“The Downtown Dwell”
GUESS WHO MOVED?
STUDIO 515 – CITY PLACE RESIDENCES (DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE) IS AVAILABLE FOR RENT BY THE OWNERS.
CONTACT ME VIA GMAIL FOR DETAILS IF YOU’RE INTERESTED.
CLICK LINK BELOW TO SEE PHOTO IMAGES OF A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!
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“What a woman needs to write is a room of her own…” Virginia Woolfe.
Good ‘0le prophetic Virginia. How I thank thee for uttering universal truth.
All artists need their own room or space; solitude; peace. I’ve been blessed with all three in the one-room confine of a 15 floor, downtown high-rise structure I didn’t know existed. I’d heard loose rumor that people lived in downtown Jacksonville, but concluded they were all residents of the Duval County Jail. Only a prisoner would (or should) be housed in a southern city’s “minimum-security eye-sore.”
Who knew there were thousands of happy residents dwelling in windowed towers that almost kiss sky along the river bank? Not I. Who knew my own building bearing the moniker “Residences at City Place,” served as a free-man’s holding cell to city employees, techies, policemen, artists, and a motley crew of others who I have no clue as to what they employment do. We mock the majors with our furry, leashed friends, monthly parking dues, front lobby banter, and late night, greased-box, deliveries. With one eye-closed, yes: this could be Atlanta, San Fran, or Manhattan, with a very off, off, off-Broadway kind of spin.
But I like it. It’s quiet, quaint, and convenient. The building is kept immaculately clean thanks to the two, merciless hands of a lone Mexican woman who prides herself on finding crumbs in corners and smeared glass. There are three (working) elevators that open with precision and the laundry room isn’t a coin eating culprit. I like it. It’s home. There’s “Justin’s Restaurant” through an adjoining inside door or street entry that specializes in Caribbean, Seafood, and Soul Food. I testify that the plantains are sweet and the rice and peas are cooked “coconut milk drunk” until they reach moist consistency. Owner Michael Vann won my morning heart with his “cooked to order” veggie omelets and a phone call when ready. “Can your Broadway do that?” I don’t think so.
OK. So one of the cities homeless missions is two blocks west, The rescue mission east, and the Salvation Army due north. A thick swallow if you’re a condo Realtor, but ya know what? I’m Clara White friendly. Over a decade ago, I parallel parked in front of her doors to attend Board Meetings. Am I too good to now neighbor? I think not. Besides, homeless people aren’t dangerous, they’re homeless and hungry. ‘Nuf said.
Pleasing to the eye is my fifth floor view that reminds me daily that despite proximity setbacks, a six-block squared walk starting south on Ashley sends me in the direction of Art: MOCA, our modern museum, and her Louisiana cuisine girlfriend NOLA are a fresh air of pride. The new, improved, sprawling public Library cuts off the corner and then meets Chamblains Book Mine, the new gathering magnet, and home to the world’s best African Peanut Soup. Indochine Thai, The Next Gallery, and Zodiac Grill claim stake, as well as a righteous row of independent artists sharing – space, light, walls, and laughs – on Forsyth Street. Before reaching the St. John’s river, the annually resuscitated Jacksonville Landing sits and our lovely, dedicated symphony hall venue: The Times Union Center for Performing Arts. Ok. Your Broadway can beat that, but we can park for less than $50 to see an Artist Series show. Heck, I can walk for free!
Point is, I like my new digs. I am a downtown dweller, and don’t need to be reminded that I must drive yonder across bridges to over-populated, retail saturated, zoned neighborhoods to shop for my organic palette. I am content waking up each morning and gently rolling open rows of vertical blinds lining my Studio’s broad, horizontal window. Grinning at me daily are my two, tall, skinny friends: Wachovia and at &t shining those dimmed lit, lowercase alphas. Of course that’s not representative of the skyline our emerging metropolis boasts, but my unit owns a few view obstructions that matter me not. I like it.
Downtown Jacksonville is all that it is, not quite all that I need it to be, and everything local politicians condemn. Don’t limit your visits to parades, festivals, JEA battles, and court appearances, and until you’ve called it home, be hesitant to deem it domicile hell to be amongst those who consciously choose to downtown dwell. I like it.
Penny Dickerson 2011
Note:
- The Wachovia Building is now Wells Fargo
- The At & t Building is now Everbank
- And…the new courthouse (aka “The Parthenon”) is one block south.
(Click link to read full Times-Union article)
Southside woman balances family, business, love of arts | jacksonville.com.
Protected: MAYO CLINIC: Money woes eliminate Medicare & Medicaid patients
Master Stylist Shirley Eady (digital resume)
Meet Shirley Eady
Cellular: (904) 444-1215
Email: shirleytalktv@gmail.com
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Experienced, master hair stylist who is also a tenacious, licensed cosmetology educator with more than 25-years of hands-on salon and classroom presence. Expertise in spa services, bridal make-up specialist, and all salon management tasks. Excellent communicator, both written and verbal, and an adjunct professor reputable for being dedicated to delivering high quality service to every student. Customer service oriented with strong clientele-base and a creative colorist & make-up artist who has accumulated 18-years in the latter industry. Interfaces well with students,faculty and all populations regardless of ethnicity/religion
FACIAL TREATMENT MASTERY:
- Microdermabrasion
- Anti-aging
- Glycolic peels
Consistent with Shirley’s Eady’s enterprising approach to life, the hair savvy entrepreneur plans to open her own hair styling academy in Orange Park, Fl in 2018.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Florida State College at Jacksonville 2008 Classroom Management; certificate.
Milady’s Master Educator 1998 Course completion; certificate.
Stewart Smith Instructor Training Program 1998 Business & Management; advanced cosmetic chemistry.
Normandy Beauty College, 1995 Formal cosmetology training; graduate.
License # CL020311 Expiration: October 31, 2019
- Stewart Smith Academic Achievement Award
- Cited as a promotional leader for planning events and target marketing.
- Aesthetics team Leader who averaged 10% in retail sales.
COMMUNITY ENDEAVORS
Shirley Eady is an independent contractor commissioned by the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars team for hair styling and make-up services.
For 15 years, Shirley served as host a cable access television show entitled, “Talk of the Town with Shirley Eady,” which aired in Jacksonville, Fl on Comcast 99. The format included one-on-one interview with community leaders, business professionals, faith-based community, politicians, music industry professionals including bands and rappers and more.
She additionally hosted a radio program: “Lets talk with Shirley Eady” which aired on WJLN 88.7 out of White Springs, Florida.
Shirley serves as an on-call to hair stylist and make-up artist for the beauty pageant industry, both local and nationally.
PROFESSIONAL SALON EXPERIENCE
Sole Proprietor January 2000 to 2015 – Jacksonville, Florida
During intervals of Shirley’s cosmetology career, she self-owned four, upscale salons with responsibility for all daily operations. Salons were located in varied areas of town to maximize availability and access to diverse populations. They are
- All for the Beautiful You
- Less is More Salon & Boutique
- Divine-n-Exclusive Salon
- Angelica Hair & Nails Salon & Spa
As sole proprietor, duties were transferable, yet consistent with standard salonmanagement.They included:
-
- Employment of staff
- Both rental
- Inventory
- Marketing and promotional events
- Monthly meetings
- Photo shoots including styling and make-up services.
- Payroll and additional administrative tasks.
SALON SAMPLES:
COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE
June 1998 to December 2018 Jacksonville & Orange Park, Fl
Tony & Guy Hair Styling Academy (Director of Education)
Shear Finesse Hair styling Academy, Jacksonville, Florida
Orange Park Beauty Academy
Florida State Community College (Adjunct Professor)
American Academy Beauty School
Prepared syllabus for the students; developed weekly training plans; utilized mannequins to demonstrate multiple applications including haircuts, coloring, and relaxers for evaluation.
Taught all levels of the curriculum and supervised the clinical floor including student enrollment; writing lesson plans; progress reports, manage cash drawer, inventory, progress reports and service sheets filed.
Implemented Level 1 Training to include: 300 hours of in-seat training; lectured on the theory and application of the cosmetology industry and practical application.
Delivered instruction in skin care and daily cosmetology duties to include: lecturing in the smart classroom; administering tests; providing demonstrations for practical evaluations and services student will perform on the clinic floor.
Worked closely with students to produce on-the-job readiness by administering tests & exams.
Ensured successful passing on the State Board of Cosmetology.
Enforced safety procedures in accordance with facility policies and government regulations.
Manned front desk management and monitored Student performances.
Assisted students in analyzing customers’ hair condition and recommended appropriate products and hair care methods.
Maintained a flexible schedule to accommodate student’s outside endeavors. Provided accurate product and merchandise information to customers.
Managed administrative documents for the school including all aspects of inventory: monitoring and tracking salon products, contracts and deliveries.
Greeted guests and assisted them in selecting salon services advised guests on special events and product promotions; responded to inquiries in a friendly and professional manner; directed escalated situations to management.
