Meet The Team

The Rye Retreat Aveda Lifestyle salon and spa, situated in the ancient Cinque Port town of Rye, is the premier location to experience the Aveda ethos. Expertly trained hair stylists and beauty therapists offer exemplary service in beautiful surroundings. This includes our ‘secret’ garden, perfect for relaxation after our luxurious spa treatments. Complimentary rituals and refreshments, including wine, are offered with every service.

Lisa

Lisa lived and worked in London for many years before moving to Rye. Having worked as the manager at Mahogany-Mayfair, she specialises in cutting and styling.

She has two children, one recently having flown the nest, and a new found love of gardening.

Joanne

Joanne has worked at the Rye Retreat for over 25 years. Whilst excellent at cutting, Joanne's passion lies with colouring. Her work is classic and always beautifully executed. 

Joanne loves to travel with her husband, enjoys trying all keep fit classes, and spending time with her daughter Eva.

Louise 

Louise is a perfectionist who's passion is hairdressing. She loves all aspects of the job, but if asked to choose, colouring would egde just in front.

She enjoys staying fit, and loves to travel. She has recently got married, in Cyprus! 

Rhianna 

Having done her apprenticeship with us, Rhianna moved to London and worked at Vidal Sassoon for several years. She missed the team and all that the Rye Retreat embodies so made the move back “home”

Her precision cutting is second to none and she also prides herself on being a colour expert.

Rhianna is a big foodie, we all go to her for the latest restaurant recommendations! Known by the team as 'Captain Fun' she often provides us with a great team quiz or a mischievous prank to keep us on our toes.

Mark

Mark prides himself on having a loyal and varied clientele. He is passionate about the Aveda brand and ethos.

A keen cyclist, Mark cycles to work from Hastings every day, and regularly participates in charity bike rides. 

Nikki 

The Rye Retreat's longest standing member of staff, Nikki was trained by the salon owner and has worked here for nearly 30 years, she's part of the furniture! You can't miss her huge grin and warm welcome.

Her favourite holiday spot is Mexico - where she enjoys diving.

Sarah 

Sarah started her career at the Rye Retreat over 20 years ago. She now works part time due to having two young daughters, but her passion for hairdressing (specifically keeping up with all the latest colouring techniques!) is ever growing. 

Sarah has a houseplant obsession which she is fully unleashing now she is the proud owner of her very own home!

Emily

With 13 years of experience in the hair industry, Emily is highly trained in both cutting and colouring, with a true passion for creating transformations that leave clients feeling confident and refreshed. She especially loves creating lived-in colours and finishing looks with a perfectly bouncy blowdry, while also enjoying gents’ cuts — because everyone deserves a little pampering.

Originally from Kent, Emily has recently moved to St Leonards and is loving settling into her first home with her partner and kitten, Norman. Outside of salon life, she’s a keen runner who takes part in half marathons when she can and has a serious love for shopping!

Karyn

Karyn was born in Tottenham and lived in Islington most of her younger years; she started her hairdressing career in London and quickly developed a passion for it.

She loves dogs and agility training, although her now 15 year old Paypillion has retired she is enjoying the quiet life, giving her time to learn the skill of photography. Karyn is never far away from a canvas as she loves painting, particularly using acrylic to paint abstracts. 

Karyn loves the professionalism of The Rye Retreat, it reminds her of London and Marbella salons!

Lauren

Colour is Lauren's passion - she enjoys getting creative with a colour brush in hand!

She lives with her cats and enjoys country walks with her ecclectic music playlist for background music.

Elly 

She is another home grown talent who has done all of her training with us and has an NVQ level 3 in hairdressing. She loves making people feel amazing through a great blowdry or special up-do.

Elly is a sun worshipper and loves a bright lip colour to match her bright personality. Her daughter, Scarlett loves a trip to the local farm to see the giant rabbits, Elly thinks she may end up with a pet rabbit sooner rather than later! 

Natasha

Natasha has worked here for the past 6 years having done her apprenticeship with us.

She is a great all-rounder but especially enjoys the dramatic transformations she can make with a cut and blow-dry.

She loves day trips with friends to all sorts of weird and wonderful places, Tulley’s fright night being the most recent. Natasha can’t wait for her next ventures abroad in the Summer.

Laura

Laura joined our team over a year ago having started her training at the Aveda Institute in Covent garden. She is continuing to develop her colour expertise over the coming year. She enjoys cutting and styling hair and the creativity this allows her.  

Her family is based in Australia and she is looking forward to visiting them this September!

Paris - Graduate Barber

He’s been barbering for a couple of years now (Level 2 & 3 qualified) and is now diving into the world of hairdressing with his new apprenticeship with us. He’s all about clean skin fades and textured scissor cuts — total opposites, but both his vibe.

Paris is always up for a challenge and learning something new. When he’s not in the salon, he’s probably at the gym, at a gig, or jamming on his guitar.

Victoria - Senior Therapist

Victoria (Tor) is one of our most experienced therapists. Having previously run her own salon, she is renowned for healing massage and her spiritual approach to treatments. 

She lives in Hastings with her Husband and Son where she enjoys gardening, crafting and cooking.

Lucy - Senior Therapist

Lucy is an enthusiastic advocate of Aveda's holistic ethos; believing in treating the mind, body and spirit.

She is a very calming influence and has a wealth of experience under her belt; having been in the industry for 23 years she offers our specialised treatments such as reflexology, chakra massage, and warm candle massage. If asked to choose, reflexology would be her go to treatment.

Lucy has two sons who take up most of her time away from work, they spend their time walking on the beach and going to the local funfairs.

Melissa - Senior Therapist

Melissa has 25 years of experience in the spa industry and is passionate about our holistic, Ayurvedic treatments. She takes a specific interest in the scientific benefits to massage therapy. Her favourite is the Chakra massage!

When Melissa is not at work, she loves walking her 2 energetic collies and is a champion baker.

Amelia - Therapist

Amelia loves keeping up with the latest beauty trends, with a particular passion for nail design. She enjoys experimenting with different styles, colours, and techniques to create unique, personalised looks that reflect each client’s individuality. She also takes pride in all aspects of beauty therapy, especially creating a relaxing, pampering experience where clients can truly unwind.

When she’s not in the salon, she enjoys relaxing at home with her spoiled cat, Pickle, and getting creative in the kitchen by trying out new recipes.

Maddison - Therapist

Maddison has always seen herself in a career within the beauty therapy industry, after attending college to aquire her level 2 and 3 NVQ she is now with us as a full time therapist. If asked to choose, she would say that facials and eyebrow treatments are her favourite to perform, Maddison loves the glow she can give her clients through a boost in confidence. 

At home Maddison has 3 cats and 2 dogs, and would describe herself as a big animal lover.