By Gina Hendrickson

Columnist

Sometimes it can be difficult when moving into a new state and finding the right services for your personal needs. Of course, as a woman who was with my former beautician for about 15 years, I was worried about whom I would find. Someone recommended Brandi Cessna. I decided to write about her because of the woman she is and why she is a “cut above the rest.”

Ms. Cessna was born in Vicksburg. She did leave for several years to live in Baltimore, but returned to Vicksburg over 10 years ago. She has been a beautician/barber for approximately 20 years. Currently Ms. Cessna is at Dimensions Salon.

My husband brought me to meet her for a consultation. She was very honest and explained the process to achieve (in my case hair color) without damaging my hair. I took her advice and thankfully my hair is where I want it to be. Two years later, I am happy to say she is not just my beautician, she is a very good friend.

From the first day of our consultation, Ms. Cessna was aware I do not drive due to an eye disease, which also prevents me from dying my hair. In addition she knew I was not in walking distance.

From my first appointment to now, Ms. Cessna picks me up every two- to three weeks to bring me to work with her so she can do my hair, as well as others in between and incorporates time within her schedule to drive me home.

At first I was a bit in shock of how sweet this was of her. As I got to know Ms. Cessna, it was clear to me, there was no need to be in shock, she has such a beautiful soul, it was just in her nature to do this for me.

Through conversations I learned she has gone to customers’ homes who were not mobile, customers who were in the hospital/nursing home, as well as accommodating her customers who had people in from out of town to do their hair or a customer’s home for a child’s haircut who did not like to go to salons.

I asked Ms. Cessna once, why did she do all of these extras. She simply said “I love my customers.”

Putting aside her capabilities, skills and creativity and talent, she goes above and beyond for me, and as I learned, other customers as well. Of course I recommend her services, but I cannot guarantee a ride.

It does give us a perfect example of never judge a book by its cover, never underestimate the kindness and generosity of someone and to be thankful as God puts people in our lives for a reason.

Sometimes we do not know the reason, only He does. So I end with “thank you God” for the blessing of Ms. Cessna to my life.

To contact Cessna, please call her at 601-850-3125.