Cutting through to reach milestone

In a world where many businesses are being severely impacted by COVID-19, one Margate business owner is celebrating an historic milestone.

Roslyn Page has marked 35 years in business at Silhouette Hair Design.

“We have been extremely fortunate to continue working throughout COVID. We have a big salon, so we have been able to abide by the rules and maintain social distancing,” she says.

“We also have lots of very loyal customers who have supported us during this time.”

Roslyn's love of hairdressing stems from when she was a young girl – a passion that has only grown during her many years in the industry.

“I can’t believe how fast the time has gone. It only feels like yesterday I was starting my apprenticeship in 1975,” she says.

While learning the ropes, Roslyn worked with a number of experienced hairdressers in the Moreton Bay Region before branching out to work in inner Brisbane.

But her love for the region brought her back to start her own business on the Redcliffe peninsula.

“I came back to Margate to work for a lovely lady who let me manage her salon. When she retired due to her health, my husband and I thought it would be a great idea to start our own business,” Roslyn says.

“We set everything up ourselves and everything flowed beautifully.

“This was in 1988 and it was a booming economy then, so we found it hard to get a shop in Margate. We eventually found one in Balmoral St and were there for four years.

“We then found a shopfront in Baynes St, and we have been there ever since.”

Forming strong friendships

While creating new styles is a fun aspect of job, Roslyn also enjoys the friendships she has built with her clients.

“I have lots of clients that have been with me from the very beginning. I am now cutting the hair of my original clients’ children and grandchildren,” she says.

“I often run into a lot of people who come up and tell me I did their hair for their wedding, or I saved their hair when they were a teenager.

“My loyal clients come from everywhere – I have locals, clients from Brisbane, and even overseas clients who always visit when they are here in the country.”

Roslyn credits the success of her business to learning new techniques and styles, as well as the “secret treatments” she does on all her clients.

“I do a special treatment which is unique to me. I have been using the same shampoo and conditioner for more than 30 years and it is amazing,” she said.

Silhouette Hair Design is at 26 Baynes St, Margate.