It's funny the way you grow up side by side with your 'baby cousin' who suddenly also becomes an adult and is very much no longer a 'baby'. Arguably perhaps an adult before us, when she became a mother at 21 - considered quite a young age some 15 years ago. Our cousin Amanda - born when Leece was 6 and Jess 2 and a bit - was the third (of 4) born to our dearest aunty and uncle, and who's family played a huge role in our childhoods. Every holiday, birthday and even menial celebration was an excuse for us to get together; our cousins (and family) are what made our childhood so special.

At 20, Amanda and her then boyfriend of 5 years, Troy, found themselves pregnant. By the time Matilda was born, having sat her hairdressing exams with morning sickness, Amanda finished her apprenticeship and opened her at-home salon. Think: a rinse in the kitchen sink and a cut and colour between breast feeds. Fast forward to today - three kids, Matilda 15, Chloe 12 and Brooklyn 7 - a relationship with Troy now spanning 20 years - and a beautiful and massively successful hair salon in Aotea, Wellington.

We think Amanda's story is one of hard work, resilience, passion, intelligence, dedication, courage and integrity. It's been a privilege to grow up alongside Amanda (and her two beautiful sisters and brother), and witness what she has made of Le Garage Hairdressing. We hope you enjoy her story. To learn more about Move it Mama visit our website www.moveitmama.co.nz

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