We grew up with a big backyard. I loved being outside and learning about gardening too - growing and looking after things. That’s how I got into cooking.

I was 17 when I moved here to New Zealand. I came here looking to find work as a chef in some restaurants. It was good work - but the long hours were a real struggle. It did my head in. I started doing haircuts for my friends and colleagues and it just came naturally. I felt comfortable just talking with people and remember feeling like it was separate from everything else.

Now it’s become a space where I’m free to think and where I’m confident in my work. 

We have to be careful inside of our heads. It can be dangerous - when we tell ourselves something enough times, we start believing it. That’s why I give myself encouragement every morning. I tell myself I can be strong. If I can encourage myself, then I can help my daughters be confident in themselves too.

Sometimes my wife and I will have a wine and just talk about what we’re going through that day. What we’re feeling. We talk about our daughters a lot - and how they’re going to be pro netball players one day. 

What does strong mean? I think it’s being there for your family. Being there for your friends. You can have bad days and still talk about your feelings and still show up for your friends and family. That’s what strong means. 

I see how some people might think I’m big and scary - but I don’t like the idea of being scary. I really like the saying “be wise, not reckless”.

I try to wake up every morning and ask myself: “How can I be wise today?” “How can I be strong for my family today?”