Hair and Beyond

When I was younger, one of my first friends was a girl named Stacy. Her mom and my mom were best friends as teenagers, and in 1974 they both graduated from high school together. Before they knew it, adult life took over causing them both to go their separate ways. My mom stayed in Binghamton, New York, married to my father, while my mom's friend, Annette, moved to California with her military husband. They stayed in touch, and it wasn't long before both young women found themselves pregnant! Unbeknownst to each other at the time, both my mom and Annette chose the same name for their soon to be born baby daughters. As it would turn out, I was to be "Stacey" (with an "e") and Annette's daughter would be "Stacy" (no "e"). We grew up calling her Stacy Lynn, and I was Stacey Jean!!

That's me, with Stacy Lynn to the right.

My first memories of Stacy Lynn go back to when I was about 4 years old. My family had traveled to California on a vacation to visit. We went to Disney Land, Universal Studios, and the beach. Though I was little, and despite distance, I felt a kinship to Stacy Lynn and her family. Throughout the years, they would travel back to Binghamton to visit their extended family, and our mom's would make a date to take us to both Chuck E. Cheese's and the carousel at Recreation Park. Eventually, when I was in the third grade, Stacy's family moved back to upstate NY and we became close friends. Our mom's often hung out when we were little, so Stacy and I did almost everything together.

Annette, Stacy Lynn's mom, was a hairdresser, as was Stacy's grandmother. After a few years of being back in New York, I remember their family building a house with their very own beauty parlor attached to the front. One thing Stacy Lynn and I would do together was spend hours in the shop, playing with mannequins and doing their hair. I also remember playing Barbie dolls with Stacy, and while I would just brush and braid their hair, Stacy Lynn thought nothing of cutting it right off! Doing hair was in her blood, and years later, Stacy Lynn also became a hairdresser just like her mom. Eventually, Annette opened her own shop called Hair and Beyond on Robinson Street in Binghamton, and once Stacy was able, she became co-owner.

Hair and Beyond Salon

Fast forward many many years, and here we are now in 2010. The salon is still going strong, with a loyal clientele. Despite their success, Stacy Lynn and Annette have endured some trying times over the past couple of years. As a respite to all that was going on in their personal lives, they decided to focus some of their energy on an uplifting activity. They entered a national contest called Matrix Mannequin Mania . Again, Stacy Lynn found herself playing with mannequins! With the help of her co-workers, she created some fantastic designs. Her mannequin entitled "The Widower" actually became a finalist in this national competition! With lots of hard work, prayer, and intense rallying for votes, Stacy and Annette's hopes for winning were high! And lo and behold, they WON!!! Now, Hair and Beyond is known nationally, while Stacy Lynn and Annette, the shop's owners, are $25,000 richer!! I'm incredibly happy for them! They deserve it!!

Spirals on the wall!

Stacy Lynn's success inspired this post! As it is, a few years ago, I had the opportunity to give a little of myself to their shop, Hair and Beyond. Annette had opened the salon in the mid 80's, so the decor needed a little bit of a makeover. I was available and more than happy to help out. I spent numerous nights painting decorative work on the interior walls. Hot pink, black, and white were Stacy and Annette's colors of choice. I thank them for the chance to do a little artwork for them. I got a lot of positive feedback for my work, and wanted to take a moment to share. :)

Abstract Florals!

Checkered!

My photos aren't of the best quality. I had always hoped to take some more professional looking shots. But, you get the idea! I had alot of fun painting at Hair and Beyond, and hope to do some similar work in the future!! Wish me luck! Maybe some of Stacy Lynn's and Annette's good fortune will drift my way. :)