Now, more than ever, our local businesses need your support, so for the first feature in our new monthly series focusing on the Old Town area of Stevenage - we have highlighted three independent business that readers should know about. 

1. The Dressing Room Hair & Makeup

Wedding season is underway for The Dressing Room Hair & Makeup” and Nicola has been out on location recently for this gorgeous bride.

The Comet:

Depending on the size of your bridal party The Dressing Room can cater for both hair and makeup. You also have the option to go to the salon or have the stylists attend your location. Again, depending on your wedding party size, you can have exclusive use of the salon and leave the mayhem and mess behind, rather than have it come to you. Whatever your preference, The Dressing Room glam squad have you covered. 

Approaching its 10th year in the High Street salon owner Nicola tells us she has a lot to be thankful for. In a world where it’s easy to want more, more, more she has to remind herself of what a little gem she has, upstairs above The Old Town Barbers. Everyone who walks in for the first time gets a surprise and claims to feel instantly relaxed and comfortable. If you haven’t been, try it.

The Dressing Room offers high-end quality hairdressing in a relaxed environment, with an affordable price tag. With over 20 years experience in the hairdressing industry, salon owner Nicola says she cannot imagine working anywhere else.

The Comet: The Dressing Room is located at 102 High Street, Old Town, StevenageThe Dressing Room is located at 102 High Street, Old Town, Stevenage (Image: The Dressing Room)

After working across Hertfordshire and in London’s West End, she claims the High Street has had her heart since opening the salon in 2014. 

The salon has a tiered system of hairdressers, ranging from the salon director to graduate stylist/trainee stylist.

This means they have someone to suit everyone, depending on whether budget or experience is your priority when booking your hair appointment. 

The Comet:

Follow our social media (Facebook, Instagram) or take a look on our company's website for more information.

The Dressing Room Hair & Makeup, 102 High Street, Old Town Stevenage (first floor, above Old Town Barbers)
T: 01438 316900 
E: info@thedressingroomhm.com 

2. Instone Memorials

Instone Memorials is a long-established family business that, for over a decade, has supported local families at emotional and difficult times, capturing the memory of loved ones in beautiful, handcrafted memorials.

The Comet: The family team at Instone Memorials in Stevenage Old TownThe family team at Instone Memorials in Stevenage Old Town (Image: Instone Memorials)

Based in Stevenage Old Town and proudly serving Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, Janice and the Baker family will welcome you into pleasant, informal and calming surroundings where you can discuss ideas and options in a relaxed environment.

Instone Memorials help customers perfectly capture the memory of life, offering the right level of support at every step of your journey.

From choosing a memorial for your loved one to creating memorials made to the highest levels of craftsmanship to liaising with the cemetery, they will be with you every step of the way.

A memorial is a place to reflect and continue to celebrate life. The compassionate and professional team will guide you through the process, offering practical support and advice while working at a pace that suits you.

Staff at Instone Memorials are here to offer independent help and advice whenever you choose to undertake your journey.

Visit the company's website for more information.

Instone Memorials, 114a High Street, Old Town Stevenage
T: 01438 748476
E: hello@instonememorials.co.uk

3. Austin’s

The Austin's family has been caring for bereaved Hertfordshire families for more than 300 years. Their experience and heritage is unrivalled and personal care second to none.

The Comet: Austin's are located at 21 High Street, which is in Stevenage Old TownAustin's are located at 21 High Street, which is in Stevenage Old Town (Image: Austin's)

A spokesperson said: "We are extremely proud to be the highest rated funeral directors in Hertfordshire as can be seen from more than 850 five-star reviews we have received on Trustpilot.

"Whenever you need us we are here for you – in person, day and night, 365 days a year. From the minute you first contact us, our compassionate, caring staff will guide and support you every step of the way."

Whatever your requirements Austin's can help you plan the perfect funeral; from a traditional service to something perhaps a little more unusual.

Their commitment to bereaved families has established Austin’s as Hertfordshire’s leading, family-owned and operated, funeral director.

Those working within the family business are proud to provide a standard of professionalism, dedication and depth of knowledge, recognised by both members of the public, professionals and other funeral directors.

The family designed and built Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens in 1997, to further serve the needs of the local community.

The Austin Family is committed to the continued provision of a caring, sympathetic and sensitive service to the bereaved and their loved ones for many years to come.

This funeral arrangement office on the High Street in Stevenage Old Town incorporates three beautifully appointed private rooms, where you can spend as long as you wish arranging the funeral of your loved one.

Free parking is readily available on the High Street. The Old Town is also accessible by bus from all areas of Stevenage.

Families arranging a funeral at our Stevenage office may wish to visit their loved one prior to the service taking place. They may do so at Austin's private Chapels of Rest which are also located in the Old Town at our Head Office in Letchmore Road.

Visit the company's website for more information.

Austin's Funeral Arrangement Office, 21 High Street, Stevenage
T: 01438 316623

If you would like your business to be included in this monthly feature, please contact Mark Stevents by emailing mark.stevens@localiq.co.uk or calling 07557 232121.