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.
