Mikaela Gallagher on Hair, Fashion Week and Finding Balance

In this episode of The Wānaka Edit, Janey and Hannah sit down with Wānaka-based hairdresser and Wella educator Mikaela Gallagher for a candid conversation about creativity, career, identity and finding balance between work and family life.Mikaela shares her journey from Gore to Wānaka, building a long-standing career in hairdressing and stepping into the global fashion industry through her work with Wella. From local salon floors to Paris Fashion Week, her career has evolved into a mix of creativity, education and international travel, all anchored by life in Wānaka.The conversation explores what it takes to work at a high level in the fashion and beauty industry while also managing the realities of motherhood, career and constantly moving between different roles. Mikaela reflects on confidence, pressure and the ongoing challenge of balancing ambition with everyday life.They also dive into changing beauty standards, embracing natural texture and the shift towards more relaxed, individual expression in hair and fashion. Mikaela shares some of what happens behind the scenes at international shows, as well as the trends she’s seeing filter back into New Zealand salons and everyday clients.It’s an honest, funny and relatable conversation about the reality behind the glamorous work, juggling multiple roles and finding a way to keep doing what you love without losing yourself along the way.In this episode:Mikaela’s move from Gore to WānakaBuilding a career in hairdressing in WānakaBecoming a Wella educator and working internationallyBehind the scenes at Paris Fashion WeekBalancing motherhood, career and travelConfidence, identity and creative pressureChanging hair and beauty trendsEmbracing natural texture and individualityLife between local work and global fashionFinding balance in a multi-layered careerAbout Mikaela GallagherMikaela Gallagher is a Wānaka-based hairdresser and Wella professional educator. She works across salon life, education and international fashion events, including Paris Fashion Week. Mikaela is passionate about creativity, self-expression and helping people feel confident through hair and style.Follow Mikaela:@mikaela_creativehttps://instagram.com/mikaela_creativeNew episodes of The Wānaka Edit are released weekly, featuring conversations with inspiring locals, creatives, business owners and people from across the Wānaka community.Looking for your next home, investment property or lifestyle opportunity in Wānaka?Visit www.colliers.co.nz