Wick hairdresser has learnt her craft
A WICK hairdresser proves she is a cut above the rest with an award she received. Diane Mathiesen, who runs the Gents Cutting Room in the town's Market Street, is believed to be one one of the few people, if not the only person, in Caithness to receive a master craftsman award in barbering.
"I really didn't think I was going to get it," said Diane. who has been in the business for 30 years. She moved from Dundee to Wick with her parents when she was 12 and started out working in Malcolm Steven's shop in the town's High Street where she gained various professional qualifications.
After around six years Diane set up her own business in Market Street and has been trading there from the Gents Cutting Room since 1995.
She received the award from the Hairdressing Council after having to prove her professional credentials. "I had to be state registered with that council for two years before I could apply to become a master craftsman. I had no idea if I'd get it but I applied anyway."
She admitted to being "surprised and delighted" when the award finally arrived through the post. And, from looking at a map showing the whereabouts of other award winners, it seems that Diane is the only hairdresser in the county to currently hold the title of master craftsman.
"On the map it showed there were some round Inverness but nothing much north of it [on the mainland]. The award has pride of place up on my wall now."
Diane says that though her shop is called Gents Cutting Room she also caters for ladies who can get a taste of her expert snipping.
