Our team
Alex Wirz-Dunbar
OWNER / PRINCIPAL STYLIST
Making the leap into business ownership was never really on Alex’s master plan, however, when the opportunity presented itself back in August 2016, it just felt right.
Having been an independent stylist since her move to NZ, Alex’s extensive experience acquired from working on 5th Avenue in New York, Beverly Hills and London's Knotting Hill held her in good stead to make the transition.
Alex specialises in natural looking colour techniques such as Balayage, babylights, soft foiling and colour melting, focussing on a beautiful finish, with detailed cuts and highly polished blow waves.
At the helm of Chere Cherie, Alex’s insists on 5-star service whilst educating and prescribing her clients products that will enable them to consistently maintain and achieve their desired style and ensure their complete satisfaction.
Alex is passionate about her team, ensuring everyone has access to on-going and regular education, keeping everyone in the shop at the top of their game, both for the client’s benefit and the on-going personal development of each and every stylist.
When not at the salon, you can find Alex at her local Pilates studio bending into all manner of shapes, relaxing into some well-deserved Netflix on the sofa, or channelling her inner research junkie online!
brian dunbar
OWNER / BOOK BALANCER
There’s a saying that goes… ‘behind every good woman is great man…’ or something like that…
Back in July 2016, Brian happened upon the building that is now home to the Chere Cherie team.
It took a little coaxing of his good wife Alex and a little assistance from the bank, but the dream of having their own shop soon became a reality.
Brian’s background in Project Management, Business and Personnel Leadership made him the ideal business partner for Alex, ensuring the shop got off the ground and it’s books stayed square, while Alex (the real talent) was able to focus on the core business of hair, without distraction.
Over the past few years, Brian has developed a love for the hair business and is learning more about it by the day. Terms such as baby lights, foliage, developer and GHD’s are no longer feared.
Brian’s passion is for the team. Their growth and overall well-being is the foremost focus. “We believe if the team is looked after that they will in turn look after the business”. And the goal… to one day provide each and every team member the opportunity to share the ownership of the growing business.
LUCY MCARTHUR
SENIOR STYLIST
Chere Cherie superstar and Senior Stylist, Lucy McArthur, joined Alex at Victoria St. In early 2018 and was an immediate hit with clients and team mates alike.
Immensely talented, ambitious and with a wonderful manner, Lucy is the kind of Stylist every salon dreams of, whether you’re in the chair or working alongside her, you will be inspired.
Lucy embarked on her journey into the hair industry 9 years ago, finding an afterschool role at a local salon. The passion grew with the joy of knowing how happy clients looked and how amazing coming the salon made them feel. The realisation that she could personally impact their lives in a positive way was enough to get her hooked and she’s never looked back!
In her 9 years on the floor, Lucy has fine-tuned her skills to become ‘The Queen of Colour’.
“I just love working with colour! Whether it's blonding, or tinting… this is where I feel most connected and inspired!. I'm particularly passionate about copper colours as I am one myself! (unfortunately not naturally)… “.
Lucy loves to keep fit! In her spare time you will find her busting out some high intensity workouts at F45, 5 times a week. She also enjoys getting out on the hills for a hike if the weather is right. Culinary curiosities are no stranger to the Chere Cherie team and Lucy is no exception and has recently gotten quite into gourmet cooking - it's a great way to wind down from work … couple that with a glass of red wine and some music and it’s almost the perfect evening!
TESS HILL
SENIOR STYLIST
Joining Chere Cherie in January 2019 as a Senior Stylist, Tessa integrated into the team seamlessly and her natural ability, along with her warmth and positivity, were obvious from day one.
Having received a government scholarship to pursue her dream in 2010, Tessa spent 5 years in Christchurch, completing her hairdressing apprenticeship and advancing into a full-time role.
With a desire to travel and see the world, Tessa set off from our fair shores destined for Europe. Between trips to Italy, Turkey and Croatia (to name but a few!) Tessa based herself in Edinburgh and continued to hone her skills at a high-end salon in the city.
After an intensive 2 years of amazing life experience, Tessa headed to West Australia to be closer to her sister and new baby niece, being on hand to help when required but also affording her another fantastic opportunity to gain further knowledge and showcase her skills, this time at a boutique shop on the banks of the Swan River in South Perth.
But after a year, Christchurch came calling and it was time to return home and settle down. With glowing endorsements from both Edinburgh and WA, Chere Cherie snapped Tessa up on arrival and have not looked back.
Specialising in balayage, blow waving, highlighting, micro-weaving and foiliage, Tessa can cater for any client’s need and her book is filling fast!
A self-proclaimed food critic, you can find Tessa checking out Christchurch’s newest and hottest restaurants on any given evening! And when not indulging her culinary curiosities, Tessa will be spending time with friends and family or tucked away somewhere secluded, listening to Tim McGraw or Kenny Rogers.
JAIMI KIERNAN
ADVANCED STYLIST
Jaimi is the latest team member to join Chere Cherie and we are super stoked to have her on board!
Her youth, enthusiasm and connectivity with the millennial age is just what the team needed to stay fresh and current in an ever-changing hair-scape!
Not so green, with almost 5 years experience, Jaimi has a passion for vintage, weddings and anything with a boho vibe! A natural talent with an eye for detail, Jaimi is confident across all aspects of hairdressing and is super excited to be sharpening her skills alongside the most talented team in the city.
Originally from Hamilton, Jaimi was in her teens when she headed South. Jaimi’s introduction to hair dressing started in Timaru, following a particularly traumatic experience with her own stylist… one that left her with a mullet, but more importantly…a purpose… To gain the skills necessary to ensure no human ever had to endure that same humiliation… and thus, off to Hair Dressing school she went!
Fortunately that decision lead Jaimi on a career path that found its way to the welcoming arms of Chere Cherie.
When not at work, you might find Jaimi roaming the hills, hunting deer or just kicking back with friends enjoying a drink and a good laugh.
SAM de man
SENIOR STYLIST
Sam joined the Chere Cherie team In May 2019, in a part-time role, to allow her the flexibility of being at work as well as caring for two little humans.
Sam comes to the team with over 15 years experience and thrives on making her clients feel amazing. The one on one experience affords Sam the luxury to be totally invested in her client, ensuring they leave looking the very best they can.
Sam’s strengths lie in a soft seamless blonde, with a lived in beach wave. In saying that, she loves to spice things up with a good change…blonde to brunette, long to short…Throw it at her and Sam is not only going to talk to you about it, but make it a reality!
Sam loves to spend time with her little ruggies as well as relaxing with a glass of wine after a long day on her feet.