Hard work is nothing new for Hrisi Petsalaki of Kokkini Hani, who, in addition to her long hours running her hair styling salon, finds the time to serve as president of one of the area's most active civic associations.

"Hair styling was my passion since I was a young girl," Hrisi said. "I'm a hairdresser for nearly 15 years now and I’m in love with my profession. I find it challenging and creative. I believe that all women can be transformed with the proper hair style, one specifically designed and created for the individual's personality and life style."

Although Hrisi was born and raised in Iraklion, her father is a native of Pano Vathia, and her mother is from Mousouta Arkalohori. Upon finishing school, she decided to study hairdressing at a government funded institute.  

After being encouraged by her father, she opened her hairdressing salon in Kokkini Hani in 1997, when she was just 19 years old. It was in Kokkini that she also met her husband, Mihalis, and they now have two sons, nine-year-old Haralambos, and Stelios, who is five.

"Because of my profession, and my civic responsibilities, Ι find myself absent for long hours from the house," she said. "But fortunately my husband, together with my mother-in-law contribute big time in helping out."

Besides running her own business, the community-minded Hrisi became involved with the local women's association, Irida, about two years ago when it was formed.

"It all began during the day for the woman," she remembered. "That's when it became clear that there was a need for a women's association, and I've been active since then. I believe we should all give something back to our community."

Earlier this year, Hrisi's civic activities were recognized by Irida members and board of governors and she was elected president.

"It's a big honour but also a big responsibility," she confessed. "Our main interest is the support of the mother and child, and to deal with health issues by organizing various meetings where doctors of various specialties are the main speakers. Another objective is for us women to get to know each other better and at the same time get our opinions heard.