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.