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.

Mustafa

He's been hairdressing for over 30 years; originally from Turkey, he's toured Europe and the USA working in salons and styling many chairty hair shows. He's now seeking the quiet life the South East has to offer, after spending some time in Chelsea and Knightsbridge.

Mustafa loves all aspects of hairdressing but if asked to narrow it down, creating a soft balayage finished with a big bouncy blowdry would be his favourite.

If you ask him, I'm sure he'll show you a picture of when he had beautiful long locks, looking like Johnny Depp's dopple ganger. We asked him what his passion is outside of work, and it's dogs! He can't wait to settle in Rye and be able to go on those country walks.

Joanne

Whilst excellent at cutting, Joanne's passion lies with colouring. Her work is classic and always beautifully executed. Joanne has worked at the Rye Retreat for nearly 20 years. 

Joanne is married, enjoys dance classes, and her young daugher Eva is a keen gymnast.

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 bought her first home with partner Tom and now enjoys it with their gorgeous daughter, Ava.

Rhianna 

Having worked at Vidal Sassoon for several years, Rhianna has returned home. Her precision cutting is second to none and she also enjoys creative colouring. 

Rhianna considers herself quite the wine connoisseur, and 'Captain Fun' (her words!) and often provides us with a great team quiz or a michevioius 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 27 years, she's part of the furniture! You can't miss her huge grin, even under a mask!

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 is an avid lover of fancy dress, and her daughter Mabel seems to be following in her footsteps!

Zoe

Zoe’s passion lies with cutting; she’s been hairdressing for 21 years and used to teach a ‘cutting expert’ course in London. A visit to see Zoe involves a very thorough consultation; she loves to get involved with advising on style changes that will compliment your face shape and hair type. Zoe will impart her wisdom on how to look after and style your hair at home to keep it looking its best.

Her accent may give it away but if it doesn’t, she is from South London, and has two young boys. She will regularly have you in stitches explaining about her hobby of studying ancient and old English History or her various collections of novelty items (aka ‘stuff’) like broaches and tins!

Lauren 

Lauren is one of our 'home grown' talents who loves getting creative with colour, specifically with balayage. 

She lives in Kent with her 3 cats and a dog and enjoyes spending her free time on country walks, or generally anthing outdoorsy!

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 is a great all rounder but especially enjoys the dramatic trasformations she can make with a cut and blowdry.

She's one of our crazy cat ladies, and had 6 cats on her last count! Ask again and it'll probably have increased.

Victoria 

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 and crafting.

Lucy 

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

She has travelled to Goa and her one love other than her two sons, is Harry Potter!

Elsie

Elsie has been working with us for the past 3 years whilst completing her extended beauty training. She is now qualified to level 4 and is finally a full time member of the team.

She is passionate about holistic massages and facials and loves the Aveda ethos.

Melissa

Melissa has 25 years of experience in the spa industry and is passionate about our holistic, Ayurvedic treatments. Her favourite is the Chakra massage!

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