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I kind of fell into it, but I have definitely always been creative. I originally planned to study Fine Arts/Art History, and ended up doing a Liberal Arts degree in my early 20’s once I had completed my hairdressing training and spent some time traveling the world. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at university and even thought I might want to embark on an Honours degree at one point, but I also realised I loved the craft of hairdressing, and the education and culture aspects of the business of hair.
The salon has had a long creative relationship with iconic Kiwi fashion brands like Karen Walker, Zambesi, Nom*D, Kate Sylvester and Workshop over the years. After a long history of ‘happenings’ and shows that we hosted (we had 18 Karen Walker X Stephen Marr shows in the Newmarket salon over 9 years, alone), the original Marr Factory shows were held in 2005 in a car park, helping launch super creative brands like Miss Crabb. The idea of rejuvenating Marr Factory several years later came about when many of the fashion brands we worked with stopped doing New Zealand Fashion Week as it has become less relevant in the digital age. We thought it would be fun to put on a series of in-season shows that felt more like a party, but with fashion. They delivered more attitude, with a strong emphasis on photography and digital content. The Golden Dawn was the perfect platform for such an event, and the rock n’ roll feel that it helped deliver.
I like strong spaces for salons, lots of steel and strong lines, with sculptural objects and cast concrete pulling it all together. The space has evolved over the years, and we now have large living green walls to lend more of an organic feel for our clients.
Yes, I have several mentors who I meet with regularly.
Hair is my passion. It keeps me connected with my team and my clients, and I genuinely enjoy human interaction. I have always maintained time on the floor, while dabbling in my other ventures.
We definitely have more informed customers due to the digital world. There has also been huge innovation in the area of smoothing and treatment products, for the better.
I love O&M’s Conquer Blonde range, which is incredible for our blonde and silver clients. The luxe offerings from Oribe are incredible both in the areas of care and styling, offering great alternatives in terms of texture and volume that are far from traditional hairspray and the like. Cezanne treatments are brilliant as a permanent smoothing solution, and are life changing for so many of our clients.
With a gym workout or a meeting, although I try to aim for both.
There are so many historic classic industry icons such as Vidal Sassoon and Trevor Sorbie that I often reference when educating. There are so many influencers now doing interesting things too, not just in the business of hair but across many different creative industries.
It never fails to offer vital experience for our stylists who then bring so much more to their craft and knowledge into the salon atmosphere. Stephen Marr has a history of creative collaboration with other brands and it definitely benefits us all as a whole.
I don’t think I could name just one destination... I like diversity when it comes to travel, a good mix of the intrepid and the luxe. I recently visited London and Greece and loved both for their contrast.
Donald Trump, just to ask the question: ‘is it hair, is it not?’ Actually, I would hope to be fired before starting.
A friend lent me a fantastic book which I read on holiday, ‘Death and Disaster – the Rise of the Warhol Empire and the Race for Andy’s Millions’.....great holiday stuff!
Regular fitness. I work out or do something active everyday.
More volume and a slightly deconstructed finish... a naturally sexy look.
So much. It is an instant way to connect and express our brand message, as well as a way to access creative innovation and constant inspiration, as it happens.
Room Nine, which is just upstairs from the Newmarket salon and the go-to for all of the team when they need a skin treatment, nails, a lash lift, great brows and more.
Work hard and develop the fundamentals of the craft. The rest will flow from there.
Watch this space! Keep looking forward!
16 Morrow Street | 09 524 6702 | @stephen_marr
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