Andrea Morton

ANDREA MORTON

I met Andrea in July of 2007. If I were to tell you we were fast friends I would be lying. When I think of Andrea and I's friendship I think of that cliche' "slow and steady wins the race." I was job shadowing at Paul Mitchell for an afternoon and she would not look me in the eye and I had the distinct feeling that she was determined that she did not, nor would she, like me. Likewise though, I was just as determined that once she got to know me... she would like me. After we became friends I would learn that my intuition was spot on. Thankfully, I had enough experiences in my life to teach me that I should not take this personally because "...she didn't know me...How could she hate me?" Her past experiences along with what she had been told about me jaded her view of me. Haven't  we all let our past dictate our future? Haven't we allowed our judgments to cloud our intuition? Haven't we then been so grateful that we put all of that aside, and slowly but steadily proved ourselves wrong?

I remember the moment I started to weasel my way into her heart or at least under skin. She, along with three other members of management at The Hair Academy, sat down in a conference room, with a long table with the three of them at one end, and me at the other end. I was not nervous for some reason, though; it just felt like a formality. Everyone, but Andrea, was asking me simple get to know you questions. Then as if she had had enough of their easy, we just want to get a feel for you, types of questions she started asking the down and dirty questions; drilling me about my experience. I answered with ease because I was confident in my abilities as a hairstylist. Finally, she paused and looked at me like a wild cat about to have a meal. I knew she had a question she thought would trap me; a question that she thought was a lose/lose for me. She said, "If you came to a light that was red and waited for several minutes for it to turn green and the light doesn't change, do you run the light or stay and wait for it to turn green?" Without missing a beat I said, "I would turn right." I caught her off guard and I swear I saw a smile curl at the edge of her lips. She told me later that I gained respect from that answer. That is the thing about her, if you have her respect you have everything. It is something I strive to keep.


Paul Mitchell may have been where we met, but our friendship developed beyond a working relationship into a deep loyal friendship.
At first, our passion for making

people feel better about themselves though our hairstyling abilities and teaching others these skills endeared us to one another. Those of you that were Andrea's students know how much she loved teaching, how much she loved her students, and how passionate she was about learning and being ingenuitive. It's one of the many fingerprints she has bestowed on a plethora of us.  But... Andrea is not an "all work and no play..." kind of lady. She knows how to have a good time! Whether at the school or at the club that girl can shake her rump, pop a collar, and git jiggy wit it all the while wearing her ice princess face, so as not to welcome any unwanted visitors into her glaring (a grouping of cats) because she is fiercely protective of her peeps. I always feel safe with Andrea. I think that because I have felt her shielding and appreciated it, so now I feel more protective of those around me. I did not used to worry about everyone else, but she allowed me to feel how great it is to be looked after, and I wanted those that I love and care about to feel that from me. If I ever have the opportunity, I'm sure knowing Andrea will make me a better mom. 

Another imprint Andrea has left with me is being an awesome cheerleader. When I am with her I feel like I can do anything. She is full of ideas to help you achieve any goal. Part of this attribute includes her ability to give constructive criticism, and follow it up with all of your abilities. She gives you pep talks, and all the sudden you are doing whatever it was you were afraid of with confidence. Last week I was feeling like I wanted to quit doing this blog and feeling insecure about my purpose, but after Thai food and an Andrea/Rana pep talk I feel renewed in my resolve to complete my 52+ ladies. She reminded me of my purpose to let each of these women know of the impact they have left on my soul, and in the mean time, hopefully, inspire a few others to pass along to the women in their life what they mean to them.

Andrea the family girl, I have a lot of respect for the humility and fight that it took her to have her family whole again. She is a testament to me that no matter where you are at in your relationship humility, honesty and a whole lotta fight can take you far in bringing a family together. She does not give up on those she loves this is apparent in her relationship with her husband, children, family, and friends.

Andrea, I am grateful for your friendship. There have been different types of women that have come into my life, some that have been my mentors, and some that I have mentored, and there are times when the scale weighs to one side or the other. However, with you I feel the scales are equalize. I love that! Thank you for balancing me.