African hair salon opens 

Posted on 22 Jun 2011

Please note: this is an old article

It was published in June 2011, so the information may be out-of-date.

Shepparton’s first salon providing African hair care services and products opened last week.

Greater Shepparton Business Centre Business Development Officer Lonnie O'Dwyer said the local African community was thrilled to finally have a service tailored to their needs.

She said the salon, Hair Africa, was already busy with bookings.

"Eugenie Barima, the owner and manager of Hair Africa, has wonderful business savvy and has worked tirelessly in getting her business up and running," Ms O'Dwyer said.

"This really is exciting for the community - it's filled a niche - as African hair care is really quite specialised."

Ms O'Dwyer said the Business Centre had helped Ms Barima access its seminars, workshops and mentoring program.

"We also provided general business advice and support to help Eugenie get her business idea off the ground," Ms O'Dwyer said.

Ms Barima, from the Ivory Coast in Africa, and has been in Australia for more than five years.

She said she had identified the need for a salon in Shepparton for the African community after discovering people had to drive to Melbourne because no outlets in the area sold African hair products or provided the necessary hair-care services.

"Some people have been driving to Melbourne and now they don't need to because we do hair extensions, braids, weaves, wigs and provide hair care," Ms Barima said.

"We can braid all sorts of colours and styles through people's hair - it lasts really well - and we have a private beauty room for our more sensitive customers.

"We also welcome and invite everyone in the community to use our services."

Hair Africa is located at 219a Maude St. Phone 5831 3020 for bookings and inquiries.

To find out more about courses and support offered by Greater Shepparton Business Centre to new and emerging businesses, visit www.sheppartonbusiness.com.au or phone 5832 1100.