From Passion to Purpose: A Conversation with Jadey Drury

With nearly two decades in the hairstyling industry, JDH has transformed her love for creativity and connection into a thriving business that empowers women to feel like the best version of themselves, whether in the salon or on their wedding day.

In this heartfelt Q&A, Jadey shares her journey from studying law to styling bridal shoots, the inspiration behind her work, her passion for community, and how she balances business with motherhood.

Get to know the woman behind the chair, her advice, her heart, and what’s next for JDH!

Can you share your journey into the hairstyling industry?

Almost 20 years ago, I had just left school. I was studying Business and Law, but I recognised quickly that I needed to be using the creative parts of my brain. The following year, I started studying Hairdressing. I think the people around me might have been disappointed with my choices, but my heart was telling me that I needed a break from a typical learning environment, and I stand by the fact it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It’s allowed me to travel the world, see some of the most amazing places and connect with many incredible people. It’s allowed me flexibility whilst having my family, having my own business, and being my own boss.

What inspired you to specialise in weddings and special events?

I just loved magazines as a child, and I still do now; I wanted to make people look like that as part of my job every day! I did some in-salon training in the UK, and then I threw myself in at the deep end; the more education I invested in, the more I loved that world. When I started to travel, I saw so much connection in weddings and special events, and I was eager to take the leap.

When we settled in NZ, I was invited to be the stylist for a couple of bridal shoots, and all of a sudden, people were asking me to do their weddings after seeing the photos; it was a natural progression in my career, whilst weddings can be quite high-pressure environments, I genuinely love the whole service from start to finish, quite often the brides we meet become regular clients and it’s a real privilege to be part of someone’s special day.

What does a service look like in the salon for you these days?

These days, a day in the salon, for me, is all about creating a calm, luxurious experience where my clients feel genuinely cared for. I offer a tailored service to each individual, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and in safe hands. With years of experience and deep knowledge in the industry, I focus on delivering beautiful results and a sense of comfort and trust from the moment they walk in. It’s about more than just the service. It’s about the experience and my clients truly feeling like part of the family.

How do you ensure a client or bride feels empowered and confident?

I ensure each client, whether it’s a bride on their wedding day or a client I see every six weeks, feels empowered and confident by taking the time to understand their vision, personality, and what makes them feel their best. It’s not just about the hair or makeup, and it’s about how they feel in the process. I create a calm, supportive environment where they feel heard and valued. My goal is to always enhance their natural beauty, to make them feel radiant, confident, and completely themselves.

What are some of your most rewarding experiences working with brides or clients for their significant events?

Honestly, the people I meet and the look on their faces when they look in the mirror will never get old! When people I meet as a one-off reach out to see me regularly, it is one of the most rewarding parts. Besides being able to give back to the community, my wonderful clients and their support of my business is another big one for me.

How do you incorporate community support or local initiatives into your hairstyling business?

I always set some business goals after the financial year to give back; it’s really important to me. My grandparents always taught me to give where possible because you never know when you might need to receive. Last year, we donated a full bridal package to someone in our community, one group education session, five salon colour services, sent out two care packages to families in their times of need and helped my children’s school get their garden to table project up and running, with time and recourses. This isn’t a corporate business, but where we can help, we will. We have some big community goals for 2025/26!

What are some trends you’re currently seeing in wedding hairstyles, and how do you adapt them to fit individual clients?

I love this question! Lots of hair up, which is perfect for big days; you know they will still look flawless on the dance floor at the end of the night! Curls still have a place, but we are seeing more fun and less structure. Finding out what gives the client confidence and what doesn’t is key when adapting styles. It’s about reading body language and really listening to ensure they’re happy with the final result.

What advice would you give someone hesitant about trying a new hairstyle for a big event?

If you have time book in for a preview ahead of your event, it’s a great way to be sure you will feel your best self on the day. Sometimes though it’s about just doing it. If you have a good stylist, they should steer you in the right direction of what will or won’t suit you, and your hair type.

What message do you hope to convey to women through your work in hairstyling?

What I hope to share with women through my work is that beauty isn’t about fitting into trends or expectations; it’s about feeling like the most honest version of yourself. When I work with someone, I’m not trying to change them, I’m helping them see what’s already there. I want every client to leave my chair feeling like themselves but even more confident and comfortable in their own skin. That’s the real power of hairstyling: helping people reconnect with who they are!

How do you balance all of the demands?

I thrive under pressure, I have my ADHD to thank for that!  I was diagnosed almost two years ago and suddenly, the many hats I had created for myself throughout my life made sense. My brain needs to be busy, and I am all in if I commit to something. I couldn’t do what I do without my husband, and I think he is probably the only person who truly understands how my brain works. It’s essential for me that our children see that things don’t come easily and that you have to work hard in this life.

Who inspires you in the industry?

That’s a tough one; we are always about supporting our community in this hair world; Sophie, a dear friend of mine who owns LHC, is an absolute inspiration; anyone who has the pleasure of knowing her will know exactly what I mean! Robyn Munro from Robyn Munro Hair is one of the most talented people I have ever met. She has taught me much about what I know in the bridal world. My ride-or-die Jayde, who owns Beauty With Jayde, many know her as the brow queen of Hamilton, she is the Yin to my yang.

I’m forever grateful for her constant cheerleading and ability to keep things real! Working for yourself can sometimes be lonely; I can honestly say that in business, if you don’t find your community with whom you can bounce ideas around and trust their advice, times can get really hard, really fast.

Future goals for JDH?

Looking ahead, our goals are about growth for myself and the people I connect with. I want to continue creating a space where clients feel uplifted, understood, and empowered whenever they sit in my chair. I’m also passionate about building stronger connections within my local community through collaborations with other small businesses, offering workshops, or supporting local events. I am interested in our world, our sustainability and the ability to work with anyone, anywhere with today’s technology, so watch this space!

@jadeydruryhair www.jadeydruryhair.com