Up close and personal with Deb Barham

Deb Barham lives in Matakana with her five-year-old pup Frankie, an adorable cocker spaniel.

She is the owner of beauty therapy business Rubywaxx. She has two clinics, one in Ponsonby and the other in Grey Lynn and she is a cosmetic injectables specialist. Deb describes herself as a hard-working and driven person who loves going on adventures, travelling and learning new things.

How did you get into the beauty industry?
I was a burnt-out nurse and had always dreamed of owning my own business. Rubywaxx had all the ingredients and the challenge I was looking for, so I took the plunge and bought it in 2017!

Do you have a partner? What do they do?
I am single.

Do you have any children?
I have three gorgeous children all in their twenties. My daughter lives in Auckland, thankfully, as both my sons currently live overseas. How do you keep fit? I love daily walks along Omaha Beach with Frankie. I also lift weights, have a personal training session once a week and I'm an avid gardener.

Your best friend would say of you...
...that I'm kind, fun and a bit of a risk taker.

Your mother would say of you…
...that I take too much on!

You’ve got a day off – how do you spend it? I always begin my day with an exercise of some description. If the weather plays ball, I love spending the day out on the water. Or, I might catch up with my daughter or a girlfriend over lunch (and indulge in a little retail therapy afterward), run a few errands and finish the day with a yummy home-cooked meal.

Virtues? Loyal, honest and generous.

Vices? Good wine and food.

Secret passion? Nature, Scrabble and sailing.

Who's your ultimate rock icon?
Mick Jagger.

What's your secret talent? I'm a very experienced sailor.

Where do you spend your holidays?
Cruising the Bay of Islands or the gorgeous Hauraki Gulf, hopping from island to island. Great Barrier is a particular favourite, with its white sandy beaches and long bush walks.

What's your perfect Sunday?
Spending time with family.

What were you going to be when you grew up? A marine biologist.

Favourite Ponsonby restaurant?
Being new to the area, I'm really looking forward to eating my way through the assortment of cafes and restaurants down Ponsonby Road. I've heard great things!

The house is on fire and your family is safe – what do you save? My dog.

I'd be lost without my…
Family and my health.

One thing you have learned about life is...?
Time goes so quickly. Make the most of every moment.

rubywaxx.co.nz

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Published: November 2023