BeautyView: Michelle Bowden, Artistic Color Director, Avalon Salons

This weekend is the first weekend of Jazz Fest. To me, this means great music, fun with friends and family at the water booth, and a weekend spent with BFF Michelle Bowden, Artistic color director at Avalon Salons. The one time I decided to try our hair color, she is the one I trusted (read about that experience here). In between two mimosas, I had a chance to learn a few new things about the hair color whisperer who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

AP: What city were you born in? MB: Irving, TX.

AP: What city to do you live in? MB: Dallas, TX.

AP: What is your middle name? MB: It was Ann –but I changed it to Key when I got married.

AP: What is your astrological sign? MB: Gemini. There are two sides to me…

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? MB: I am left handed. And I know how to knit. (But I knit right-handed. Does that make me ambidextrous?). And my nickname is “GPS” because I have a great sense of direction.

AP: What is your most prized possession? MB: Would a dog count? He is like my child, a French bulldog, Gonzo.

AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? MB: Audrey Hepburn. I want to ask her style questions…

AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. MB: Simple, classic, neutral (colors).

AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? MB: No watch.

AP: Diamonds or pearls? MB: Pearls.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? MB: Moisturize. Face and hair.

AP: What fragrance do you wear? MB: Amber oil from Whole Foods.

AP: Botox or not? MB: Not!!

AP: Hair color: natural or not? MB: Not!!

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? MB: Eat often. I like to snack, I prefer that to eating real meals. And eat mostly vegetables and fruit. I am a fruit addict.

AP: What do you do for exercise? MB: Hatha yoga and pilates.

AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? MB: Greek yogurt, wine, cheese.

AP: What is your cocktail of choice? MB: Tito’s or Deep Eddy (two Austin brands) vodka soda with lime.

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? MB: Work when you’re at work and live when you’re at home. I try not to bring work home.

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? MB: I don’t know. How many miles is it to Greece? I go there once a year and to New Orleans a few times a year.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? MB: 1. Pack smart. 2. Wear comfortable attire. 3. Be aware and mindful of your fellow travelers.   

AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. MB: The entire album (Half the City) by St. Paul and the Broken Bones. “Don’t swallow the cap” by The National. And “Where your head goes” by Ty Segall.

AP: What book are you reading right now? MB: Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman. I love the TV show – and the book is nothing like the TV show!

AP: Quote to live by. MB: “You may fail in reality but never in your dreams.” Vidal Sassoon.

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? MB: Cell phones at dinner.

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? MB: I go to bed at 11 pm and wake up at 7 am. I need 8 hours… But I am not a napper.

AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? MB: How it continually changes and is ever-evolving.

AP: Least favorite thing. MB: It can be superficial

AP: Who is your mentor? MB: Kaylyn Wilson, Education Director at Avalon. She taught me everything I know about hair color.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. MB: Set goals and always look your best.

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