Meet the team
WHO WE ARE
Our leading Burleigh hair salon prides itself on its freelance and sustainable movement within the hair industry. We draw from the coastal community we are set in to be conscious of reducing our footprint while providing outstanding stylists. The studio was made to provide a creative space for like-minded individuals to expand their own personal businesses and to have a better working life.
Our beautiful hair studio is the home of extremely talented & passionate stylists who are dedicated to connecting with their guests to make for the most comfortable & rewarding experience. Boasting their own creative specialities, with over 50+ years experience amongst all of them, the rarity of their experience, honesty and talent is something that sets us apart here at The Studio Upstairs.
It was vital when creating the space that our freelancers were able to be flexible in their own path. With a great sense of work-life balance, it set the trend of how the way the studio could be used within the community - collaborative working space for all to feel free to be creative in how they see fit. We believe that the modern way of working is heading into a more collaborative direction and we are proud to be setting that intention for all our visitors here.
With the purpose of being a collaborative creative space, the studio completely transforms into an event space. The amazing open windows at the front of the studio allows for an abundance of natural light that any photographer or videographer would die for. The long white walls and floor space can turn the room into any event your imagination desires. It is a multipurpose blank canvas transformable from workshops to photoshoots, celebrations to mediation. It’s most popular use is for workshops with a focus on health and wellness events being that the space is calm, light and inviting but with the ability to adapt to anything you choose to make it.
We are very proudly environmentally conscious and aware of all that we do. We are part of the Sustainable Salon movement, having up to 95% of our waste taken away to be recycled and repurposed.
Our incredible colour range is free from harsh chemicals, our retail products are packaged from recycled plastic taken from the ocean and we use 100% biodegradable, eco-friendly towels. Every little bit counts and we are blessed to be in the location that we are so it is important to us that we cherish the environment around us and keep that in existence.
OUR TEAM
Our beautiful hair studio is the home of extremely talented & passionate stylists who are dedicated to connecting with their guests to make for the most comfortable & rewarding experience. Boasting their own creative specialities, with over 50+ years experience amongst all of them, the rarity of their experience, honesty and talent is something that sets us apart here at The Studio Upstairs.
This beautiful group of humans have taken the leap in their careers to come to The Studio Upstairs and become their own bosses, to live a better work-life balance and create a life and career they have dreamed of. We feel so blessed that they call our humble space home.
We are passionate about creating opportunities that help our freelancers grow, whether it be Australian Fashion weeks, Photoshoots or better financial opportunities we are all for it! Be sure to get to know your stylist and their hairstyle via their Instagram.
Danae Kirk-Ayton
When Danae (Dah-na) started her career in Paddington, Sydney almost 20 years ago, it was clear that there was a niche for her style and so she hit the road running with it. With a passion for for cutting, Danae set her sights on the rest of the world. From New York City to Toronto - styling her way through Photoshoots and Fashion Weeks Danae has become a master in her field, sinking her teeth into the world of Cutting, Styling and Extensions and becoming a specialist and the Director Hairstylist in her most recent salon. In 2016 Danae settled into the Gold Coast with her two fur babies Boston and Monix, making the most of our sunny days and sandy beaches. Like us, Danae really loves to make her clients feel good from the inside out, focusing on not only making you feel a million dollars on the outside, but really making you feel like you’re home when you visit her.
Not shy of experience, Danae loves to share her artistry with fellow stylists all over the globe - and loves even more to share her tips and tricks with the rest of us! Cool, calm and collected, Danae says she draws her inspiration from ‘My friends, my clients, people I see on the street. Things that I choose to surround myself with and the nature and lifestyle in which I live. Beachy, easy, beautiful hair’. Her passion really lies in being on the studio floor, cutting and styling, doing the thing she loves most day in and day out.
You only need to look at the examples of her work to see that Danae is not only the leader in the field of hairstylists, but really loves to give every single one of her clients a unique, ‘tailored-to-them’ experience that you can only wish for when you enter The Studio.
Luke Dumar
Welcoming an OG Melbournian to a now turned GC tan obsessed lil mullet boy, meet one of our family members Luke. Sharing his expertise & 10 years experience across state lines, an angel has landed on our doorstep here in Burleigh and is now taking The Studio by storm with his talents.
Being surrounded by the flair his Mum and Sister showcased as hairdressers, Luke was determined to join the fam and take on the challenge to be the best he could possibly be. Luke originally started in a couple of different salons down on the Peninsula in Victoria. He then made the move to the GC and found himself at Edwards and Co for almost 3 years. Rising from an employee to a freelancer, Luke shared his expertise through education for the junior team.
When it comes to hair he enjoys all aspects of it which is why he likes to take on all sorts of colours. He enjoys his lived-in blondes but also loves to do back to back highlight work, as well as the occasional fashion colour.
With his warm, bubbly personality, Luke has the ability to brighten any room he walks into. We are so excited to welcome Luke to the TSU family.
Ryan Wakefield
Introducing our fun loving, talented, Brissy born and GC bred darling, Ryan! Starting his first apprenticeship at a salon in Carindale, he really took to colouring and styling throughout the learning process.
Studying the techniques and tools used by top stylists and colourists, Ryan found himself in his most recent position as a Colour Educator at Edwards and Co in Brisbane, QLD. He became a wiz at lived in & low maintenance colour, but having a love for copper looks, Ryan continues to showcase his talent through each and every long lasting colour he creates.
Finishing and styling each and every individual with something that truly compliments their colour, Ryan is a master at helping everyone walk out with a unique touch. With an infectious positive attitude exuding a beautiful energy, Ryan is a valued asset to the TSU family and we are so grateful to have him.
Beth
Meet Beth! The sweet and bubbly beth has been in the industry for 9 years, known for her effortless beachy blondes, her signature wefts extensions and her love of animals. This kind a gentle creative soul will leave you feeling confident, inspired and in love with your dream hair. When she’s not in the salon you’ll find her in her natural habitat, surfing, spending time with loved ones or outdoors with her trusty Frank Green water bottle by her side.
We’re so thrilled to have her apart of the studio upstairs family and we know you’ll just love her too.
Jo Webb
A very warm introduction to The Studio’s Manager and all things finance whizz, Jo aka ‘Mumma Jo’ or ‘JoJo’. The glue that holds The Studio together and the true embodiment of all the good qualities The Studio represents, Jo is truly a special soul.
Just to set the scene, picture the early 90s when ‘big hair’ was the ‘in’ thing. This was when Jo was starting out her hairdressing apprenticeship. Working at a small salon in her hometown in The Snowy Mountains, Jo acquired her diploma after 4 years of hairdressing. With her ambitious mindset, she then set off to travel the world.
Dabbling in a few different industries along the way, Jo moved to the Gold Coast 22 years ago. Finding her way back into the hair industry through Payroll duties, Jo met Jess (our Creative Director) through a previous company they both worked for. It has now been 3 years of Jo being a part of the TSU family and it’s evident she is the heart of our salon.
Along with Jo, comes her 4-year-old son, Fletcher, who is our little team mascot. If you see Spiderman in the salon at any point… it is definitely NOT Fletcher… it is the real Spiderman! Family being one of the most important values we share in the salon, we are all so grateful to have both Jo and Fletch as part of our TSU family.
Dan
Welcome to the team Dan
Dan has graced our presence as a seasoned freelancer in the industry. This passionate and fun loving human enjoys the finer things in life and coconut chilli margarita! In the salon you’ll find him creating sparkling brunettes, soft coppers and cute bobs. As well as the perfect lived in and bright blondes! His calm and honest energy will leave you feeling relaxed and in love with your new look and busting to come back for a chat!
Elly Palmer
After a little working holiday to Bali our blonde queen Elly P is back in the studio with a fresh sparkle in her eyes. Having elly back in the salon is like having a warm cup of tea, she just warms our hearts. Ellys going with the flow, going to-and-fro between Yamba and the Gold Coast. It’s the perfect opportunity to snag a spot with elly as she’s taking on new clients (better get in quick!) Check out her available appointments online now.
Corey Bromley
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Corey has been a coastie for the past 5 years after gracing our shores and landing in Brisbane in 2015. Taught at the Aveda Institute in Toronto Corey has dedicated 12 years to her passion for hair and helping other people grow and manage their salons.
She loves playing with beachy blondes and beautiful brunettes, priding herself on creating styles that are effortless and natural while maintaining the hair’s health and integrity. Her effortless personal style and love for low maintenance colour makes her sort after by blonde and balayage clients.
Her career has taken her all over the world, from Canada to America, Costa Rica and now finally the GC. One of her most interesting workplaces was working for Justin Bobby in a salon he owned in Nicaragua! It’s safe to say travelling has been a huge part of Corey’s life and we are so glad it has landed her here. After a challenging past year Corey wanted to look back at this year as one she made steps forward to challenge and better herself and it is here she landed. She is completely obsessed with the studio space and is a big part of what makes her coming to work here all the while.
Why not message her, say hey and make an appointment today!
Grace Walker
Growing up on the Central Coast, NSW, Grace has always been a lover of hair. She has always loved the Gold Coast and was wanting to move here for years. She finally took the leap in February of this year with her partner and has been enjoying the lifestyle that the GC has to offer ever since.
Since 2019, Grace has been in the hair industry, working at 3 salons within that time, she has worked alongside some amazing hairdressers and has loved every minute of it. Grace feels like hair came pretty naturally to her and she believes if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.
Her passion lies with bright lived-in blondes, sparkly balayages and of course bright, popping face frames. She loves finishing her colours with big bouncy blowdrys or soft beachy waves.
She’s a true believer that when you look good you feel good and she absolutely loves being able to give people that empowering confidence that we all feel walking out of the salon!
Jess Longhurst
Our beautiful creative director of The Studio Upstairs, Jess is a Goldie girl born and bred. Our beach babe can always be found oceanside taking an early morning dip or sunning it up in her favourite spot in the world, Talle’ Creek.
Jess has carefully curated the vibe and values around the studio based on her experience within the industry, moulding it to exactly how she wanted her work life to be shaped so that others could take part and drive their own destiny in their work life. Jess dreamed of making an inventive space, somewhere creatives could come and run wild. It was then that The Studio was born.
She has developed her style over her 13 years in the industry, perfecting natural, understated, beautiful blondes to her effortless balayage and her passion for styling. She has cultivated these talents from her experiences being part of Australian fashion weeks, presenting at industry events and being a finalist for Queensland hairdresser of the year.
