Elizabeth Rutland
A chat with...
Elizabeth Rutland
– Molton Brown
What residents love about Milford is that in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives it is still 'our village'. There are many different businesses and people that add to the character of Milford. Molton Brown Hair & Beauty is one of those. The business is run by London-trained Elizabeth Rutland. Elizabeth and her team of Steve, Julianne and Abby always make sure that Molton Brown is a fun place to visit which may be why many keep going back for more? Or is it their world-renowned expertise in organic colours and hair extensions? Channel's Aidan Bennett went searching for the answers during July..
Elizabeth Rutland... From London to Milford!
AIDAN BENNETT: How long have you been in Milford?
ELIZABETH RUTLAND: I have been at Molton Brown since I arrived in New Zealand nearly six years ago, but the salon was here for about two years before that.
AB: How long has Molton Brown been around? Did you start it?
ER: No I didn’t start the salon, I bought it three years ago. Molton Brown has been operating for around 20 years. It started life in Devonport then the previous owner relocated to Milford. Molton Brown has always drawn its clients from far and wide so Milford was a more convenient position.
AB: You’re from London. Were you named after the Queen?
ER: Haha, actually yes, my mother loved the name Elizabeth – in fact had my parents had a second daughter, she would have been called Victoria!
AB: What made you emigrate to New Zealand in 2006?
ER: Lifestyle all the way! New Zealand has so much to offer – great beaches, climate, opportunity, outdoor activities that are free. It’s like living on holiday. Life is for enjoying and you have to try new things and challenge yourself to feel like you are participating, New Zealand has so much to offer in my opinion.
AB: Love what you do?
ER: You have to in this line of work or you wouldn’t be any good at it! Hairdressing is a creative and passionate craft and requires you to draw upon your knowledge to provide great work. If you’re not feeling it, it doesn’t flow so well! Its a reflection of this attitude with all the staff at Molton Brown as we have a strong loyal following – many clients who have been with us for years.
AB: What do you do on your days off?
ER: A bit of everything really. I love cooking, especially when I have time to really cook. I like to hit the road and see more of New Zealand when I can. I enjoy the company of my good friends and a good bottle of wine....
AB: What do you love about Milford?
ER: It has a great balance of large and small businesses. There are some really unique shops here such as the Steamship Trading Company - their trunks are simply beautiful! It’s nice to retain these privately owned businesses and keep a sense of community which is so easily lost in bigger towns. Milford certainly has the village atmosphere yet offering a great range in fashion, cafes, books etc. It’s lovely to still see a good local butcher!
Complete the following... If I wasn’t a Hair Stylist I would be a...
ER: A client of Molton Brown!
Doing what I love doing
