Jackie and I had already been working together for a while when I asked her out for a drink over the backwash. She said “no” – which I thought was rude! – but I pursued it and I guess the rest is history.
We both share a strong creative vision and work ethic, so from the very early stages of when we got together, we spoke about doing our own thing. Building a signature brand was a path that felt comfortable and inevitable for us, but we felt we needed to tick another box first, we booked an open ticket and went and lived in Australia.
We had moments where we had absolutely nothing, but we experienced so much. It’s crazy how, in this case, the less we had, the better life was. I would say that was probably one of the happiest, most fulfilling times.
Jackie is an immensely unique human being. She has a powerful work drive, and she is super creative as well. She’s very fashion based and has always been into clothes; she could quite easily run a business in that area. She’s approachable, methodical and she can actually work out any problem. Working in the salon together, she’s always laughing her head off! There’s a side to her that is very light, and she never sweats the small stuff. She’s a team player too.
We’ve been very blessed over the years to have experienced lots of different opportunities. We did the most amazing, magical show in Geneva – the runway was actually built along the banks of Lake Geneva. It was one of the first shows we’d done on our own, and to produce something without any restrictions was definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment. Back then, that was how you built your brand – being creative, hands on and in the flesh, face to face.
We’re not good at leaving work at the door, but we’ve built an environment at home where we’re always doing something creative – we have clothes rails, wardrobes and mannequins all over the place! Yes, we are fully immersed in it, but it doesn’t matter that it’s come into our private lives because it’s a real passion for both of us.
We’ve got some really great projects coming up on the horizon and there are lots of things that we’re cracking on with. We thrive on what we do and, like many other creatives, we’re just out there, doing our thing.
Daz and I have always had a similar sense of humour and we have the same drive. Our thoughts on creativity and our passion for the industry align. Sometimes you meet a soulmate, somebody that’s so completely similar to you, and that was Daz for me. We were pulled together really even before we started seeing each other!
The fundamental thing is, if you’ve got the same sort of moral background and thoughts on life, then everything works. In order for you to go forward and express yourself in your true form, you have to take a risk. Daz and I knew that we wanted to throw ourselves into more creative work doing our own shows, so going out alone was a decision that evolved quite naturally.
I’m at the stage in my career where I know myself and I have the confidence to say that I don’t really mind what anybody thinks about me. Business is all about challenges, but I think challenge is good because it can become your motivation. Challenges can put life into perspective and stop you sweating the small stuff; they make you realise that most of the day-to-day drama is not worth it. We don’t really disagree on much, but if we were to fall out it would be over what to watch on Netflix or what to eat. Daz is a feeder, and I could go five days without thinking about food!
If there was to be a personality difference, I would say that I’m more of a risk-taker and Daz is more realistic. He thinks things through more when it’s to do with business, whereas I’m more likely to have a vision and not necessarily a plan – but that’s a good balance. Daz reigns me in and brings me back to earth.
Our work is who we are; it’s what we love and it still excites us. We do take time out though, whether we go for dinner or when we go on holiday. We love being out in nature and walking along a wet, windswept beach, but then we also love going to an art gallery or a music gig. As much as it’s a cliché, we are all about living in the moment. We’re still so passionate about what we do and what we create. Doing diverse things is what makes us tick; it’s still just as fulfilling.
Who’s the bigger perfectionist?
Darren.
Who’s the chattiest?
Jackie.
Who takes longer to get ready for a night out?
Equal.
Who wears the trousers?
Equal.
Are there any other hairdressing partnerships you admire?
Anthony and Pat Mascolo. They’re free spirits, and both of them are natural creatives in different ways.
If you two weren’t in the hair industry, what’s another job you could imagine doing together?
Interior design and house flips.
If you had to describe your partnership in three words, what would they be?
Happy, dedicated, united.
