ANTONETTE DANNA

Profile Updated: July 20, 2014
Class Year: 1970
Residing In: Houston, TX USA
Occupation: Hairdresser
Children: Just my beagles; Casady and Missy...2 1/2 years old. They are sisters!
My Beagles are now 7 years More…and almost 6months on July 25, 2014.
Yes! Attending Reunion
What elementary school(s)did you attend?

Holy Name Catholic School; Thomas Jefferson Elementary

What Jr High (s) did you attend?

Hogg Junior High

What street(s) did you grow up on?

Eubanks St.
Kelly St.

Do you or your family still live or own your house that you grew up in?

No, not for a long time.

Do you see or hang out with any class mates? Who?

I mostly see Pat and Jack Downing. Thanks to Facebook, I am FB Friends with many classmates...so many it would be difficult to name them all! It is wonderful to keep up with so many of my school friends!

What would we be surprised to know about you?

That I am still a Hairdresser...44yrs now! Still working two shops: The Manor at Jersey Village; Studio 10 Hair Design. And still happy at my profession!

List your siblings and year.

Antonette
Joe
Charol
Theresa(deceased)
Charles
Rose
Beverly(deceased)
Bernadette
Barbara
Angela
Only Joseph, Carol, and I went to Sam Houston High School.

School Story:

Teachers could have their hair done in the Cosmetology Building for 25 cents (remember...those were the Rawhide days: Roll 'em up and move 'em out!). Mrs. James was a customer of mine.

One day she mentioned that her hair seemed to be thinning. "Maybe you're preg'nant" I replied. Her eyes got big and said "No...that can't...I mean...that can't be the reason." When I finished with her hair she went straight to Mrs. Carpenter's office. I could tell I might be getting in BIG trouble from the looks of their conversation.

Mrs. Carpenter called me in and asked "Why did you tell Mrs. James she might be preg'nant?" I started defending my self as fast as I could. "My mother has had 10 kids and I know that hair loss is one of the symptoms...I was just playing around...I thought it was something funny to say!" Mrs. Carpenter started to laugh (as I was having visions of being kicked out of school!). " She IS preg'nant...but she doesn't want anyone to know yet (in those days a teacher wasn't allowed to work if she was preg'nant...Mrs. James was trying to finish out the school year before anyone found out). What a relief!

It's only been 39yrs and I didn't tell anyone...till now...Ha!

What did you want to do or think you were going to do when you finished high school?

I wanted and became a Hairdresser! In May 1970, J.C. Penney's Beauty Salon, Northwest Mall, sent a note to Mrs. Carpenter to suggest graduating students to interview to work in their beauty salon. I will never forget her calling me into her classroom and handing me the note: " Looking for hairdresser, J. C. Penney's Beauty Salon." "I'm sending you over there to interview." The manager of the shop wanted me to do a shampoo and set (just to make sure I knew the basics) and Janis Craig was gracious enough to go as my model. Started working there in June right after graduation. So excited the day Mrs. Carpenter handed me that note. Now, all these 44 years later, that day means everything to me: The beginning of my career! Thanks, Freda!

What and where was your 1st job? Do you remember how much you were paid?

Joske's Department Store in the "China, Crystal, Glass" department. I made minimum wage: $1.60 an hour...WOOHOO!!!!!

Favorite Quote

"Treat every customer like they are the most important person to you in the world, at that time." Joseph Samuel Danna...my Daddy.

Famous or interesting people you've met?

Clint Eastwood
Frank Sinatra
Red Skelton
Gavon McCloud(Murrey on Mary Tyler Moore)
Martha Mitchell
Estee Lauter
Ed McMann
Steve Tyrell(he is a music producer and singing artist from Houston)

Ever been on TV? Tell us all about it.

In 1993 there was a look-a-like contest celebrating the final episode of 'Cheers' and I was the only contestant for Kirstie Alley. The three T.V. stations were there as well as the Houston Post and Houston Chronicle. So much fun! A customer taped the news for me that night; I received 30 something calls at work the next day! The 'Norm' look-a-like was the winner.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I'm asked a lot to fix people's hair that are home bound and otherwise could not get their hair done. It is very rewarding to help others this way. And this has to be done in my "spare" time...I don't mind at all.

I check Facebook every morning, evening, and if I get a chance during the day. It's fun, too!

Name something you dearly love. and why?

I love to sing: In the church choir; driving in the car; weddings; funerals; anytime I get the chance! I'm not great at it, but love doing it anyway! What you hear is what you get ;)

Comments:

Looking forward to the Sam Houston Class reunion on October 4th, 2014. Can hardly wait to visit with you all!
Also, looking forward to #DannaGolf2014! This is the golf tournament my brother, Officer Joe Danna (Sam Houston High School, Class of 1970), is putting on, October 28th. It's gonna REALLY be fun! (Sounds like a "plug", doesn't it?...LOL!)

Any words of wisdom?

If you have to deal, sometime, with people who seem a little "difficult", always keep in mind: Those are the people that are gonna help you get to Heaven!

Is there a moment in your life that stands out? A moment that defines who you are? Other than kids being born or your wedding day.

Wanted to see the Neville Bros. and other stars at a benefit in New Orleans, 1992. It was the first time I ever planned an out of town trip and went by myself. Turned out to be wonderful! The best part: That first real feeling of independence.