In this episode of the Radio Wānaka Breakfast Podcast, we catch up with Jamie Whiston after being crowned New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2026. Jamie shares her journey from small-town beginnings to becoming one of the country’s top hair stylists, opening up about the hard work, setbacks, and support that helped shape her career.

We talk about the challenges of finding an apprenticeship, balancing family life with a demanding industry, and how the world of hairdressing has changed over the years. Jamie also shares her thoughts on confidence, self-care, creativity, and what advice she’d give to young stylists chasing their dreams.

Plus, we chat about her new boutique salon space, And more