Local hairstylist Marsha McLean will celebrate 50 years in the industry in Carlyle on Sept. 2.
Growing up in North Portal, McLean completed her high school in Estevan and graduated in 1972. From Grades 10-12, she was able to complete the 1,400-hour cosmetology program while also attaining her Grade 12. Ed Brittin was her cosmetology teacher and continued to mentor her for years after, which she is forever grateful for.
McLean started working in 1972 for Marilyn Ast, who owned and operated Cut n Curl in Carlyle. McLean decided to move to Carlyle as she knew the area, having worked at Kenosee Lake during her high school summers.
The Cut n Curl business was purchased by McLean in 1974 and operated in the Wayling Block, which is now the Affinity Credit Union building. She moved to 206 Main Street in 1983, where the old government liquor store had been. Her first employee was Joy Jordan.
McLean has employed and mentored many hairstylists over the years. She is especially proud of three of them: Nancy Mathewson, Rhonda Breault and Amy Geiger, who were so eager and willing to learn all that she could teach them, and went on to be very successful salon owners.
McLean has seen many changes in hairstyling over the years but by far the biggest change was when COVID-19 hit. The pandemic changed people in a lot of ways. People dress and look a lot more casual. Many of the baby boomers have quit colouring their hair. There are not as many special events happening. All of this means less frequent visits to the salon.
Geiger became a co-owner of Cut n Curl in 2011. She bought out McLean in 2016 and then renamed her business Salon 206. McLean is still employed by Geiger on a part-time basis.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside Marsha for 17 of the 50 years she’s been in this industry,” said Geiger. “I truly admire her passion and excitement she still has every day. She has a huge heart and I have learned she is a big marshmallow. I am so thankful for all she has taught me over the years. We all learn from each other and with the trends ever changing it is so great to work beside someone who has so much knowledge.
“I’m sure having someone walk in and take your business over hasn’t been easy, but she has always supported me. I will forever be thankful for the opportunity Marsha has given me. If she hadn’t reached out to me 17 years ago, I would not be where I am today. I wish her nothing but the best, and I hope she continues to keep doing what she loves.”
McLean and her husband David have three children – Kim, Brent and Michele, who were born in the 1980s – and three grandchildren, Rogan, Renner and Raine.
McLean has many interests outside of work and family. She loves sports and after raising her trio of very active children, now enjoys following her three grandsons around to local rinks and ball diamonds, as well as her son who still plays. Baseball is McLean’s favourite sport to watch.
McLean is a talented landscaper and maintains a beautiful yard located only a few kilometres southwest of Carlyle. She wistfully remembers growing up.
“Even when I was 10 years old, my dad always made me weed the garden before I could go to the fair.”
McLean’s flower garden primarily consists of perennials. She has a collection of over 100 varieties of peonies. She is well known in Canadian horticultural circles and has received many awards for her flowers.
McLean is also a world traveler. Her love for Europe began at a young age when her mom and dad took her to Holland in 1974 to visit her relatives. As her children were growing up, she chaperoned a couple of school trips and eventually was able to take all her children to meet their Dutch relatives, and they went to other places in Europe.
To date she has visited 37 countries, some on multiple occasions, and five continents. The pandemic has really put a damper on her travel plans, but she plans on catching up rather quickly. Her next trip is scheduled for November when she visits Egypt and Jordan.
Marsha reflected on her life and times of the past 50 years.
“Over time my clients have become my good friends and a large part of my social life. You get to participate in the happiest times of their lives and the saddest times. I have heard some of the funniest stories and heard some of the deepest secrets.
“In summing it up, I feel lucky choosing a profession when I was 16 years old that I still love today. Carlyle has been very good to me, and I am very proud of our town. I feel lucky that I have been a part of our business community for the past 50 years.”
Salon 206 is honouring Marsha with a customer appreciation day on Sept. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
