Sarah Rasmussen
Owner and Style Director
Sarah has owned The Avenue Hair Studio since October 2012 and says she was born to be a hairdresser. She started working part time in a salon while still at school and has been hairdressing ever since. Sarah’s OE was spent on luxury cruise ships, working as a senior hairdresser and assistant spa manager. She went on to join L’Oreal New Zealand, working alongside salon owners, managers and hairdressers.
After 20 years in the hairdressing industry Sarah still loves her career and the people. As hairdressers, we are so lucky to be able to compliment people through their hair. Sarah loves the ‘wow moment’ when she’s created the look her client wanted and can easily look after themselves at home.
Sarah recommends Angel repairing oil, it instantly repairs & softens dry/damaged hair without weighing the hair down. She says everyone needs a wet brush in their life to gently detangle without pulling on the hair.
Maria Peacock
Style Director
Maria has been hairdressing since 2001 and in the Whangaparaoa region since 2008 and has been part of The Avenue team since the doors first opened in 2012.
When Maria first started in the industry at just 16, hairdressing was only one of the options she considered, although Maria quickly discovered it was a natural fit for her skills. She enjoys the balance of being a working mum; spending time with her four children and also fulfilling her passion as a stylist. Maria believes consultations are key to ensuring her clients leave the salon happy. It’s how she comes to know them as individuals and understand their lifestyle, personality, hair quirks and how much styling they want to do at home.
Maria specializes in Razor cutting. ‘Through using the razor I can give my clients a signature look whilst creating modern styles’.
Maria recommends R.A.W texture spray, it’s like mousse in a bottle without the aerosol, with easy application that leaves you in control! She loves the hold and the creativity she can achieve from it. The amplify hairspray is her all time favourite, humidity resistant which is great for our clients that live local & close to the beach!
Vanessa van der Goes
Style Director
Vanessa has been in the industry since 2008 and with the Avenue since 2016. Prior to joining our team, she spent some time travelling to some of the best mountain biking spots the world has to offer and came face to face with a brown bear in Whistler!
Vanessa loves how much you can change someones persona with cuts & colours.
Vanessa recommends R.A.W texture spray, ‘A little goes along way’ Vanessa loves the amount of texture you can achieve with just one product. She also recommends the GHD curling wand to create a messy curl.
Emily Townsend
New talent Style Director
Emily has been in the industry since 2013 and has recently finished her apprenticeship. Emily joined The Avenue team in June 2017. Throughout her short career at The Avenue she has helped out backstage at NZ fashion week with our colour brand partner Matrix and loves the diversity hairdressing has to offer.
Emily loves making her clients feel & look better, whether that be giving her client a simple fringe trim through to a complete 3 hour makeover. Emily is extremely passionate about creating the perfect bob, the end result is always so satisfying for her and her clients.
Although she is 6ft tall, she doesn’t let this stop her from wearing a good pair of heels!
Emily recommends Matrix Blonde Threesome, 3 in 1, smoothes the hair weightlessly, gives heat protection and gently tones blonde hair. Every blonde needs a tube of this miracle product. Emily also loves using the Parlux hairdryer to create any look her client desires, leaving them with the perfect finish!
Sam Botha
Style Director
Sam has been in the industry since 2011 and is excited to have recently joined The Avenue team. Sam has spent her time hairdressing in Browns Bay and is looking forward to working and living locally.
Sam loves every aspect of hairdressing and enjoys the variety that hairdressing has to offer. She also enjoys the flexibility of working part time and still being able to spend quality time with her 2 children.
Sam was lucky enough to escape a fire on her wedding day & still managed to have great hair!
Sam recommends the Angel shampoos & conditioners, having good shampoo and conditioner is the first step the having great hair. Angel shampoos & conditioners leave the hair soft & silky. She also loves using the GHD wide iron to create curl or wave. Its such a versatile tool!
Sian Payne
Intermediate Stylist
Sian begun her career as a hairdresser at the age of 13 and is working her way through her apprenticeship. Sian joined The Avenue team just shortly after the doors opened in 2012 and enjoyed working part time whilst she finished school.
Sian has perfected her luxury treatments and scalp massages, often described as the best scalp massage ever! Sian loves the creativity that hairdressing offers & has become a pro at creating a perfect ombre/balayage. She loves helping people feel great about themselves through their hair.
Sian recommends the Angel Iris treatment, its just so luscious on the hair! To create the perfect blow wave Sian loves to use the GHD aura blow dryer, it gives her the ability to create so much volume but a smooth finish.
Jennifer Iaea
Salon Assistant
Jennifer has a passion for hairdressing and is looking forward to one day joining The Avenue Team to begin an apprenticeship, for now, Jen is our part time salon assistant and has become a pro at giving fabulous hair washes.
