Jacqui Victor – Creative Director

I’ve been in the hairdressing industry for 25 years and have owned salons for 13 years. My husband, Shane, and I purchased True Grit in 2005 with the inspiration to create Christchurch’s first ever European-concept colour lounge and hair spa. In 2007 our vision became a reality with the completion of True Grit hair spa.  I believe hairdressing is such an exciting world. It’s about fashion, glamour, dynamic creations, relationships, feeling beautiful, personal development, believing in who you are and expressing it by providing exceptional client service and beautiful hair.

Amy Popplewell – Style Director

I have been hairdressing for eight years now. I am currently the top senior hairdresser of Canterbury Westland after winning several awards at the latest regional competitions, including the top overall cutting award and top men’s cut. After working at True Grit for over two years, I am constantly evolving. We are fortunate enough to attend courses with truly inspirational local and international artists. Currently I am in my second year as an ID artist as part of L’Oréal’s artistic team NZ, which has been a fantastic experience and I have gained a wealth of knowledge. If I were to describe my own personal style, it would be the ultimate glamour puss! My influences come from the red carpet, video clips and magazines, and top UK hair stylists, Vidal Sasson and Mahogany to name a few. For me hair is all about the total package – your hair is your biggest accessory so therefore must compliment your eyes, skin tone, face and body shape and also your lifestyle. This is something I always take into consideration before styling. Makeup is also another passion for me. I love creating new looks, especially when it comes to photographic work. So, if you are after a hot new look for the season, don’t hesitate to book in with me for your complimentary complete style consultation.

Jen Buckley – Style Director/Kerastase Specialist

When people ask me why I wanted to be a hairdresser, the answer is always the same, to make people look and feel beautiful. If you are after a whole new look, whether a gorgeous new colour or a funky new cut, come on in for a complimentary consultation and I can find the perfect look for you.  I have been hairdressing since 2004 and I love entering competitions. This gives me the opportunity to show off my creative side. In 2007 I came second in the Apprentice Men’s Cut and Finish and in 2008 I was a regional winner for YPS (Young Professional Stylist).  I am proud to have been selected as a Kerastase Ambassador for True Grit. I travel to Auckland for specialist training on the latest and greatest Kérastase products. This gives me the confidence and knowledge to prescribe the perfect Kérastase home hair care programmed for my clients. I highly recommend an Essential, Intense or Deluxe Ritual, which I prescribe just for you hair type giving you a wonderful 15, 25 or 45 minute massage.  If you are looking for a fresh new professional stylist to help you find that perfect colour and style and would love to be pampered, come in for that complimentary consultation with myself.

Summer Ramsey – Colour Technician/Apprentice

I began my hairdressing career in Wellington at Baliage Hair Design.  I completed my first and second year apprenticeship before moving to Christchurch with my partner.  I am so excited to have the opportunity to complete my apprenticeship and grow my skills as a hairdresser at True Grit hair spa.  I’m really enjoying working alongside a very passionate creative team.

Cara Christall - Style Director

My hairdressing career began in 1997. After purchasing and successfully running my own salon for over 5 years I longed for more client contact and styling time so my husband and I made the hard decision to relocate from sunny Nelson to the bigger buzz of Christchurch.
I was extremely fortunate to meet Jacqui and the amazing team at True Grit and began working here over 2 years ago.
I love all fundamentals of hairdressing including design and colour work. I would say my style of hairdressing would lean towards more softer design and colour although I really enjoy being able to play outside the boundaries of the “norm” and get really creative and fun!
One of my biggest passions and definitely one of my niches would have to be curly hair. Having a natural, disobedient curl of my own gives me a sound understanding of those difficult daily curly hair issues and some fantastic solutions to enable your frizz free desires.
Even if you require some tips and/or pointers on how to deal with your curl I welcome you to come see me for a complimentary consultation to help put you on the path to achieve beautiful hair.
I love being surrounded by the constant creativity and passion that circulates through out True Grit!

Kiri Wason - Style Director

I have been in the hairdressing industry for 16 years and have worked for Jacqui for the past 7 years. I am inspired by fashion, the latest glossy magazines and people on the street. There is such a diverse group of people around in the central city.  L’Oréal brings out a new collection every season, which is something I always look forward to. They are constantly evolving with the fashion industry and always have something new to offer. I think the key to my hairdressing is to make it as easy as possible for my clients to maintain their look at home, but hey, if you want to glam up for the evening, I can offer a few handy tips.

Anna Wilcox - Style Director

Beginning my hairdressing career 16 years ago, I have seen many parts of the world, working in some top London salons and spending three years on cruise ships. Six years ago I returned from overseas and started at The Front Room to work within a vibrant team. My passion for keeping up with the latest look has had me attend many colour and style courses including being invited to Fashion Week in Auckland, which allowed me to utilise my full array of skills. For a ball or wedding party, I specialise in both hairstyling and makeup artistry, and take great pleasure in taking my clients on a fun journey, through experiencing a new and exciting look with confidence. My style is based around vibrant colour and cutting techniques, experience next seasons styles for what is hot, new and now! Come and see me soon.

Amanda Benn - Colour Technician/Apprentice

My hairdressing career started with an after-school part-time position. It was then that I realised my strong passion for hairdressing. I came to Christchurch for the Christmas holidays and spent time in Jacqui’s salons. I loved the atmosphere and experience so I took up the opportunity Jacqui gave me to be an apprentice stylist. I have just competed in competitions for the first time. It was a great experience – I learnt a lot from it and can’t wait to get out and experience it again!

Alex Hopkins - Colour Technician/Apprentice

Having worked with the True Grit team in 2008 on a part time basis I was thrilled when Jacqui offered me an apprenticeship starting in 2009. I truly find everday exciting as no two days are the same. As I watch the True Grit team at work it definitely inspires me to give 110%. I have recently competed in my first hair competitions and I was very proud to be placed in both my events and completely enjoyed the whole experience and look forward to further competitions.

 Cilla Wilkins - Intermediate Style Director

I started hairdressing in 2002 at the Front Room. In this time I’ve taken a few years off to have a family. Being at True Grit hair spa is fabulous. The creative energy that bounces off each stylist is a very unique environment. My personal style is very funky, this also reflects in some of the more edgy work I’ve done, which I absolutely love. I’m very passionate about creating a style that works for you and your lifestyle. So come and see me and we can discuss whats best for you.

Kristelle Bason - Educator/Style Director/Kerastase Specialist (currently on Maternity Leave)

I started my hairdressing career in 2003 in South Africa at an International Hairdressing Academy and gained my experience in one of their popular Salons. There after I was very fortunate to open my own salon and managed it for four years until I relocated to Christchurch in September 2008. I am very proud to be part of the True Grit team since March 2009.  I am the Salon’s Educator and love teaching the technicians new techniques. Education is very important to me. I love keeping up to date with new technology.  Hairdressing is my passion. If you have any problem with colour or correction of colour please do not hesitate to come in for a consultation. I love changing and creating new colours for each client. Each client is unique and therefore each client will get a unique service.

Monica Meggett - Colour Technician/Apprentice

Yours truly has been involved in hairdressing for nearly 3 years now. Christchurch born and bred and after living in Oz for a gap year following high school.  I decided to dabble in the art of hair design. Hairdressing has evolved in to a creative and artful skill, of which I have become deeply fond of. Whether it be a Cut or Colour, Blow wave or up style ranging from loud to effortlessly classic I cater for all tastes. I entered my first competition earlier this year and walked away with a 3^rd placing in the senior day style, this gave me such a vast look at how evolved the world of hairdressing has become. I’m looking forward to venturing further out amongst the field of this profession.

Monique Woods - Colour Technician/Apprentice

After being a client myself at True Grit Hair Spa, my interest in hairdressing lead me to pursuing it. I completed a full time hairdressing course at CPIT while working part time at True Grit in 2009. I am currently doing the second year of my apprenticeship and loving being a part of such an inspiring team at True Grit.

Eileen Stokes - Salon Coordinator

It’s wonderful to be part of the dynamic team at True Grit hair Spa. With 20 years experience in the hairdressing industry in Sales and Management, I know I bring a wealth of experience, but I’m also aware I will be learning a lot too!
Working alongside Jacqui and the team at True Grit as the Salon Co-Ordinator is an exciting prospect and I’m proud to be a part of this experienced and professional team.

Nicke Connolly - Intermediate Style Director

I’m the new kid on the block. I have seen the light, which lead me to True Grit Hair Spa. I wanted to train in the art of hairdressing because it looked fun and exciting. People enjoy getting their hair done, so why not be the guy who puts a smile on your face!

I first started in 2006, training at Rueben Blades. Halfway through studying I worked part-time with Jacqui at True Grit.  Soon after, I joined the team full time. I then decided to travel to Australia for a new experience and to develop my skill level. 

Now being back at True Grit Hair Spa I am truly inspired by the team and the clients to become a great hairdresser. I have a passion for men’s hair styling. I’m really inspired by the latest L’Oreal collections of colour, looks and fashion on women.  If you are after a young, fresh and inspirational look, don’t hesitate to book in with me for a complimentary consultation.

Rachelle Mangos - Part-time Receptionist

I work part time here at reception. When I heard there was a part-time position available at True Grit I jumped at the chance.  As a client of the salon I knew first hand how much fun, high energy and indulging the team are at True Grit – I wanted to be a part of that!  I have a passion for the fitness and fashion industry and for the latest haircuts and styles circulating in the industry.  Now I’m lucky enough to see first hand the latest looks.

Is 2010 your year to shine?

We a always looking for a fabulous star to shine in our team. Experience is not essential. If this sounds like you please email your cv to truegrithairspa@xtra.co.nz now!