Photo by Liz Chrisman
Age: 35
Occupation: Entrepreneur, owner of and master colorist at The Scarlet Locke Hair Lounge, freelance writer, jewelry maker
Hometown: Born and raised in Russellville
Family: I have one son, Rafferty, and he is 11.
1) What is your favorite book and why?
This is such a hard question for an avid reader and book lover. But if I have to choose, I’ll go with A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway and The Works of John Locke. A Moveable Feast is a memoir of Hemingway’s time in Paris during the 20s. I am enthralled by this era and captivated by the artists who thrived in it. Having spent time in Paris when I was in high school and college, it is by far my favorite city. Hemingway sums it up perfectly when he says “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
I have always loved Locke’s works from the moment I read Two Treatises of Government in high school. I love his writings and musings so much I even named my salon as an homage to his works. The style in which he writes and the formal language he uses can turn some readers off because it can be arduous. But I beg my fellow ABOUT readers to look into his writings as he is one of the forefathers of the Scientific Revolution and an early advocate of liberalism.
2) Dog or cat? Why?
If you know me, you know I love anything that has fur. I want to pet ALL the animals! I love cats and how self-reliant and independent they are. But dogs are so loyal and protective. I have two chihuahuas, Cheeto and ChaCha, and they are my babies. I’m pretty sure they have more clothes than I do! They have a special rug in my house that is their “play mat” where all their toys live. I’ve probably spent a small fortune on those girls, and I’m not even mad about it.
3) What do you think is the most positive aspect of living in the River Valley?
One word: Community. As a small business owner, I am dependent on my community for my livelihood. I cherish my clients, their families, and the relationships I build with them. My heart breaks when theirs does. My heart swells with love when theirs does. And anything we go through, we go through together as a community.
4) What’s something no one would ever guess about you?
I play D&D. I have since college, and now even my son plays. I’m a High Elf Mage named Glitter, and I will cast a spell on you quicker than you can pull out your long bow.
Also, I’m usually a very healthy, super-clean eater, but G.S.S. (A.K.A. Gas station snacks) are my guilty pleasure. When I come across a seedy gas station in the middle of nowhere, I’m definitely getting into that always-on Crock Pot of spicy boiled peanuts and snagging a couple jalapeño Slim Jim’s. No trip is complete without boiled peanuts, though.
5) What is your favorite music genre and artist? Why?
My favorite type of music is electronica or anything dancey. For me, it’s energizing and uplifting. But I can listen to just about anything as long as there’s a good beat.
6) What do you nerd out on?
Homeopathic healing, gut health, food, and how pretty much any ailment can be cured with our diet. I’m obsessed with fermented foods and their health benefits, so I ferment my own pickles, kimchi, and kombucha, etc.
7) If you could change one thing about the River Valley, what would it be?
I would make us a wet county.
8) Where is the one location in the River Valley you would tell a first-time visitor that they must go?
I would probably introduce them to someone way more outdoorsy than me because I truly think the best things our area has to offer is all of its natural beauty and amenities. One of my favorites is Falling Water.
9) Pizza, tacos, cheeseburger, or fried chicken? Any particular reason why?
Definitely tacos. Authentic tacos. Asada, al pastor, chorizo, and barbacoa are my favorites with tons of hot sauce, extra onions and cilantro.
10) What is your favorite quote? Could be from an inspirational person, could be an original.
I have several, and they are all equally inspiring to me.
“What worries you, masters you.” – John Locke
“Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.” – Hemingway
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain
