History of Z

Hey lovelies,

It’s so nice to be able to connect with you all online and talk about where my hair story began and how I ended up where I am today having my own salon! I’m Zara, the owner of Z and Co Hair Boutique - a hair and extension specialist salon located in Wellington, New Zealand. I opened the salon doors in April 2018 and it has been nothing but excitement ever since.

Where do I even begin? Although I'm still relatively young, I have been in the hair industry for over 14 years now. I gained an appreciation for the art of hair during my childhood going from trying different haircuts on my Barbie dolls in my earlier years (much to my mother's dismay!) to practicing styling and colouring on all of my friend's hair as I got older. I was a young teenager when I was lucky enough to be offered a job trial at a local salon in my home town of Blenheim. I ended up working there after school and on the weekends for nearly 2 years before eventually starting an apprenticeship when I was 16 years old and I've never looked back!

Since then I have been lucky enough to work in a number of salons. Along the way I’ve learned from some amazing stylists, gained valuable experience with a variety of colour brands, and became educated on various hairdressing techniques. I value education highly as I believe I can always somehow improve my skillset. I am always grateful if I can walk away from a course or experience having learned something new. This mindset has helped me to stay updated on industry-leading products and techniques to provide the best possible outcomes for all of my clients. This curiosity for the latest fashion and trends eventually led me to developing a passion for hair extensions.

I heat style my hair almost every day and like to change my colour up from my naturally dark tresses which has always caused me to struggle with gaining extra length. After getting my first set of hair extensions I instantly fell in love! I have had various methods of extensions including keratin bonds, Micro beads, Tape ins and Micro weft extensions. Before getting introduced to the Micro weft method, I had given up on any form of extensions due to my allergic reaction to the extension adhesive. I looked into a full weave but decided it wouldn't suit my lifestyle so I thought my dream of having long luscious locks was over. Eventually I started training in the Micro weft method, learning not only how to apply the extensions themselves but also how suitable it was for finer hair and sensitive scalps. The unique application of this method made it possible for me to have my dream hair without any nasty side effects such as allergic reactions or headaches from the tension. My hair is also stronger and healthier with the help of these extensions. My overall experience with extensions both professionally and personally is why I back the Micro weft method 100% and cannot recommend it enough.

I love working on the floor and have done this throughout my entire hairdressing career (and will always continue to do so!). Building rapport with loyal clients and lifelong relationships with colleagues is one of the most satisfying aspects of being a hairdresser. After a rewarding career being a part of many amazing salons, I finally felt like it was time to go out on my own - either doing rent a chair or as a full-time contractor. While deciding which path I wanted to take with my career, an opportunity to run my own salon came up in 2018. After spending a lot of time weighing up my options, I decided to back myself and take the plunge into ownership by starting Z and Co Hair Boutique.

It’s been just over 2 years since I made that decision and wow, I’ve learned a lot about myself and what running your own hair salon really means. We’ve done some amazing things so far but I feel like there’s still so much more to achieve for me as a Stylist and business owner. One of my proudest accomplishments to date is the ‘vibe’ we have created at Z and Co. This is in large part thanks to our team! We are a relatively small group but we make up for it with our personalities and our passion. We each share similar values and are always looking out for each other which makes coming to work everyday so much more enjoyable. I’d just like to thank my wonderful staff, both past and present, for their contributions towards what we’re trying to achieve at Z and Co - we would not be where we are today without you!

Although I have loved every minute of having my own salon and I wouldn’t change anything about the process, there have definitely been a few challenges along the way. One of these is the unexpected growth we’ve experienced and struggling to find the staff to cope - there just aren’t enough good Stylists out there to go around! We’re constantly on the lookout for talented Stylists who are like-minded and looking for a new salon to call home. Another challenge for me personally has been maintaining a good balance between work and my personal life. Being so committed to my career has meant that work-life balance has always been an issue for me - which running a business and being short-staffed has made much worse. I am fortunate enough to have a supportive group of family and friends around me who understand the commitment I have to the salon, and are always there to help me out if I need it.

Overcoming these challenges are some of my goals moving forward. I have already accomplished so many throughout my career, going from sweeping the floor to running a salon. Who would have thought?

Thank you for letting me share my journey with you all. I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me a little more.

Warm wishes xx

Zara,
Founder & Director of Z and Co.