How did you get started coming to Gila Rut?
A co-worker who also had curly hair recommended Keri. That was about two weeks after I moved to San Diego in 1988. Keri cut (and in the early days, colored) my hair at two other salons until she and Carol started Gila Rut. (It’s important to note that in 1988, Keri was 12, I was 18, and Carol was about 30.)

What was your profession when you started coming to Gila Rut? What is it now?
Financial consultant. Now retired.

What’s your favorite hobby?
Knitting.

How has Gila Rut impacted your life or style?
It’s provided me a safe place to ask questions and step out of my comfort zone a little bit.

What is your favorite part about coming to Gila Rut?
Besides knowing that I’ll leave looking much better than when I came in, my favorite part of going to Gila Rut is seeing Andrea and Nadia. Nadia is always a joy to spend time with, and I love the stories of her daughter’s adventures. Over the years, Andrea and I have shared stories of many ups and downs, family dramas, personal triumphs, and tales we wouldn’t necessarily want repeated here. She’s become my little sister in spirit.

Do you have a memorable story from the years past?
There was the time in the early ’90s when Keri used a bit too much product in styling my hair. The curls above my forehead stood up like the crown atop the Statue of Liberty. I happened to have a Styrofoam Statue of Liberty crown that I wore the next time I came into the shop

How would you sum up Gila Rut celebrating 25 years in business?
Impossible to believe it’s been 25 years! I remember how tiny the salon was when Gila Rut started. Today’s salon is a tribute to the hard work and talent the team has put in. Congratulations!