Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Vera & Paula, Conroe, TX


In my travels, I discovered the apparent connectedness shared not only between client and hairstylist but also between all women in the salon, like here at Kathie's in Conroe Texas. In Dr. Joyce Nelson Patenaude's book, "Too Tired To Keep Running, Too Scared To Stop" she shares a story that was told to her by a friend, "In Africa, the women of the village would walk a mile to the river and back everyday to retrieve water. The women would carry heavy vessels on the heads to transport the water. On day, the Peace Corps came to this village. The first thing the workers did was to dig a well o relieve the women's burden of carrying heavy vessels over such a long distance. Everyone rejoiced. But soon the women ignored the well and began once more to walk the mile to the river. The fulfillment of their connectedness with one another is what the women needed and missed." The women needed to feel that connected and one way these ageless women do that is by going to the salon once a week, to make that connection, one that is not replaceable by anything else.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The International Aperture Awards

The International Aperture Awards

Ruby, Eunice, Robbie - Memphis, TN

This summer on the road, I had the privilege of traveling with my step-daughter, friend and talented videographer, Ruby. Here we are standing with Eunice at Gould's Salon in Memphis, TN. Eunice was one of the many amazing women we encountered on our journey. I told you a bit about her before, but there is so much more to tell. She has been in business for 54 years, starting as an assistant and working her way up to hairstylist and colorist. Her spirit will light you up and you will want to be in her presence for any reason, and her clients are loyal and committed to their relationship with her. One client even gave her their car when they were moving and Eunice receives many gifts. She gives many gifts as well, as her clients will tell you. Here's a woman who continues to do what she so loves when she could easily retire. This woman is a true inspiration.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Lillian, Houston, TX



To start my travels off, I drove to Houston, where I photographed Hari who is the hairstylist for her mom, Lillian. They were so cute together and Lillian's warmth touched me in a way that was reminiscent of my own family...like getting a big hug from one of my great aunts at a Bar Mitzvah. Lillian has red hair and gets it styled in a current fashion. I loved her white mules and hip manner... Her husband, a war veteran, accompanies her to her weekly hair appointment. In her eighties, this woman is anything but old.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Gene Finney, Memphis, TN

Gene is an 81 yr old hair-stylist at Gould's in Memphis, TN. He serenades his clients, as he does here serenading me, with his harmonica playing and keeps his recorded music close by as well as the jewelry he makes. He has worked here for 55 years. He adores his clients and it's obvious that they adore him too.