Suzanne Brewer has been a hairdresser for 30 years. When she started, she worked in a salon, but says that nearly 24 years ago, she decided to venture out on her own. Now she runs a small business out of her Sides Road home.

“I enjoy what I do,” she said, “I love my job.”

It’s been a successful venture, she says, and it’s all thanks to her clients. That’s why, this year, Brewer decided to dedicate her Christmas Happiness donation to them.

“I’m very thankful for my clients,” she said.

Brewer says she tries to make a donation every year — sometimes to Christmas Happiness, sometimes to other charities. This year, she felt that she should let her clients know how much she appreciates them.

Many of the women coming to Brewer for a new ‘do have been with her since day one, 30 years ago. Brewer jokes with her clients that she doesn’t charge extra for therapy sessions. So many of the women who sit in her chair tell her their troubles as she cuts their hair.

“I’m glad that I’ve earned their trust, that I keep their secrets,” she said.

She’s happy to be part of their lives. Over the years, Brewer has celebrated marriages and births with them, comforted her clients during divorces or hard times, and mourned those that have passed on.

“I love them, they’re my friends,” she said.

Donating to Christmas Happiness was one way for Brewer to share her appreciation and love for the women who have supported her, and whom she hopes will continue to support her as the years roll on.

The Salisbury Post collects the contributions while the Salvation Army of Rowan County distributes the donations to the Christmas Happiness Fund. Families who qualify receive a voucher for each eligible child. Contributions will be collected through Christmas Day. Donations may be delivered to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Thursday’s Donations:

• To thankful to my many faithful clients, old and new! Merry Christmas by Suzanne Brewer/Suzanne’s Hair Salon … $50.00