“I am an artist, but I have to do something practical, like cutting hair, to make my mama happy. Cutting hair is familiar. As an artist you can be introverted, so doing hair is a way to have one-on-one relationships. It is personable. The art started about 16 years ago when my father was dying and I was pregnant with my first child. I took an art class and the teacher got on to me because I wouldn’t follow the rules, but I didn’t want to follow the rules. Six years ago I separated from my husband and art gave me peace and answers. I like painting trees and they represent people. We need to set root here on Earth, but also reach to God for answers. I am a spiritual artist and paint through faith. It is such an honor, almost to the point of tears, that people want my work in their homes. I have been back in Fairhope for a year and a half. I lived in Atlanta and the Blue Ridge Mountains before moving back home, and it has been challenging. I came back here for family support. Some things don’t change, the change has to happen within you. It is a challenge to be an artist in a really conservative family, but being an artist is not a choice for me, it is what I have to do It is coming back to my roots, but also being comfortable with who I am. It has been humbling to come back and do hair, but there is an art to that too, and I want to give people a management plan that is affordable and help people feel good about themselves. I had more of a career when I was 24 doing hair in Atlanta. Our needs will be met, that is a promise of God. Doing what you love, it will come if you don’t worry too much about it.”