We recently photographed the owner of Capelli Salon at home with her three furry babies Angelo, Violie and Geno, where paintings primarily done by family members–Lynn included–provide a colorful backdrop for this narrative. Lynn Shea is an artist in the salon and at home. She likes to cook, travel and entertain. Her identity is tied closely to her Italian roots and her passion for life is as vibrant as her hair is red (and she’s a natural redhead). Welcome, Lynn!
Tell us about the path that led to opening Capelli.
Both of my grandfathers owned restaurants in Memphis (The Pitch Fork and Monte’s Drive In), and one also owned a sign company. Both men were very creative and excelled in the service industry, and both of them had a huge impact on my wanting to be in an artistic and service-oriented business. I’ve been doing hair for 30-plus years, not including all the years doing hair in my mother’s kitchen. I opened Capelli in 1993 with four stylists and currently there are twenty. We offer everything from manicures, pedicures, paraffin hand and foot treatments, brow tweezing, lash and brow tinting, two types hair extensions, on site hair and makeup for bridal parties, and most recently, two of my fellow coworkers and I have also opened a mobile spray tanning business called Capelli Tintarella. (See our feature story on spray tanning here.)
What is your favorite room in your home and why?
I would have to say my warm, comfortable kitchen. It’s where my friends and family gather to laugh and enjoy! It’s also where I used to give my first haircuts. When I was in the sixth grade, my mother recognized my hair cutting skills and let me cut my brothers’ and sisters’ hair in the kitchen of course! Being the oldest of six, I got lots of practice!
What inspires you?
Everything creative, from paint and canvas, to new recipes, to visiting new places. I am obsessed with design of any kind. Some of my most creative ideas have come from my travels around the world. And most of all, my employees inspire me.
You are such an artistic person. Do you consider your day job to be a creative outlet for you?
Absolutely! It is creative just like my artwork, but more rewarding. The results are more immediate. To have a satisfied client who not only looks beautiful but feels good about herself is such a fabulous feeling, for both of us! I am so blessed to work with the most talented and creative people in my industry under one roof! Now that is what I call extremely blessed. Art on steroids!
What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
Going into business for myself when I opened the doors of Capelli in 1993.
What are your hobbies, guilty pleasures and/or special indulgences?
My guilty pleasure is Panchos cheese dip. I love it and could eat it on anything. I am also addicted to makeup and try just about every new thing and have been known to spend hours in the makeup department of the stores in big cities that I visit.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Follow your heart and your brain will follow.
What is your favorite thing about living and working in Memphis?
Being near my family and longtime friends, as well as the artistic side of the city, meaning the variety of art, music and culinary fare offered here.
Favorite Memphis restaurant?
Favorite travel destination?
Only one? Most people don’t know that I really am a homebody, but I would have to say Italy.
What one word best describes you?
Passionate.
What are some hair trends you are seeing for spring and summer?
Bangs–short and edgy–will be on the rise. And get ready girls, short crops are also on for 2013, from hard rocker looks like Miley Cyrus to Michelle Williams. Also, I’m seeing flashbacks from the late 60s to the early 70s: Think long, sleek hair with a deep side part, middle part or bangs.
What books and/or magazines can be found by your bedside?
The Bible and prayer books, as well as an assortment of art, fashion, cooking and travel magazines.
What are three things you can’t live without (excluding friends, family and God):
I would have to say my MAC Soar lip liner and Please Me lipstick, sunscreen and my slippers.
Thank you Lynn! And thank you to Christen of Christen Jones Photography for these lovely images of a lovely woman!
To learn more about Capelli Salon, visit the website: http://capelliinc.com. And to see more of Christen’s work, visit her website: www.christenjones.com
