About Elise

Hairdresser Elise Idiens grew up in regional NSW before entering her apprenticeship in Canberra. Seeking to expand her craft internationally, she ventured to Europe, where she honed her skills with the renowned 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. Building on this foundation, 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 salon manager at Brad's prestigious 'IVY' salon in Martin Place, Sydney, while continuing to develop her expertise in editorial and wedding hairstyling techniques.

In November 2013, Elise joined the team at Cleveland's Salon & Café, where she further developed her skills in men's hair cutting and grooming while specializing in on-location wedding services, both nationally and internationally.

Elise's transition to coastal living began in Austinmer, a creative community on the South Coast of NSW, where alongside her hairdressing career, she began pursuing her passion for photography. She produced two exhibitions that shed light on regional and remote Australia, including a notable collaboration with Koori Country Firesticks that provided a platform for communities to learn about First Nations Peoples' cool fire practices.

Elise's photography achievements include being awarded finalist in City of Sydney Australian Life photography competition 2022, and the Galah Regional Photography Prize 2023.

Currently, Elise resides within the Yuin Nation, in the small coastal community of Bermagui, home to the Djiringanj People, where she serves as director of Mane and Tales, a unique 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.