Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, I’m Donna, I am a daughter, friend, mother, cancer survivor, hairstylist and salon suite owner! I have been a single mom for most of my life and as hard as that has been, I wouldn’t change it for anything. It has made me learn how to do pretty much anything that was required when it comes to home ownership, medical care for two asthmatic children, juggling busy schedules and childcare, to name a few. I am truly an independent woman and proud of it. I love the freedom that being a hairstylist has given me. I am really big on reminding others to check their armpits and breasts! I was diagnosed with stage 3b Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Triple Negative Breast cancer in June of 2018. I had to have 16 weeks of chemo, full double mastectomy with DIEP Flap reconstruction and a partial hysterectomy. Then had 7.5 weeks of radiation and another 16 weeks of oral chemo. I even worked until 9:30 the night before my surgery and all through my Chemo treatment. It was a really hard time in my life but having my family, friends, co-workers, and clients love and support got me through. It took a village. Luckily, today I am in full remission!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 2 grown children. My son, Dan, is 35 and bought his first house nearby in 2020. And my daughter Gina, 25 lives in Chicago. Both my kids graduated college and are smart, happy, independent people which makes me very happy. I also have 2 fur babies, Sirius Black and Miss Rory.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a hairstylist and have been in the industry 30-ish years. What I love most about my career is that it’s never boring, and I have the nicest clients! I love color, it’s always an experiment and even though I know what the results will be, it is exciting to see the reveal through the client’s eyes. I love having a job where I interact with different people every day.
Q: Please tell us a bit about your business.
I am an independent hair stylist. I opened my salon suite in Richboro on December 1st (my b-day) of 2021. Best decision I have made for this next chapter in my life. I always wanted to be my own boss and now I get to!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are so many fantastic restaurants with their own flavor, it would be hard to choose. I am always partial to Italian! It is in my blood, so I love a good sauce.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Worked in the area for 27 years and I love it. I was born in Bristol Borough then moved to the Levittown and Feasterville areas- and have never left Bucks County.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I can’t pick just one. My clients. They all have a story to tell, and I get to experience some of that with them.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I had infinite time and money, I would go to Italy first, then travel the rest of Europe. Why? Because It’s Magical.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Some movies are, Shawshank, Bridesmaids, 9 to 5 and The Devil Wears Prada. TV Shows would be, Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Breaking Bad, The Handmaids Tale and Better Call Saul.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Buy the shoes! Eat the cake! Take the chance!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
It was always to open my own salon, which I did so I guess I’ll need another bucket to fill.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. Also, I just ask Alexa to play 70’s Rock. I also love Prince. I am always down for a live concert!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Keith Richards. He just seems easy going and fun. And the stories he could tell would be amazing.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There is so much to do. We are so close to New York, Philly and the Jersey Shore.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Alive, thriving and traveling more.
Q: What is something interesting that even your friends of family may not know about you?
I’m pretty much an open book. What you see is what I am. However, most will disagree, but I am a little shy.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Florence.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is September and Christmas is my favorite holiday hands down.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A spontaneous road trip.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Positive, uplifting people.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lavender, and Fall season.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, Love and Comfort.
