My Account
Paul Brown and New Yingdaichom have opened the Gold Peacock beauty salon on Queen Street in Warkworth and are offering an array of treatments from manicures to massage.
The couple met in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2007 and have been working towards having their own salon since their return to Auckland in 2009.
New grew up in North East Thailand, on the border with Laos and Cambodia. Her grasp of English is excellent, but she struggles with Bangkok Thai.
“In my part of Thailand we speak Laos, which is very different from Bangkok Thai,” New says.
“I can understand it, but it’s not my first language and people often find that confusing.”
New’s family still lives in the rural district of Yasothon. They were predominantly rice farmers, but have changed tack more recently.
“My mum breeds buffalo now. They have been increasingly replaced by tractors and have become quite scarce.”
In her village of 200 homes, New started her first beauty clinic in 2007. She is experienced in providing a wide variety of beauty and fashion services, having worked in salons across Bangkok and Auckland. She says she has spent many years perfecting her craft and is very focused on customer service.
“Women rush too much. I want them to feel totally relaxed while they are here and leave feeling refreshed.”
New’s partner Paul is an IT consultant and has worked in NZ, Dubai, Thailand and Australia. He has spent his holiday time fitting out the salon.
“New was keen to be up and running as soon as possible. We have a few minor finishing touches to complete, but we have plenty of bookings and the people in Warkworth are really friendly,” Paul says.
Paul grew up in Campbells Bay on Auckland’s North Shore. His grandfather owned a 10-acre poultry farm, which has long since been swallowed up by increasing development.
“New and I both have farming backgrounds. We have chickens at our home in Whangaparaoa and, ultimately, we would like to move to Kaipara or Wellsford, if there is any land left.”
