Our Team

International experience, creativity and expertise.

Creative director Dani Blakeley and business partner David head up one of Melbourne’s most innovative and creative hair salons. Located in the vibrant beachside suburb of St Kilda, Yoshiko boasts an internationally experienced team, recognised for their creativity, experience and expertise. Yoshiko’s photographic collections are published in international hair and fashion magazines across the globe, including New York, Tokyo, London, Paris and Milan. Their work features in numerous colour company advertising and educational campaigns, including L’Oreal’s Blondefident. Dani and the Yoshiko team have won an impressive collection of awards over the years reflecting their excellence in cutting, colouring and show work.

Certified Expert Blond and Olaplex salon. AHC Select Gold Salon accreditation.

During her 30+ year career Dani has gathered an impressive collection of cutting and colouring awards. She’s twice been a finalist in the Australian Hair Fashion Awards, was a finalist in Hair Expo’s Australian/ New Zealand Colour Technician of the Year in 2016 and a L'Oreal Australia Colour trophy Semi Finalist in 2020. Dani’s also worked as an ambassador and educator for several high-profile international hair colour companies and is constantly in demand to showcase her collections and educate fellow hairdressers in new colour and cutting techniques. Fortunately, for her devoted Yoshiko clients, Dani’s first love is working on the salon floor, where her creativity, experience, expertise and innovation in cutting and colouring sees her clients totally transformed.

As Dani’s business partner at Yoshiko hair, David has been involved in the hair industry for 20+ years. His unique sense of style is reflected in the design of Yoshiko’s creative space. David and Creative Director Dani work together to ensure the salon remains inspiring, creative and upbeat. David also plays an integral role in photographic shoots for each collection and the coordination of show work.

David is a long-time resident and business owner in St Kilda, and passionate about giving back to the community. He’s the president of the Fitzroy Street Business Association and active on several committees covering local festivals, the arts, urban renewal, safety issues and the Port Phillip Business Advisory Group. There’s nothing he’d like better than to see Fitzroy Street restored to its former glory – think vibrant, thriving and creative.

Shaun comes to Yoshiko with a passion for all things hair. Moving to Melbourne to further his career from New Zealand's city of cool, Wellington. Hairdressing for16 years Shaun, he is already establishing himself as a go to hairdresser for your perfect blonde or amazing cut. He is fun yet a highly professional hairdresser. Shaun is highly skilled in colouring, styling, keratin and cutting. Skills he gained working in some of New Zealand's top salons. His rich career has seen also work with some of New Zealand's top designers on both photoshoots and catwalk shows. Outside the salon he seems to be busy just loving things all Melbourne

Brad has 25 years-experience in cutting, colouring and styling techniques. He’s worked in leading salons, on fashion shows and photoshoots in Australia, Hong Kong and London. Career highlights include developing a reputation as the ‘go to’ stylist for a refined haircut in Hong Kong, and travelling to Laos to share his skills and knowledge with aspiring young female hairstylists. Brad’s ability to collaborate with his clients has seen him develop a loyal and devoted following wherever he is in the world. He loves the creative process and draws his inspiration from the connections made with each of his clients.