IN PROFILE:DeAnna Fortunato

BUSINESS: Today’s Image Hair and Nail Salon

AGE: 50

BACKGROUND: “I went to beauty school when I was 17. I started doing hair in the Salt Lake City area. I went to work for the Rio and was their salon manager for nine years. I then went to the Hard Rock Hotel and was their salon manager for five years and that’s when I moved out here. I moved to Pahrump in 1990 and worked for another salon for eight years and then decided to open my own. What sets me apart from other salons is my clients are more like family to me.”

FIRST JOB: “I was a cashier for a steakhouse in Salt Lake City. ”

YEARS IN BUSINESS: “I have been doing hair for over 34 years. My best time in the business was when we opened Today’s Image. It was an eye-opening moment. I realized I didn’t have to work for anybody anymore.”

PERSONAL: “I am married to my best friend and have been married for 28 years. We just like to hang out.”

BUSINESS CLIMATE: “I think the good thing about owning a hair salon is that the economy never falters. Our business stayed consistent during the bad times. I think opening up a business in this area is hard to begin with. I would encourage someone to do this, but just know who your market is and don’t over-expand.”