Retha Fitchat
VEREENIGING. – After 39 years as owner of Blades hairdressing salon, well known hairdresser Marilyn Newton has decided to hang up her scissors and retire at the end of January.
Although she started her hairdressing career years before, she only opened her salon, Blades, in 1981 at Berg Street, Three Rivers.
“My two boys were very young but we were hardworking and became very successful,” she says.
Through the years Marilyn not only cut and styled thousands of local residents’ hair but also became good friends with many of them. When River Square was built, they asked her to move in, knowing she would bring many clients along.
“My wonderful colleague and best friend, Joe Fitzell, and I have enjoyed wonderful relationships with our clients, who have made my life complete. Vereeniging’s people are amazing. I love this town,” says Marilyn.
Among her many loyal clients was well-known local businessman, Dr Gary Immelman.
He says Marilyn was the first person to give his son, Quintin, a haircut. “She was also my daughter Natalie’s first hairdresser. To carry on with tradition Marilyn was also the first hairdresser to cut Quintin’s son, Leslie’s, hair.
Today, on my birthday, Marilyn has finally placed her hairdressing tools on the table to start enjoying her well earned retirement. I had the privilege of being her very last client,” Gary told Ster on January 31.
Marilyn thanks all her clients and former colleagues for their loyal support. Blades will live on under Marilyn’s very experienced successor, Chris du Toit.
