Anita Mulrooney, Peoplecare's general manager and marketing guru, showed her true colours when she "blue in" to Salon 66 in Burrelli Street, Wollongong, last week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Anita's big personality is outdone only by her big heart and both were highlighted when she agreed to add a couple of vibrant blue clip-ins each side of her neatly bobbed hair to show her support for this month's Highlights for Hope Campaign.
Despite her gregarious nature, Anita says she is very conservative when it comes to her hair, and rarely tries anything new.
"In fact my stubborn streak is the only streak that would ever be on show with my hair normally, so this is a giant step for me.
"But for this important cause and super salon initiative, I am breaking with tradition and showing some real 'true blue' spirit with my two blue bangs."
Anita is one of a long line of prominent businesspeople and sporting celebrities who have stepped up in support of Highlights for Hope, which has been unfolding in 20 of the Illawarra's salons for Mental Health Month.
Salon 66 is a well-established total hair and beauty salon in Wollongong.
It was recently bought by Samantha Halmay, an experienced nail artist and beautician of 20 years' standing.
The salon's previous owner, Sherryl McFarlane, is now enjoying a new chapter as she continues as the leading hairdresser in the salon.
"I am really enjoying my new role and clientele, with all care but no business responsibilities," she said.
"I am very pleased to be supporting one of the Highlight for Hope Salons, as it is a great partnership with Mental Health. I have always seen myself as part of the Freudian school of hairdressing that exists within our salon role.
"We have a natural connection to the emotions of our clients - and as we make physical contact as well, clients benefit from the power of 'touch' as well as the freedom to share their thoughts about life's challenges."
Anita said she particularly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the salon and looked forward to the interesting conversation she has with other clients.
"I love having my hair done and being able to have my nails and makeup done all in the one place," she said.
"I am so glad to see this great initiative with the salons is so effectively breaking down the barriers with mental health and bringing conversation out into the open in a happy atmosphere."
As the proud new owner, Sam is looking forward to developing the beauty side of the salon. She said all the extensive beauty services at Salon 66 are included in the 20 per cent discount that is offered when you mention Highlights for Hope.