Nearly 30 years in business

A Woy Woy hairdressing business has notched up nearly 30 years of hair care on the Peninsula.

Talk of the Town was originally started and named by business partners Josie Goodwin, now of the Glades Motor Inn, and Fran Smith.

The business moved three times before settling in its present location.

Current proprietor Lesley Martin has had the business since September 2002, changing the name to Lesley's Talk of the Town.

"We are pleased to say that clients have remained loyal, some of whom have been coming back for their hair care needs for over 25 years," Lesley said.

Lesley has 30 years experience as a hairdresser and even though she has managed a few salons, this is the first one that she has owned.

"The business was well established when I took over and we have been lucky enough to keep some of the employees for a long period," she said.

"Clients like to know who will do their hair and to know that it is someone that they can trust."

Lesley came to the Peninsula from Sydney and has lived in Umina for three years.

She employs five staff, all fully qualified.

Three are in their early 20s and the others are older, appealing to a wide age range.

A beautician and a nail technician also work from the premises.

The nail technician, Sue Souther, has been there for over 10 years.

Lesley said the major changes in the industry over the years have seen more education available for staff, more flexible working hours, clients becoming more fashion conscious and more men going to hairdressers.

She also said more mothers bringing their children with them for a hair cut, clients were more aware of prices and many products were gentler than in the past.

"Staff undertake several courses on the Coast and in Sydney and update their diplomas regularly," Lesley said.

Cec Bucello, April 2