Stephanie McDonald
Northern News Services
Monday, July 23, 2007

IQALUIT - Living in a town with no hairdresser, one must be resourceful. Lucky for Mary Natsiq, she had four willing sisters to practise her haircutting skills on as a child.

Mary Natsiq, of Pangnirtung, stands behind the chair where she cuts hair at Satin Care Studio in Iqaluit. - Stephanie McDonald/NNSL photo

Growing up in Pangnirtung as the fourth of six kids, Natsiq always knew she wanted to style others' hair.

"My mom always said she wanted one of her daughters to be a hairdresser," Natsiq said.

The 24-year-old's dream was set in motion last September when she enrolled in Nunavut Arctic College's hairstylist program.

"You learn how to run your own business, the basics of cutting hair, and colour treatments," Natsiq explained.

While at school Natsiq worked towards competing in the Nunavut Skills competition for hairdressing, where she placed third in her class.

She did in-salon training throughout the school year and found a summer job at Satin Care Studio in Iqaluit.

"He asked me right away if I wanted to work for the summer," Natsiq said of salon owner George Boulos.

After finishing her first school year in April, Natsiq started at Satin Care. She plans to continue working throughout her second year of school. Boulos has taught her how to work faster and techniques for colouring hair.

"I love being able to help people feel better about themselves," Natsiq said.

She has always been interested in fashion and found that cutting hair was a way to help boost other's self-esteem.

While she savours big city life and the chance to shop, there is no place like home.

"Maybe in three years I will go back to Pang and start a salon," Natsiq said. "That's my hometown."

She misses her family and friends in Pang and waking up with mountains outside of her window.

"It's a place where you can just relax. In Iqaluit it's really busy."