Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammy Parsons.
Hi Tammy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
All my life I’ve followed the fun. Graduated high school and attended college in southeastern Oklahoma. in 1984 I moved back to the Missouri area settling in Independence Missouri. I started my career in the beauty industry in 1985 at Safes Place and moved into a nail salon in 1989. In 1991 I opened my own salon called B-Vogue Salon. The location was in south KC and 7 years in I found a building close to home that I had a lease with an option to buy. I never could get the owners to settle on a number so one day in the fall of 1999 I came through a little community called Englewood. I saw a building that was boarded up and unloved. My thoughts where I could probably get this for a decent price, so we started the journey. In April of 2000 I opened B-Vogue House of Hair Design in the Englewood Shopping Center. What happened next was never in my thought process, but it has shaped my life for the good, I not only bought the building I’m in, but I gained a community. Win Win.
Always living through those who inspire, John Paul Dejoria, CEO of Paul Mitchell Systems is a big inspiration of when I say ”What Else Is Possible”, JP says care globally and live locally. That being said I’ve been a part of building an inclusive community for all to live, work, play and visit. Creating a destination in western Independence we are now designated as the Englewood Arts District, where the ARTS live. Worked side by side with the City of Independence and as a grass roots group called GROW, we have changed our zoning that would allow property owners do more on/with their property. This was a 7-year journey. In 2018 myself and my work partner formed a nonprofit called the West iNd Connection, our mission is to create a community of good, connecting the good. We have 2 programs, 1. a community inclusion center and bookstore, focused on a safe space for the queer community and 2, a community garden focused on community engagement and food insecurities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say fairly smooth. However, even the brightest days have storms. there will always be those who know better and those who point fingers. Keep on swimming, remember to communicate and keep your heart full of love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have found a love for serving my community, growing my community and creating an inclusive environment to call home. I’m known for a saying, “What Else Is Possible”, I love it because I truly believe anything is possible, we just have to manifest it.
What’s next?
Aww the future, my plans will continue by being present in the partnerships in our community and building new ones. I am currently working on a community garden that will help address food insecurities right here in our community. I just sat in a meeting with KCCG and am looking forward to learning more about community gardens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westindconnection.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/westindconnection
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/WestiNdConnection
