by S. Rotan Hale
The world is full of artists, among them are those who posses an innate ability to produce wonderful creations that emanate purely from their souls. Furthermore those most talented exemplify the epitome of expression as they transform the mundane into greatness. Hair stylist Greg Addison is one of those special artists.
Greg, for 25 years, has been sole-owner/operator of Hair Attitudes, an extremely popular area salon in Salem. His clients make up a long list of individuals from various backgrounds and, because of his professionalism and deep personal touch, they all love Greg!
Starting doing hair from his home, Greg’s career took a turn when Cynthia Hall of (then) Lifestyles Beauty Salon asked him to fill in while she went on vacation. After working there for 5 years, he was approached by Hall who made him an offer to take over the shop due to her plans close the business and return to her home in Portsmouth, VA.
Greg took over the shop and, with one other stylist Karen Pannell Craft, opened the doors to what would be known as “Hair Attitudes.”
Typically, the success of most individuals is directly related to their support system. Step into Greg’s shop and you are uplifted by a warm matronly smile from his mother, Linda Addison, aka “Ms. Linda,” who greets everyone with a “Hey baby!” Ms. Linda has been Greg’s chief supporter throughout his many years as one of the area’s most sought-after stylists.
Due to his passion for the art, Greg has produced many shows since his first in 1995. The shows are generally sold out due to the extremely elaborate pageantry that typically features an array of innovative collaborations involving creative hair styles and fashion. The production values themselves are comparable to any found across the globe in the world of high-profile extravaganzas.
To his many fans and followers, the shows are nothing less than a spectacle to behold and this year’s production “Nostalgia” –all things considered, will be no exception.
“To see the love and excitement from everyone who’s involved is simply overwhelming,” he says while giving much credit to an army of stylist and artists who have “strategically laid out a plan for this year’s amazing show.”
Greg explained how his shows started as a marketing tool to “gain customers” and now, “grown to a degree that, as stylists and other professionals, we can now come together and give back to local charitable organizations!” There is no better way to celebrate and give back because the community has been so giving to me.”
Benefiting this year from the show’s proceeds is P.R.E.T.T.Y Humble Girls Youth Empowerment program–a subsidiary of Humble Hustle a non-profit organization founded in 2015 by local businessman Xavier Duckett. The program’s mission is to “encourage positive self-esteem and build entrepreneurial skills in young girls.”
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hair Attitudes, the Nostalgia: Hair & Fashion Show will take place Saturday, July 21 in Jefferson Center’s, Shaftman Performance Hall to showcase local talented stylists, models and community members. The models will wear hair and fashion styles from throughout the decades from casual wear to formal attire.
It’s a MUST-SEE for the entire Valley!
