February is shaping up to be a feel-good one, with the New England Times launching Fantastic Feb, a friendly, month-long campaign all about looking good, feeling great, and supporting the local people who help make that happen.
Throughout February, we will be sharing stories, advice, and practical tips focused on health, fitness, beauty, and general wellbeing. And we are doing it the New England way, by asking local businesses and professionals to lend their expertise, share their insights, and help readers find what works for the real lives of busy New Englanders, not Real Housewives of New England.
One of the first locals to put their hand up was Sharayah Hill from Blend Atelier in Inverell, who says her approach to beauty is firmly grounded in reality.
“I’m a qualified hairdresser with 4 years in the salon and a makeup artist of 18 years – and I’m also a busy mum of three, so I fully understand how chaotic life can be,” Sharayah said.
“My chair is a judgement-free zone – whether you’re due for a glow-up, a reset, or just a good chat while your colour processes.”
She specialises in hair and makeup that fits everyday life, not just special occasions.
“I specialise in creating hair and makeup that actually suits real people and real lifestyles. Whether it’s lived-in colour, event glam, or everyday hair that doesn’t require a PhD to style, my focus is on results that feel good, wear well, and make clients feel confident without feeling ‘done’,” she said.
For Sharayah, honesty and confidence matter more than trends.
“I’m big on honest advice, realistic expectations, and helping people look like the best version of themselves – not a filtered version from Pinterest.”
“I love working within the local community and helping people feel good in their own skin,” Sharayah said.
Fantastic Feb will shine a spotlight on a wide mix of local expertise as we seek out the best advice to help you look good and feel great. On the fitness front, that includes gyms, yoga and pilates studios, personal trainers, and community sports. Health stories will feature doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, pharmacists, alternative health professionals, and mental health professionals. And we’ll have plenty of style, covering hair, beauty, skin therapy, and clothing, while sprinkling in some wellness stories to explore everything from meditation and healthy eating to social activities and hobbies that keep people connected.
We’re going to seek out the professionals who help us do all of that, while at the same time, just like Sharayah, we’re keeping it real. We’ll have non-judgy stories to read on all these subjects – and we’ll be sharing simple tips on social media too.
Sharayah’s top tip for Fantastic Feb is simple but powerful:
“Be kind to yourself – and your hair,” she said.
“Beauty shouldn’t come from pressure, panic, or comparison. Whether you’re maintaining your look at home or popping into a salon, the best results come from understanding what works for you and making choices that support how you want to feel.”
She also has reassurance for anyone who has ever made a rushed decision in the salon chair.
“And if you’ve ever made a last-minute hair decision out of stress or curiosity – you’re not alone. A good hairdresser’s job isn’t to judge, it’s to help you move forward feeling confident again.”
If you’re in the health, style, or wellness space and would like to be part of Fantastic Feb, sign up and give us your tip here
Throughout February we’re going to be helping New Englanders look good and feel great.
Read all the Fantastic Feb stories here
Sign up to share your tips and advice here