G.P.M. Hair Studio turns heads one cut at a time
Heads must be turning in Mahone Bay.
Main Street has welcomed new hair salon owner Garry Beynon of G.P.M. Hair Studio and he couldn’t be happier.
“Things are going so well.
It’s like someone wrote a script and handed it to me,” says the British-born man who bought a house in the area several years ago but only recently moved to the picture-perfect town from Ontario where he worked for 17 years.
G.P.M. are the initials of his first name, along with those of his two grown daughters, Paige and Maggie, the latter of whom is in nearby Bridgewater. He’s a one-man show and is not complaining. His clients keep the place humming with laughter, good vibes and sometimes gifts.
“I’ve received wine and pizza!” he says commenting on how kind everyone has been since he opened last September.
Beynon, who has been in the business for more than 30 years, was trained at the world-famous Vidal Sassoon in London and is certified by TIGI Academy in New York City. And while Mahone Bay is tranquil, it’s also the fastest growing population of any municipality in Nova Scotia.
“I have been watching the area for a while now,” says the stylist. “Seeing young people and families move in - they bring a new energy and it’s exciting.”
Moving here was a thought Beynon entertained every now and again, but ironically, it was the pandemic that made him take the plunge.
“You could feel it in the air in Ontario,” he says referring to another lockdown. “I just knew another one was coming and I didn’t want to do it again. Coming here was like a calling; my sixth sense kicked in.”
Such a powerful motivator that sixth sense - and it hasn’t let him down.
“I’m really busy!” he says with a laugh. “Like, really busy.”
Beynon expected to book a few clients a day, but instead is bringing in eight or nine and there are no signs of slowing down.
“I’m booking into April now!” he says quite thrilled.
Scrolling through his social media pages, his cuts are cool and his colours of platinum, rich browns, soft-toned blondes and even pink, are gorgeous.
The G.P.M. Facebook page displays a Warhol of musician David Bowie and perhaps the rock icon serves as inspiration.
Beynon is also inspired by creativity.
“I love art. Cutting hair, I feel like an artist, sculpting.”
He says he likes to work on hair that is both long and short but prefers the latter. “Short hair is what I specialize in. It stands out for me because it has to look just so. I like the look to have an edge.”
Beynon knows his approach isn’t for everyone and he appreciates that.
“I will always be honest with a client. Everyone wants to feel good. Everyone wants a style and I work hard to give them one.”
Beynon really wanted to express his thanks to the residents of Mahone Bay and surrounding area for their tremendous support.
“My clients are amazing! I’m just so grateful for all of them,” he sincerely says.
Hunky Dory, the name of a Bowie album, seems like a fitting description for how Beynon is feeling about his new life in Mahone Bay overall.
G.P.M. Hair Studio is located at 619 Main St. and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its phone number is 705-241-9539. You can also visit the business’s Facebook and Instagram page.