In early March, the door of Marola’s Hair Salon at 19 Fairland Street will close for the last time.

The owner of the business, Mary Ford, at the age of almost 79, has decided it is time to retire and take a well-earned rest. Mary, who is from Hethersett, took over the hair salon in 1979 from the previous owner. She began her hairdressing career after leaving school by doing an apprenticeship in Norwich and then working at a hairdressers in Wymondham, before moving to Betty Anne’s hairdressing salon on Fairland Street, which was to become Marola’s. We interviewed Mary to find out more:

First of all, why the name “Marola’s”?

I was on holiday in Greece and got talking to some local people who told me that my name in Greek was Marola. That’s where I came up with the idea to call the salon Marola’s.

What have been the greatest rewards and challenges in running Marola’s?

Well, I suppose any business is a challenge. But, I think, building up the trade and being friendly brings rewards - the customers who come in on a regular basis so you get to know them and become friends, particularly when you’ve been with them for a long while. The downside was probably when we closed for Covid. That was the downside… it was bad for everybody.

What about your clientele? What type of clients do you get?

We’ve had very good clients all the time we’ve been in the salon. Not only women, but men and children as well, all ages. We’ve been very lucky. A lot of the clients, when I took over, were in their 30s and 40s and they’re still coming in. And the clients are not just local, they come from all around. We had a lady just the other day who came from Norwich. And sometimes when they come down this way on holiday and they’re looking for a hairdresser they come in, and then come back again next time they’re in the area, which is lovely.

Has it been challenging with the competition in town?

No, there’s work for everybody.

What recommendations would you have for someone who is thinking of setting up a hair salon?

Learn as much as you can beforehand. Really know the skills and then try to get good staff. Staff are important.

Would you have done anything differently in hindsight?

No, I don’t think I would actually. I’m quite happy with how things went. Yes… it was my baby and I think it takes over your life when you have a business. You’ve got to put everything into it, so you focus on that business.

Do you have any special memories from your time here?

Oh yes, I’ve had special moments. The girls’ birthdays, weddings, christenings… we have a gallery of photos on the wall here. And when it came to 40 years, we had a special cake and all the customers could join in. We had lots of special occasions which were lovely.

How would you say hair fashions have changed over the years?

It’s like everything, it goes round in a circle. A style goes out of fashion, something else comes in, and then the other comes back.

Can I ask you about Fairland Street and the premises?

Fairland Street has always been a busy little street, and a friendly street. It’s been a nice street to work in. These cottages used to be weavers’ cottages, I believe. They’re very old and have got character, I think they date back as far as the 18th century.

What are you looking forward to in retirement?

Going out for walks; holidays, which I love; cruising especially. I do love travel and I like to learn about different religions and cultures.

And what will you miss?

The customers.

How would you deal with someone who doesn’t like going to the hairdressers?

Well, you’d be very careful with them… take your time, explain what you are going to do and make them feel as comfortable as possible.

And what about the future of hairdressing?

Hairdressing is a good trade to be in. People will always need hairdressers and barbers.

And any final thoughts for someone who is thinking of going into hairdressing?

If you’re going into hairdressing, enjoy it. Really enjoy it. And as for setting up a salon, if you’ve got the ambition, then go for it. You can get a lot of satisfaction from what you do, but you have got to like it. And have the right attitude and people skills. Put people at their ease; know when to talk and when not to talk. It’s important to be a good listener… and what’s said in the shop, stays in the shop.

Finally, can you tell me about these two photos?

Yes, they are of Jackie and me. One is when we were beach babes for a fete in the town with a seaside theme and the other is St. George’s Day. Jackie’s been with me a very long time. She was halfway through her apprenticeship when I took over the shop and she’s been with me ever since.