For many years, Bettie worked at Maurice's in Silver Spring. When the owner sold the shop in 1996, she was offered several positions. "Headlines was right around the corner," Bettie says. "It turned out to be the right place for me. My customers from Maurice's followed me to Headlines."

In addition to her extensive experience in serving seniors, Bettie is also a whiz with perms, razor cutting and men's and children's hair. "And I do a lot of 'up-do's' for teenage girls and women," she adds. "Formal looks for proms, weddings, and other special occasions." Bettie is also a specialist in wigs; she's worked with many cancer patients who've undergone chemotherapy.

"My clients are like family," Bettie says. "I've known many of them since my early days in beauty school.