When a career is a calling

Sometimes a career is more than just a job, it’s a calling. Nancy Priboth epitomizes someone who views her position as hairdresser/counselor/ businesswoman as a calling versus a career. In fact, Nancy never intended to be a beauty shop owner. God put her in the right place at the right time, and she said yes. When Nancy’s fourth child was the last one was in school, and she had just moved with her family to Edmond, Oklahoma, she had a day off to go shopping with a neighbor in Oklahoma City. On the way back, they passed a beauty school, and Nancy commented that she thought she might like being a hair stylist. Her neighbor responded, “Then why don’t you do it?”

In hopes of saving money on haircuts for her three daughters and son, Nancy went to beauty school. She said that “work always found her.” Her first job was as a fill-in beautician. This was a perfect first job as she learned from different businesses, stylists, techniques, and products. Additionally, she had flexibility to say no as being a mom was her first priority. She worked several different jobs within the beauty shop industry, ranging from hairstylist to salesperson, rep, and teacher. She enjoyed each opportunity that came her way. In each position she took, she followed her golden rule, which she had seen on a sign in a jewelry store— “Enjoy what you do, and you will never work another day in your life.” She has lived this by helping everyone she encounters.

Nancy opened her first shop in Medford, Oklahoma, 20 miles from her home. At first, she started it because she liked the idea, but it quickly became a necessary source of income as her personal life changed. This was a time when she had to juggle motherhood and full-time business obligations. However, Nancy accepted this like everything else—with a smile and a can-do attitude. Nancy worked in her shop 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Then she came home and checked on her kids before working in another shop 5-7pm. This provided an opportunity to meet her present husband of 43 years, Frank Priboth. Frank was one of her clients before becoming her husband in 1979. She listened to Frank, like she does anyone who sits in her chair or comes into her shop. She makes everyone’s visits personal—as a hairdresser extraordinaire, a counselor, or both!

Nancy brought this same spirit to Bella Vista when she moved here with Frank in 1986. She and her youngest sister, Carol, opened a shop together, Generations, which was a staple in Bella Vista for over 25 years. Bella Vista has a way of welcoming everyone, and Nancy’s shop thrived with the warm embrace it provided. It is probably why she has retired several times and then tried new opportunities after each time she “retired.”

Presently, Nancy is working four days a week at Concordia Retirement Community where she and Frank have lived for the past three years. The move to Concordia Retirement Community was an easy decision for them. They found a place where they could remain active but did not have to care for a home and all the headaches involved. Despite family objections that Nancy and Frank would be bored, they are active with old and new friends, and enjoy the many programs that Concordia offers daily.

When Concordia’s beautician was retiring, Concordia’s Executive Director Angie Clark asked Nancy if she could recommend a good hairdresser. Nancy realized she might be the “good hairdresser” Concordia needed. She stepped out of retirement once again and, as they say, the rest is history. Nancy continues to style hair and listen to her clients. Concordia is blessed to have a beautician who loves her job and spreads joy throughout the community.

Our staff at Concordia Retirement Community knows it is a calling to work with our special residents who have chosen to make this community their home. If you would like to learn more about Concordia, please reach out to us at 479-855-3714.