Steve and Mimi Kelly's favourite things

Living a life with meaning and integrity is an imperative for hairdressing duo Steve and Mimi Kelly. In the past year that has meant the arrival of their beautiful daughter Nina - "There's nothing like being the guardian of a wee angel with the brightest smile to positively shape your perspective," shares Mimi - and the opening of their new salon Killer Hair in the old Masonic Temple in Newton.

This dynamic and creative pair has worked in the hairdressing industry for over 20 years, including time at Toni & Guy where Steve honed his skills as a cutting and styling art director and Mimi as a colour technician.

They have won numerous Toni & Guy awards as well as the prestigious Wella Trend Vision in 2003. Today, as well as running their talented team at Killer, Steve and Mimi are Visionary Artists for Italian haircare brand Davines.

"We love that as a company Davines believes in sustainable beauty," says Steve.

"Right down to using water and wind to power their factory in Parma. We travel regularly educating other hairdressers not only about trends but also promoting sustainability in hairdressing.

"People and experiences are what really inspire us," says Mimi, especially our incredibly supportive family and friends. And, of course, each other.

"We've been together for over 10 years and although we never let each other get away with anything, we have a true connection. Working with someone you love and trust doubles your creativity."

10 FAVOURITE THINGS

1. Silk wall hanging
Mimi: When Steve and I met we had two weeks together before he took off to India for four months. While he was away he sent me three silks and this is our favourite and the only one that has survived 10 years. They each arrived like a package from another world, wrapped in fabric with wax seals. It all felt very exotic in my Mt Eden mailbox.

2. Vintage shoes
Mimi: Before I had our daughter Nina, I used to like going out a lot. I could never part with any of my vintage finds because, unlike today's heels, you can wear them all night and get not a blister. They have some dings from cracks in the pavement, but that just gives them more personality.

3. Gordon Ramsay
Steve: He's full-on but his biographies have been a source of inspiration; how his dodgy past pushed him on to be the best. We both have Scottish backgrounds and love a Glaswegian success story.

4. Gisborne
Mimi: It's Wainui every summer. On the beach, in the water, under the stars. A real break from Auckland and it just feels so good.

5. Moroccan Oil
Steve: It's smack for hair. The condition of your hair is number one and this will sort anyone out. It walks off the shelves and gets amazing results.

6. Portrait
Mimi: This was drawn by my Canadian artist flatmate, Andrea. It's huge, it's round and it's me at 25. I look all dark and brooding as I was getting over a broken heart. It has hung on the wall of many a house and I wish I could tell that girl "cheer up, life's about to get better".

7. Diesel jeans
Steve: I live in them and they last. I have even been know to patch old pairs because they're like mates to me.

8. Character buildings
Mimi: In places like Dunedin - where character buildings are thankfully everywhere - we would see them and our imaginations would run wild. We are thrilled to now work in the old Masonic Temple in Newton. It's full of quirky character, high ceilings and huge windows.

9. Egyptian cotton sheets
Mimi: Expensive but once you're converted there is no going back; it's like sleeping in a smooth embrace.

10. Nico the dog
Steve: This 20-month-old shiba inu is like our first-born. People always stop us and say he looks like a fox. We're not sure if he's a foxy wolf or a wolfy fox but he is as sweet as he is cute.

* Killer Hair, Level 1, 24 St Benedicts St, Newton, ph (09) 377 9129 or killerhair.co.nz.