Deb Selby

All About Me: Salutations! Born a child of the 60's... I often say if I'd have been born a few
years earlier, I would have been a total poster child for the hippie generation. As it is I guess I
am just a "free spirit" - marching to my own beat! I was raised in a farming community here in
central Illinois - & I do miss that country living! Now I live in Athens, just a quick drive down
the road from Springpatch. I love living in central Illinois - it's a great place!

My Family: Married to Steve for 23 years (on & off, then on again...); let's just say "the divorce
didn't work out"! Lucky for me that Steve is a contractor, since his knowledge and efforts were
monumental in the building of ELEMENTS Spa and Salon. After I've helped make you feel more
beautiful and we've done those needed self-repairs, let Steve's company, All American Home
Repair, give your house that face-lift it's been needing! Check out the link to ALL AMERICAN
HOME REPAIRS website on ELEMENTS home page.
I have a beautiful daughter of my heart named Elizabeth, who along with
her husband Brian, has brought two adorable little boys into our world. I love being a Nana to
Isaac (age 2 1/2 yrs.), and Lucas (age 1 month). They live in Peoria, Illinois; and Steve & I don't
get to spend nearly enough time with them. I also have two very special nephews: Riley (age 9 yrs)
& Rorey (age 3 yrs), who live in Rochester ,IL. These two never fail to amuse and entertain me
with their anecdotes. The rest of my clan consists of 5 cats (Cricket, Squeak, Smoky, Oreo, Angel)
and Jake "the wonder dog".

Three Favorite Things: (Do I only have to say 3?)
~ Spending time with my pets
~ Hanging out with Mother Earth (gardening)
~ Bonding with my Friends

Music I Dig: Neil Diamond, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Vince Gill, anything 70's!

TV Shows I Like: Boston Legal - Knocks me out, Brothers & Sisters - Lots of family drama (like we all don't have enough already!),
This Old House - the classics of course..

People I Admire Most: Jesus, Abe, Oprah, & Jimmy (Carter that is!)

Where am I: On my days off; maybe I'm at home working on some home remodeling project (we live in a 100 year old fix-me-upper, or
a crafty fun thing - I like to Scrapbook & Garden. I truly cherish anytime I can prioritize to spend with my close friends - they feed
my soul! Hanging with my pets - soothes my soul... During the week you'll find me at ELEMENTS working on making the world more
beautiful "one victim at a time" or running errands in between clients.

Personal Growth Goal: I've always loved working with plants and being "one with Mother Earth"; so in the Spring of 2006 I attended
and completed the courses to become a Master Gardener through the University of Illinois. Being a Master Gardener doesn't make me
an expert of all things "plant", but it has given me a wide resource of people to hang out with who are likewise "plant-minded". It also
allows me access to a huge reserve of Horticulture & Botany information since the program based through the University of Illinois.
The program's main goal is "Knowledge through Learning" - part of the commitment to the program is that we are required to give back
to the community in volunteer hours. The Master Gardner program implements every year a vast array of programs locally &
throughout central Illinois. Being a part of this organization has been very rewarding - I would encourage anyone interested in
gardening to check out the program. I'm certainly looking forward to many more years of participation in it!

ABOUT EDUCATION: I went to high school locally at PORTA, in Petersburg, IL. Next off to College at Illinois State University in
Normal, IL, where I studied communications and psychology. Somewhere in there I got hitched to that husband person, and
transplanted to Pekin, IL, so I continued my studies at Illinois Central College in Peoria, IL. A few years later I then switched gears
taking classes in the medical field at Lincoln Land College here in Springpatch. After much encouragement from friends and family I
decided to pursue my Cosmetology License, attending Mr. John's School of Cosmetology in Jacksonville, IL. After graduation from
there I worked at a spa manager, and then decided to pursue becoming an entrepreneur. In Summer of 2005, my business partner, Sarah
Barber & I decided to build and open ELEMENTS SPA & SALON.
                                   I strongly believe in the need to stay on top of current trends in the business you are passionate about, and
also desire to constantly challenge myself in my own personal growth so I may become better at whatever it is that I choose to do in
life. Illinois State Law requires that a cosmetologist receive 14 hours of continuing education every two years. To me that really is
just a drop in the bucket. In the last five years I have received over 150 hours of continuing education in product lines, business
building, haircutting, hair coloring, and skin/body care classes. I have taken these classes locally, as well as out of state.

         It is my commitment that I will keep doing whatever it takes to make me better at what I do for YOU!

                                   I and the staff at ELEMENTS also believe in giving back to the community that we are a part of: therefore,
we have cumulatively donated over $5000.00 in service donations in 2006 to various charitable organizations & individuals.
McDonald's McDazzle, American Breast Cancer Awareness, & Planned Parenthood are just a few of the many events/organizations
we've participated in this year. I encourage you, our patrons to give back generously as your conscious allows through your time, or
financial contributions. Our community depends on it!

About My Career: I have been a Cosmetologist for about five years now. You might say I literally "grew up" in this business, as my
mom is also a cosmetologist/business owner. She started her salon in our country farm house when I was about 10 years old. She
named it "Angie's Corral" -what a hoot! I was frequently her guinea pig for a haircut, or some other beauty project! Mom & I have had
a lot of great adventures through the years! My mom, Angie Severns, is a true pioneer in this industry. She has always believed that
education is the key to success; and therefore was constantly re-inventing herself in the field of beauty. I totally contribute my
exploration of this business as a career choice to her.
                                      After attending college, I became a psychiatric secretary (which was a good background for this business,
by the way), among other careers... After I left the medical field, I became I salon & spa manager. After a few years of this
challenging job I decided to go back to school at the ripe ole age of 35, and pursue my cosmetology license (with great encouragement
from my mother, of course). I worked at another spa after graduation, and then decided to explore owning a business for myself.   It
has been a truly rewarding experience as I have a genuine passion for this industry, and all that it has to offer. What other career
allows a person to totally transform the way another human being feels about themselves?
                                      When you, my client, sit down in my chair; and we begin to build our "hair relationship" - you convey to me
your likes and dislikes about your tresses. Then you tell me what type of haircut &/or color you are wanting me to achieve for you. It
is my job to interpret what you have said to me; and in turn transform our discussion into the "perfect hairstyle" for you. I love to do
fun, trendy, funky, eclectic cuts, or perhaps a classic cut is more your style. Whatever your tastes & desires I pride myself on making
it - "that perfect hairstyle," and one that also fits your lifestyle, happen for you. COLOR is also inspires passion in me - it can
totally change your outlook of self. From a few subtle hightlites/lowlites around the face to multi dimensional color all over your
head; or maybe a vivid, dynamic full head color is what you are looking for - I desire to bring out the best features of your face & make
GREAT hair color happen for YOU!
                                      Besides pursuing the "basics" of this business I decided to offer a wide array of spa & salon services. I
also do aesthetics work; facials, body treatments, body waxing; and additionally pedicures, and manicures. In everything I do I keep
foremost in my mind, how I would want the service to be done if I were the client (how it looks, how it feels, the quality of the service,
and finally the resulting outcome of any service I perform).
                                      I love working with men and women. It's a rewarding experience when a man gets a sport pedicure or a
detoxifying facial for the first time, and he expresses to you how great it made him feel - wondering why he has never done this before.
Then there's that over-worked, over-stressed woman; who just can't get a moment's peace. I can, and do help to totally de stress her,
and make her feel like she's found heaven on earth in my hands.
                                      I totally believe that "women are the care-givers to the world, and if we don't take care of ourselves -
who will?". Let me help you make the decision to pamper yourself or your loved-one; the pleasure will be mine. Thanks for taking the
time out of your busy schedule to check out my page; I can't wait to meet YOU!
                                                                            Fondly, Deb