HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - CELESTE READ

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you started hair dressing?

My name is Celeste Agnes Nannette Read. That is a really European name for a girl from the villiage of Toomatagi in Apia. I was born in Pago Pago and then raised in Western Samoa until the age of 9, where my entire immediate family moved to Hawaii to support my mother at university and for a more progressive life. I have always been a resilient and resourceful child with a strong rebellious streak, and so at the age of 14, I was sent to live with my Palagi father in New Zealand. Arriving from Hawaii to Taumarunui was an eye opener, but I went with it, believing I would be there for a year. We soon moved to New Plymouth where I still live today.

Leaving school after 6th form was tough as it meant giving up on university and becoming an art teacher. I chose to become a hairdresser much to my Mothers dismay. (Not going to University was a big deal). Hairdressing gave me the potential to be creative, teach, travel, compete and win and be self employed. All these attributes made hairdressing not only my profession, but my hobby. I now have children and spare time is hanging with my family. Doing whatever makes us happy. I have used my passion and earning capacity in hairdressing to set myself up to be available for my family. As my culture is so strong in me, this also means my very extended family. I enjoy going home to Hawaii as often as 4 times a year ... why not?

How has your Samoan heritage influenced your career?

My samoan heritage hasnt really featured in my work as such, but it has shaped how I was as an employer and set the mood for clients who visit my salons. I have recently sold Key Lime Pie Hair Culture and Vie Hairdressing, but looking back, clients often commented on the nurturing that was felt throughout the experience. Respecting your elders, be inviting, be caring, be polite, be thankful and be humble. No matter the success, you never forget your manners. This reflected throughout my salon. Like many samoans, we grew up with the healing touch. Lomi's at the basin was always going to be amazing. We did a lot of healing through massage in samoa. This came through in my salon.

What made you want to own your own business?

I was happy working for a salon, but I also knew my worth as a stylist. I went to Hawaii for a couple of years and on my return to NZ and hairdressing, I was shocked at the level of pay I was being offered. And renting a chair was a bit of a foreign concept in New Plymouth then. So I felt that I was pushed to be self-employed. It came naturally and I've been thankful of my clients who have supported my ventures. They are the reason I had any success. Without clients, you have nothing.

If it wasn’t hair dressing, what would it be?

Perhaps going to university to become an art teacher, perhaps finishing my legal executive papers I had already started... but once I chose hairdressing, there was not looking back.

‘The Rock’ or ‘Jason Mamoa’?

Jason Mamoa... its a hair thing.

What prides you most about being Samoan?

Im proud of my samoan heritage. I have the most talented extended family. Samoans are talented, articulate, strong willed people who overcome obstacles placed in front of them. We are a resilient resourceful people. A culture that continues to maintain its values and supports progression in its people at the same time.

By Hanalei Temese