Have a Killer Christmas

December already...no it can't be!

At times we get so caught up in life we neglect to look back at all we have achieved, and dare I say it... pat ourselves on the back!

To all of you out there trying to make something happen, weather its study, work or family...remember to take a moment to celebrate, as all of these pursuits take a hell of a lot of passion and stamina and I certainly feel pushed to the edge at times.

This morning at 6am when my sweet wife, who had only 4 hours of sleep, passed our 6 week old baby Sadie to me, I could only smile and think of how much our little family has achieved and how lucky we are.

It was at this point that I reflected on the whole year- the salon has now been open for 18 months, we have been working with Urbis and Remix magazine, produced 2 hairshows, one at the Auckland Art Gallery and one for Davines. 

We shot our first collection 'Alchemy' and had it published in 4 magazines, did a little ad campaign and to top it all off, we have our very own 3.5min DVD. On a personal note, I feel blessed to have my wife and 2 beautiful girls.

Not to forget our amazing staff- Bonny Liu, Tommy Stayton and Ella Macedo. In order to achieve in business and create a strong brand you must employ leaders and invest in them. From the bottom of our soul thank you to our team, they are stars.

And our exceptional clients, its a privilage to work on your hair and your hearts. We are all on the same journey as we grow and share advice and experiences together I know I am a better man because of the time I share with you. 

We seriously love hairdressing  and we are already looking forward to achieving the next level in our salon for 2012.

Very Merry Christmas and Happiest New Year xxx

Steven

Alchemy, our latest collection

Howdy, Wow what a month. We have shot a collection of 5 models and called it 'Alchemy', it's a project that we will do every year and it's a way to bring together our collective ideas and work together. Its an amazing journey where we create a single idea and then that grows into storyboards which include makeup ideas, clothes and the general mood/direction we are going for. To collaborate with the team is certainly a high point of my time at killer.

We also had the privilege of doing the hair at the opening show for the AUT fashion graduates. The brief was the make the hair seem like statues so we immediately started using powder, paints and sprays to mould the hair into shape.

We were then told we had to do 30 models in 2.5 hours so after much deliberation we set in motion a kind of production line of 5 stylists with Mimi's genius idea of Tempura flour mixed with water then painted over with face paint and voila, you got yourself an ancient, statuesque hairstyle that rocks, it was a boundary pusher but we got there.

Last but not least was our very own release of Alchemy, it was an evening where we, in conjunction with Davines put on a look and learn show for 60 or so hairdressers. We did 16 models in 4 different sections- collection, Editorial, Mens and street cast. This was to give an in depth look into Killerhairs Inspiration, Knowledge and passion that we have and a chance to share with anyone who wants to know what we are about.

We all had a great month creatively and we know that for anything you want to excell in, you must do the hard yards and we certainly worked hard but we love it. Oh and go the all blacks!

Steve

       

To see all the photos from the shows, go to this link

Divine Timing

On Friday I was cutting Brooks hair and chatting away when he started pulling me up about the blog, or lack there of!

So I listened, I believe it was Divine timing and things happen at the right time, the right place, for the right reasons, so now it seems the time for me to take on this blog and discuss all things Killer (with a philosophical edge)

Sunday saw us complete our first collection and it's been a year in the waiting.

We have wanted to do it since we opened, it's not that we couldn't but as I will point out, anything really cool tends to happen when the right people are in place.

One year ago, it was Me, Tom and Mimi with the responsibilities of our 8 month daughter.

Now we have Me, Tom, Bonnie, Jonathan, Ella and Mimi - 10 weeks away from giving us our second daughter but still on board - she's also our creative director.

Both Mimi and I dream about our brand all the time, just as you guys dream about your goal and visions etc. We constantly want to invigorate ourselves creatively, which enables us to give our clients the best.

We want to be present in everything we do, from listening at the consultation, to perceiving what style or colour our client is after and not to mention discussing life, the universe and who's wearing what.

Back to Divine Timing... in my view the universe gives opportunities, it's up to us to have the courage to grasp them.

Tina - a legendary client of mine put us onto Jessica Sim, our photographer and all I can say is 'World Class'. Exceptional talent and easy to work with.

We also found great models who were all Proper Gorge!

Our makeup artist Nicola Harvey, was my old ferry buddy from back in our Devonport days, I'd always kept her in the back of mind as someone we would love to work with. She did a damn fine job!

Now we have worked on photo shoots before but it was a Killer team thing here, we all worked great together, hard day but a really satisfying creative experience.

To get ahead you need to work hard everyday and stress seems to follow close behind but the last thing you want is to let it take over. Perspective, gratitude for the cool things, being present and enjoying your work brings a us all a much needed balance.

Ciao, Steven

Welcome Jonathan Martin

Killer is thrilled to have a new stylist in the team – Jonathan Martin.

He comes to us from cutting on Ponsonby Rd at Stephen Marr and enjoying his O.E working in a salon in London's alternative suburb – Shoreditch, where he says people’s eye opening confidence in fashion means the streets are cutting more trends than the catwalks.

Jonathan is a great talent with a gentle personality and lots of passions he likes to pursue.

Besides the obvious hair and fashion interests he is very into art and art history having been able to personally view many of the great masters in galleries throughout Europe but reckons Paris’s Pompidou gallery of Modern Art was the big highlight.

A Wellington native, like all good people he loves food and lives in a flat full of foodies but enjoys making the most of the great cafes in our fair city and recommends Jervios Rd’s Zus and Zo for brunch and amazing coffee.

You can read more about Jonathan on our Team page!

KILLER would also like to wish A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our Head Nacho Steven, yet another year wiser and more handsome.

Davines has a new international Art Director, Angelo Seminara

That name may not mean a lot to you but to hairdressers around the world this Italian born Londoner is a genius!

Winner of British Hairdresser of the year 2007 and 2010, Angelo leaves hair professionals in awe with his limitless imagination and incredible ability.

His new collection of edgy but commercial haircuts and colours using the beautiful Davines product is on its way to us from Parma, Italy NOW!
As visionary artists for Davines New Zealand it is with much pride and excitement that we get to be directly inspired by such a talented, talented!!! Man.

Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatments are back

Frizz to Smooth

The gorgeous shiny hair of many a Hollywood celeb is the result of a Keratin straightening treatment or Brazilian blowout as they call it in the US.

Nicole Kidman confessed on 60 minutes that it was this treatment that had changed her hair from the previous curl and frizz to the healthy, smooth do she wears today.

I have previously blogged about the benefits of this permanent blow wave.

You may (or may not) be aware that there was some controversy over its levels of ingredients that could possibly be harmful to the hairdresser doing many of these treatments. When we heard this we stopped the service and returned the product to the supplier. Tom is our resident Keratin master and his health was not being put at any risk.

We waited while the manufacturer was busy correcting the issue and did some research into the new formulation of Coppola Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy Elite. It has been given the all clear and certified by Australia and New Zealand as a safe product.

We can now say with confidence that we are resuming this amazing service and so if beautiful, frizz free locks for 2 – 4 months sounds good to you then this is the service that will change the way you feel about your hair on a day to day basis.

Our hearts go out to everyone in Christchurch

WOW! What can you say about the Christchurch situation?

Nightmare of nightmares another earthquake, utter devastation, lost lives and  one of New Zealand’s most beautiful cities will never be the same.

Killer Hair had the pleasure of spending 4 days in ChCh last May when we did a hairshow for Davines. We met lots of amazing hairdressers, many with salon’s in the city centre and who’s dream’s will be in rubble. Our hearts go out to all in ChCh and we hope that with the efforts happening all over the country life can get back to some kind of normality very soon.

We have made our donation to the Red Cross but feel we at Killer can do more. As our clients will know - we love animals, Nico is our furry little baby and so when we heard about how busy the SPCA is down there housing and feeding lost animals and operating on the hurt hoping to reunite people with there pets, we felt we needed to help this great charity.

After all the sun, swimming and hot weather, right now hair needs nourishment and strength to look it best. During the month of March if you add a treatment to your service we will donate the total cost between $28 and $30 to the Christchurch SPCA.  So you get to look good with shiny, revitalised hair and feel good knowing your helping the animals of Canterbury get well and back to their beloved families. 

Another business doing an amazing event for Christchurch is local restaurant Gina’s Italian Kitchen, they are hosting a long Italian lunch this Sunday with all food, wine, service and entertainment being donated and all proceeds going straight to Red Cross. Check it out at www.ginas.co.nz

Next week we talk about hair – PROMISE x

If you ain’t got your health you got nothing

We have all heard it many a time but it’s more than an age-old adage, it’s the damn truth!

Career, sport, socialising, cooking, playing with your kids, it’s all out the window.  It’s like the wind won’t even blow your hair back so you can have a moment of carefree folly.

Why am I moaning on like some jaded old women?

I’m currently living in the limbo of misery illness. Is it an allergy? Is it the immune system gone wack? Is it blah, blah….

After seeing a rather pricey specialist today it’s fingers crossed the 4th blood test may shed some much-needed light.

But I’m still functioning … just, and I’m still doing what I love – Your hair but the concern is when do I get better!!!  I wanna know.

So it’s at these times we ( that’s me really ), find out what we really love about our lives and feel grateful for, all the cool and lovely things.

Why now??? Cause we miss them like crazy!

• Walking the dog
• Picking up Nina when she demands a cuddle 
• Getting creative in the kitchen to the applause of Steven
• Worst of all, doing my hair!

So if this is what it feels like to be frail then thank you for the lesson cause when I’m better I’m gonna cram as much into my years as possible and relish my rainy, wet dog walks, cause at least I can.

Praying for my return to good health.

Mimi x

These are a few of my Fav things

Nico LOVES the beach

Ok so it’s not the worlds largest city but there are still a lot of choices in Auckland.

I love recommendations, they work, heck our whole business so far has been built on word of mouth recommendations, so I’m gonna tell you about a few things I love and would love you to comment with anything you feel we all need to know about.

Foodbox – Delivered to your door, in season, the best the market has to offer Fruit and Veg.

Fresh as and extremely affordable. I love foodbox because instead of buying the same old trusty veg you branch out and they include info in your box about how to use, as well as recipes online and facebook. Check them out www.foodbox.co.nz

Hansan Vietnamese Restaurant – In Nuffield  St, Newmarket

This place is amazing, the food is so yummy and fresh. The surroundings, clean and modern. I highly recommend B16 but are yet to try anything I don’t enjoy. The staff are really friendly and never seem to mind when we leave a huge mess thanks to Nina’s noodle technique.

Poppy Jones – New North Rd, Eden Tce

Sarah is super creative and what she does with flowers is inspiring. Very down to earth and personable service. I love that when I send bouquets friends always say “ OMG they are the most amazing flowers”,  not just “Thanks for the flowers”. www.poppyjones.co.nz

St Leonards Beach – Takapuna

We just learnt about this place this summer, better late than never but anyone who has a dog that loves the beach and thinks it’s a crime that in summer you have to be gone by 10am then your gonna love this place, an all year round DOG BEACH.
Take Lake Rd like your going to Devonport, turn left at Takapuna Grammar, Park up, down the path and Yay swim with your puppy. map

Angelique at Acupuncture Heath – Sandringham

Sweet relief from pain and a fertility specialist. I have much to be grateful for with Angelique’s assistance, as do many of my friends.
Caring, relaxing and beneficial to your health, no pills needed and HONESTLY the needles don’t hurt a bit. www.acupuncturehealth.co.nz

Do share your faves and this month were choosing a blog follower to win 3 products by Davines. We will be in contact with the winner to choose shampoo, conditioner and finishing product that will work for you!

Mimi x

At Killer we are in love with Italian hair care brand Davines

Sustainable Beauty is more than a tag line, from still being a family owned business, their factory in Parma, Italy is wind & water powered and with their re-forestation projects, Davines is serious about our environment.

The beautiful imagery conjures up feelings of rejoicing in life with old world values and humanity celebrated  – and of course the amazing products that works wonders!

Now we’re falling in love all over again, we have been carrying the Natural Tech range for a few months and we are really seeing results. Natural Tech is all about problem solving... hair loss, dandruff, oily scalp, lack lustre, under nourished, dry scalp or sun damage. We have your remedy.

There are shampoos, conditioners and at home treatments but the best part is the in-salon only treatments to kick start the process back to balance.

So much to talk about, so if you do have a concern, feel free to chat to us about it at your next appointment and we'll see if we can help sort it out.

Let’s start with a bit of an offer that will suit anyone with hair that is fluffy in texture, feeling dry, has colour, has ends that are feeling ruined, or has fine / weak hair...

Natural Tech Keratin Miracle Treatment, head massage and a blow wave with Tom $50
(Tuesday – Friday)

There’s a catch, you'll need to sign up as a follower of our blog and you’ll want to cause we’ll be letting our followers in on lots of offers, events and giveaways.

Xxx Mimi

Hello and Happy New Year

View from the hammock - Oneroa, Waiheke Island

I could go into a long winded excuse to why you haven’t heard from me in so long but instead I’m just gonna pledge to be in-touch more often.

Besides this crazy heat/rain/wind has it not been an amazing summer and I hope you all had as much of a beachy awesome time as we did. In our 2-week break we sunned it up on Waiheke. Bonny had a great time road tripping round the North Island and Tom reckons his best days were spent on Palm Beach.

With all the resolutions that fly around at the start of a New Year I thought, I should keep it in perspective, keep it real and attainable. I decided my N.Y.R would be just that “To keep things in perspective”. A bit loose you might say but it was the thinking about what I really wanted out of 2011 that got me there.

In today’s society we lean towards the accumulation of things to bring us happiness. At a New Year we might say “ I’ll stop drinking, I’ll loose weight etc” But aren’t we over indulging because were unhappy. Because were working our arses off to keep up with the payments on our stuff. To attain the car, clothes, house … so we can be happy. This all strikes me as a touch squ-if on perspective, shouldn’t the goal just be happiness?

Forget the stuff. That way we can have happiness and we don’t need to make payments on that.

Age is a splendid thing because you realize cool things. For me it’s now about slowing down, keeping calm, doing that which I love and not stressing. I used to love stressing, I used to love going fast and being crazy but that was because it gave me a sense of importance ??? Weird I know. Now I have a beautiful family, an amazing dog, a great salon with great clients and I know what’s important. Perspective – I’m keeping mine in check!

Mimi

See ya next week, hope your resolution is still going strong x