Jamie & Tracey from Fabrik
“Our identity is driven by our commitment to provide top-notch hair services, high-end brands and most importantly an authentic, enjoyable experience for our clients that is individually curated for them.”
Tell us how Fabrik came to be and your roles in the business
Jamie started his hairdressing career in Edinburgh and made the move to New Zealand in 2007. Upon arrival he opened Fabrik, that was 18 years ago and here we are today with two hair salons in the best locations in Kirikiriroa. Our salon on Victoria Street at The Riverbanks was the original and then we expanded with an additional sister salon at Made of Hamilton East in 2023.
Jamie is the Creative Director, I (Tracey) am the Salon Operations/Business Manager and together we own Fabrik. Both salons are on opposite sides of the awa and we are fortunate to be able to pop out daily to take in the views. In all honesty I couldn’t imagine not seeing the awa pass by during the day, even on a grey, rainy day, the view is breathtaking.
What is the identity of Fabrik and what can one expect from the experience?
Our identity is driven by our team and our commitment to provide top-notch hair services, high-end hair brands & retail and most importantly an authentic, enjoyable experience for our clients that is individually curated for them.
Our clientele isn’t any particular type of person, age, gender, nationality, we have always attracted a diverse range of people who enjoy coming into the city and engaging with our team and other local businesses in The Riverbank Lane and Made at Hamilton East.
Expect to be welcomed, feel valued and leave with hair crafted for you and your lifestyle. There’s so much more to add but I’ll let you discover that during your next visit!
Who makes up your team and what are their strengths?
Fabrik consists of a team of 8 individuals who originate from Edinburgh, Whakatane, Thames, Auckland, Otorohonga, Raglan, Yorkshire/South Auckland and Port Elizabeth. We all call Kirikiriroa our home & Fabrik our work family. How fortunate are we to have such a variety of personalities and talents.
Our team strengths are their technical skills, experience & expertise, education, product knowledge, client awareness and providing honest advice.
Our team rotates between both locations which is great for clients as they can choose which salon best suits their schedule.
What is the biggest challenge and biggest reward of being partners and spouses?
Challenge; who is making lunches or who is getting to the gym outside of work hours. Having to be super organised for work, family time, sports and activities.
Reward; like the saying goes, two heads are better than one. We are both invested to achieve the best we can and enjoy the ride along the way.
Jamie - what common hair myths can we debunk right now?
People who think shampooing their hair is not necessary. It is and we can tell the difference.
What hair trends are you predicting for 2025?
We believe in tailoring trends to individual style. Popular trends at present - face framing, shags, coppers & lightening, bobs and embracing curls.
What is your most underrated offering?
Evo Top Drop - an affordable basin mini treatment that can be added to any service that just makes your hair so much healthier & shinier when you leave the salon.
Tracey - If you had to buy a gift for Jamie from Made what would it be?
Another bottle of Scottish Whisky to remind him of home. Neat has an incredible range.
And Jamie, what would you get for Tracey?
A massage voucher from Chair by Jane Harris is always a winner.
You’ve worked late and it’s a takeaway night. What are we getting?
Glass of vino at Amphora, On a roll platter, a couple of beers from Hapi and a night cap at Neat.
For a special date night we’d definitely opt for The Green Chefs Table & we can’t wait for Reggies to open.
Nearly 20 years on, what continues to drive you and your business?
Yes - soon we’ll be celebrating our first birthday at Made as well as our 18th birthday for our CBD salon! After all this time we love to produce creative work/shoots with local artists such as photographer Mark Hamilton. We love our spaces, our talented team and the communities we get to be a part of at both Riverbank Lane and Made. Meeting incredible clients, new and old will always drive what we do.
Visit Fabrik at Block C/The Sheds
