About - Vogue Hair and Barbers

Our Team

Owner & Founder

Lisa Steele-Willetts

Lisa has been in the hairdressing industry for nearly 40 years, starting her career in the 1980s. She took on the challenge of Vogue Hair and Barbers in October 2010 and has since built a thriving, close-knit team. While Lisa is no longer on the tools, she’s always around to support the team when needed. Managing a salon as busy as Vogue is a full-time job, but when she’s not there, our incredible manager, Merran, is at the helm.

Merran

Salon Manager

With over 30 years of experience in hairdressing and barbering, Merran joined Vogue in 2011 after her city salon was destroyed in the February earthquakes. While it was a huge loss for Christchurch, it was a gain for North Canterbury! Merran is a cutting specialist who excels in creating stylish, manageable looks—especially for curly hair, giving it a fashionable finish without the frizz. She also dedicates her spare time to training and assessing hair and barber apprentices, helping to shape the next generation of industry professionals.

Christel

Salon Coordinator & Senior Stylist

Christel began her hairdressing career nearly 30 years ago in her native South Africa. One of her many adventures included working on cruise ships, where she developed a passion for the art of a flawless blow wave—a skill she has truly mastered. She moved to New Zealand 20 years ago, initially working in the Tasman district before settling in Woodend seven years ago and joining our Vogue family. As our Salon Coordinator, Christel ensures everything runs smoothly, from managing products to training our team. With limited availability for clients, be sure to book early to secure an appointment with her.

Jaimee

Senior Stylist

Jaimee has over 12 years of experience in the industry, earning her qualification in Ashburton before making the move to North Canterbury. She is our resident long-hair colouring expert, specializing in balayage, root taps, and full-head foils. If you’re looking for a flawless blonde transformation or the perfect bob, Jaimee is the stylist for you!

Anna

Senior Stylist

With 13 years of experience, Anna specializes in beautiful balayage and long hair styling, combining creativity with precision. Originally recruited by Jaimee—another fantastic South Canterbury-trained stylist—she has since completed teacher training but remains a cherished part of our Vogue family, balancing her salon role with home life. As our social media guru, she keeps things fun, fresh, and engaging for our clients. If you’re looking for exceptional service from an exceptional stylist, Anna is the one to book with.

Jess

Senior Stylist

With 11 years of experience, Jess is an Ashburton-trained blonde expert, renowned for her meticulous attention to detail. If you appreciate a stylist who works quietly and precisely, ensuring flawless results, Jess is your go-to. Whether it’s a stunning blonde transformation or a precision cut, she takes pride in perfecting every look. When she’s not in the salon, she’s off chasing the sun, traveling to warmer destinations with her two beautiful daughters. (Quiet appointments available.)

Phakawan

Stylist & Barber in Training

Originally from Thailand, Phakawan began her hairdressing career in 2003 before moving to New Zealand in 2016. Determined to master the language and refine her skills, she completed her New Zealand hairdressing qualification in 2024 with top marks. Now, she’s working toward her barber qualification while continuing to perfect her precision cutting. Her hidden talent? The art of hair-ups! If you have a special event, Phakawan is the go-to stylist for elegant, long-lasting updos.

Hope

Qualified Stylist

Our newest fully qualified stylist, Hope brings seven years of experience and a passion for all things hair. A homegrown talent, she started at Vogue in 2018, balancing her training with her love of fitness and raising her son. Hope is a true all-rounder, excelling in foiling, styling, and as an Argila smoothing treatment expert—a fabulous service that transforms unmanageable hair into sleek, effortless beauty. She works Wednesday to Saturday, dedicated to making her clients look and feel amazing.

Harry

Senior Barber

Harry began his barbering career with vogue back in 2020 and played a key role in setting up our separate barbershop in 2021. Since then, he has gained barbering experience from as far abroad as Sweden.