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The popular hair stylist, Barb McMahill, has recently opened her own salon known as Bliss Hair Design, in Soldotna next to The Music Box on the Spur Highway. "It's just never too late in your life to do something new," said Barb, "After many years on the peninsula at other salons, I felt that at this time of my life, it was time to step out on my own and do what I love, in an environment that I love - working with my clients privately one on one," she said. McMahill has captured a unique atmosphere at her Bliss Hair Design studio that blends feelings from the past, with the contemporary comfort of modern furnishings. "In my mind's eye, I wanted to create peaceful surroundings. So I brought in some of the things that have brought me peace in my life from my home. I had my parent's favorite wing-back chairs shipped up, and re-covered in a contemporary fabric from the sixties. I added some things from my home to incorporate a sense of warmth and freshness, combined with the nostalgia of things that are timeless," explained Barb.

The name of her shop also drew a lot of thought and attention from the experienced stylist. "I wanted just the right name, and spent a lot of time contemplating the perfect name. I was leafing through the dictionary one day, and came across the word bliss, which means "feeling complete contentment and having joy", and that is exactly what I want my clients to feel. From the moment they walk in my door, they feel total comfort and contentment. And the word joy has a special place in my heart, after loosing a dear friend of mine by that name, who encouraged and supported me through this whole process of opening my own place," she said. Barb says she loves the profession she has practiced for some 32 years, because it allows her to build personal relationships with people in the community. "The outpouring of love and support from my clients and friends has been phenomenal, as they have expressed their excitement about my new venture, and my desire to keep the salon a private one-on-one experience. I have had other stylists approach me about working with me, but for now I want to preserve the privacy of the personal experience with my client, which I appreciate."

Barb features the professional line of Organic Hair Systems made in the U.K. and takes pride in offering personalized, healthy service for you and your whole family's hair. She also carries the organic line of Crew and Rusk products for men. Call Bliss Hair Design for an appointment at 262-4138 Tuesday through Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm and Saturdays 9:00 - 3:00pm or evenings by appointment, or stop by the new shop across from Mykels and next to The Music Box, Barb always has the coffee on and some healthy treats for her clients.