Our Valley Santa Clarita March/April 2017 | Page 17

OUR VALLEY SANTA CLARITA
Willa ' s World
Some of the first entrepreneurs I remember were found in my community :
• Ms . Alice Dixon , who was the neighborhood hairstylist , she had a beauty parlor in her home , and she made extra money to put food on the table .
• Ms . Mary McHenry , the neighborhood pastor , she had a church in her home , preaching the gospel to save lives .
• Ms . Mack , the neighborhood real estate broker , she rented some of the properties , helping neighbors to have a place to live .
• Charlene Baldwin , she was the seamstress ; sewing , mending , and designing clothes . She taught me how to sew and make my first garment .
• Aunt Mel , she was the mid-wife , she helped my mom give birth to me . I was the fifth child , the only one born at home and Aunt Mel helped with my birth and also was my Godmother .
These women in my history are not celebrities , some had little or no education , but they are the source of who I am today . These are my humble beginnings . Think about your beginnings and honor the women who have made an impressionable impact in your life . Happy Women ’ s History Month !
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