Local Herne Bay legend, Suzie Wallace, is retiring from hairdressing after 53 years.
She has been asked by a few people to write a book to tell her colourful story, and just might do that when she has more time. But don’t count on Suzie having much spare time. She’s looking to spend more time sailing and motor homing.
Suzie Wallace has had a very full life since she headed off to Australia from her family farm in Te Awamutu at 17, after training as a hairdresser. Sydney was a real eye-opener for the young hair stylist.
Work in Australia was interesting and varied. She worked for a while in Coober Pedy, a tiny metropolis half way between Adelaide and Alice Springs. She has also cut hair on park benches and on a moped at a marina in France. For a time Suzie cut hair as a barber - next in line - no booking. She quite liked that simple system, working next to Fusion in Jervois Road.
She returned to New Zealand in 1989 looking for a job, within the inner city area. A well known Dalmatian woman, and character called Tereza Marinovich had a salon a few doors down from where Suzie has been at 236 Jervois Road, but Tereza was not well and could hardly talk to Suzie when she rang about a job. She just told Suzie, “start tomorrow”.
After working with Tereza, which she thoroughly enjoyed, Suzie worked at Inspirations at the other end of Jervois Road, she then did the barbering, but then branched out in her own salon at 236 Jervois Road, 33 years ago.
Over the years Suzie has had a sort of second career as a house sitter. She has experiences to tell about that phase of her life which would add spice to her memoir, if she ever gets around to writing it.
Suzie doesn’t have many oldies left as clients now. In fact she agrees Herne bay doesn’t have many oldies left, but she does have a 95 year old client of whom she is very fond.
Suzie Wallace was surprised and delighted when her new salon in Jervois Road turned out to be straight opposite Wallace Street - just a pure coincidence, nothing to do with the same name.
By the time Ponsonby News goes to print this charismatic and fun lady will have closed her door for the last time, and taken her final leave. She wants her clients, present and past, to know how much she has enjoyed their patronage, and enjoyed their company. She thanks everyone and wishes them well for the future. She will miss her Herne Bay friends.
Suzie told me her long experience has assured her that she would never starve. Wherever in the world she found herself she could trade a haircut for a meal.
We, at Ponsonby News, wish Suzie a long and happy retirement, and good times following her interests and passions.
Write that book, Suzie. It’ll be a best seller! (JOHN ELLIOTT)
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Published 4 March 2022