In March 2025, Grace Harrison and Hayley Mullane stepped into their roles as franchisees of Rodney Wayne Manukau, bringing with them a wealth of experience, a deep-rooted connection to the brand, and a shared vision of excellence.
A Journey Years in the Making
Grace’s journey with Rodney Wayne spans nearly two decades. A senior stylist and floor manager, she’s been immersed in the hairdressing world for 25 years. “I took a small break during COVID,” she says, “but I’ve always been drawn back to the Rodney Wayne brand. It’s been a big part of my life.”
During her brief time away from the salon floor, Grace worked alongside Hayley running the Northern RTR Greyhound Facility a passion project rooted in animal welfare. Yet the call of the salon and her loyal clientele brought her back, this time as a franchisee.
Hayley, on the other hand, brings a different but complementary background. While she has worked in various roles at Rodney Wayne in the past, her career path led her through office administration and into the greyhound rehoming space. “Rodney Wayne’s systems and the support network for franchisees really stood out to me. I knew it was a great business to be a part of,” Hayley explains.
The Day-to-Day
Running Rodney Wayne Manukau is no small task, but for Grace and Hayley, it’s a well-balanced partnership. Grace manages the salon floor overseeing the team, seeing clients both old and new, and ensuring systems and procedures are not just followed, but lived. Her leadership, coupled with her training sessions and hands-on styling, creates a positive, high-performing environment.
Hayley, as front of house and operations manager, handles the business side wages, accounting, and client relations. “Every day is different,” she shares. “From greeting clients to balancing accounts, I love the variety and energy in the salon.”
Their day often starts before sunrise. Living in rural West Waikato, the pair begin each morning tending to their greyhound facility before heading to the salon in Manukau. It’s a routine driven by passion, discipline, and a whole lot of teamwork.
Why They Love What They Do
For both women, the joy comes from the people. Grace beams when talking about her team and clients: “I love seeing my clients return after all these years, and watching our team grow and succeed.” Hayley agrees: “Working with a great team and creating a positive space for everyone who walks through the door—that’s what makes the long days worth it.”
Defining Success
For Grace, success is personal. “Watching my three girls grow into confident, caring young women that’s the biggest success of all. I’m not materialistic, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved as a working mum.”
Hayley echoes the sentiment. “It’s about living a simple life, raising my sons, enjoying my dogs, and having the security of home. That’s success to me.”
Their Advice to Future Franchisees
Both agree: if you’re thinking about becoming a Rodney Wayne franchisee go for it. “It’s about strong leadership, empathy, and following the proven systems that Rodney Wayne has in place,” says Grace. Hayley adds, “Having a customer-focused mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional service is key.”
With their shared vision, unwavering dedication, and authentic love for their community, Grace Harrison and Hayley Mullane are not just running a successful salon they’re building something truly special.
With a trusted brand, comprehensive support, and a thriving business model, there has never been a better time to become part of the Rodney Wayne team. Fill in you details below for more information.
