It’s a Family Business

The few thoughts that I remember going through my head:

“Wow if this were a meme, my brother would be in a canoe and I would be in the boat from the perfect storm.”

“Wow it is extremely rough out here and he claims it’s a beautiful day, he has lost his mind.”

“Woah, this rocking is not for me. Please don’t throw up, please don’t throw up. You are a watermans daughter, YOU CANNOT THROW UP.”

“Maybe I’ll just go lay down in the cabin. Yep that’s a great idea.”

“Wow this music is really loud.”

“Are we gonna go in anytime soon?” “I should have listened to them when they said I might get sea sick, but nooooo. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.”

“Yoo, Sirius XM channel FLYYYYYY is LIT.”

“Okay this isn’t so bad, I’m feeling better. Let me get my phone.” “Nope, nope, nope. Lay back down.” “Phew that was close.”

“Oh hey, were moving. Maybe we are done.” “Nope we have more nets.” “SOMEBODY CALL THE CHOPPER!” “SOS”

“Okayyyyy XM. This was a banger.” “Wait a minute is that DMX…YESS.”

“We’re moving again.” “He’s telling me one more and then we go in.” “I can do this. I’m a strong, independent, Fishermans daughter in America.”

*LOTS OF ROCKING*

“WHERE THE HECK IS THAT RESCUE CHOPPER!!”

*Fell asleep*

“Okay, that’s the engine. We are rolling.” “Whyyyyy are we slowing down again..I’m gonna cry!”

“Okay, just letting the nets back out.” “Alright we are really going now, shew.”

*They are making PB&J’s*

“Do I want a PB&J? Nope. I’ll probably throw it up.” “Maybe just a peanut butter sandwich”

*At this point I have now moved out of the little cubby hole in the cabin and up to the seat*

“This isn’t so bad now.” “Praise Jesus, we are going home.”

What was intended to be an insightful day of one of the many things my brother does for work quickly turned into me praying the sharks would jump into the barrels so we could come in faster.

While there were A LOT more thoughts that ran through my head I didn’t have the ability to jot them down. I have never gotten sea sick before in my life and I’m 29 years old. I wanted to do a small business feature on my father and brother because they are both commercial fisherman and hard working men. So after begging and pleading, something I’ll never have to do again, my brother finally agreed to take me. I met him at the docks and we set sail. I may have taken a dramamine because I wasn’t entirely sure what my body would do once we started out. The ride was full of rocking and going up and then coming back down. I instantly wanted to install windshield wipers on the windows because I couldn’t see for all the splashing from the waves. Now when I saw waves they were nothing that you could surf, maybe a couple were, but they were enough to have me referring back to the movie The Perfect Storm. What a way to go out. Donnie, however, assured me this was a beautiful day and if days were all like this he would be ecstatic. Yea..okay, not me.

Fast forward about 15 miles off shore and we have finally made it to our destination. As we are all getting our oil skins, jackets and boots on, I am praying I don’t bust my nose losing my footing. Wow it is really rocking out here. I get my gear on and grab my camera because that was the whole purpose of coming out and head to the deck. My brother, Donnie, and nephew, Cole are getting things ready to pull up the first net. The barrels are all in place and the rope is being spun in. I snap some shots and patiently wait for the net to show its face but let’s be honest, I am not patient. What feels like eternity later here comes the net, with some sharks in it!

I’m not going to lie, it was really cool to watch them diligently pull this net up and get the sharks untangled from it and put into barrels to take in. I was even more impressed as I started to become ill that they were doing just fine. The more net they pulled in, more sharks spilled out. Even the occasional skate or spider crab came along with it. I kept snapping away despite losing my footing a couple (1,000) times. It was a pretty day to be on the water, the sun was peeping out and the seagulls were surrounding the boat waiting for some lunch. The waves weren’t spilling over the sides like I thought they would be, but they were certainly rocking the boat front to back and side to side. Probably a good thing as my brother was being funny and throwing the sharks a little harder so they might ricochet off me like a backboard and into the barrel. Dodge-shark champ over here! The sharks are not what you typically might think of. They look like little sand sharks and while they have razor sharp teeth, they won’t bite you. If you slide your finger across their teeth, they will slice you up pretty bad, but who is going to put their finger in any sharks mouth. Not this girl. The two worked really well together putting the net up on the reel, making sure it was winding the way it was supposed to all while removing the fish from the nets.

It was when I decided to put the camera down and grab a pair of gloves that the real wave of sea sickness hit me. I blame going back into the cabin. Either way it was real. I came out of the cabin thinking the fresh, salty air might help me. It did, a little. I picked up some sharks that didn’t make it into the barrels and then I just stood there. Donnie knew I wasn’t right. I had gone from asking one million questions to dead silence. He laughed, Cole laughed and I made my way back to the hole in the cabin to lay down.

I stayed down in that little bunker for what felt like days but was only hours. I tried to lay as still as possible even the rocking side to side was trying to throw me off the cushioned bench. I listened to the extremely loud music that was playing and jammed out to some old school beats. I attribute my survival to DMX, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and The Fugees. If you have Sirius XM radio, listen to The Fly station. Maybe it was just the DJ on at that time but it was LIT. Every time that boat started to go I would get a feeling of relief until it slowed down again. This happened a total of five times. We had to pull two more nets in after the first and then put all three back out.

I failed miserably at my purpose for going out on the boat. On average I take about 200 pictures, sometimes more if I’m really in the groove. I came home with 36 pictures and 10 of them were snapped while the boat was rocking so they were so blurry it looked like I had been consumed by white caps! So I have 26 pretty decent pictures to share with you guys and no more than that because I won’t be venturing back to the ocean anytime soon.

Vanity Hair

For me the working of hair is architecture with a human element.
Vidal Sassoon

As you search through Pinterest and various other websites to find your “new look” just remember that Vanity Hair is here to help you achieve that look! This wonderful salon has some extremely talented ladies inside just waiting to get their hands on your locks.

The Woman Behind the Operation

Shannon Boggs started Vanity Hair when she was 19 years old! I repeat, 19 YEARS OLD!! She had a dream of owning her own salon and her wonderful parents and amazing boyfriend (now her husband) helped her to make her dream come true. She comes from a family of business owners so I suppose that should not come as a shock. I, however, commend her on taking that huge and slightly scary leap. Look at her now! Celebrating 10 years in business!! A huge success and accomplishment that she is incredibly proud of!

The Beginning of Vanity Hair

On February 1st, Vanity Hair Salon celebrated 10 years in business! Vanity Hair started in the town of Onancock in 2010. Shannon and her now husband gave up their home to live in the apartment above her new salon to make her dream possible. Fast forward a year or so later, she moved her business right into the heart of Onancock, acquiring some very talented hands in the process. This is where I first found Vanity Hair and my forever stylist Elyssa Ferguson, but we will get to her later. For the past five years Vanity has resided in Onley, Va right off the highway. Some might say that frequent moves isn’t good but these moves only show the truly amazing growth that this ten year old business has had.

Motivation is Key!

Keeping a business going for ten years doesn’t happen without some support. For Shannon, her parents, family, husband and wonderfully adorable babies motivate her every single day. Shannons parents have obviously been a huge part of her success. They provided unconditional love and support as well as their own knowledge of running a business. From her first day on earth her parents instilled the qualities and skills in order to be a successful business owner. You could absolutely see the pride in their faces whenever you had the wonderful opportunity to run into them at the shop. I know I did.

Shannons husband Matt has been by her side since we were all in middle school, oh those Mary N. Smith days. The love and adoration they show for each other is one for the books. Together they have two beautiful girls and a handsome boy. There is no doubt in my mind that her girls look up to her and want to be just like their mommy! They were the absolute sweetest darlings on their Mom’s ten year anniversary! They surprised her with flowers, candy and a card. I could have melted right then and there. When you get to the bottom look for the adorable photo of R & L working on a clients hair while their mom watched in Awe. Again, I could have melted.

Shannon started her journey with Accomack County Public Schools by taking advantage of their CTE Cosmetology program. Like most of the stylists that work with her, they all got their start in high school utilizing the programs that were offered. This program had such a wonderful impact on her career, that she has opened her salon doors for those students who are enrolled in the program to get their certification hours. While they are there they learn different techniques, lend a helping hand and really get the salon expereince. She has seen many aspiring stylists come through her doors and some have even found their place behind a chair in her salon. The ability for her to give back to the program and guide these ladies to being amazing stylists really shows the warmth and love that is Vanity Hair.

Let’s meet the tribe!

This group of ladies right here have been through location changes, engagements, marriages and babies together. That right there is a loyal family if you ask me. They lift each other, teach and learn from each other and most importantly positively grow together.

Elyssa Ferguson

Elyssa has worked alongside Shannon for 9 years. She started her career at Vanity Hair while they were located in the Onancock salon. She has also been my stylist for years now, so I am biased, but she does some AMAZING work. She loves to experiment and takes on any and every challenge she can. I am probably her hardest client but she masters my hair EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Like everyone in the salon she brings her own creativity to the chair and it shows with her work.

Hartley Holland

Hartley has worked in the salon as a stylist for about 4 years. She originally pursued other avenues when she graduated from college, despite having family in the hair industry. When she returned home she realized that her passion really was hair. She took advantage of the Cosmetology program with ACPS and started out as a student in the salon getting her hours. After she finished the program and became licensed she earned her spot in the Vanity home.

Sahra Smith

Sahra has been working with Vanity for 2 years. She followed her passion with hair at the same time that Shannon did. She has always had a love for hair and masters in the art of vivid colors as well as shaved graphic designs. I would love to try that on my husband but he would not approve.

Kristy Watson

Kristy has been with Vanity Hair for 4 years. Out of all the ladies she has been in the industry the longest. She went to school in Maryland and worked in Pocomoke prior to Vanity. Shannon saw her passion, drive and excellent work and knew she would be a perfect fit for Vanity. She offered Kristy the opportunity and hasn’t regretted it. Kristy, with her knowledge and experience has been a wonderful addition to the Vanity family.

Autumn Prendergast

This girl! She has more energy than all of Shannon’s kids combined. Her personality is one that everyone should have. She is fun, loving and just a total hoot! She has worked for Vanity for about two years. She is what they like to call the “do it all” girl. She covers everything from reminder calls to mixing color. She has not only found a home with Vanity but a home with every single one of these ladies. She is the sister they never wanted and the aunt they always dreamed of having for their babies. She is currently enrolled in the nursing program at Eastern Shore Community College and this tribe has supported her every step of the way! Did I mention her personality is electrifying? Just look at the picture!

Essentially that is what Vanity Hair is; A family!

Educational Opportunities

I have personally watched many talented young ladies come through the doors of Vanity Hair as students. Courtney is a cosmetology student with the badger program at Arcadia High School. She is enrolled and on track to earning her license after she completes the program and takes her certification test. She is eager to learn and I know she will do just that. She has a lot of talent surrounding her ready to teach her old tricks and new tricks. She even attends the professional development opportunities that the rest of the ladies attend to learn about new products, cuts, colors etc.

Services Offered

Vanity Hair Salon offers a wide range of services including:

Mens & Womens Hair Cuts
Hair Color Specialty Services
Facial Waxing
Spray Tanning
Brazilian Blowouts (My personal fave)

If you are looking for a vibrant salon with personality and charm look no further than Vanity Hair. They will welcome you, take you in and have you leaving extra fabulous!

For more photos from Vanity Hairs 10 year celebration follow the link below! https://chelseamegan.passgallery.com/-vanityhair

Sandy Sky’s

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
-Jim Ryun

Small Business Feature — Photos by Chelsea Megan Photography

As you come across the causeway headed to wonderful Chincoteague Island the following ideas might pop into your head:

“What are we going to do first?”
“I wonder if the ponies are out?”
“What are we going to eat?
“I cannot wait to relax and have some fun!”

As you contemplate the above and much more, take into consideration that beyond the attractions and eateries there are some very awesome shops to check out. One of the shops on the island is Sandy Sky’s. I may be biased because my best friend owns this shop but it is seriously the cutest. I will however let you be the final judge of that.

Who is Skylar?

Skylar Geminiani is a wife, mother and business owner. She graduated with her Bachelors in Fine Art with a painting track in December of 2017 from Salisbury University, GO GULLS. Before that she earned her Associates in Business Management. That part is not hard to tell; she is the most business savvy woman I have ever met. When you ask her at what age did she begin her art passion she will tell you 3-4 years old. She will also tell you about her kindergarten years when she drew a cat that was featured in the yearbook. She is her own biggest critic and she still has qualms about the cat drawing. Apparently she has never seen me draw a cat!

How it all began….

Back story with Skylar and I! We worked at the same restaurant and the rest is history. Remember I might be biased. Over the years I have watched, literally, one of my really good friends pour her blood, sweat and tears into her art. Again, literally. I have been in “awe” of her work and how she transforms something so simple into something so breathtaking. We can both look at the same object but she has already transformed it in her head into something creative and amazing. It baffles my semi-creative mind.

As time goes on she continues to find things that she can warp and sell. It started out in the comfort of her own home. She would make things, post them to Facebook and followers would ask her “how much?” The more she would make, the more she would sell and then that turned into custom orders. She entertained this side hustle while she was attending college and working at the restaurant. She would like to thank the Red Bull company for all of their hard work in helping her multi-task! (Plum is her favorite)

Dream to Reality

As the orders flew in and out she knew she needed to expand past her living room and craft room. So in April of 2019 she cut the ribbon on her brand new shop located in front of Comfort Suites. Sandy Sky’s was a dream but that day it became a reality. That was a proud day for all of us. Skylar’s dreams were finally coming true!

4211 Main Street Chincoteague, Virginia 23336

The Real Boss

There is no doubt when you ask her who the real boss of Sandy Sky’s is, she will tell you River.

While being the boss man is a taxing job, he does it with grace and poise. You could probably say that he is also her biggest motivator alongside her husband. He is quite the employee with re-arranging the shop and making sure his mom is on her toes always.

He comes to work with her everyday and I am willing to bet the locals stop by only to see him sometimes, sorry Skylar. However, if you need a dose of blue eyed, happy giggles stop in! He will not disappoint and seeing as he is running around now, he will probably welcome you at the door.

Biggest Accomplishments

Aside from opening her shop, which would be her biggest accomplishment, Skylar has also stolen the United States with her replica love chairs. When you visit Chincoteague, VA be sure to head to Robert Reed Park and get your picture taken in, in front of, or on top of the LOVE chairs. These chairs have become a staple in this little town. They have seen proposals, pregnancy announcements, family photographs, weddings and so much more. When you are done getting your picture taken stop into Sandy Sky’s to get your own personal mini chair set!

The “Mini Love Chairs” have been a top seller for Skylar since she started making them in 2015. Her husband, Geno, would like to take full credit of this idea (I’ll let her dispute that). She has since sold over 400 sets of chairs. 400 families touched by her creation. 400 families have the chairs that I am sure tell them a story of a time when they visited Chincoteague, Va. She didn’t stop at these mini sets of chairs though, she had another idea. The LOVE chairs are now a Christmas ornament for your Christmas tree and boy have they taken off! You can also get the wreath attachment so you remain festive with your love chairs during the holiday season as well.

In addition to her LOVE chairs and ornaments she has created Oyster Trees. These Christmas themed trees are made from oyster shells that her father, Stanley, donated to her from his own business. Always thank a water man when you see one, they provide the yummy seafood that can be purchased or eaten at any of the restaurants on this island. Her coordinate signs have also been a big seller as well. So big that she also created crab ornaments with the Chincoteague coordinates on those as well.

Keeping a shop up and running is no easy task. While 90% of her shop is all hand-made crafts and gifts she has also partnered with other businesses who sell in her shop. She has hand-made soaps from Old Whaling Company, cute stud earrings from Periwinkle, unique hand-bags from Spartina 449 and more. In addition she also makes custom shirts, can coolers, vinyl stickers for businesses, cars and windows, as well as commission items. She has put her special touch on a lot of wedding decorations, including all of the decorations from my own wedding.

Like I said in the beginning….I AM BIASED.

Next time you visit Chincoteague Island Virginia make sure you stop in to check out her shop, say hello to River. If you don’t buy anything else at least pick up a set of LOVE chairs because then you’ll have a constant reminder of our little island and the great fun that you had here.