ABOUT ELISE

Hairdresser Elise Idiens grew up in regional NSW before entering her apprenticeship in Canberra. She later ventured to Europe, where she further honed her hairdressing skills with the distinguished Ikon Hair Design in Cork, Ireland.

Upon returning to Australia, Elise advanced her expertise as a hair colourist at the internationally award-winning Mahogany Hairdressing in Potts Point, Sydney. After extensive training, she spent four years working alongside Brad Ngata, Australia’s award-winning Hairdresser of the Year. During her time at Brad Ngata Hair Direction, Elise became the salon manager at Brad’s prestigious ‘IVY’ salon in Martin Place, Sydney, while continuing to build on her extensive knowledge of editorial and wedding hairstyling techniques.

In November 2013, Elise joined the team at Cleveland’s Salon & Café. Here, she further developed her skills in men’s hair cutting and grooming and excelled in providing wedding hair services on location, both nationally and internationally.

Elise has since resided in Austinmer, a creative community on the South Coast of NSW. While hairdressing, she also pursued her passion for photography, producing two exhibitions that shed light on regional and remote Australia. One notable collaboration was with Koori Country Firesticks. This exhibition provided a platform for communities to learn about First Nations Peoples’ cool fire practices.

Elise’s photography achievements include finalist recognition in Sydney’s Art and About “Australian Story” photography prize and being named an awarded finalist in the National Galah Regional Photography Prize 2023.

Currently, Elise resides within the Yuin Nation, in the small coastal community of Bermagui, home to the Djiringanj People, and is the director of Mane and Tales, a Hair Salon and Photography Gallery.

As an artist passionate about photography and the rich stories of rural Australia, Elise continues to develop her life project, “MANE & TALES POP UP.” Through her lens, she captures the faces and narratives of the people she encounters, preserving their unique experiences in visual stories. Traveling through remote communities, she documents the essence of country life, creating a photographic archive that highlights resilience, culture, and connection. Her work aims to foster social awareness, evoke creativity, and provide a deeper appreciation for the untold stories of regional Australia.