As part of the Framing Marks Gate series we photographed and interviewed a series of local residents and key workers who have played an interesting role on Marks Gate. Meet Maria Morina, Maria runs ‘Maria’s Hair Salon’ on Marks Gate and is very familiar with the Marks Gate residents and their hair! She shares her Marks Gate story with us.

What’s your name?

Maria Morina

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a hairdresser and I run ‘Maria’s Unisex Hair Salon’ on Marks Gate, this is my first shop and I’ve had it for 9 years.  I trained as a hairdresser and worked in the West End and Barking before I opened my own salon.

Why are you on Marks Gate?

I run ‘Maria’s Unisex  Hair Salon’ on Marks Gate.

How long have you known Marks Gate?

9 years

What are your experiences of Marks Gate?

The residents that I have met through my shop are very friendly and loyal, they regularly come back. I have built a customer base over the 9 years since opening. Some of my customers have moved away from Marks Gate to as far as Cambridge, but still come back to get their hair cut!

Tell us a special memory of Marks Gate?

Every day is pretty similar on Marks Gate for me! I really enjoy working here and meeting the nice residents.