Tasheena Abeyta-Smith: Call her a mountain mermaid

Meet Tasheena Abeyta-Smith, a born-and-bred North Idaho native with a passion for love and human connection. Her roots are set in both the mountains of Idaho and the sea of Hawaii, identifying herself as a real life mountain mermaid. You can find her slinging hair at Voiage Salon, 754 N. Fourth St. in midtown Coeur d'Alene.

Generation: Who knows? Xennial/millennial? I have time-traveled through the analog to digital era. I know how to use the Dewey Decimal System and will never forget the sound of dial-up internet.

Career and community involvement: I moved to Coeur d’Alene from Bonners Ferry in the summer of 2004 at the start of my career as a cosmetologist. Through the years, I have volunteered for various organizations to offer my talent as a hair and makeup artist — American Red Cross, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, North Idaho Aids Coalition and St. Vincent de Paul. In fact, keep your eyes open for events and fundraising for Epic Ella, a newly created nonprofit organization designed to offer aid and resources for loss survivors of suicide, the loved ones and community left in the wake of tragedy.

Parental status: I am mama to two sweet fur children. Opi is my 13-year-old lady calico cat who desires nothing but pets and snuggles and the occasional toss around of her catnip toys, a favor she has taken in her later years. She’s a strange one for sure. Guess it runs in the family. Tawnie is the newest Brady to the bunch at 7 months old. She’s a darling spunky little Shorkie (Shih Tzu-Yorkie mix). She enjoys our morning cuddle sessions, her treat ball and the various squeaky toys Mom can’t help but spoil her with.

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1. What do you love most about being a stylist?

The shortest answer I can give is the human interaction and one-on-one time I get to spend with people. My artistic hunger is fed and I am happy.

2. What are some interesting or funky trends you're seeing lately?

I have been seeing a lot of stylists coloring outside of the lines, bending rules and making new ones. Experimentation is happening all over the place. Everyone is looking for another way to stand out and show their own special uniqueness and talents. I am currently loving the prism effect using all of the colors of the rainbow.

3. What fulfillment do you get knowing you're helping clients look better and feel better?

It is extremely rewarding to have the power to completely change a person's mood for the better. I see it all the time. You walk in feeling frumpy, perhaps with something heavy on your mind or in your heart. I feel that, and with that, I willingly and openly offer advice or an ear to hear, intentionally removing the negative energy and replacing with positive.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I'm the vice president of Awl Sounds, a music promoting business my boyfriend and I created in effort to draw more musicians and bands to the area. We live in a beautiful place, why not share that with others? Often touring musicians will drive right through without ever knowing what they are missing. The bonus is that there are many hungry listeners eager for more diversity in the music scene.

5. What inspires you to keep your own hair colorful and interesting?

I have pulled inspiration from various sources when choosing the next pallet for my hair. Mostly it depends on what mood I’m in that week and what color I can imagine myself rocking for 2-plus months 'til I have the time/energy to touch it up. I try to choose something that will be bold enough to start, so it can withstand the fading and low amount of maintenance and effort I put forth. There is a disclaimer though: if you see me rocking a more natural or traditional hair color, ask me if I’m all right. Chances are, my midlife crisis is happening and I’ll need to find myself again.