GAME, SET... STYLE! KIWI SPORTS STAR'S TRIUMPH

When injury ended her top-level tennis dream, this Christchurch entrepreneur cut herself a new path

- Jo Bailey

Life doesn't always go to plan. Sometimes it comes full circle – as hairdresser Tuscany Hamel's discovered.

When a devastating career-ending injury forced the former semiprofessional tennis player off the court, she never imagined her future was waiting right where she started – at the salon alongside her parents Mike and Glynis Hamel, Christchurch's very own hairdressing royalty.

Tuscany, 33, says growing up with her “cool, inspiring” parents gave her and brother Blue insight into the industry.

“We used to travel the world with Mum and Dad while they did hair for international fashion shows, runway styling and films,” she tells. “I'd get to help out, handing out bobby pins and the like. It was exciting, but I never thought hairdressing was for me.”

Although she inherited her parents' artistic flair, sport was Tuscany's first love.

“From a really young age, I set a goal of becoming as good as Maria Sharapova!” she recalls. “I felt blessed to know exactly what I wanted to do with my life and have the support of my parents.”

Her drive and determination quickly paid off. She rose through the regional and junior ranks, winning a national title. By the time she was 18, Tuscany was edging closer to her dream of becoming a pro athlete.