Wendy Trail is a very passionate individual. She loves her family, she loves her business and she loves the City of Salem.

As the owner of Hollywood Hair & Nails, located at 1238 W. Main Street, she is driven to make a difference in the community. She is this week’s Q&A participant.

How long have you lived in the Salem area?

I want to say I was 12 the first time we moved to Salem. We lived here for about a year and came back when I was 15. So about 30 years, give or take a few.

What is your proudest accomplishment to date?

I have three. My marriage of 22-years that is still going strong and our two fantastic kids.

How did you become the owner of Hollywood Hair & Nails? 

Through my chosen career of being a cosmetologist, I thought “why not have a salon that caters to employees that want a career not just a job, a comfortable environment, offer excellent spa services, keep things affordable and make everyone feel welcome?”  I proudly run Hollywood Hair and Nails like a non-profit. We do as much as we can for as many people we can help. If somebody needs something they know where to come. We also employ individuals with special needs, which is awesome. I wanted a salon that is just part of the community and that could hopefully give Salem what Salem has given my family.

What are your thoughts on the recent Charlottesville tragedy?

My thoughts and prayers, first and foremost, go out to the families of Heather Heyer, Trooper Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-pilot Berke M.M. Bates. As for my thoughts on this matter…this is a scary world we are living in. As a nation we need a hero to lead us. It seems when we have an example of strength and what this country was founded on, they become a martyr. I am sure that my thoughts are the same of most others, just lost in our own society, wishing life would go in the other direction giving hope to all.

Talk about your education background. Where did you go to school?

Well, after playing a lot of softball in college without graduating with a degree, I finally went to cosmetology school. This was always my passion. I continued to take advanced education in color, color techniques, hair cutting, texturizing and retexturizing among others. I specialize in Wella, Goldwell and Pravana Color Lines. We also incorporate the BioIonic chemical services that retexturize the hair to make it more manageable.

I also became an advocate for children with special needs. To make a long story short…if you want a lesson in business, fight for your child’s rights to receive a free and appropriate education. Whether we like it or not, it is a business. This experience was the best education I could have ever been given.

What does an average week look like for you?

I can honestly say that each day is different. I manage the salon, have a full clientele, do my bookkeeping, manage the phones, booking appointments, laundry, inventory and meetings. Not to mention taking care of my personal house hold responsibilities and my family. It can be a little overwhelming at times, but I do have to say, I am my best under pressure. I also expect a lot out of myself. I have people and families that depend on me and I absolutely refuse to let them down.

Who are some people you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from the people that are mostly overlooked and underestimated. I draw inspiration from people that provide opportunity for people with special needs like Angie Leonard. As founder and director of The Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC), her experiences and expertise have helped to change many lives in the special needs community. Most people have no idea how hard it is to find an opportunity for people with special needs. I have never seen anybody work as hard as people in this area just to provide or have a normal life. The BRAAC helps others to help themselves. Individuals with autism are very special people indeed. They work hard to please, take pride in a job well done and being treated as an equal contributor to society.

What books on history have you read that you would recommend to others?

I don’t know if I could recommend any because my taste is a little different. I love Shakespeare though. I feel like at times his words speak directly to me.

What are some things that you like to do in Salem?

I love to go to Salem After 5, Red Sox Baseball games and Friday Night Football of course. My peaceful time is often spent walking the greenway, and fishing on the river.

If you could back and give an 18-year-old Wendy some advice, what would you say?

Girl quit worrying! You work hard, do what you are supposed to do, and go home.  Continue to believe in yourself and don’t forget to have fun along the way. Simply because in the long run…you get the fairy tale 😉

-Compiled by Shawn Nowlin