Maria Dillon
Sydney's Award Winning Barber, Barbershop Owner
Profile
I completed my hairstyling apprenticeship in Scotland in 1985 and decided to specialise in male barbering. In Miami Florida, The Channel Islands, and finally London, I honed my skills and became known for my beard-shaping abilities, even attracting the Beefeaters from the Tower of London as clients. I eventually became the manager of a London salon and transformed it into a thriving destination with talented staff and excellent music. Mentored by Mike Harris, I gained the confidence to run my own business. In 1997, I arrived in Sydney and began working alongside Steve and his father at the Hilton Hotel. We shared a passion for men's hairstyling and attention to detail, so we decided to open a barbershop in Darlinghurst. Grand Royal has become a favourite among local men, and we've built many long-lasting friendships with our clients. When offered the chance to take over a busy corner shop in Surry Hills, I saw it as an opportunity to create another local barbershop. I believe education is crucial, and I still take regular cutting and business courses. It's exciting to see some of my early 1980s styles come back in fashion, as hairstyles continuously evolve and get revisited.
