I saw a 'Star'...
Congratulations to the winner of our 'I saw a 'STAR' competition last December...NADIA WILLIAMS!
Nadia was the very lucky WINNER who can now ‘Rediscover Herself’ with a personalised session with Style consultants ‘Colour with Style’ valued at $200! Watch this space to hear more about Nadia’s experience…
Her winning comment was: ‘ Blue Cactus have an absolutely amazing, professional and friendly team. My stylist Greta is AWESOME! She knows what will look great and I trust her 100% when she reccommends something. Awesome team!"
…so who was our STAR???
Our very talented, super stylish and
hugely friendly colourist...Jodi Pullar!
Jodi received the most STAR nominations from our clients for her professionalism, attention to detail and beautiful, kind nature.
“She is just SO lovely!”
“Very friendly, very genuine”
“Does the BEST head massage, just bliss”
To learn a bit more about Jodi, check out her team profile...
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Apprentice of the Year 2011
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We are very proud to announce our very own Miriam Thomson and Jodi Pullar are finalists in the HITO Apprentice of the Year competition for the Wellington region!
 Miriam
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The HITO Apprentice of the Year award will be presented to an apprentice to recognise their all round achievement within the Hairdressing Industry.
Each of the 7 HITO regions will have their own regional winner - Miriam and Jodi are two of the top three finalists in Wellington.
The National winner will be selected from the regional winners and will be announced at an awards ceremony in Auckland on 20 November 2011...We are beyond proud of these two leading ladies, and look forward to the end of the month when the winner will be announced!
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 Jodi
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Blue Cactus Hairdressing named as a 2011 Kitomba NZARH Business Awards Finalist!
We are excited to announce we have recently been named as a finalist in the 2011 Kitomba NZARH Business Awards in the Telecom Employer of Choice category.
The awards recognise excellence in business in nine categories plus the Salon of the Year and are sponsored by Telecom New Zealand, Shock Consulting and Schwarzkopf.
Kitomba CEO, Tom Murphy said, “The judges are going to have a hard time separating these finalists. All the entries were of a very high calibre and some of the performance recorded was astounding, given the broader economic conditions. It shows that even in difficult times if you deliver a quality product it is possible to work for love and money.”
The New Zealand Association of Registered Hairdressers (NZARH) President, Ria Bond, said, “Too often excellence in business goes unrecognised in our industry, that’s why these awards are so important. And I’m very pleased that this year we’ve seen salons from around the country reach this stage of the competition.”
Ms Bond and Mr Murphy both congratulated Blue Cactus and all the award finalists for reaching this stage. The winners will be announced at the Industry Awards ceremony on the 20th of November in the War Memorial Museum in Auckland’s Domain...watch this space!
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'Behind the Glamour...'
Kerri and Sonya at NZ Fashion Week 2011
NZ Fashion Week encapsulates all that motivates and inspires hairdressers everywhere. Needless to say, when Sonya and myself were offered an opportunity to be a part of it… we grabbed it with both hands!
We were under the direction of the hugely talented Wayne from ‘Ktizo’ (Hamilton), who was the Hair Director for the fashion show we were supporting in. So, September 1 st we left Wellywood for the City of Sails.. making our way toward to new Viaduct Event Centre – which certainly didn’t disappoint.
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Sonya and I worked on the ‘Westpac Young Fashion Designer Competition’ on our first day. This is the launch pad for emerging fashion designers. There were 30 models and x3 different looks that needed to be created – it was a case of heads down and hands in as we worked on this show solidly for 3 hours.
The stars were out for the presentations, as our MC Charlotte Dawson introduced Boh Runga to announce the big awards. The Winner? A young fashion student from Christchurch took out the career launching prize! Congratulations to Georgia Currie who produced a ‘new, fashion forward and fresh’ collection.
Our big day was Friday the 2 nd, as we worked alongside Michael Beel behind the scenes for none other than internationally recognized designers – WORLD. Having been familiar with their previous collections, I knew that this would be something special. To add to the excitement factor, it was revealed that the Winner of New Zealands Next Top Model was going to be announced live at the end of their show! We were both eagerly anticipating the arrival of the 3 finalists, and helping them achieve their winning looks.
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The day started off early morning to prepare the models for the evening show. Divided into groups of three we were given the brief for each look that was required. The energy and creativity behind the scenes was indescribable as we worked alongside some of the nations most talented hairdressers.
Lots of hair pieces, glitter, paint, clips, wigs and even neon lights (!) were used to create the works of art for the runway. Perfection was paramount, as most of the hair ups took several hours to achieve. The event was a super slick operation as each and every single detail was taken care of and each second was accounted for by the team coordinator.
Our x2 day experience at NZ Fashion Week was without a doubt a highlight in my 15 years of hairdressing. The inspiration, creativity and energy is so unique to this kind of event and an opportunity that we were both so grateful for. New Zealand Fashion has reached a new standard and sets a precedent on the world stage – Congratulations to Top Model Brigette Thomson!
To view all the images from Kerri and Sonya's inspiring trip to NZ Fashion Week 2011 visit our Facebook page...
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Celebrating Inspiring Wellington Businesses... The Gold Awards are an annual celebration of the Wellington Region's outstanding business performers.
This year Blue Cactus are proud to announce we are finalists for the "GREEN" GOLD AWARD, recognising Positive Sustainability Practices!
This is an exciting acknowledgement of our ongoing committment to making our salon sustainable and helping lead the green movement in an often ‘environmentally-unfriendly’ industry.
The 2011 Wellington Gold Awards will be held on May 18th...watch this space!
Sustainable Retailing category - Sponsored by Meridian
Winner - Blue Cactus Hairdressing Ltd
"Blue Cactus is leading change, advocating consciousness, and making a positive difference in an industry known for its heavy use of electricity, water, and unfriendly products like shampoo and packaging." - Larissa Macleman
Judges' comments "Blue Cactus stood out for the holistic approach they had taken to making their business sustainable. They not only demonstrated action in improving the performance of their store, they have also paid attention to the products and services they offer their customers. Staff are engaged through staff meetings and product awareness, and customers are offered extra loyalty points for purchasing greener options."
FINALIST - Training Salon of the Year
The ultimate in hairdressing awards, competitions and seminars were brought to New Zealand hairdressers in Christchurch this October. This bienniel event is a celebration of practical skills, business success, and training excellence. We were excited and proud to be finalist in the ‘training salon of the year’ awards on the Saturday night. It was a wonderful night full of glitz and glamour.
Sonya Cox represented Blue Cactus and the Wellington region, in the ‘Oceanic masters’ national final held on the Sunday. Teams from 14 regions put their skill and creative ability to the test when they competed for the Supreme Fashion Hair Design Awards. The talented winners of the regional competitions faced the challenge of competing in the Supreme Hair Design Awards – undoubtedly the most prestigious event on the NZ Association of Registered Hairdressers calendar.
The Oceanic event saw competitors from Australia travel over to be a part of this amazing event and it was the Trans-Tasman folk that took out First Place! The work for this event was particularly detailed and was more like sculptured art rather than hairdressing. Sonya produced some amazing work also, that was truly inspiring and made Blue Cactus extremely proud! We left with so much creative inspiration and can't wait to showcase more talent in two years time.
Click here to see Wellington Regional Hairdressing Competition pics...
Blue Cactus stylist has the H Factor
Corinne joins the prestigious Loreal H3 Team
 On the 20th September 2010 all my dreams came true! - says Corinne Goffriller, executive stylist at Blue Cactus Hairdressing.
'I had the fantastic opportunity to audition for the prestigious Loreal H3 Team – an international team of cutting experts that learn new collections from Europe, and tour NZ educating Stylists.
We had 10mins to wow the judges at the audition – the criteria; anything that inspires you. My inspiration is derived from celebrity fashion, architecture, and design. I created a ‘mood board’ for each to present on the day. In addition to this, I designed x2 striking new haircuts that featured innovative techniques and stunning colours. My models joined me on the day for my presentation to showcase the haircuts. Ruby clothing store and Napoleon makeup ensured the models looked amazing.
After my presentation I received great feedback from the judges (one of whom was the famous Paul Serville), and then after a long wait I finally received the news that I’ve been waiting for… I was one of 3 selected to join the Loreal H3 Team! This is most definitely one of the highlights of my career, and I can’t wait to share my expertise and grow as a stylist.'
Congratulations Corinne, you so deserved to be chosen!
Blue Cactus at Fashion Week 2010
Behind the scenes with Corinne, Cushla & Anna...
We arrived at NZ Fashion Week with much intrigue and excitement! Creative energy filled the Auckland air as prestigious Hairstylist and Salon Owner, Ian Smith gave us a briefing for the look that designers ‘Never Black’ were wanting for their show. This was our first Fashion Week project. The theme was a very loose, ‘undone’, and organic look…Easy!
Hair Extensions were a MUST for full luscious hair. We were all shown how to glue them in, and the very fine art at taking them out. Next up we were to style the Male flavour models – their look had a surfer feel, and a grunge edge.. we were to make them look as if they had just returned from the beach.. No sweat!
From there onwards we were inundated with a sea of models.. Hairdryers blasting, flat irons hot, ghd products ready! Often there were several of us stylists working on one model – as the saying goes ‘many hands make light work!’.
While the models were strutting their stuff on stage we decided to take full advantage of our backstage passes. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Design icon Trelise Cooper, it was an opportunity not to be missed! Everyone was surprisingly relaxed, and we all made the most of the refreshments provided.
We were pleased to see inside several Boutique Stores, selling an assortment of Hair equipment, and ofcourse beautiful clothes! However, the down time didn’t last long as the models were rushing back, ready for their next looks.
This experience was one never to be forgotten. We all were so inspired, working with the industry pros and mingling with NZ’s finest fashionistas! Thanks ghd for an amazing opportunity that exceeded expectations!
Lights, Camera & Action!
On the 1st of July our very own Kerri Cox spent the day with style icon: Samantha Hannah - Fashion editor of Fish Head magazine.
It was Lights, Camera, Action in Petone at Studio 62 with truly stunning model Caitlen. There were countless clothes changes and different hair styles for each frame. It was an action packed day with loads of creative energy!
The inspiration for the shoot was Greek Goddess. Kerri's interpretation was confused curls, flowing locks and also some inspiration for up styles drawn from New York Fashion Week. The finished result? A quirky, fun, flirty feel with beautiful feminine hair styles that perfectly complemented the overall looks.
Be inspired and check out FISH HEAD Magazine
Alexandra Owen High Tea Show
On the 21st August Kerri Cox, Adele Morris, and Anna Jonassen proudly represented Blue Cactus Hairdressing in support of the up and coming Fashion Designer - Alexandra Owen.
As part of the 'Wellington on a Plate' festival guests were treated to a decadent 'High Tea' feast, and enjoy a Fashion Show - held at 'Hippopotamus' - Muesum Hotel, to launch Miss Owens latest Spring/Summer Collection.
ghd invited 3 of our very own to assist Michael Beel (NZ Hairdresser of the year finalist) in creating elegant yet simple styles for the runway models. Here's what our Stylists had to say...
Adele Morris
I was exctied to work with one of Wellingtons if not N.Zs most amazing hairdressers, Michael Beel. Just the opportunity to see how he worked, feed off his passion and enthusiasm. I really enjoyed working with new stylists and everybody being part of the team. It was a relaxed, fun day, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Kerri Cox
Wellington certainly turned on the sunshine for this truly inspiring afternoon. I loved the different techniques that were applied on the styles to create lots of volume and enable us to have complete control of our work. Was a fantastic experience to be working alongside some of New Zealands finest stylists. Alexandra Owen is an up and coming designer - You can see some of her work on New Zealands Next Top Model, and her collection will feature at NZ Fashion Week!
WELLINGTON REGIONAL HAIRDRESSING COMPETITIONS 2010 Sonya takes out 1st Place
It was Wellingtons time to shine on the 18th July, as the Regional Hairdressing Competitions took place. This highly anticipated event takes place annually in 14 regions across New Zealand. It allows Stylists to have an amazing opportunity to share and compare, be wowed and inspired!
It was a strong team of 12 from Blue Cactus that took to the floor at the Lower Hutt Town Hall. We came fully prepared with a makeup team, volunteers helping with event jobs, an organizer to co-ordinate team, competitors, models and of course the fantastic support from team mates, family and friends.
Our very own Sonya Cox took out 1st place in the conversion section of her event (Oceanic) and also won the over all Oceanic Master Award! She will travel to Christchurch in September to proudly represent the Wellington region and Blue Cactus at the Supreme Awards.
We also had Anna Jonassen place an impressive Second in the Commercial Night hair event. Congratulations ladies!
Overall a hugely successful and inspiring evening. We are SO proud of the Blue Cactus Comps team and fabulous to see their talent showcased centre stage!
Be sure to check out our website for Competition Pics...
Check out our Facebook page to see more Hair Expo trip, which will feature all of the fun!
Eight lucky stylists and technicians attended this year The 2010 Australia and NZ Premium Hairdressing Event - An Hairdressing extravaganza that showcases world class talent. The 3 day event featured an exhibition hall full of leading international brands, showcasing all the latest inventions and technologies from the industry.
They attended various seminars and workshops to extend our skills, and broaden our creative horizons.
A Hair Expo wouldn't be complete without the glitz and glamour - opening and closing galas, and ofcourse the prestigious Hair Expo Awards which we were all so lucky to attend!
Watching the crowning of NZ hairdresser of the year (Mana Dave - Blaze in Auckland), and NZ educator of the year (Paul Servilles - Servilles in Auckland) were very proud moments for all of us.
Kerri represents Blue Cactus at Intercoiffure Collection Photo Shoot
'After winning the opportunity to be a part of the Intercoiffure collection photo shoot , it was time for me to start looking for inspiration and ideas for my model. I was sent a detailed brief to explore. The shoot was held in Auckland where the team worked on creating there looks. It was an action packed day with lots of learning and inspir ation flying around the studio. One of the fabulous things that I learnt on this shoot was how to clue in extensions for photo shoots and competition work. This would definitely be something I will look into for the future. The look were very beautiful with a strong mix of textures, Leather and satin fabrics mixed together or slick and frizzy hairstyles.' - Kerri Cox
The collection is aimed to be in the September issue of culture.. - Watch this space!
STYLIST - Dan Awha Photographer- Guy Coombes
KERRI WINS GUCCI
Diamond Experience Challenge
Kerri proved her brilliance when she submitted her portfolio on ‘the Diamond service Experience' a competition held by Kerastase on delivering the most amazing customer service.
Kerri’s portfolio stood out among the rest and won her $1500 Gucci voucher to treat her self with...
Well done Kerri – your brilliance shines strong!!!
Hairdressing Competitions 2009
Natalie Takes home the No'1 Spot
WELLINGTON REGIONAL HAIRDRESSING COMPETITIONS were held Sunday 19th July 2009 at the Lower Hutt town hall.
After many days of preparation and hard work Blue Cactus came away with some fantastic results.
We always knew Natalie was a fantastic stylist but this was made official on Sunday when she took out 1st place in the woman's cutting award .... She even bet her boss, salon owner Larissa who placed 2nd her this event.
Click here to see more award winnings...
Blue Cactus Wins Global salon Business award for "Salon Leadership"!
L'Oreal Prefessional nominated Blue Cactus Hairdressing for Global salon Business award run by UCLA and held in Hollywood .
Larissa Sulzberger could not believe it, winning her third GSBA in the past six years.
“Receiving this award is an honour and a true reflection of all the hard work and dedication the team at Blue Cactus has injected into the salon to help make us world class.”
Talent Spotting is the leading competition worldwide for young stylists. L’Oreal Professionnel is excited to bring it to New Zealand for the first time ever.
Created purely for junior hairdressers. Talent Spotting tests their styling skills and expose's them to the world of fashion, media and session styling.
The leading names in NZ hairdressing gathered together to judge entries for the first ever New Zealand Talent spotting held by L'Oreal Professional: Larissa Sulzberger (Blue Cactus, Wellington), Penny Ainsley (Ainsley’s Auckland) Grant Bettjeman (Bettjemans, Auck) Jennifer Morgan (Morgan & Morgan, Auck), Paul Serville (Servilles, Auck) Jacqui Victor (True Grit Hair Design & The Front Room, Chch) Jan Waite (Jan Waite Hairdressing, Auck) and Carl Watkins (Mod’s Hair, Chch).
The entries received were outstanding and the decision was a tough one!
The semi-finalists and finalists selected demonstrated cut, colour and styling techniques beyond their years. To view their work on-line visit www.talentspotting.co.nz
WE WON...
The Global Salon Business Awards recognise and honour the world's leading hairdressing salon owners, whom have mastered the business, management, leadership and entrepreneurial skills necessary to enjoy true business success.
Award winners were selected for each participating country for "Salon Entrepreneur of the Year" and for Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards.
The 2006 Global Salon Business Forum & Awards Ceremony were held in Barcelona, Spain, on the 3-6 June 2006.
The Global Salon Business Forum & Awards included a 3-day business forum, glamorous celebratory events and the Awards Banquet hosted by Leeza Gibbons.
The elite panel of judges represented industry and business leaders throughout North America, Europe and Japan. Entries were judged against established performance standards in three areas of criteria: - Leadership
- Client Philosophy and Marketing
- General and Financial Management
Loose Connections
Kerri, Larissa and Amie recently presented the Blue Cactus "Loose Connections" fashion collection to a salon in Christchurch. Artistic Directors, Kerri and Larissa, displayed their creative technical cutting flair, whilst Amie complimented the looks with the new season colours. "It was an amazing opportunity to share our new collection with other hairdressers. It was exciting to see them be inspired by our new looks and learn the techniques" says Kerri.
We Won... Congratulations Kerri!
WELLINGTON REGIONAL HAIRDRESSING COMPETITIONS were held Sunday the 4th of September at the FRONT ROOM in Mt Victoria. After many days of preparation and hard work Blue Cactus came away with some fantastic results.
We always knew Kerri was fabulous but this was made official on Sunday when she took out the supreme cutting award .... Wellington's Top Senior Cutting Stylist: Kerri Cox.
Our other claims to fame were....
1st Place: Telecom Senior Directional woman's fashion cut Kerri Cox2nd place: Telecom Senior Directional woman's fashion cut Corinne Groffiller2nd Place: Goldwell Apprentice Directional woman's fashion cut Penny Martin3rd Place: Oceanic Masters award Sonya Russell3rd Place: Schwarzkopf Senior Urban Day Style Larissa Sulzberger
Congratulations to our team!
UCLA Grad
An opportunity to attend an advanced business management program at the University of California (UCLA) was too good to turn down for Larissa Sulzberger. The five day program, designed especially for the salon industry in conjunction with an elite business school, was an experience which in Larissa’s own words, has turned her life upside down... in a good way. Larissa shares some of her experiences at UCLA with us.
I have always like the idea of being able to go to university, but having started in hairdressing at 16, and owning my own salon by the age of 20, I hadn’t found that opportunity. Everything I know has been learnt on the job. And realising that while I do have a lot of knowledge, it felt as though there was no structure to it all – I needed some kind of framework and tools to be able to apply it to my business.
With this in mind, the chance to attend a new educational program that is changing the professional salon industry and public perception of salon ownership was too exciting to say no to. The UCLA Anderson School of Management, in conjunction with the Business Education for Salons Today (B.E.S.T.) Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the salon industry through education, has established the Executive Salon Management Program.
I attended the inaugural, five-day intensive, collegiate level program during June of this year. The first of its kind to bring together the salon industry and a major business school, the goal of the course is to help existing salon owners, like myself, hone our skills in the areas of strategy, financial accounting and leadership, as well as to educate potential entrepreneurs on the profitability in the salon industry. While everyone attending the program was from the hairdressing industry, their backgrounds were varied – some were operators with three stylists, others had 650 employees. There were people who were still cutting on the floor, through to general managers and accountants. I was the only New Zealander – others were from Australia, Finland, Holland, Sweden, the US… But at the end of the day though we were all looking for the same thing, no matter what our background and experience.
Having completed this course, I really feel like I am able to approach my business more strategically. I have a clearer outlook for Blue Cactus and am able to take a longer term view. As for a little old hairdresser like me to have been hanging out at a university campus like UCLA, it’s just been the most amazing experience.
Blue Cactus wins at Wellington hairdressing association photographic competition
Kerri, our Salon Manager, is training to become a nationally qualified industry assessor. Kerri's role will be to assess the final two apprentice exams, which will determine if they are a fully qualified hairdresser. This will ensure clients are delivered a professional and high standard of workmanship.
During May, Blue Cactus in association with L'Oreal Professional, will continue to make their presence felt in the hairdressing industry. Kerri and Sonya will be presenting L'Oreal's new colour collection to members of the Wellington Hairdressing Industry and Larissa will be presenting at the Auckland Wedding Show.
On the 4th of April 2005 the team at Blue Cactus spent the evening at the Concrete Bar to view the Wellington hairdressing association photographic competition entries. As has become expected Blue Cactus came away with 3 placings ...
1 st Place Regional Winner Larissa Sulzberger
3 rd Place Wellington Region Kerri Cox
1 st Place Apprentice Section Koren MaindonaldEach stylist entered their photos which had been shot during the 2004/5 year, either from one of our colour collections or the Wellington regional competitions. Click to view the winning shot's.
Winners of the Global
Salon Business Award 2004
We are proud to announce that we have won the Global Salon Business Award for 2004. Late last year L’Oreal Professional invited us to send a portfolio of Blue Cactus’s business practices to the UCLA Anderson School of Management in California USA and nominated us for the Global Salon Business Awards.
This is the first awards programme to recognize and reward hairdressing businesses around the world for the way they run their business. Previously Salons have been recognized for their hairdressing ability and competition fame only.
The panel of judges consisted of professional salon industry leaders and business experts from around the world. Areas of excellence in business practice for consideration were, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Team and client philosophy, Marketing and promotion.
As an award winner, Blue Cactus receives a complementary attendance to a 4-day educational, informative and inspirational business forum and awards ceremony in London.
Larissa went to London in May/ June to represent New Zealand, and collected one of the 4 awards for New Zealand, rubbing shoulders with the ‘who is who’ of international hairdressing.
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