A Tribute to Sharon Maher

A tribute to Sharon Maher - industry icon, entrepreneur, devoted mother.

Remembering to “live life” is what turned a childhood dreamer into an accomplished industry icon.

As the eldest of three, born in England and raised in Ireland, Sharon Maher clutched on to her dream to pursue a life in hairdressing at the tender age of 14, working in her Auntie’s salon before taking up an apprenticeship in 1975.

Moving from her humble homeland, Sharon underwent a drastic lifestyle change, setting up in South Africa where she learned from the talented Terry Scott and Zenga Butler over her seven year stay. Sharon and Zenga moved to Australia in 1987 where the pair commenced work at the then infamous Sloanes in Sydney’s Paddington, with Sharon soon taking on the role of artistic director.

Sharon’s time at Sloanes was rewarding to both her career and personal development. She was inspired by owner director Graham Sylvester’s amazing artistic talent and ability to embrace life’s potential by putting an exciting spin on life and everything in it.

Using the experience gained in South Africa and her five years with Sloanes, Sharon teamed with friend and colleague Jo Dawkins firstly moving to Scott James in Double bay then after nine months, embarking on what would be a lifelong asset to the hair industry, the birth of Synergy Hair.

Synergy Hair began life in 1993 in the back of Sharon’s home with a mere staff of two, which eventually grew to four. The back room business attracted an increasing clientele, soon forcing the team to relocate. After just four months the team had earned enough to move to a prestigious inner city Sydney premise. Jo recalls the opening day of the Darlinghurst salon “… we were still painting till three am!”

In just 12 months, Synergy Hair extended to a team of 18 professionals, all adopting Sharon’s vision of providing fantastic hair, minus the attitude.

Synergy Hair is a close-knit salon inspired by the late Sharon Maher who instilled a passion and drive for education about hair. “I believe in putting a lot of investment into my staff so they can go on to become ‘stars’ within their own right” said Sharon.

Her career was filled with highlights including many industry accolades and involvement in fashion and beauty editorial as well as on network television. Working along side acclaimed designers Akira Isogawa, Paablo Nevada, Michele Jank, Collete Dinnigan and Zambesi, as well as luxury labels Louis Vuitton and Fendi, Sharon experienced the industry at the highest level, clearly grasping the life path laid out for her.

During the past two years, in between her career and raising her two children, Sharon endured a lengthy battle with cancer. Not allowing it to divert her journey, Sharon continued to live life in the only way she knew how - to the fullest.

Sharon Maher lost her battle with cancer last month leaving behind her passion and love for the hair industry.

From the entire Shortcuts team worldwide, we wish those whose lives she touched the best in continuing to live the dream as Sharon did.

Her loss is truly a tragedy but our memories of her will remain an inspiration forever.