MARIA UNALI
Citing a motivational compass that spans icons from Seminara to Sinek, Maria Unali is a hairdresser whose proficiency behind the chair is evenly matched by admirable business leadership. Simultaneously awarded the position of AHFA NSW Hairdresser of the Year and winner of the Hair Expo Salon Design Award in 2017, the Western Sydney born mother of two has established herself as a diversely talented star, amongst clientele and industry peers alike.
Despite early concerns that a life outside the metro might dilute her opportunity to create an image-led career path, Unali was determined to shape a future that was based on a wide-eyed vision, a canvas confined only by her infinite imagination. From inception, her approach was full of gusto and grace spending 5 years as a volunteer session assistant learning from highly skilled and respected international stylists including Sarah Laidlaw, Richard Kavanagh and Alan White. Her name appeared frequently on call sheets for popular fashion brands such as Bec and Bridge, Tony Maticevski and Romance was Born as well as large Advertising projects with Marie Claire, Supre and Mimco. In 2013, whilst working with 3 dimensional hair designs continued to appeal, the then 27 year old turned her focus to photographic work. With countless test shoots scheduled and shot and an inaugural collection under her belt, Unali created Neon Pop, a strong and athletic compilation that caught the eye of British Hairdressing royalty who awarded her AHFA NSW Hairdresser of the Year for 2014.
In 2015 Unali’s innate eye for creating beautiful editorial hair and precision cuts was recognised by a cohort of Australia’s top Hairdressers and Media players who selected her to be part of the esteemed Australian FAME Team. During a 12-month tenure under the Creative Direction of Brett McKinnon (The Murphy Gozzard Hair Community) the young stylist traversed the globe sharing her skill and affection for hairdressing at Hair Expo Australia (Aus), Industry Extracted (NZ) and Salon International (UK).
Whilst regularly praised for her work in hair fashion, perhaps the greatest testament to the stylist’s exquisite taste was the 2016 launch of award winning Salon Kiin. In a venture that took courage, uprooting a deep family anchor in a local shopping centre, the birth of what has been deemed a true lifestyle salon space, demonstrates the intelligent business vein of a once self-confessed insatiable creative. Attributing the success of her new residence to an exhaustive research phase that identified an evolution in her target market and employee DNA, alongside a solid reputation and heritage, initiated by Papa back in 1981, Salon Kiin is a noteworthy symbol of an unwavering vision in the mind of a brilliant artist.
Maria is on maternity leave from the salon floor at the moment but still taking wedding/freelance bookings. Additionally her love for contributing to the magic of special occasions means that she can be booked for hair styling for weddings and bridal parties both locally and internationally upon request.
Maria lives in Western Sydney with her husband John, Andre (3) and newest addition, Clara (born August 2017).
Accolades/ Highlights
2017
AHFA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year Winner
Hair Expo Salon Design Winner
AHFA Hair Fashion Video Finalist
2016
AHFA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year 2016 Finalist
AHFA Hair Fashion Video 2016Finalist
Salon Kiin Salon Opening
2015
The Australian FAME Team 2015Winner
2014
AHFA NSW /ACT Hairdresser of the Year 2014Winner
Hair Expo New Creative Force Finalist
2013
Hair Expo New Creative Force Finalist
Info
Maria Unali
Phone: +61 404 348 249
Email: maria@mariaunali.com
Instagram: @maria_unali
Facebook: facebook.com/maria.unali
All images are to be used with permission.