Jill Belilah

Stylists, from left, Michelle Crouse, Jill Belilah (who is also the owner), Laura Rodger and Hillary Kang of Doo salon on Islington Street in Portsmouth are vacating their current space and moving to 25 Government St. in Kittery, Maine.
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Owner Jill Belilah said the move works for a number of reasons, not least of which is more work space.Kittery is also home to all four of her employees.

"There are several reasons, but the main reason is we're very excited about downtown Kittery," said Belilah."It's in my neighborhood and it's got a great vibe.There's a lot of new things happening downtown and there's a great feeling of community and support and vitality in Kittery that I'm just very excited about."

The building they will occupy was originally Carl's Meat Market but has been home to several businesses since then.Belilah said it has been renovated to fit the needs of the salon and give it "new life."

In the new space, Belilah said, she hopes to expand the local artwork displayed there and have art openings with live music on occasion.She said she wants the space to stimulate the imagination and help embrace creativity, as well as be a place for a quality cut and styling.

"Hair is art; it's a sculpture," she said."We are lucky to earn our living doing sculpture and being able to work with and serve great people."

Belilah, who has owned the business for almost three years, said she wishes former neighbors and businesses on Islington Street success as the area continues toward a future of growth and redevelopment.She said she's excited Doo will be part of another vibrant part of the Seacoast.

"Doo was such a staple of funk and fun and risky and interesting design," she said.

PORTMOUTH - After a three-year hiatus, Jill Belilah has returned to the hair-cutting and styling business.

Belilah, the former owner of Belilah Hair Salon, has joined the staff at Doo, located at 165 Islington St.