Walking along a street in a London neighbourhood, the last thing you expect to find is a shop with an interior that could be an office promoting Bermuda's tourism.

Inside are shades of Bermuda pastels as well as large photos of the Island by local photographer Roland Skinner. If that was not enough there were displays of Bermuda books depicting its beauty as well as education excepts describing her unique island and culture.

Autographed books such as "The Beauty of Bermuda" by Scott Stallard as well as magazines and books such as "Bermuda a World Apart: An Island and Its People".

Bermudians can learn a lot about their own home here - in a hair salon in Northwest London's Harrow suburb, founded by someone who was considered an outsider (an expatriate) who had graced our lovely shores.

Mandy Finn relocated to Bermuda from the UK in 1993. After initially responding to an advertisement to work at the Hamilton Princess later she moved onto salons such as Eden and Cabelo as a senior stylist.

Ms Finn had studied in London apprenticeship courses with Vidal Sassoon and Alan International L'Oreal. While living in Bermuda she provided the opportunity for friends and family from the UK to travel to Bermuda. She readily admits that she viewed it in a different light from a local perspective, for many foreigners do not get involved in the Bermuda life.

"As a hair stylist you resemble an intricate part of Bermudian life. My clients were loyal and I've found Bermudians to be some of the most loyal, and taking pride in their appearance and hair. You get to listen and offer advice on personal issues. You get invited to family outings, their private parties and weddings. I miss my clients dearly and many have become more, they have become lifetime friends!"

In addition she obtained valuable experience and inspiration from the decade on the island working on black's textured hair. As a result she returned to the UK in September, 2000 with one goal in mind and that was to carry Bermuda with her in the dream of opening her own salon.

Mandy was quite aware that there were two main things that remained racially separated in London - salons and churches.

She therefore embarked on the adventure of assisting in the melting of this form of segregation in the form of promoting a salon that is capable of doing anyone's hair.

"Bermuda provided me with the experience and confidence of making this intimate integration a reality!" Hence KOKO was born in 2003.

Why KOKO? Ms Finn says she did not want a name that contained the words hair or heads and encompassed all colours, races, cultures and nations. KOKO is short and sweet and pertains to the aforementioned melting of segregation.

KOKO is upscale, colourful with a South Beach art deco appearance that makes any visitor feel warm and homey. Mandy's business partner is talented UK graphic designer Sheila Murray who later came on board to further enhance Mandy's vision.

Sheila has travelled the world and finds Bermuda to be the most scenic place she has ever visited. Moreover she too shares the passion of promoting our island. From the moment you walk in you see and feel the Bermuda presence.

Bermuda's Chief Environmental Officer (and a cleanliness fanatic) Estlyn Harvey was recently in London and were so impressed that she and her friend Cheryl Iris decided to have their hair done.

Being true entrepreneurs, Ms Finn and Ms Murray make sure that KOKO is open seven days a week. They have an accomplished team that specialises in barbering, cut and blow drying styles, colouring, colour correction, highlighting, relaxing and permanent waves, all at reasonable prices.

In addition the saloon specialises in modern organic products referred to as "MOP".

Ms Finn and Ms Murray are showcasing a part of Bermuda in their new venture. People who have not yet visited Bermuda get a peak into experiencing her.

For further information contact 0208-861-9301 or koko amserve: kokoamserve.com