MARIA UNALI

About 32 years ago, after working at a simple barbershop, an Italian immigrant in his 20’s opened his own hairdressing salon in Australia. He had no idea if the salon would continue in the family, and he certainly never assumed his daughter would take over the reigns. Well, SHE DID!

I’m Maria. Juggler of one very new addition, a marriage, business, healthy lifestyle, oh and as much HAIR as humanly possible! Thanks to my Papà’s hard work and dedication, I now own and direct somewhat of community institution that is s.81 Hair. In the beginning it was about inheriting a family business, a heritage to maintain, now it is about the evolution of that heritage and a pride that’s spans my family, the local community and an industry that I love to the bone.

I believe that success is a direct result of the giving and receiving of ENERGY. I always sit myself firmly in a positive space and am a bit nuts and berries when it comes to healthy body = healthy mind = hair magic. I aim to prove that perseverance; genuine love of your job and a hell of a lot of hard work can overcome any geographical and networking barriers to making your mark in an industry. With my salon based outside of the typical Sydney metro hub, I have taken it upon myself to make my mark among those I want to work with. I have embraced the potential of social media and even been asked to help ease a few more hair-minded folk into this big new, sometimes scary world with a column for trade magazine HairBiz.

As far as fashion goes, my latest session soirees have included assisting Craig Smith for Talulah, as well as being part of the Hair Team under the direction of Alan White for Romance Was Born at MBFWA 2014.

On the education front, throughout 2014 I have been engaged as part of the AHC Youth Worx Team including stints at Salon Melbourne and Hair Expo. I also helped mentor a team for the 2015 AHFA Artistic Team Shoot. The stage that once scared me is now a place I LOVE to be. Yes the butterflies still pay a visit, but I now think that's a good thing.

Twelve months on from last year and I still continue to seek out the trailblazers in the industry and soak up every drop of knowledge that I can. My love for learning has not subsided, it remains my total focus, my appetite refusing to fade. 

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.