ANDREW Smith from Dunedin has created quite the unique working life. He is the founder of Hair Raiser Tours by night and Hair Smith by day.
Operating in Dunedin since 1999, Smith recently decided to take his empire of one in a new direction.
``I decided it was time to separate my two businesses by giving them their own unique identity,'' Smith said, after running Ghost Hair for the past decade.
Hair Smith provides bespoke hair services to clients who are seeking a more personal approach to their hair experience.
``The bespoke philosophy is something I can relate to as I'm a big fan of handcrafted personalised goods and services.
``I think that is what people are looking for in this ever-increasingly impersonal world.''
Smith has spent many years mastering his own skills and has had 25 years' experience in the industry.
He began his training with Stuart Ovens in Dunedin, where he completed his apprenticeship before heading overseas to work, spending time in the UK, Canada and Australia.
Smith has been involved in many aspects of the industry, including film, theatre and education.
``Most of my time was spent in the UK, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was an exciting place to be in the mid-'90s and there were plenty of opportunities to work in different areas of the industry. I was fortunate to work in some of the leading salons of the day and gain invaluable experience along the way.
``Life was very busy, running from one project to another,'' he said.
After many years of self-employment abroad, Smith had aspirations of returning home and starting new ventures.
``I returned to New Zealand at the end of 1999 and opened my first salon, as well as creating New Zealand's original ghost walk company.
``I have always enjoyed being busy, so I thought I would have a go at something completely different in regard to the tours.''
Hair Raiser Tours has become an extremely popular activity and has meant Smith has become quite the multi-tasker.
Today, Hair Smith is where Smith spends his daylight hours, creating masterpieces for his clients.
``I have great clients, many of which have been coming to me since I first started out in business. We have certainly covered a lot of ground over the years. I guess I like to let my work do the talking. Happy clients give me the greatest job satisfaction.''
Hair Smith is located in a unique spot in Moray Place, on the first floor of the ``old'' Carnegie Library. The addition was added in 1958 and Smith has added a few retro touches to his workshop to reflect this.
Natural light and a relaxed feel greet you as you enter this space, along with what would be one of the best vantage points from which to view the latest piece of street art in the city. Combine all of this with a rhododendron in full bloom, local art on the wall, and the smell of coffee from a variety of cafés in the neighbourhood - Hair Smith is quite possibly the most enjoyable seat in town.
Hair Smith provides a full range of hairdressing services for men and women and has a full range of products sourced from the best suppliers on the planet.
Hair Smith is located at
110 Moray Place, Dunedin, with
appointments available Monday to Friday.
For more information, phone (03) 477-2258
or find the salon on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bespokehairsmith/
