Ray liu

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Originally from Taiwan, I was born and raised in a hairdressing environment. My parents run three exclusive salons in Taiwan and many other family members are stylists. You could say hairdressing is in my genes. 

Growing up in salons I fell in love with hairdressing. As soon as I was old enough, at fifteen, I was inspired to start my own hairdressing creative journey. 

With a strong desire to pursue my dreams and learn from the best, I chose to step out of my comfort zone in Taiwan and travel internationally to work in several high-end salons.

In order to succeed my first challenge was to overcome the language barrier by learning English. Next, I had to complete further professional training to upskill and master the diversity of different hair types. 

Hairdressing is my life. I love what I do, never having had a moment of doubt and I always strive to excel and improve. 

I’m grateful to have found Claire, my wife and life partner. We share the same dreams and love to explore what we can create with our combined skills of hair stylist and makeup artistry. We promised ourselves to continue our family legacy, always moving forward with our goals and dreams. Our latest dream has come to fruition, the new GAO MI salon.

Without my families original GaoMi salon, I wouldn’t be who I am today…... 

When I’m not working or learning something new online, you will find me at the gym or enjoying all that Cairns nature has to offer with Claire and my son Nash.

Born in Taiwan and raised in both Australia and New Zealand, I have had the privilege of working across multiple sectors of the media industry, specializing as a makeup and styling artist in film, television, and magazines. My career has also led me to create makeup looks for commercial advertisements, music videos, and designer fashion shows, providing me with a wealth of experience and insight into the world of beauty.

After traveling the world and exploring various exciting and fulfilling career opportunities, my family and I have chosen to settle in the tropical paradise of Cairns, where we are now making our home.

From a young age, I have been deeply attuned to beauty in all its forms, with a keen appreciation for aesthetically pleasing surroundings, people, and objects. As I grew older, my passion shifted from merely observing beauty to actively creating it. Throughout my years in the industry, I have come to understand that beauty transcends the surface. True beauty is not just about appearance but about how we feel in our hearts—how we value ourselves, our worth, and our identity. Personal appearance is not just for the pleasure of others; it is a reflection of who we are and how we express ourselves at different stages of our lives. My role is to help bring out the unique beauty in every individual, and I am truly honoured to assist people in enhancing their natural features and presenting the best version of themselves.

In my spare time, I practice  yoga and meditation, which help keep my body strong, my mind clear, and foster a sense of daily gratitude. When not practicing these disciplines, I enjoy immersing myself in audiobooks covering a wide range of topics, from personal wellbeing and psychology to business. Above all, I cherish quality time spent with my loved ones.

I was born and raised in northern Thailand, where my love for hair and beauty began at a young age. I spent many of my childhood days in my aunt’s salon—sweeping floors, observing her care for clients, and gradually learning the art of hairdressing through quiet, hands-on moments. Those early experiences sparked a passion that has stayed with me ever since.

After completing my university studies in Thailand, I made the decision to follow my passion more seriously and moved to Brisbane, Australia, to pursue formal training in hairdressing. It was a big step, but one that felt natural. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work with clients from many different backgrounds, and every experience has helped shape me—both personally and professionally. I value ongoing growth and always look for opportunities to refine my skills and learn something new.

I take great pride in my work and genuinely enjoy helping each person find a style that suits them—not just how they look, but how they feel. For me, hairdressing is more than just a job; it’s a way to connect, to create, and to bring out the confidence that lives in everyone.

Recently, I moved to Cairns to be closer to family and start a new chapter. I’ve been so inspired by the beauty of this place—the mountains draped in low-lying clouds often remind me of home in Thailand. When I’m not at the salon, I love spending time in the garden, cooking traditional Thai dishes with homegrown ingredients, and going for relaxed walks along the Esplanade with my young Italian greyhound, who keeps me smiling every day.

I’m truly excited to be part of the team at GAO-MI. It’s a space that values quality, care, and individuality—everything I believe in. I look forward to growing with the team and creating meaningful experiences with every client who sits in my chair.

I was born in Japan and moved to Cairns at a young age, quickly embracing the vibrant, laid-back atmosphere of this beautiful city. Growing up, I developed a keen interest in experimenting with my own hair, which sparked a passion for hairdressing that has only grown stronger over the years. My year 10 work experience at Gao Mi provided me with valuable insights into the industry, solidifying my decision to pursue this career path. I am incredibly grateful to have been offered a position here, as it allows me to continue learning and developing my skills in a field that excites and inspires me every day.

At GAO-MI, I’m eager to continue learning and gaining hands-on experience from my talented mentors, whose expertise motivates me to improve continuously. My hairstyling approach is influenced by Japanese fashion and feminine aesthetics, which fuel my creativity and inspire me to explore new ways of expressing my style. I look forward to growing both personally and professionally, as I continue to enhance my skills and deepen my understanding of the industry.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring new places, and relaxing at home with my cat, always seeking balance and inspiration in both my personal and professional life.

Hailing from the southern reaches of Taiwan, with a climate reminiscent of Cairns, I took a leap of courage in mid-2022, packed my bags for a long awaited working holiday adventure. Embracing new challenges and experiences the captivating allure of Cairns has a magnetic charm that makes me contemplate extending my stay.

My journey into the world of beauty began during my student years, leading me to enrol in a beauty and hairdressing school. Interning at some high-end salons solidified my passion. Despite a temporary career shift for family reasons, I am thrilled to be back on the path pushing forward in an industry that holds profound meaning for me.

Beauty, in my view, is an unfolding masterpiece, showcasing unique facets shaped by different times and places. Each person possesses a distinct beauty, and I derive great satisfaction from seeing individuals radiate confidence and joy in their chosen styles. Crafting hairstyles that please people is a source of deep fulfilment.

Beyond contemporary trends, my heart beats for retro aesthetics, indulging in passions like vintage cars and the timeless allure of vinyl records. Queensland's beaches are my haven, where I soak in the sunshine during moments of leisure. Aromatherapy with essential oils adds a touch of tranquility, allowing me to unwind and savour life in the midst of a beautiful environment.