Sisters Take Act On Stage In Quest For $1m Salon
Newcastle Herald
Tuesday January 29, 2008
THEY live in the same row of houses, have the same nickname and even book appointments to get their eyebrows waxed at the same time.
As if Leisa and Ashleigh Graham's lives are not entwined enough, the Waratah sisters also work as hairdressers in the same Merewether salon: Leisa, 29, as its owner and Ashleigh, 22, as its manager.Yesterday, the pair took their double act to the stage in the hope of winning a $1 million hair salon as part of a new reality TV show."We joked that, together, we're dinner and a show," Ashleigh said of the audition, a 15-minute panel interview in which the pair pitched their vision for the ultimate salon."I'm quieter so I'm dinner, and she's the show."The sisters were among a group of 40 Hunter and Central Coast hopefuls, from teenagers to over-50s, who turned out for the first round of auditions for Million Dollar Salon at The Playhouse yesterday.The Nine Network show is holding auditions in six Australian cities to pick hairdressers or entrepreneurs to run six new real-life salons, including one in Newcastle.The winner, to be chosen by the public, will be given their own salon and a cash prize. Viewers will able to go the salons to get their hair cut.The panel of judges at yesterday's auditions included hairdresser to the stars Renya Xydis, who counts Nicole Kidman among her clients.Ms Xydis said she was on the lookout for inspiring people who would bring fashion and "magic" to their city."I'm looking for people who are going to make their salon a haven . . . somewhere people can't wait to go," she said.The show's executive producer, Stuart Clark, said as the average woman spent about $300 a month on hair and beauty, he believed the idea would resonate.He said hairdressing salons provided a slice of life which made for great drama."The things people confess to their hairdressers are mind-boggling," he said."They tell them things they wouldn't tell their priest. . . . It's a hotbed of gossip."The show is expected to air later this year. Ingrid Bown
© 2008 Newcastle Herald
