River City Six – Judy Cunningham
Meet Judy Cunningham, designer at Creative Hair Design.
Tell us a little about your business.
It’s a family. Thanks to the direction and vision of Owner John Mangiameli, we’ve created a nurturing environment that promotes health and beauty for all who walk through the doors of our 15,000-square-foot luxurious salon and spa. These past couple of months have been tough for us, not being able to be in the salon to see each other and our amazing clients every day. Because of the services we provide, from hair and nails to esthetics and massage therapy, we wanted to wait until the restrictions were lifted so that we could ensure the health and safety of everyone.
How did you get started in the business?
I was one of the original five staff members brought on when John opened the salon in 1982. Creative Hair Design was not the first salon I worked at in my career—but it was the one I stayed at because of John’s family-oriented management style. He made me fall in love with the industry even more. It’s been really special watching the salon and spa grow over the years, from five to almost 90 employees today! I’m very thankful for the education and life experiences I’ve gotten throughout my many years at Creative Hair Design, including traveling to Europe.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Being a mother and learning how to balance home life with work life. John has been so flexible over the years, allowing me to work part-time when I had my children.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
For me, it’s my long-time clients. I gave one of my clients his first haircut when he was five months old, and I am still cutting his hair today. He’s entering the workforce now, and I will be attending his upcoming wedding. There are some clients who I see every week or every other week—of course we are going to build relationships!
Tell us a little about your family.
I was born and raised in south Omaha. My husband and I have been married for 42 years, and I have two adult boys and a granddaughter who live in the area.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I’m a big fan of long walks, so I’m very grateful when the weather cooperates so I can take in the fresh air. I also enjoying cooking for my family.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by my Catholic faith.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You can’t go wrong with the Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Open Door Mission and Saint Francis House.
What is your favorite movie?
I enjoy watching oldies on the Turner Classic Movies channel.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
It sadly closed down years back, but I was a frequent patron of Piccolo Pete’s.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
I’d do anything to have dinner with my mom one more time. She passed away when I was 12. It’d be interesting to see what she thinks of the crazy world we live in today.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 330-5660; creativehairdesign.com.