THE ARTISTS

Lauren Mcmurray Sherwin

For me, Hairdressing is more than a career – it’s my life.

I thrive in the salon environment and I feel so honored to have such amazing and supportive clients. I have a love and passion for the craft that is indescribable. I’m very honest and open with my clients, whether I’m cutting, coloring or styling, my enthusiasm and inspirations are constantly evolving, and I am driven by my love of hair, people and fashion. I believe in consistently learning and growing my own talents, allowing me to invest and grow those of my fantastic team at Iron and Ivy.

Gorgeous Queenstown Blonde
Art Director Lauren at Work creating a beautiful Blonde

ART DIRECTOR + CO-FOUNDER

Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Iron and Ivy, Lauren is an Internationally trained hairstylist with over 25 years’ experience in her craft. Her instinctive understanding and feel for hair enabled her to excel in the industry, becoming a teacher of specialized cutting techniques at just 22 and earning a distinction at Toni & Guy before starting her residency at the prestigious award-winning Reuben Wood salon in the Northern Quarter of Manchester.

Lauren is an extraordinary talent, which can only be seen to its full extent in a unique salon such as Iron and Ivy. her ability to empower women with hair that is sexy and feminine, lifting their confidence, and improving how they feel about themselves truly is a gift.

Here at Iron + Ivy, she has created a space to make her own rules and work towards her client’s desires as closely as possible. Widely regarded for her professionalism and dedication to her craft and is a perfectionist in every sense of the word, taking her work very seriously. Her talent for creative and inventive techniques is outstanding.

Being instinctive and highly visual, Lauren is an expert colorist – renowned for the French art of Balayage, she has built up an acclaimed reputation over her years in the hairdressing industries both in the UK and New Zealand. Her expert knowledge and artistic eye mean she’s constantly called on by women throughout the country to achieve the unachievable when it comes to hair colorization.

Lauren, is a seasoned educator who is regularly invited to travel around NZ, educating and demonstrating to stylists on how to create the perfect ‘Modern Blonde” for their clients.

She has also been named Top Performing Stylist of The Year finalist at the Industry Awards NZ is also regularly featured in Headway Magazine and other publications.

Karly Penner

Having worked alongside Lauren McMurray for the past nine years, Karly is a key member of the Iron and Ivy collective. Karly brings over ten years of international industry experience in both cutting and coloring to the team at Iron and Ivy.

Originally from Canada, Karly has been living in New Zealand for ten years. Her creative passion doesn’t just start and stop at hair, She is easily spotted within the studio looking amazing and with a killer smile and personality to boot.

SENIOR ARTIST

As one of Iron and Ivy’s Senior Artists, Karly possess a keen eye and attention to detail – two qualities that have helped her evolve into one of Queenstown’s most desirable stylists for her specialized techniques.

A natural artist, her raw talent and personality drives her passion within the world of colour and she can create innovative, modern and natural colours which are tailored to each individual.

Karly is truly one of Queenstown’s leaders in the art of Balayage, transformations are her speciality and she showcases this daily through her work.

Karly has also been named ‘Creative Artist of The Year finalist at the NZ Industry Awards for her Photoshoot work

NIAMH MURPHY

Niamh is one of Queenstown’s most recognizable names in hair styling and color work. Having worked on the local scene for nine years, Niamh has excelled in all areas of hair artistry and has created a strong following of loyal clientele.

Originating from Ireland, Niamh has over 20 years of experience in the industry and this shines through in her confident and warm friendly personality.

SENIOR ARTIST

Niamh’s attention to detail and meticulous approach to hair artistry has earned her a place as one of the most sought after hair artists in Queenstown.

Ever the perfectionist, Niamh is always developing new techniques to add to her repertoire of skills. Whether you’re looking for a full makeover, or if you just want to refresh your current style, Niamh is excited to work with you to create a beautiful look that will last.

With a passion for everything color, Niamh is a specialist at helping you obtain that dream hair you’ve always wanted.

JODIE DOYLE

Senior Artist Jodie is renowned for her beautiful blonde and balayage work and is a diverse colorist, transforming hair for the past 15 years, specializing in the latest Balayage techniques and known for recreating those beautiful blended highlights that turn heads in Queenstown.

 

SENIOR ARTIST

Jodie lives and breathes color and brings over 16 years of experience in the hair industry.

Jodie has a passion and thirst for advancing her technical knowledge and techniques and loves a challenge when it comes to bringing her clients hair goals to life.

 

VICKY CARLING

Vicky aka “Super-mom” is one of our Senior Artists in the studio.

Originally from the UK, Vicky has been hairdressing for nine years and has rapidly become one of Queenstown’s leading hairstylists.  In addition to being a mother of two and part-time Senior Stylist, Vicky is also a mentor to our in-house team of apprentices, helping the next generation of stylists navigate their way to becoming the next generation of talent.

SENIOR ARTIST

Vicky’s skill array is impressive, from bright blondes to jaw-dropping up-dos for all your special events, this girl’s got you!

Specializing in Blondes and Balayage and making her clients hair dreams come true is something that she is really passionate about! and her amazing warm, friendly and attentive personality is at the heart of our creative and busy studio

 

 

ALANA IRVING

Alana is new to the team and to New Zealand

Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Alana has a wealth of experience when it comes to coloring and transformations. Alana has been hairdressing for five years before joining us in beautiful Queenstown.

Blonde in action

SENIOR ARTIST

Alana’s skill array is impressive, from bright blondes to jaw-dropping up-dos for all your special events, this girl’s got you!

Specializing in Blondes and Balayage and making her clients hair dreams come true is something that she is really passionate about! and her amazing warm, friendly and attentive personality is at the heart of our creative and busy studio

ZAYLEAH DURHAM

Zayleah aka “Zay” is from Dunedin and is our Artist

With seven years of experience from working within hair salons in her teens as a Salon Assistant, Zay understands firsthand what it takes to be a successful stylist and is creating beautiful work.

Attentive, caring and meticulous in her approach to Hair, Zay is building her clientele at Iron and Ivy

ARTIST

Zay is our first Artist and is consistently improving and refining her skills in both creating blondes and balayage and also cutting services.

Her skill set is far past her young years and is a fabulous part of the team.

Zay has openings for new clients and is available for consultations so feel free to contact the studio to make your hair dreams come true.

 

OLIVIA KING

Olivia known for her amazing wit and incredible personality is our first hairdressing apprentice!

Half Danish and Kiwi, Olivia moved down to Queenstown from Auckland and originally started at as a Salon Assistant with us and has since become the quickest person to ever finish her first year of apprenticeship at HITO and now joins the team as a qualified stylist.

Artist

Recently graduated Olivia is focused on  perfecting her own color and cutting skills as an Artist.

Ever the perfectionist, with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to her craft, Olivia will be setting the bar high for the next generation of hair stylists

 

PAREHUIA BARRON

Parehuia aka “P” is our newest member of the team and a 3nd year apprentice.

Originally from Marlborough Sounds, P moved to Queenstown in the summer and has rapidly adapted to working in our fast paced studio

Emerging Artist

Parehuia is our second year apprentice, helps to support the Senior Team and with a real passion for the industry and all things hair, Our little P is showing that the future of the industry is in safe hands.

LUCY CHISHOLM

Local born Lucy is our resident Queenstown’er – Coming to us straight from Wakatipu High School, Lucy is passionate about learning the ropes.

 

APPRENTICE

1st Year apprentice, Lucy is getting to grips with the industry and what a better place than when surrounded by such incredible talent

Ever the cheeky monkey, Lucy’s natural charm and beautiful personality sets her up for success on her journey

AMY GRIESHABER

Amy comes to us all the way from the UK, despite being an exotic mix of Greek and German, she has the charisma and banter that our clients and team love.

With years of experience in customer service and client care, Amy brings her repertoire of personality, charm, and customer care to the studio and truly delivers the Iron + Ivy experience.

STUDIO MANAGER

Amy is usually the first person you’ll meet at Iron and Ivy as she is across all our emails, phone calls, messages and social media.

A fantastic communicator with our clients needs at heart, Amy ensure that all of our guests are cared for and enjoy their time with us in the studio and leads the team.

 

STEVEE DEVONDA

Co-owner and General Manager; Stevee is a long term Queenstown local with a passion for customer service and experience. Originally from the UK, Stevee has travelled the world before settling down in New Zealand and becoming a citizen before he met Lauren and opened Iron + Ivy.

Originally an experienced advertising manager, Stevee brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the running of the studio. He also acts as a mentor to others looking to start small businesses in Queenstown.

GENERAL MANAGER

As GM, Stevee is responsible for ensuring that the Iron + Ivy experience is the best it can be for both our clients and the Iron + Ivy team.

He’s our handyman, social media manager and also known for making an amazing cappuccino. You’ll often see him in the studio pitching in and assisting the team and cracking dad jokes at every occasion.

DON’T BE A SLAVE TO TRENDS. BE AN INDIVIDUAL.

Contact us to book your complimentary consultation and let us create a plan to achieve your hair goals.

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