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Rain-ing supreme in Stoke! Come rain or shine, Rain Hair Studio wows with bright colours and on trend styles, writes Naomi Girdler. The salon, which has been in Stoke Village for the last four years, has recently moved to bigger premises - right next door! With more space has come rails of clothes, tons of gifts and trinkets, bespoke furniture, as well as a bigger salon for the stylists to work in and from pastels to bright neons, there’s not a colour the girls aren’t afraid to give a go! Based at 32 Devonport Road, in Stoke Village, Rain Hair Studio originally began in Saltash 13 years ago, as a boutique salon. Over time the business has expanded into the city of Plymouth and now selling new and vintage clothing, one of a kind furniture and gifts, owner, Melanie Borlina hopes it’ll be a big hit.
old and everything in between, who know they want something unique and different and between the three stylists here, we have a lot of experience with cutting and colouring hair. With a comfy leopard print chair, gorgeous ornate mirrors adorning the walls and the light and friendly environment, Rain is a stylish boutique with artistic flair and a laid back ambience. ‘We like to keep it relaxed. None of us wear uniforms and clients are encouraged to sit back and relax, have a natter and browse some of the clothes we have for sale as well as the gifts and trinkets too. I want to promote an experience, and not just a service.’ Melanie also works with her sister Paula Thorning and resident stylist Becca Clough, who between them like to experiment with cuts and colours to wow clients. Living in Stoke herself, Melanie wanted to keep the business within such a
‘We specialise in coloured hair and Rain’s Melanie Borlina (right) with her on trend styles, the more unique the sister Paula Thorning better! We live in a time of austerity thriving community. so we promote quality hair dressing at affordable prices,” said Melanie. ‘The high street is so often filled with big chain stores and “We also offer clothing, gifts and one off pieces of furniture. I’ve always been interested in fashion, interior design and unusual things! It’s all part of the creative and artistic process for me and that comes through with the hair styling as well.’ ‘Here at Rain, we like to really listen to the customer and consult them about what they want and what we can do for them. We’re an independent business that celebrates the individual and the original. “We have a great client base ranging from young to
we want to promote something different from that. I love the history of Stoke Village and there’s so many different types of businesses here, a lot with a creative vibe, so it’s nice to know there’s a bit of an artistic base.’ You can find the new Rain Studio in Stoke Village, and all are encouraged to pop in for a consultation and a chat. The shop is open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday.. Rain Hair Studio, 32 Devonport Road, Stoke Village 01752 560762, www.facebook.com/RainStudio
Chris Dawson speaks to Year 9 students at Stoke Damerel Community College
Chris Dawson inspires Stoke college students
It’s not every day a billionaire sets you a challenge but the whole of Year 9 at a Plymouth secondary school were given a task to complete when The Range’s Chris Dawson came to give a motivational talk. Once the Plymouth-born entrepreneur had finished his speech at Stoke Damerel Community College – where he told students about his life and how he built his business – he asked all 240 of them to think of one thing they could improve on and write it on a piece of paper to give to him when he returns to meet them a second time. “I was really pleased to be invited to come and talk to the students,” said Mr Dawson, who opened his first superstore in Plymouth in 1989 and now has more than 100 outlets across the UK. “I’m hoping I can make a difference young people are our future and I wanted to make it clear to them what you can achieve if you believe in yourself and work hard. What I want them to think about is that it doesn’t matter what your ambition is, you just need to have one. “They asked me some interesting questions and I think I gave them lots to think about for when I come back to speak to them again.” As well as asking Mr Dawson - who is at Number 57 on the Sunday Times Rich List - about his famous car collection, students also wanted to know what he would have been if he hadn’t been a businessman (an actor) and if he had ever made a mistake. “I haven’t made a mistake,” Mr Dawson replied. I’ve had things that didn’t work out, but it’s always better to try.” After his talk Mr Dawson also met a group of sixth form students and was given a tour of the college.
“Students told me they were amazed at how honest and interesting he was,” said Year 9 learning manager Dan Cole. “Quotes like ‘if you don’t start, you can’t finish’ and ‘you are in control of your life’ and ‘my job tomorrow is to beat what I have done today’ will definitely stay with them,” said Mr Cole. “So will the key message of have a dream and strive to reach it, taking small steps along the way.” Year 9 student Eboni Longworth said she found the talk ‘inspiring’. “It really made me think about my future,” she said. Fellow Year 9 Max Soutar said he thought it was a ‘privilege’ to hear Mr Dawson speak. “He is a very busy person so we are lucky that he gave up his time to speak to us and answer our questions,” said Max, 14. “I’m really looking forward to the next time he comes in - I’ve already started thinking about what I’m going to write on my piece of paper.”
Radio Club on air Plymouth Radio Club will be broadcasting live from two events in the city in June.
The first broadcast will be on Lord Mayor’s Day Saturday June 6, when the the radio caravan will be located near the sundial in Armada Way between 9.30am and 5pm. On Armed Forces Day Saturday June 27, the caravan will be located on Plymouth Hoe, near to Smeaton’s Tower. The club plans to transmit live throughout the day again. It is the first time in the 90 year history of the Plymouth Radio Club that it has broadcast live from such events and members are hoping to make it a huge success. For more information about the club and its activities visit www. plymouthradioclub.co.uk
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