Gaston Alive Magazine

The story of how William Henry Signature Salon & Spa in Belmont is a great story, because it’s partly a love story. Named for owner Preston Wilson’s grandfather, a local barber for many years, it’s also the story of how Preston and Somer Wilson met.

GA: Somer-we want to know all about the salon and spa, but first tell us how you and Preston met.
Somer: It is the best story ever and you probably want it in a couple of sentences. The short and sweet is, I was selected as one of the original eight stylists to begin the salon. Preston passed through one evening and asked that I ride with him to South Park to pick up a few things and we grabbed some dinner at Harper’s. This was the first real conversation that we had ever had. You know how ‘to the point’ he is. He wanted to know my dreams and things that I loved most in life. That conversation sealed the deal. His persistence kicked in and it was love notes and gifts in my station every day. I am thrilled to say that nothing has ever changed. It just gets better!
GA: What was the idea for the salon, the concept?
Somer: There are people in life that have such a positive impact on a family and community that their influence continues, even after they are gone. Preston’s grandfather was one of those people. Preston never had a desire to work with hair so he couldn’t carry on the legacy in that way. He decided to use valuable principles that his grandfather had instilled in him to create a healthy environment for the rest of us to use our gifts.
GA: How are you different from other salons?
Somer: I think the only thing that makes us like other salons is the fact that we are all made up of barbers, cosmetologists, and spa professionals. The best way to describe William Henry is that we take a very holistic approach in how we care for our guests and each other as professionals. It is our desire that everyone leave William Henry not only looking, but feeling renewed and encouraged. We also do our best to provide all of our professionals with opportunities to continue in their technical and product education.
GA: We were surprised at how large the spa area is upstairs…
Somer: It’s wonderful. I like to think it is one of Gaston’s best kept secrets. We are fortunate enough to have some of the areas finest professionals in the arena of massage therapy, aesthetics, and nail cosmetics. We want to do all we can to give them an environment to perform to the best of their abilities, ensuring that all of our guests receive the relaxation they deserve.
GA: How many professionals work in the spa area, and what are their specialties?
Somer: Our spa is made up of 6 professionals, as well as management, facility and support staff. We have a full menu of services in make-up, skin and nail care, as well massage therapy.
GA: Love the overall design and ambience of the salon and spa. Who was your designer?
Somer: I would have to give credit once again to my husband on this (he’s pretty amazing). Our design concept, for it’s beauty and usage, has been recognized by industry leaders and has influenced the design of new salons and cosmetic education institutions.
GA: We noticed you have a nice age range of stylists, is that on purpose? How are they selected?
Somer: We are intentionally diverse. William Henry is a salon for everyone. We have taken our time in selecting stylists of different ages, personalities, and gifts to ensure that we can relate and meet the desires of our guests from all walks of life. Melissa Wallace, our Assistant Manager of guest services, understands the expertise of each stylist and barber and sees to it that she and her staff places each guest with with a professional that seems the best fit.
GA: How many folks are in the salon, and what services do you offer there?
Somer: The salon floor is made up of 16 stylist, along with it’s management and support staff. We are a full service salon so it is difficult to share what we don’t do. We offer a full range of color, cut, and style services, as well as our newly added Keratin treatments. We are very proud to be one of the select area salons offering Keratin conditioning services for healthy and long lasting hair straightening.
GA: You seem to have a nice variety of products. Can you elaborate on what you have available?
Somer: We believe strongly that your health and appearance are investments. We have discovered the product lines that we have chosen to make available have proven results. In hair care, we carry a full line of Redken, Redken for Men, and Pureology. In make -up and skin care, we are proud to have been selected to carry a full line of Bare Escentuals and MD Formulations. We also maintain a large selection of the latest in OPI polish and nail care.
GA: Back to the beginning. Let’s talk about love again. How can William Henry help us guys make this Valentines Day one to remember?
Somer: OK fellas. As always, Melissa and Elise can work with you in putting together something custom just for her. We enjoy helping you create gifts that are unique and personal for any special occasion. We also have put together a special his and her massage package this year for you to share in the William Henry experience with her. For those of you who have special people in your lives that appreciate the more practical and freedom to ‘chose their own adventure’, we have gift certificates available in any amount. We would love have a part in making this Valentines Day one that will be remembered.

Looking for a different dining experience? Try the new Thai House in Gastonia. From the warm, ornate carved wooden décor, to the brightly colored Thai costumes of the staff, it’s an experience fresh and unique to Gaston County. We spoke recently with the manager, CK, and asked her about the Thai house history, cuisine, and new restaurant across from hhgregg in Gastonia.

GA: This is something new for Gaston County. We are glad you are here.
CK: We’re so glad to be here, and feel privileged to serve Gastonia and the surrounding community.

GA; Your restaurant is lovely, I especially like all the warm wood and carvings, and the servers colorful dress. Are they authentic Thai?

CK: Yes, they are. All carvings, teak woods, colorful dresses were imported from Thailand. My stepfather Udom assembled the woodwork all himself by hand.

GA: We had talked about you trying to give your customer an authentic Thai experience when they are in your restaurant. Can you tell us about that?

CK: We have tried our best to deliver not only the freshest ingredients and the brightest flavors but also the best Thai dining atmosphere. We do this by playing enchanting Thai music, our staff wears authentic Thai dress, and we have amazing Thai artworks that we brought from Thailand. We have won numerous rewards including “Best of Asian food in Charlotte” and “The top 50 Thai restaurants in the US”. I believe this is the result of what we have tried to accomplish over many years.

GA: Some folks may not have tried Thai food yet-is it similar to Chinese or Japanese food?

CK: Most of Thai dishes use herbs and spices which have beneficial medicinal properties. Thai foods are also famously known for the blend of sour, sweet, creamy, salty and spicy taste.

GA: I see you have a great looking sushi bar-the Thai House rolls are delicious, and the Rainbow Sushi is almost too beautiful to eat!

CK: Thank you, we have a great Sushi Chef, and we make sure to use only the very freshest ingredients.

GA: I am fairly new to Thai food. Your servers were very helpful in helping me choose. I like the choice of how much or little spice is added.

CK: First of all, There is a misunderstanding that Thai food is always spicy. Depending on dishes, our foods have difference tastes and of course level of spiciness.

GA: The Thai House is a family affair; tell us about that. Do you have a restaurant background?

CK: We are still a very family business. It started by my Mom (Dr. Kaye) 20 years ago. Although my mom is a retired mathmatical professor from the Universtiy of South Carolina, she has over 45 years of experience preparing authentic Thai food. Her passion about Thai food started when she was a teenager helping my grandmother prepare meals for my grandfather’s guests. He was a governor of Thailand, so I am sure she had many opportunities. The restaurant business is a tough business but it has been a labor of love for all of us.

GA: How many restaurants do you have and how did you get started?

CK: We now have three locations – University area, Pineville Matthews and Gastonia.

GA: Tell us a little about yourself. Are you from the Metro Charlotte area? Children? Sam: Yes, my husband Sam and I presently live in Charlotte, but we are planning to move to Gastonia. I have 2 wonderful kids – May and Maytee.

GA: What do you do when you are not at work, hobbies, etc.? Have you been to Thailand?
CK: We enjoy time with our kids. Yes, I have been to Thailand-we try to go back every other year.

GA: What made you choose Gaston County for your new restaurant? CK: Our customers have been requesting this over many years. They drive 30 – 45 minutes or more to dine in with us. We have already had customers come from all over Gaston County, plus Kings Mountain, Lake Wylie, Huntersville and more. It is very gratifying-we have a had a wonderful welcome to Gaston County and feel like we are off to a great start for 2010!

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JoePat Roop left the corporate world to his own boutique financial services firm. Working from a charming office in downtown Belmont, JoePat and his team help retirees and pre-retirees protect and grow the life savings they have worked so hard to accumulate.

GA: Let’s start with those traditional Southern questions; tell us about your family and where you went to school.
JoePat: I live here in Belmont with my wife Gail and 4 year old son Henry. West Virginia was home until 1996 when I graduated from Marshall University with a Finance degree and moved to NC.

GA: How did Belmont Capital Advisors get started?

JoePat: After working for large Wall Street firms I saw the value of being an Independent Advisor. It become clear that if I wanted to offer clients the choices they needed it could not happen in that corporate environment.

GA: We hear a lot of scary things about the market right now…what are your clients most concerned about?

JoePat: Outliving their life savings! One of the things we teach in our education workshops is how to get a better return …”by placing you assets in a safer place” Today people have been hurt on several fronts. The market has still not recovered from its crash and CD rates are at historic lows. Many have seen their income cut in half and assets drop dramatically. We have a specific “Market Recovery Plan” that has been very popular to get new clients back on track.

GA: What if I am new to financial planning, or haven’t had much success managing my own accounts?

JoePat: I may ask if you just won the lottery or received an inheritance….. Most of the folks we work with did not become wealthy overnight nor do most of our clients consider themselves rich. But one common thread is that the clients we help do value advice and know the importance of a trusted advisor. If you are looking for an Advisor to work with I would suggest you interview several Advisors until you find the one that you are comfortable with.

GA: Tell us about the Educational Financial Workshops you conduct.

JoePat: The Education workshops are where I have fun. Education is power; and it helps people make better decisions. This also gives people a introduction to me and my style of advice.

GA: What are some of your other interests?

JoePat: I enjoy going mountain biking at the white water center. I also like to take Henry Fishing and let him reel in the “big ones” and then see how much bigger they get by the time we get home!

GA: Tell us about your son, Henry.

JoePat: Henry is 4 years old, our only child, a ball of energy and fun, most of
the time he pretends that he is “Captain Jack Sparrow” the Pirate. A good friend and client actually built him a pirate ship for our back yard. My wife Gail likes things that are unique and we are certainly the only ones on our street with a pirate ship in the back yard.

GA: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in your business?

JoePat: We actually had someone come by after they bought that book on TV on free government give away programs and wanted me to help him get the free government money.

GA: Why choose Belmont to start business?

JoePat: Location, location, location! Plus, I already had a established client base in
Belmont & Gaston County, This is where we live and are proud to call home.

GA: What is your favorite part of being a financial advisor?

JoePat: To know you can make a difference in the quality of life someone has. I love to see the look on a clients face when you share a strategy they had not thought of or knew about yet. They have a look like finding a 20-dollar bill in their coat pocket from last winter.

GA: What products or services does Belmont Capital Advisors offer?

JoePat: Great Question! We offer a multitude of different products and services but when it is all said and done I have only one thing to offer …ADVICE…We really only do one thing here and that is advise clients on how to make smart decisions about their life savings. . As a Registered Investment Advisor I am committed to finding answers that work for you. Financial planning isn’t just about money. It’s about creating the kind of life you want to live.

by. David Hamrick

Whether butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, it’s always interesting to talk to someone who is passionate about their work. (more…)

We are chatting today with Chad Hutcheson, proprietor of the String Bean Fresh Market & Deli, in Downtown Belmont. Warmth is the word that describes the interior of this new venue, and there’s nothing like it in Gaston County. From the refrigerated cases of Boars Head deli meats and cheeses, to the extensive walls of wines and the charming restaurant/ bistro section, the owners passion for food, wine, and friends is evident.

GA: Are you from Gaston County?

Chad: Actually my Wife and I grew up in a small town in northeast Georgia. We moved to Belmont from Charlotte about 3 years ago because we fell in love with the small town and family oriented atmosphere. Belmont’s has so many great things to offer a young family like ours.

GA: The String Bean name seems to really stick out, how did you come up with the name?

Chad: For me its more of a concept…You see, I grew up on a small farm in north Georgia and my family had always had a very large garden and canned a lot of their vegetables. I look back and recall as I was riding my bike up and down that gravel road, my family would sit under this walnut tree and ‘string beans’. Almost any child would simple see this as work, but now that I have a family of my own, I recognize that they really enjoyed that time together. It was a time for them to sit, talk, laugh and just be a family…and that’s what I want The String Bean to be. Places for people to gather and sit, laugh, talk and just be family and I believe good food and good wine/beer helps bring people together again.

GA: Tell us about the market – the wines, beer and specialty items?

Chad: Our market is very unique. We have a full Butcher shop where our Butcher cuts Certified Angus Beef (the top 8% of black Angus in the world), receive fresh seafood twice a week and carry hard to find items such as veal and lamb. Our Deli case proudly serves Boar’s Head deli meats and cheeses. We boast over 150 specialty beers and one of our most popular ideas is the make your own 6 pack section where you can mix and match new beers.

We also carry over 400 wines from around the world. Every month we have a ’15 under $15’ section that is extremely popular. It’s 15 wines we have hand chosen and are all under $15! Last month I found one of the best Cabernet’s I’ve had in a long time…and it was only $13.99!

In addition to these sections we have bulk fair trade and organic coffee, pasta and pasta sauces, local honey, fresh bread, sodas and mixers, and much more!

GA: Someone told me that I could come in and buy a bottle of wine in the market and enjoy in the restaurant and no additional charge. Is that true?

Chad: YES! We understand that in this economy, everyone is counting pennies and we must show our customers value. So we have priced all of our wines at market prices and not the typical Restaurant mark up. So someone could come in and enjoy a $25 bottle that would cost them $75 somewhere else.

GA: I notice lots of yummy baked goods – including a monstrous coconut cake?

Chad: We use Depalo’s bakery here in Belmont. They supply us with fresh baked goods every morning. There’s something to be said about fresh breads and pastries. And it makes us feel good to know they are located here in Belmont. We make most of our desserts in house…if you enjoyed that coconut cake, you should try our homemade pumpkin cheesecake! We also sell whole pies and cakes to go!

GA: What is your favorite part of your job?

Chad: Aside from starting my own business, I really enjoy meeting new people and talking to people about food and wine. Last week I suggested to a customer to grill some Wahoo (which she had never tried) on a cedar plank for flavor. She actually came back after dinner to tell me it was the best fish she has ever had! That’s one thing that keeps me going!

GA: What do you do when you are not a work?

Chad: Spend time with my family, especially my 7 month-old little girl, Adeleigh Belle. I also like to work in the yard and watch a little football. When I’m fully rested, I do enjoy cooking…I’m always experimenting with new ideas.

GA: I have been to some events you have catered – great job! Tell us about your catering.
Chad: Thanks! I have a great catering staff and years of experience. I really enjoy designing custom menus to meet both our customer’s needs and budget. We love to do anything from holiday party trays to a full sit down dinner. Last year at one of our Christmas Caterings I came up with a Smoked Salmon carving station…people really enjoyed that!

GA: What is on the menu for dinner tonight?
Every night we do 2 or 3 ‘high’ end dinner specials.

Tonight we have:
Butternut Squash Ravioli in a Gorgonzola cream sauce
Pan seared Angus filet with fresh stone crab and asparagus
Fresh Halibut blackened and served with a mango apple chutney

GA: Your entree’s seem very reasonable for the quality- and the taste!

Chad: Thanks- Lunch menu items range from $6.99-$12.99 and our dinner specials range from $12.99- $21.99

GA: You have been open for how long? What is the response so far?

Chad: We’ve only been open for 3 months, and the community support has been wonderful! We look forward to being a part of Belmont and Gaston County for years to come!

Catching up with Don Barrett

By Kelly McHugh

I have been fishing once in my life,but even then my dad did most of the work. So when I met Don Barrett of Barrett’s Guide Services, I was a little hesitant. But as he began to enthusiastically explain the art of fly tying
and his journeys across the globe, I was instantly intrigued.

Most of us associate fishing with lakes and creeks, especially the ones nearby. But Don has been all over the world – Alaska, Argentina, Brazil, Austria, and Ireland, just to name a few. In fact, he has had to send away each of his passports in order to have the pages extended. As a fishing guide, he takes small groups of people on what he affectionately calls his “dream trips.”

Don spends most of his time guiding on the many rivers and streams in the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. His clients can choose to float in his drift boat or wade for trout and smallmouth bass. The middle of September you can find him fishing rivers for landlocked salmon and steelhead trout near Lake Ontario. In Alaska, the team is dropped by airplane to a remote area, where they float down the river and fish for eight days. He uses a GPS and several maps to track the team’s progress and assure they are in the pick-up zone at the right time.

Austria is one of the world’s most popular vacation spots, and while most travelers are skiing in the Alps or dancing at music festivals in the villages, Don seeks some of the world’s best fishing. His team stays in ski lodges, where they get a great price since it is the offseason. With a fishing permit, no waters are off limits in what are arguably the world’s most beautiful villages, farms, and valleys. This particular trip will be available again in 2010.

As one of Don’s friends phrased it, “You’ve heard of the horse whisperer, well Don’s like the trout whisperer. It’s incredible.” With the look of a good ol’ Gaston County boy – strong, weather-beaten features and a kind expression, Don is the type of person you would want to take on a fishing trip; his knowledge and expertise make him the ideal fly fishing guide.

While it is easy to see how anyone could be excited about a passion that takes him all around the world, Don fell in love with fly fishing and fly tying as a boy in Dallas, NC. He spotted an old cane fly rod in neighbor’s building and instantly became intrigued. Long before ESPN began broadcasting fishing shows, he was in the library researching his hobby. Even the preparation is fun for him.

“There’s a recipe for every fly pattern, just like you’re baking a cake,” Don explained. “But it’s definitely an art. Especially talking about Ireland, the Atlantic salmon flies are some of the most beautiful and colorful flies you’ll see. They look like a piece of artwork, and anybody can learn to do it!”

Perhaps the best thing about fly tying is the natural feel, something rare in today’s world of plastics and chemically altered metals.

“You just wouldn’t believe the size of the fish you can catch with these small flies that you create. You’re emulating nature, and that’s what these fish are used to. They aren’t used to metal and plastic,” said Don. “But these waters we fish have trees that love to eat your flies and lines! That’s just another part of the experience.”

When we met for coffee, Don spoke reverently about his favorite fish, Carp, which he considers the most powerful and difficult to catch. His favorite fishing trip was in Donegal, Ireland, which surprised me as my father is from the area and I was unaware that this was also a premier location for Atlantic salmon. Each story he told seemed to top the previous; he was truly a fascinating individual.

Traveling the world experiencing some of the world’s most beautiful rivers and fishing for the big fish isn’t everyone’s dream job, but it is for this Gaston County man. To learn more visit www.barrettsgs.com.

The Fine Art of Fly Fishing
Saturday August 29th 2:00 p.m.
Gaston County Public Library
1555 East Garrison Boulevard • Gastonia, NC