With 25 years in the industry and numerous awards to her name, Dannii Dinh-Norris has built a reputation for delivering diverse, high-quality colours and cuts, while continuing to up skill and evolve with trends, ensuring her work remains fresh, inclusive and current. Based in Sydenham, Christchurch, her one-of-a-kind salon is a reflection of her passion and creativity. Fostering an environment where both clients and stylists feel part of an extended family, KIN HAIR brings together an eclectic and retro design where old meets new in an effortlessly stylish and charming way. With cute pops of colour, geometric patterns, and vintage aesthetics, their space is a haven for those seeking a unique and welcoming experience. Partnering with Kevin Murphy for ethical, sustainable and cruelty-free colour and haircare, they also ensure 95% of resources from your service will be saved from landfill and repurposed to benefit the environment and give back to the community. Here Dannii talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind KIN HAIR, the pros and cons of running her own business, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Launching KIN HAIR was fuelled by a combination of passion, previous salon owner experience, and a desire to stretch my creative design ideas.
Having worked for 17 years for excellent and reputable salons, I opened my first salon in 2017. While this salon went on to become an award-winning salon, I had a strong desire to create something new and truly unique.
I wanted to create an environment that wasn’t just about aesthetics but about building meaningful relationships and creating a positive, welcoming space for both clients and team members. I had a strong desire to set new standard underpinned by values that resonated with me.
It isn’t just about doing great hair; it’s about building a community, making people feel good, and having a long-lasting impact on the lives of both my clients and my team.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I spent a lot of time creating a business plan, which helped me clarify my vision and values while setting concrete goals for how to make it happen.
It was a challenge finding the perfect location but once I did, the fun part began which was setting up my dream space.
Each step was a learning process, but I was determined to stay involved in every detail. From choosing the layout to handpicking every piece of furniture. I had key items custom painted, bought a set of stunning art deco French doors from a small town in the North Island and secured an array of indoor plants to achieve my vision.
The goal was to create a space that felt unique and welcoming. A space that was a reflection of my personality.
Our clients immediately noticed the difference, from the upgraded atmosphere to the overall ease of getting to their appointments. It was a fresh start in many ways, reinforcing the vision I had for the business, and giving our team a strong sense of purpose and community.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest breakthrough for me was deciding to let go of an award-winning salon and strive for something that was more authentically me.
I was leaving the safety of my previous business, to take on a new challenge and to restart from the beginning.
This was at a time when I was still wanting more work-life balance. With two young daughters, quality time with them is a priority.
My decision to open KIN HAIR may have challenged that. My breakthrough was knowing that if I created something more aligned to me, I would be happier in the long term. A better parent. It would also give me more control to manage my time and priorities.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and our blended family of 6 can be challenging, but I’ve found a rhythm that works for me. It certainly helps that my teenage step children are more independent.
In the weeks my two daughters (who are 5 and 8) are with us, I prioritise spending time with them by keeping my working days shorter.
A big factor in maintaining this balance is having a supportive husband who’s also a business owner. He completely understands the demands and challenges that come with running a business, which makes it easier for us to navigate our schedules and responsibilities together.
Having that level of understanding and teamwork at home has made a huge difference in managing both areas of my life effectively. It’s a constant balancing act, but with the right support and flexibility, it feels manageable.
