Article written by Karen Lyddane
About 50 years ago, a talented, precocious young lady answered an ad in the Washington Post newspaper for a Salon Director. Stepping into the lobby at Fairfax Nursing Center, Brenda Hall was met by Charmaine Bainum. Right then and there, Brenda began a lifelong career with the Bainum family.
Especially significant was the meaning behind Charmaine interviewing Brenda. You see, the “M Lady and Gentleman Beauty Salon” was the very same name as what Charmaine’s mother called her own salon. As Robert and Charmaine Bainum began Fairfax Nursing Center, then The Gardens Assisted Living and finally The Woodlands Independent Living, their desire for a family-oriented lifestyle made naming all three communities’ salons quite simple. So, now you know the story behind the name!
Brenda worked at Fairfax Nursing Center for many years. She remembers being with residents on floats in many 4th of July parades through Old Town, Fairfax. Those times were always joyous. After the sale of FNC, she transitioned to The Gardens. There, she met people who had differing needs for assistance, yet they all needed one thing-a proper time at the Salon. Her co-worker Nancy Shaver proved quite the match in being herself a character. Together, they shared the same goal of helping better lives in their own way.
Then came the days of COVID. Brenda found herself at The Woodlands Retirement Community where she is to this day. Yet another group of friends! She didn’t venture away during this difficult time, when so many people flexed their career to provide living basics. So much was provided for her that she managed, kept her position and continued her friendships with staff and residents -they’re part of her family! What she has depended on for so many years is the ability to flex her schedule for needs of residents and home life. She can really live.
Home life includes spending time with her family. Daughter Nicole lives just a block away. Alexis, 23, Kierra, 14, and four-year-old Arianna are happy to be close to their doting grandmother. Going to parks and taking walks (even in Winter) are favorite activities. Home life does not include much cooking, as her hand doesn’t work with cooking that way it does with hair! Brenda finds time to go to the Shenandoah Apple Festival and Peach Festival, every year. Summertime finds her on her bike, often going 15-20 miles at a time.
What Brenda wants to do one day is the sport of ziplining. During the interview, resident Dottie Stone was in her chair, which was amazing. For, Dottie herself has done that sport! Dottie remembers how accommodating Brenda was in helping her husband look and feel his best. Dottie advised: “As we age, different things happen, including changes to hair. Brenda makes me look as if I have a lot more.”
M Lady and Gentleman Beauty Salon offers full-service for men and women, including manicures, pedicures, perms, and trims. And, best of all, it offers the precocious Brenda Hall!
