Meet the Makers: Amy of 415 Hair Studio
Getting to know Amy
Tell us a bit about your background and how 415 Hair Studio came to be?
“I grew up in Ireland just outside of Dublin, in a small county called County Louth. I did about 5 years of hairdressing there, only because Mum said I had to go to work and start paying my way. Funny story - my Mum actually called up and pretended to be me and I got the job. She clearly nailed it!
I quickly realised Ireland wasn’t right for me anymore and moved to Australia for a year where I worked as a hairdresser for about 6 months, and then ended up working in hostels and bars and had a great time. I left Australia for New Zealand when I was 21 and have been here for almost 9 years. Finally able to celebrate gaining my residency!
When I came over to NZ I continued with hairdressing. I moved between salons but couldn’t find the right environment so eventually ended up going out on my own. I didn’t have a car, so quite literally got on my bike or the bus and went directly to people’s houses with all my equipment. From there I started to build relationships with clients, and while the money wasn’t huge, I built a rapport and was really happy in my job, at last!
I went onto my partner Christian’s visa and was able to open up a home studio on Balmoral Road. The location was great for my existing clients and the space was lovely and bright. Covid hit and it quickly made me realise I couldn’t work from home all the time, I needed a space in order to be able to grow. Once out of lockdown, I had a space which didn’t end up working out, before finding a spot here at OBV. It’s going to be 3 years in June since we opened.
Our salon stylists are from all around the world - Scotland (Gemma), Ireland (Amy), America (Brittany), and Latvia (Sabine). We’ve created a lovely sisterhood at the salon and have a great family unit. We also have apprentices who are about 15 and 16, and it’s great being able to work with them and train them. We now have two salons, one in Eden Terrace, which is really exciting.
Lisa, my right hand-woman, thinks that I’m the face of the brand and the secret to free marketing is my dogs, Charlie and Archie, who are here on Thursdays FYI.”
“I love empowering women to feel comfortable in their own skin and by doing their hair we’re enhancing their natural beauty.”
For new clients looking to change up their look, what does the process look like from the moment they book with you?
“First, and most importantly, book a consultation! This is key for us to align on expectations and see what's possible. We can then give you advice on the best journey to get you the results you want without compromising your hair.
We love to see your hair inspiration, so bring along photos. We’re also able to show you examples of other clients who have been able to achieve a similar look.
We need to make sure we plan the journey. We won’t bleach your hair if we know it isn’t safe, and we may put you on a hair care regime to improve your hair health. We’ll break down the costs for you, so it’s helpful to come with a budget which we can work to.
And from there it’s time to get started! Our helpful team will book your first appointment, or you can do it all online here”
You have a premium range of hair products in store that cater to all different hair types. How do you select the brands and products you stock?
“I was trained by Redken from my first year of hairdressing as an apprentice, which was 16 years ago now. I love and believe in their products so much that I continue to have these stocked in the salon.
There are a lot of people out there not using professional hair care. Just like you would use medical grade skincare, using the right products is an investment in your hair, and extends the life of your colour and quality of it too!”
How do you continue to upskill?
“It is really important to me that I'm constantly upskilling and always keeping across new trends and techniques. Right now I'm doing a course called ‘Master of Balayage’.
Our apprentices also train every Wednesday from 4pm and all services are 50% off, dependent on whatever we’re training on.
One of my favourite quotes by the late celebrity hairdresser, Oribe Canales… ‘If I’m still doing hair in 10 years, I still want to be learning. I never want to get to the point where I know it all, because then it will be boring.’ That says it all really!”
A lot of businesses within OBV support each other. You’ve joined forces with Coco Nails for a hair and nail package. Tell us about that?
“I am a regular client of Coco Nails & Beauty and love their work, so we love to collaborate and support each other's businesses. Clients can get their hair and nails done at the same time within our hair studio.
In terms of other businesses at OBV, I have every shirt imaginable from The Luxe Edit. The owner, Paula, keeps telling me to let my clients know that she’s sold out, because they always ask where my clothes are from.
Funnily enough, one of The Luxe Edit’s tops actually sold out of a top because I was wearing it to work! It’s not the first time that’s happened either. Paula knows how much I adore her collections and her daughter works for us as an apprentice, which is really great too.”
What’s in store for 2023 trends-wise?
“Big bangs all the way! More ‘lived in’ blondes. Also bouncy straight blow waves, which is a service we offer.”
Have you got any new products incoming or promotions we should be aware of?
“We’re exploring a ‘refer a friend’ promotion, so keep a look out for that.
But we’ll let you in on a little secret - we do 5.30am appointments on Friday’s and these are very popular with those who are able to snatch up the appointments. We’re also open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am.
We love morning appointments because you can start your day with your hair beautifully styled and looking fabulous.
We also specialise in hair extensions! Clients definitely need a consultation for this service as there’s lots to chat through. Plus, not many people know, but we also do killer men’s cuts.”
Tell us a bit about your most frequented spots at OBV?
“There’s a few spots I frequent! I get my lashes done with Coco at Coco Nails about every 6 weeks. I get all my jewellery and clothing from The Luxe Edit - love that place.
Our team loves to head to Brother’s Beer for after work drinks and I really rate Silky Otter for a luxe date night.”