Jaye Edwards - Educator
A supremely talented colourist and educator, Jaye is perhaps best known for disrupting the hairdressing industry with his vision of a chain of salons staffed by the best and brightest freelance stylists. Since first launching Edwards and Co. in 2013, he has committed to developing Australia’s most innovative creatives through his cutting-edge educational programs Edwards and Co. Academy and Global Education. These bespoke modules have been thoughtfully designed by Jaye to teach and refine a variety of techniques, from cutting and colouring to styling. They also place a focus on the importance of communication skills.
Michael Kelly - Educator
Acclaimed for his exceptional ability to create truly seamless, lived-in hair colour, Michael comes from humble beginnings. His journey to ‘balayage guru’ (a nickname bestowed on him by VOGUE) has spanned over a decade and includes mentorships under many of Australia’s top colourists. He has nurtured a passion for education since day one, quickly growing into roles in leadership and training both at home and around the globe. In 2015, Michael headed up the colour team at a prestigious London salon where he frequently worked with top tier UK publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, VOGUE, Elle and Marie Claire, and a high profile clientele. Deciding to return to Australia in 2017 to focus on training, Michael has worked tirelessly since to make Edwards and Co. Education into the highly-acclaimed training program it is today.
Laura Spinney - Educator
Laura never wanted to be a hairdresser. “My mother and godmother both were so I grew up in salons, I wanted to rebel and be a vet instead”. After school, she rethought her stance, accepting an apprenticeship and consequently fell in love with the industry. Intoxicated by the buzzy excitement of hairstyling she worked in a handful of high end salons before joining the Edwards and Co. team in 2019. She hasn’t looked back. “I believe you should surround yourself with people that are excelling so that you can be empowered to do the same.”
Dane Wakefield - Educator
Dane’s decade-long experience in the hairdressing industry began at the age of fourteen as a “tea and tidy girl”. After leaving school in year ten, his career began in earnest with an apprenticeship at a local salon. He was then introduced to the world of session styling, assisting at MBFWA and on editorial shoots. Fast forward seven jam-packed years and Dane is now an established presence at Edwards and Co. “In the time I have been with the company I’ve learnt more than I thought possible. I’ve moved states to open the new Brisbane salon, become an educator, and worked with the best; Jaye Edwards, Michael Kelly, Sheree Knoble and Emma Chen.”
James Plain - Educator
James originally hails from Perth, moving to Sydney to begin his career in hairdressing at Edwards and Co. He started off as founder and head colourist Jaye Edwards’ first assistant, allowing him to quickly develop a strong understanding of colour and cutting. During this time he also completed additional training with colour pro Michael Kelly, master cutter Dario Cotroneo and shadowing colour specialist Sheree Knobel. In 2018, James joined the Edwards and Co. education team. The following year he moved to Melbourne having been tasked with opening the Fitzroy salon, and was named lead colour educator for both Melbourne CBD and Fitzroy.
Matthew Jones - Educator
Matthew’s hairdressing career began in central QLD, sweeping floors at the age of 15. He had a rocky start to his apprenticeship but soon happened upon Oscar Oscar salons in Brisbane where he worked for 16 years. Training with some of the industry’s leading hairstylists (including Oscar Cullinan) saw him become a cutting and styling specialist. Further education from Toni & Guy, Vidal Sassoon Academy and Schwarzkopf helped hone his skills which were on display in his capacities as a national educator for both Aveda and Redken. In these roles he travelled around Australia presenting at shows including Get Inspired, in front of 600+ hairdressers. He has also served as hair director of a multitude of MBFWA shows for brands like Ginger and Smart and Manning Cartell.
Charlie Gauci - Educator
Charlie’s start in hairdressing came after discovering Victoria’s Secret Angels and their “perfect colours and big, bouncy hair”. Inspired to transform women by making them feel “even more beautiful and confident”, he joined the industry more than 10 years ago. An eager student, Charlie quickly expanded his knowledge in colour and styling, establishing himself as one to watch. After stints at premium salons including Valonz he came on board at Edwards and Co. five years ago. With over a decade of experience, his passion for hair hasn’t wavered.