OWNER, FOUNDER & HEAD HAIRSTYLIST
As the owner and founder of Swoon Salon, established in October 2024, Illse is passionate about creating more than just beautiful hair. Her vision has always been to create a space where women feel empowered, valued and genuinely looked after.
With eight years in the industry, she has developed a strong knowledge and understanding of hair while continuously growing her skills and staying inspired by an ever-evolving industry. Building a salon and team that reflects what she believes the industry can be, inspiring, supportive and a genuinely healthy environment to work in, has become one of her greatest sources of pride.
Behind the chair, Illse specialises in lived-in blondes and extensions, with a love for creating beautiful, effortless hair. She believes in walking a hair journey alongside her clients, building trust and long-term relationships while helping them feel confident and excited about their hair at every stage.
Her dedication to both her clients and the growth of Swoon means her appointment availability is very limited.
Chelsea is a hairstylist, creative soul and proud mom of two. Life is busy, a little messy and always full of inspiration, and that’s exactly how she approaches hair.
She loves creating looks that make people say, “Wow!” From fresh blondes and bold colour transformations to seamless balayage and bringing tired hair back to life. Chelsea loves the creative process just as much as the final result. To her, every head of hair is a new canvas.
When clients are in her chair, Chelsea wants them to feel relaxed, heard and completely themselves. She believes great hair is about more than looking good. It’s about leaving the salon with confidence and feeling like the best version of yourself.
As a mom, she also understands that life doesn’t stop when you leave the salon. That’s why she loves creating beautiful, wearable hair that fits into her clients’ lifestyles while still making them feel amazing.
Tertia has always known she was meant to work in the hair and beauty industry. Her passion began after receiving her first set of highlights during a difficult period in her childhood. The confidence and happiness she felt leaving the salon showed her just how powerful hair can be in changing the way someone feels, and inspired her to create that feeling for others.
After qualifying and gaining experience in the industry, Tertia spent several years working aboard cruise ships, meeting people from around the world and learning through a wide range of experiences. When she returned home, her journey eventually led her to Swoon.
Today, Swoon is more than just a salon to Tertia. It’s her family, her safe space and her home away from home. She is passionate about creating a warm and welcoming experience and wants every person who sits in her chair to leave feeling more confident, beautiful and uplifted.
Justine is passionate, hardworking and genuinely loves what she does. She believes that when your hair looks good, you feel good, and she loves being part of creating that feeling for every client who walks through Swoon’s doors.
Always eager to learn, Justine is constantly developing her skills and looking for opportunities to grow within the industry. She is also known for her amazing blow-dries and has a particular talent for straightening treatments, helping clients leave the salon with beautifully smooth, polished hair.
For Justine, every day at Swoon is another opportunity to learn, grow and continue doing what she loves.
Originally from the rural Eastern Cape, Lumka is a proud mother of two and someone whose warmth and friendliness can be felt the moment you meet her.
She genuinely loves people and loves what she does, making her a natural fit for the welcoming environment at Swoon. Lumka finds joy in caring for others and making people feel good, whether that’s through a friendly conversation, a helping hand or simply making someone’s salon experience that little bit more special.
And anyone who has experienced one of her head massages will understand why the Swoon team says Lumka has magical hands.
If Lumka could wish for one thing, it would simply be to help people and make them happy, something she brings into the salon with her every day.