A HAIRDRESSERS which has defeated all odds against the closure of small businesses, is celebrating its 30-year anniversary.

Denise Burton, the successful owner of Perfect Partners, has run the small hairdressers in Hamlet Court Road on her own for 16 years, despite consistent closures of small businesses along the high street.

The 52-year-old from Southend said: “I started the business with my business partner all those years ago, where it was us two along with another girl who worked with us.

“Now, it’s only me, the way the high street’s going, I’m proud to still be here.

“You see businesses come and go, you see the area change, and you find yourself getting to know the homeless around the area and the new business owners.

“Havens even shut and that was open for 100 years. When it was open, we used to interact with them.

“I just sort of keep myself to myself, I love my job, I love seeing new people and getting to know them and I love learning new things every day.”

Denise, who always wanted to be a hairdresser, has carried on the legacy of Perfect Partners since March 28 1989, through to today.

She continued: “We’ve just had the hairdressers re-decorated, with new flooring and bits like that so it’s quite nice that was done in time for the big 30.

“We want to keep the shop up to date and with the times. My customers range from the eldest being 94, to the youngest being early teenagers, so we want to keep it nice for them.

“It’s amazing I’m here, some of my customers actually came with me from when I worked for another hairdressers before on London Road, you become friends with them.

“To celebrate, I’ve got a few people coming to the shop, we’re going to be having some bubbly with the customers with balloons and cake and then I’ll be going out for dinner after.

“I’m looking forward to keeping the business running and keeping my customers happy, for as long as we’re here.

“I’m so proud and would like to thank all my customers, if it wasn’t for them, I definitely wouldn’t be here.”

Her sister, Siobhan Simmonett, 50, from Hawkwell, said: “She’s an asset to the community. Every year hairdressers and shops come and go but she’s stuck around all this time.”