The Perfectionist
Hairdresser Craig Withers does nothing by halves. For all of his hairdressing career, he has been a super-achiever, albeit a quiet one, but possessing an innate ability to inspire people from all walks of life. Currently, he is Aveda’s only Purefessional worldwide qualified in teaching both cut and colour. He travels Australia educating Aveda salons on Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections as well as Advanced Colour and Cutting Master Classes. His salon, Urban Escape, is a state-of-the-art, eco-salon, winning the 2011 Aveda Green Salon Award from an international field.
On completion of his multi-award winning apprenticeship in 1998, Craig ventured to the UK, working his way up the career ladder at Aveda under the tutelage of the one and only Antoinette Beenders. Craig was based within the famous Harvey Nichols department store, and in 2000 was promoted to Top Stylist and Assistant Manager of the Aveda Institute at Covent Garden. Over these years, he was involved in session styling for London Fashion Week (including the Elizabeth Arden “Red Door” Show, 2000) and other high profile events.
Such was Craig’s worth to Aveda that in 2003 – 04, he freelanced in Spain and Europe, flying back to London for 10 days every six weeks to look after his full book of clients. Returning to Australia in 2005, he led Aveda’s artistic team and was head educator. He also freelanced as a salon educator, and built his hairdressing clientele over time, in readiness to open his Urban Escape salon in 2010-11
Light and Bright
As the manager of Urban Escape Hair, Vanessa Plesnicar is an inspiring team leader.
Vanessa brings over 17 years industry experience to the salon. With a passion for bridal work, she also specialises in achieving incredible natural colour for salon guests with blonde hair.
As a true professional, Vanessa believes in exploring creativity in her work and nurturing personal and thoughtful interaction with guests so as to deliver a service that makes them feel fantastic.
Constantly inspired by the amazing talent that surrounds her every day in the salon and from the industry at large, Vanessa is a true professional in every sense who executes her skills in the most caring and passionate of ways.
The Protégé
After completing her formal studies Beejay joined the Urban Escape team and has quickly assumed the role of stand out emerging artist.
Beejay’s positive, passionate and bubbly personality has her treating each guest with the perfect amount of care and wisdom each time they visit. She is whole heartedly dedicated to insure each guest leaves with all their questions answered and a smile on their face.
Her can-do driven work ethic and attitude means she is a valuable addition to the salon team, ensuring each team member and guest is fully supported and cared for 100% of the time.
Duke & Dazey
Without doubt the most popular members of the Urban Escape team are Duke & Dazey. They have been in charge of Public Relations for the past two years and it would be impossible to replace them.
Quiet and adorable by nature, they will always happy to see you and welcome you with a cuddle or two. Their unconditional love is felt by everyone who comes into contact with them on a daily basis and quite frankly without them the salon would not be the same. Undeniably Duke & Dazey are just Pawsome!