Meet our stylists...
Skye
Director and CEO
When did you start at Avaia Hair? I created Avaia hair in June 2011 after many years of working within other salons. I have had an incredible 30 years living and loving hairdressing.
What do you love about hairdressing? I love the connections I make with people. Being able to make our clients feel amazing from the moment they walk in the door, during their experience, to the time they leave with super fabulous hair every time. One of my other big passions is being a leader to my incredible team. I love helping them learn and grow. Training my emerging stylists is a highlight as I watch them flourish into fabulous hairdressers.
What do you love about Avaia? I love that Avaia is continually evolving, with the number of staff growing and change. Aesthetically the salon is always creatively changing and everyone is continually learning. The environment we have created is beautiful and the vibe of the salon is a pleasure to be in.
What do you like to do when you are not doing hair? I love spending time with my 2 gorgeous girls, friends and family. Camping, the beach and being outdoors makes my heart sing… and travelling anywhere in Australia and overseas.
Jo
Master Stylist
How long have you been hairdressing? When I was 15 years old I did work experience at a salon in Rockhampton and fell in love with it. I was lucky enough to get offered a full time apprenticeship, so I took it and haven’t looked back. This year would make it 19 amazing years of doing Hair.
What do you love about hairdressing? I honestly love everything about hair. I love meeting new people, I love how creative it can be and that everyday is different. I love learning new techniques and growing as a stylist. I love meeting other passionate people and getting inspired.
What do you like doing when you are not doing hair? I’m a Wife and a Mother of three Boys. I’m a very family orientated person. I love spending time with my family and with our extended family. When I get time to myself I love cooking and baking. I also love going to the beach and going camping.
Cassie
Master Stylist
How long have you been at Avaia? I have been at Avaia since 2023, but have been hairdressing for over 20 years and I still love it!
What do you love about hairdressing? I love that I get to make people feel good about themselves and I especially love the relationships that I get to make with my clients. I love the conversations my clients and I have while in the chair!
What is your star skill? I would say my star skill are Balayage and lived in colours, they are my true passion.
What do you like to do when you are not at Avaia? On weekends I’m usually out with my partner fishing or camping. I love being outdoors!
Rochelle
Master Stylist
When did you start at Avaia? I started at Avaia in 2024 after making the big move from New Zealand to Mackay! Having over 20 years of experience in the hair industry!
What do you love about hairdressing? I love meeting new people and creating a strong relationship with my clients. I have a real love for all things blondes and coppers. My most favorite part of hairdressing is event and wedding styling!
What do you like to do when you are not in the salon? I love creating memories with my family. I have two kids that keep me on my toes and are hilarious wee souls. I also love swimming, dancing and singing.
Hannah
Master Stylist
When did you start at Avaia? I originally started at AVAIA from 2020 to 2022, and after a period of working for myself for three years, I’ve recently returned in January 2026. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, I’m honestly so excited to be back as part of the team again and to be surrounded by the energy, creativity and togetherness that AVAIA is known for. It truly feels like coming home.
What is your star hairdressing skill? My standout skill in hairdressing would have to be keratin bond extensions. I absolutely live for the transformations they create; there’s nothing better than seeing the instant confidence shift when length and volume are added. It’s such a powerful service and I’m obsessed with the results.
What do you do when you are not in the salon? When I’m not in the salon, I’m usually out and about with my two kids, playing sport or creating little adventures together. Life is busy, fun and always on the go.
Asha
Emerging Stylist
When did you start at Avaia? I started at AVAIA in March 2025 as a school-based apprentice, and from the very beginning I completely fell in love with hairdressing. It quickly became clear this was where I was meant to be, and as of February 2026, I’ve now stepped into my role as a full-time apprentice, which I’m so excited about.
What do you love about hairdressing? What I love most about hairdressing is seeing the confidence a haircut can give someone. It’s such a powerful feeling knowing I’ve helped someone feel like the best version of themselves. I also really love the connections I get to build with clients; it makes every day in the salon so rewarding.
What do you do when you are not in the salon? When I’m not in the salon, I love baking sweet treats, spending time with my friends, and getting creative through singing and writing music.
Emma
Beauty Therapist
How long have you been in the hair and beauty industry? I’ve been a Diploma Level Beauty Therapist for 15 years. In that time I’ve managed my own salons in the Hunter Valley. I’m also a Diploma Certified Massage Therapist and passionate about Massage and the benefits for Body Mind and Soul. I love that massage can help my clients to feel good with pampering and also to assist with body pain management.
What do you love about beauty therapy? I have a passion for skin. Helping clients achieve the best results possible for them. Analysing the skin, prescribing the best products for the clients skin type and concerns. Let me take you on an Avaia Skin Care Journey with a customised personal routine and prescription of incredible, medical grade, ‘O’Cosmedics products just for you.
What do you like to do when you are not at Avaia? When I’m not working, I spend time gardening, I like to grow a bit of food. I love plants and spending time in nature, especially near the water. Spending time with my dog brings me joy.
Leisa
Receptionist
When did you start at Avaia Hair? I started in salon in September 2021, but have been behind the scenes bookkeeping and crunching the number since September 2017 and helping Skye out by being her sounding board for her amazing visions.
What do you love about working in a hair salon? It is a very vibrant and uplifting culture to be apart of. The quirkiness and creativity of each stylist and you never know what is next, with ever-changing fashion and styles. I love seeing each client walking out feeling refreshed and like a new person again.
What do you like to do when you are not doing hair? Shopping, always dreaming of the next outfit to put together to wear for a night out or to work, travelling, socialising with friends and hanging out with my family in the outdoors going for a bike ride or walking to a swimming hole.