Aiming to be cut above rest

The move from upper Victoria Ave to Wanganui's old fire station in Guyton St is suiting hairdresser Carol Hayward.

Chonel Ltd (formerly Chonel Hair and Body Spa) opened the new premises in April, after moving in at Easter. The business has two owners - Miss Hayward who is a hairdresser of 20-plus years and Bernard Pomfret-Brown.

Mr Pomfret-Brown has an accountancy background and is now back working for his former employer, the Whanganui District Health Board - while keeping up his interest in the salon.

Miss Hayward does all the cutting and is training two apprentices in the craft, Sarah Blaker and Rhian Pole. She said she enjoyed her work.

"I believe if you get bored and it becomes just a job, then it's time to make your departure."

She and her apprentices take an active interest in fashion. They travel to expos and compete in the Manawatu/Wanganui Stylist of the Year Awards.

Their move to 139 Guyton St made economic sense given that the team had reduced from seven to four and returned to its core business of hairdressing. Being in the iconic 1921 fire station building also gave it a point of difference.

"I think the business is a reflection of Bernard and I, from the salon layout and decor and even down to the colours we have used. We have our own taste and twist," Miss Hayward said.