Shawna Jackson has a flair for style
In the true spirit of Valentine's, Shawna Jackson shares a loverelated tidbit that those who know her may be surprised to learn.
“I got engaged on my ninth date with my husband, Nick, and we were married two months after the first day we met,” she says.
“We met in June and got married in August of the same year. And I asked him, lol!” she says.
The couple, who reside in Port Maitland, made some big changes in their lives five years ago, purchasing a gothic revival-style building at 584 Main St. that was built in 1888 to house the Milton Library. Many renovations and improvements were made to the structure, which was launched in 2015 as the Steampunk'd Salon & Gallery. The Jacksons have held several concerts and special events in the building and are available for more after social protocols lift for COVID.
The handsome structure has gone through several owners over the past 127 years. In 1958, it became the first home of the Yarmouth County Museum, then it was sold to the Lighthouse Baptist Church.
Shawna, a well-known hairstylist, looks forward to the future and increasing the salon's clientele. This year marks her first as an employer, with the hiring of hairstylist Grace Stark.
Shawna participated in our question and answer session:
Q: What is your full name?
A: Shawna Faye Jackson.
Q: Where and when were you born?
A: I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1966. I am a fourth generation Albertan on both my mother and father's side. My maiden name is of Danish descent.
Q: Where do you live today? A: I live in Yarmouth County since 1999. I have only lived in Edmonton and Yarmouth.
Q: What's your favourite place in the world?
A: One of my favourite places in the world, besides Nova Scotia, is California. I have been to California twice to visit family and I fell in love with Santa Monica, CA. I would love to go back as soon as restrictions are lifted.
Q: Who do you follow on social media?
A: I'm not a follower of anyone in particular on social media. I have YouTube subscriptions for Tom Bilyeu, motivational videos; Matt Beck, Free Salon Education; Playing For Change, music; Elvin Jackson, my son's music, originals and cover songs; and Sonny Jackson, my son, gamer on his Twitch channel, which is an app for live streaming similar to YouTube. I enjoy Facebook and follow many things on Facebook ... science, gardening, spiritual, all community events. I follow many news pages, including several Nova Scotia community news, as well as many educational hair sites. I enjoy sharing things that I think my Facebook friends might enjoy. I love connecting with the community.
Q: What's been your favourite year and why?
A: 1999 was my favourite year because we made the move, with our three sons, from Edmonton, Alberta to Yarmouth. Their ages were eight months, three, and seven.
Q: What is the hardest thing you've ever done?
A: One of the hardest things I have done, looking back, was moving to Yarmouth and changing from city life to living in a rural community. We wanted our sons to be brought up near the ocean. We moved here to live by my sister-in-law and her family in this beautiful area.
My husband drove the first load of our stuff and made sure we were settled in and flew back to Edmonton. It took him five months to sell our house and three acres of land outside the city, pack the other half of our things and drive back again. I was here on my own with my three little sons until then. I had to buy a house here, on my own, not knowing much about the process, or old houses for that matter, lol! My sisterin-law and her family were the only ones I knew in the area. My in-laws were in Halifax. It was exciting, adventurous, and scary.
I'm thankful for my sister-inlaw and her family for taking us in for a few months to do this transition. Thank goodness it was the nicest summer we have ever had, for we were at Port Maitland Beach almost every day.
Q: Can you describe one experience that changed your life?
A: My husband asking me for my phone number the first time he saw me. Things were never the same. We've been married since 1988.
Q: What's your greatest indulgence?
A: My greatest indulgence is flowers. I love flowers.
Q: What is your favourite movie or book?
A: My favourite book of all time has to be Anne of Green Gables. I discovered it in the library when I was nine. I've read it many times and all of the books by Lucy Maud Montgomery when I was young. I love movies and have a hard time picking a favourite. Wuthering Heights, 1939, with Laurence Olivia has to be one of my all-time favourites along with Willow, Princess Bride, and Brother Where Art Though?
Q: How do you like to relax? A: I love to relax on the weekends driving around and exploring the coastline of our lovely area with my husband. It's so beautiful and diverse. I love all the old houses and churches as well as the everchanging coastline.
Q: What are you reading or watching right now?
A: I am currently watching Bridgerton series on Netflix. I love the hairstyles, the beautiful clothes and interior design of the Victorian rooms, as well as the storyline. Light and fluffy. We need a break from all the serious stuff sometimes.
Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: My greatest fears are the possible reality of Jaws and Titanic! The cold Atlantic at night.
Q: How would you describe your personal fashion statement?
A: My personal fashion is casual dressy with a touch of artsy/bohemian hippy. I like clean lines and colour. My favourite clothing item is jeans.
Q: What is your most treasured possession?
A: My favourite possession is our salon and gallery. I love this building with all its history. The atmosphere is so special to me. I love being able to share this space with others and want to learn more about Clara Caie, the lady that built this library in gothic style. I am very grateful for the renovations my husband did to create this space and decorate the walls with his watercolour paintings.
Q: What physical or personality trait are you most grateful to a parent for?
A: I am most grateful to my parents for their love of books. They always had a book on the go. I discovered the library when I was about eight and was a voracious reader for many years.