They say if you choose a job you love you will never have to work a day in your life.
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If that is the case a hairdresser who has been styling hair at the same salon in Keiraville for 50 years has had the best possible career.
Starting around the same time Neil Armstrong took that first step on the moon for mankind 14 year old Keiraville girl Karen White started a job at the salon now called Hair Establisment in Gipps Road.
Mrs White, 65, is not only celebrating her 50th anniversary in the same workplace but styling hair on the same block where she started school 60 years ago at the age of four.
Some of Mrs White's customers have been coming to the Keiraville salon as long as she has worked there consistently for five decades. And they hope she never retires.
Pam Binstadt said she has styled her hair for the last 40 years.
"I like her, she does what I want and she is a lovely person. We discuss family and everything. She is a joy to be with. I really like her as a friend".
The good news is Mrs White is not planning to retire any time soon. She is at Hair Establishment every Thursday and Friday and some customers book appointments every week.
At a time when people change jobs more regularly Mrs White's work anniversary is considered by all who know her as a huge achievement.
"The salon originally started in a little garage next door," she said.
"The owner when I started was Betty Harkin. My boss who I was apprentice to when I turned 15 was her niece Beris Milden Hall".
Mrs White moved to Farmborough Heights when she got married but by continueing to work in Keiraville still knows everyone.
When asked the reason she has been able to stay in the same job in the same location for so long she said "I have lovely clients".
"They are so faithful and loyal. I wouldn't be here without them. They are wonderful. I have one lady who comes in every Friday whose hair I have been doing since I was 16. Her name is Eileen Jamieson".
"I remember I washed Dame Zara Bates hair here once. I was still an apprentice and that was exciting.
"The best thing about my job is the people. And it is lovely working with the younger girls here in the salon as well as he owner Taliah Barringer".
"I remember I washed Dame Zara Bate's hair here once. I was still an apprentice. That was exciting".
Fellow hairdresser Nikki Pagett described Mrs White as a beautiful person. "She is like our salon mum".
Mrs White loves the people and the sense of community in Keiraville. She said it still has the same village feel but is a little busier than it was when she started work in 1969.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
