I spent a lot of my childhood in Colorado and summers in West Texas riding horses and catching lizards on my Aunt Coote’s Farm. My Aunt Coote owned a beauty shop called Sherwood’s and it had pink sparkly chairs. I went to Stephen F. Austin and earned a degree in theatre but realized I needed to make money, so I came to the Dallas area for beauty school. After apprenticing I lived in Deep Ellum and eventually settled in Lakewood. Since then, I’ve lived all over East Dallas including Goliad, Little Forest Hills, and Lakeshore. Today, my fiancé’s and I live in Lake Highlands, and we own Willie and Coote Salon on Abrams which was named after my mom, Willie Mae and my Aunt Coote. They were my inspirations and still are today. The salon is a friendly, creative space where people feel welcome and comfortable and can literally let their hair down and be themselves. We love our community and constantly find ways to give back. We are also a Green Circle Salon and recycle 92% of all salon waste because we love our planet too.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the youngest of 5 kids that are all significantly older than me. I was a last minute “gift” and was raised like an only child.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been a hairdresser and salon owner for 32 years. I’m also an artist and have owned a gallery. In the future I want to be a hair hippie artist in Mexico, and I also want to learn how to weld.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Scaleni’s pizza, it’s old school …their thin crust is the best. Chips hamburger and onionin strings…OMG
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
salon has been here for 17 years, and I’ve lived in East Dallas for much longer!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
We have so many interesting clients that come into the salon but one of my favorites is Ann Magilfy, also a local business owner. she owns Froggies and Betty Lou’s
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Artic Circle because the Northern Lights are starting up again. We saw them in Norway and saw then 2 nights in a row.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Big Bang Theory and Joe vs The Volcano
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
The Maldives before they sink.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Police or Queen, I’m a child of the 80s.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Tipperary Inn o Gaston and Skillman- where Buzz Brews is now
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jamie Lee Curtis at Terilli’s for dirty martinis
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
It’s like a small town in a big city. Everyone knows one another and are kind and friendly.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Married, living in Lake Chapala, Mexico
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I like to learn foreign languages. I’ve learned enough to get by in Japan, Norway, Greece, and Mexico
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Santorini Greece or Tron Vik Norway
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
March b/c weather, Halloween, and my birthday b/c I can do whatever I want which includes “nothing if I want it! January 23rd.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Ben and Jerry’s, “Gimme SaMore” Ice Cream.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
my finance T
Q: How do you ignite kindness in your community?
I lead by example
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
puppy breath and warm carrot cake with sweet
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy, Welcoming , Safe
