining a CSRC State or Territory Industry Council, professionals can play a direct role in shaping the future and creating change for good."

Business professionals and organisations can register their interest  - HERE