A
s I walked through the
doors of Stonehills
Hairdressing, a very
modern salon indeed,
planted in the Hertfordshire town
of Welwyn Garden City, I felt imme-
diately welcomed. Normally when
you visit a salon for the first time,
you’re left standing there for a good
while before anyone actually
acknowledges you and even then,
they’re not always polite. Not at
Stonehills – as soon as I stepped
over the threshold, I was immediate-
ly approached by a friendly staff, ask-
ing me how she could help and upon
stating my business, I was led to an
office to wait for the interviewee.
I didn’t have to wait long before
my subject appeared, with a warm
broad smile, happy that I was able to
come down to his neck of the
woods. He greets me with a firm
handshake and after some small talk;
we get down to the interview with
co-founder and hairstylist, Mike
Paraliki and his experiences in the
hairstyling industry.
ACUT ABOVE THE REST
THE REPUTATION OF A GREAT HAIRSTYLIST IS BUILT ON PHENOMENAL HAIR
TREATMENT, PROFESSIONAL SALON/CLIENT RELATIONSHIP AND EXCELLENT
CUSTOMER SERVICE. WITHOUT A DOUBT, STONEHILLS HAIRDRESSING HAS IT ALL,
HAVING RECEIVED GREAT RECEPTION SINCE IT OPENED INWELWYN GARDEN
CITY IN OCTOBER 2010.
INTERVIEWED BY: SHARON BROWN • PHOTOGRAPHY:TONYWELLINGTON
• How long have you been in
the hairstyling industry?
I’ve been in the hairstyling industry
for over 15 years.
• How and when did it all
begin?
It all started from my parent’s
garage with a chair and mirror. I still
do some of those clients today!
• What inspired you to get
into hair creation?
Exactly that! The chance to create
using the ‘gown we never take off ‘
hair.
• Describe your hair creation
style
Apart from following a brief for ses-
sion work, with clients in the salon,
my work is fashion inspired with an
aim to suite lifestyle.
• What would you say is your
design signature?
Precision hairdressing with ever
evolving techniques for cutting,
colouring and finishing.