Area stylists team up to keep residents looking, feeling good

Sally Goosey and Wanda Musson have been cutting and styling the hair of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor residents for almost two years. In addition to serving the community’s residents, the pair also work together at Sally’s Beauty shop—well, sort of.

“When I’m at the Manor, Wanda’s at the beauty shop, and when I’m at the beauty shop, Wanda is at the Manor,” said Sally. “We work together, but never see each other because of [COVID-19].”

For Wanda, becoming a stylist was the result of a lifelong passion. (Wanda is pictured above, left, with resident Zora Weir.)

“From the time I was a little kid, I just loved messing with hair. My grandma taught me to braid, and I just loved it. As soon as I got out of high school, I went right to beauty school,” said Wanda.

But it was a different story for Sally. She had to be talked into going to beauty school by her sister-in-law, who didn’t want to go alone. (Sally is pictured above, right, with resident Betty Tanner.)

“I wasn’t doing anything else. I had graduated from Cowley with an associate degree, and, at that time, I couldn’t find a job, so I went to beauty school,” said Sally.

Both women indicated that one of the best things about working at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor is seeing the positive effects their work has on its residents.

“I had this one little lady tell me that she only wants to look in the mirror after I’ve done her hair,” said Wanda, “They’re just so sweet.”

And their work has physical effects as well.

“I’m either very boring or very relaxing because usually they fall asleep,” said Sally. “I think that getting your hair done, getting your head massaged … the warm water, it’s relaxing. I can see that some residents come in anxious, or they may not be having a good day, but by the time they’re done they’re much more relaxed.”

Away from work, both Sally and Wanda are helping to raise their grandchildren and are kept busy running to and from school and social events.

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