Tributes paid to Sunderland and County Durham hairdressing businesswoman after her death at 63

Janet Maitland, who ran salons in Hetton, Gilesgate and Bowburn, “was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her”.

After leaving school at 15 with no qualifications, she thought she would be lucky to survive a three-year hairdressing apprenticeship before falling in love with the occupation and forging a successful career out of it.

Aside from her role as managing director of Janet Maitland Hair Excellence, she was United Kingdom ambassador for the Schwarzkopf Professional Shaping Futures initiative, which helps find work for young people overseas, from 2012-2019.

She also raised money for causes ranging from County Durham-based animal welfare charity Stray Aid to SOS Villages and The Hairdressers’ Charity.

A statement released on behalf of the family said that Janet, who was married to Peter McDermott and lived in Leamside, near West Rainton, “died peacefully in her sleep”.

A message posted on the business’s Facebook page added: “It is with deepest sadness we share the news that our much loved and inspirational Janet Maitland passed away on Saturday, January 2.

"Your continued and kind support is always and will continue to be deeply appreciated at this very difficult time.”

Among the business awards she received during her career were the Inspire Me Award at the Women into the Network North East Business Women of the Year awards and the Business Director of the Year title at the Hairdessers’ Journal’s British Hairdressing Business Awards.

Laura Husband, the editor of the Hairdressers’ Journal, said: “My thoughts are sincerely with Peter, the rest of Janet’s family, her friends and all of those who had the pleasure of working with her over the years.

"She had an infectious smile, a real passion for the hairdressing industry and giving back to those around her, whether it was giving help and support to her team or by travelling overseas to help those who really needed it.”

Donations in lieu of flowers will be distributed to causes such as Hairdressers’ Charity and Stray Aid.

This can be done at online at paypal.me/jmfundraising or by making cheques payable to Janet Maitland Fundraising and addressing them FAO Peter McDermott at Janet Maitland Hair Excellence, 29–30 Marshall Terrace, Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 2HX.

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