The Two of Us: Darren and Ange Wylie

Darren and Ange Wylie own Escada Hairdressers in Tauranga. Bay girl Ange met Darren in Britain and 15 years later they have three children. They are divided over the rugby with Ange cheering on the All Blacks while Darren sings Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

Ange on Darren

Heading over to the UK for my sister's wedding 15 years ago, I didn't consider that I would find the love of my life. We owned a salon in Bath in England for 10 years. We decided it was time to see what my home country could offer us for our family and business. Finding our salon Escada two years ago now, we haven't looked back.

Darren is the main force behind the salon and has a passion for hair. I admire the difference he can make to the way people feel, particularly when it comes to restyling.

Learning how to wash hair, do book work and sort out stock has been a great way for me to be a big part of Escada. Working with Darren is a plus as we all manage to laugh and live life to the fullest while there. He has been an amazing inspiration to me also with his fitness. Despite working long hours, he always has time to fit in a run, swim or bike.

We also have three beautiful children that keep us motivated and wanting to make every day count. Having each other to rely on in the salon and home sometimes can be testing, but the positives always outweigh the negatives.

Having my dear family so close here in Tauranga is a big plus for me. Moving here has been the best move for us, and past experiences have helped us make the most of living in the Bay. Of course, we are going to have a disagreement in the rugby.

Go the All Blacks!

Darren on Ange

Our lives started in England when we found ourselves working together. Escada is our second salon. Ange has had more input into the design of the salon. The way we run the salon is different as we are now a family of five with a somewhat different view on life. We are less pretentious but no less effective.

I like creating new styles and colours. Ange is super-organised and very confident - in England she used to manage the food hall in Marks & Spencers. The care and attention to her own look would make most believe she was our top stylist. I think Ange's effect on Escada is very much what people feel when they walk in. Thus it makes me feel what makes this salon very much her and me. I was ever the sceptic of non-hairdressers' view in the salon, but feel I reap all the benefits of our joint running of Escada. Occasionally Ange will pop in on a Saturday with the children. It makes it all worthwhile.

Come on England!

As told to Annemarie Quill