MARY DiZAZZO TRUMBULL

Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on Christmas Day 1954, I was reared in Methuen, Massachusetts in a happy and most memorable first-generation Italian-American family. My mom's people were from Sicily and my father's side came from Naples. I had the best of both worlds.

My Sicilian nana practiced cosmetology in Lawrence, owning up to three salons. My mom followed suit, working with her mom side-by-side. During the Great Depression the money always seemed to roll in so it was a good career for both. Of course, both grandfathers also owned their own grocery stores so no one went hungry.

Realizing the success of nana and my mom I followed their steps and became a full-fledged cosmetologist and manicurist. I practiced hair cutting and hair styling for my first eight years of my career and specialized in men's haircuts.

By the 1980s there were hardly any manicurists around, so after a short stint living in Florida and receiving my Florida cosmetology license, I took an extensive nail course. It proved to be the best choice. I started practicing manicuring and the natural nail care theme was born in Andover, Massachusetts. I've owned Mary for Nails, etc. in Andover for eleven years. My business is on the internet at www.mary4nails.com.

I also have a vast experience in skin care, incorporating and selling a natural skin care line from the Australian company, Kosmea. Rose hip oil is their main ingredient, with amazing antioxidants. All natural is the way to go!

In 1995 I found the love of my life David Trumbull and we married in Rome, Italy, in 2003. We live in a beautiful apartment on Beacon Hill overlooking Boston's skyline and the State House golden dome. Since 2003 I have written my bi-weekly column All That Zazz which is published in the Post-Gazette, the English-American voice of Massachusetts.