Hairdresser retires after decades in industry

Salon founder and pioneering stylist Wilma Burke (R) with longstanding client Katherine Kidd

One of Bristol's most enduring Afro-Caribbean stylists and salon owners has retired after decades of working in hair and beauty, including 27 years at Pride Hair and Beauty Salon on Stapleton Road in Easton.

Pride, which closed on Sunday, has served generations of families for almost three decades.

Wilma Burke said her passion for the industry began when she started doing her family's hair more than 40 years ago. She added that the salon acted as a community support that helped people feel safe.

"Sometimes I'm at work and people will just pop in to say 'hi' and give me a hug. It's absolutely fantastic. It's been such a wonderful career, I've really enjoyed it. It's been a blast," she said.

Ms Burke said it was important to have dedicated spaces for afro hair, which she described as "a big part of our identity".

"I get a lot of people travelling from quite a way. People come in and say 'do you cut curly hair because I've been to my local stylist and they said they can't manage it'. I'm thinking 'what do you mean you can't cut curly hair?' It's straightforward to me.

"That's what makes the job so versatile because sometimes you don't know what you're getting."

Wilma Burke is one of the longest trading Afro-Caribbean Hair Stylists and Beauty Therapists in Bristol

She added: "Whilst they're talking with their stylist, people might tell you about things which they trust us with because we're not going to divulge.

"They feel they can come in and tell us anything and it's not going to go any further.

"Over the years you become friends.

"Some people reminded me I did their wedding 40 years ago. It makes you realise how long you've been going.

"You don't think about it because you just enjoy what you do."

Junior assistant Jahmelia Hoilett (L) and stylist Sharon Daniels ensure clients enjoy their time in the salon

Ms Burke said: "I hope people will remember the salon. I hope it was a safe space for them, that they were comfortable and listened to. I hope they thought myself and my team gave them a good service.

"We did the whole family sort of thing. Sometimes we've had in three or four generations going back at the same time. It's fabulous."

Ms Burke said it was nostalgic to see young customers grow up and later bring their own children. "It's nice when you hear those sort of stories. People keep in contact and send me photos of what they're up to."

Some of those she trained have gone on to own their own salons. "I've been really proud that I've been a part of their lives in that way. It's nice to know you've influenced them," she said.

Ms Burke hopes the salon will be remembered as a "safe space"