Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Raymond.
Hi Paula, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Paula Raymond. My father is from Zengaring, Burum, Finschhafen, and my mother is from Peira, Garaina, both in Morobe Province. I was born at Angau Hospital, Lae City, in 1967, the fourth of six children — two girls and four boys. My parents were overjoyed when I was born because, after three sons, I was their first daughter.
I grew up in Bumbu Compound, Lae City, in a simple but happy family. My father worked as a carpenter with AGK Pacific, and my mother was a baker at Morobe Bakery — now known as Arnotts Bakery. They worked hard to provide the basics for all of us.
In 1975, my parents decided to send me to my father’s village to live with my aunt, so it would be easier for them to support our schooling. I studied at Ogeranang Community School, the same year Papua New Guinea gained independence. Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a teacher — I admired how teachers dressed and carried themselves in the village. But after completing Grade 6, my parents, being practical, told me that as a girl, I might not have the same opportunities as my brothers, since in those days, men were given priority for education and land.
So I returned to Lae, stayed home, and helped my parents. I took care of my younger sister and learned from my mother all the skills of homemaking. I was happy being useful and helping out.
In 1983, my mother helped me get a job at Morobe Bakery Cakeshop in 2nd Street, Top Town. I served customers, took orders, and cleaned tables. My first boss was an Australian lady named Dona Obluta. I was the youngest employee and earned K65 per fortnight, and I was proud — it was my first job and I felt I was contributing.
My passion for hairstyling started unexpectedly — from a magazine I saw at Bali Merchant Shop in Top Town. On the cover was Michael Jackson, at the height of his fame. I was fascinated by his hair, his fashion, his overall style — that sparked my curiosity and love for hairstyling.
A few years later, I applied for a job at Papindo. The manager then was Wiewie Hanafi, who also owned Capri Hair & Beauty Salon that time – now owner of Big V (Super Value Stores). Although there were no job openings, she offered me a position as a babysitter for her children. I gladly accepted. During that time, I met Joe Lai Yuh — now the owner of Trends PNG — who was then the salon manager at Capri.
One day, I asked Mrs. Hanafi if I could learn hairdressing by helping at their salon. She agreed on one condition: that I find a replacement for my babysitting role. I did, and soon began working under Joe Lai, starting as a receptionist and cleaner — washing hair, answering calls, observing, and learning. For 4–5 years, I trained by watching and practicing on mannequins.
Later, I got married and had my first son. When my husband received a job offer in Port Moresby, we moved. There, I worked at Maggie’s Salon, owned by a Fijian lady named Maggie, and that was where my real hairdressing career began. I styled the hair of well-known figures such as Sarah Haoda Todd, Miss PNG, and Ms. Eva Annie, the first Miss Papua New Guinea and MTV news reporter. My confidence grew. Seeing Maggie, a woman like me, running her own salon made me believe I could do the same one day.
When my husband’s work transferred us between Lae and Mt. Hagen, I continued working — in Kings & Queens Salon in Mt. Hagen, then later at Maxine’s Hairdressing Salon in Port Moresby. I also worked in Sally Salon in Madang Resort.
In 1994, I separated from my husband. By then, I had four children to care for. In 1995, I joined Trends Salon in Boroko, now owned by my former mentor, Joe Lai. The following year, I moved back to Lae and managed Sally’s Salon at Central Court Building, 7th Street, which later became Lae Beauty Center. As salon manager, I built a loyal clientele — from business owners and expatriates to government ministers.
By then, the dream of owning my own salon was burning in my heart again. Slowly, I began saving and collecting equipment — buying from secondhand shops and asking kind clients who traveled overseas to bring me items.
In 2009, I resigned and started doing home and mobile hair services under the name Paula’s Hair Talks. I served clients all over Lae and even traveled to Bulolo.
Then, in 2011, I received a scholarship from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition for a Certificate III in Hairdressing in Suva, Fiji. Trained by Kylie Kersell from New Zealand, I gained international experience — even styling models for the Fiji Fashion Show and Miss Universe Australia. That training built my confidence further, and I received a special award for my performance.
When I returned to PNG, I continued my home service until 2014, when I finally opened Paula’s Hair Talks Salon at Sandpiper Clinic, 7th Street, Chinatown. Sadly, after only 40 days, tragedy struck — the salon burned down one night. I was devastated. But even as I packed the damaged equipment, I prayed and told God that one day, I would have a salon in town.
I started over from nothing again — returning to home service, saving every kina, rebuilding piece by piece.
In 2019, I finally opened Paula’s Hair Salon & Spa at Victoria Building, 7th Street, Top Town. Just as the business was growing, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and we had to close temporarily. I returned once again to home service. But when businesses reopened, a new door opened — a space became available at Papindo Shopping Centre, one of Lae City’s biggest mall.
We opened there with six employees. Today, in 2025, we are celebrating six years of operation, with 12 employees, a thriving business, and even an extension service once a month in Bulolo at the PNG Forest Products Company compound.
Every day, I thank God for where I am now. I wake up excited to go to work — doing what I truly love. Who would have thought that a small girl from Bumbu, with no wealthy family, no big connections, and no formal higher education, could build a lasting business?
It was never easy — but with hard work, patience, perseverance, and faith in God, I made it. I believe this is only the beginning — because I know God still has bigger dreams for me to achieve.
We’ve been impressed with Paula’s Hair Salon & SPA, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Paula’s Hair Salon & SPA is focus in providing essential beauty treatments and professional service based on quality, care and results in an elegant environment. We are dedicated to our customers beauty and relaxation needs. We offer beauty and relaxing services including haircut, relaxing, makeup, perming, braiding, hair coloring, manicures, pedicures, massage & tattoo.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Bible, fashion/style magazines, and newspaper.
