We are all familiar with our founding story in-house, but as a client of Buoy Salon & Spa, you may be unaware of our history and some of the guiding principles that have helped us achieve our present-day success.
We are proud to have been going strong since 1988—over 36 years! We’ve not just survived 36+ years in a notoriously tough industry – we’ve thrived. What began as a humble dream by the late Derek Elvy, Buoy’s founder, quickly manifested into a successful and creative business that is today one of New Zealand’s most awarded and recognised salons.
Derek envisioned opening a salon that married creativity with technical excellence. He wanted to create a space where beautiful hair could be mastered in an environment that provided an unforgettable experience for the client. What started as a small suburban salon has become a nationally celebrated institution, leaving an indelible mark on the New Zealand hairdressing industry.
How did we get here?
At the heart of our success is an enduring focus on nurturing creativity and talent within our team and, equally important, ensuring that every client who walks through our doors has an exceptional salon experience. We’ve long adopted an approach of hiring for attitude and training for skill to ensure that our team not only excels technically but also shares our passion for delivering sensational results.
Because of our steadfast dedication to the craft of beautiful hair, we’ve evolved into an industry leader renowned for our innovative approach and artistic excellence.
Some Notable Highlights
- We’ve been mastering beautiful hair for over three decades.
- We are proud to be New Zealand’s most-awarded salon.
- Due to our long-term ‘skin in the game’, we have become a Wellington icon.
Buoy Leadership
Our founding father, Derek Elvy, sadly passed away on April 9th, 2018, after a long battle with cancer. However, his spirit and vision continue to strongly influence Buoy's decision-making and serve as a North Star for our business growth. His philosophy of "creating the sensational” is integral in every facet of our work.
Derek’s legacy lives on through his niece, Sam Elvy, who became the Managing Director of Buoy after his passing. Sam had been preparing for this role for years, and her leadership style wholeheartedly honours Derek’s vision while guiding Buoy in exciting new directions.
Looking to the future
Buoy Salon & Spa continues to excel under Sam’s leadership. Sam’s mission is to ensure we constantly evolve and adapt as a business, developing resilience where needed. Her focus is on positivity, empowerment, and cultivating a supportive team culture. As a team, Buoy is encouraged to innovate and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients. This gentle yet strong leadership enables us to evolve into our best selves.
Sam also has a commitment to supporting the local Wellington economy, reinforcing the importance of shared values, community, and resilience. Thanks to Sam's leadership style and agility, Buoy Salon & Spa continues to maintain its high service and delivery standards. The commitment to excellence and innovation is encouraging not only for our team and clientele but also for the wider Wellington community.