Meet Linda Waterman, Owner of Simmy's Haircutters

Anyone who has ever seen Will Ferrell's comedy Anchorman should know that there is a certain amount of truth behind the outrageously sexist behaviour throughout the movie. Women entering the different realms of the work force in the 1960s and 1970s had their fair share of obstacles in the quest for equal opportunity.

The hair design industry was no exception and Linda Waterman of recalls firsthand experience breaking into that male-dominated world. Waterman sat down with North Branford Patch to share her 40 years of experience as a female barber.

North Branford Patch: What brought you into this business?

Waterman: It's been so long...40 years now. I dated a hairdresser and I went to a hair show with him. I started going to competitions and that's how I met Simmy, my late husband. I did tons of competitions and I was the first woman to win the Connecticut competition. The guys didn't like that too much, that was in 1972. Then I went on to the national competition and won third place–the only woman; the guys really loved that too...they made me wear a tuxedo. All the men had to wear tuxedos so they made me wear one, too. I met Muhammad Ali at a hotel in Chicago, he came up to me and said, 'Girl, what you doin' in a tuxedo?'

North Branford Patch: What do you enjoy most doing business in North Branford?

Waterman: It's cozy. Everybody's so friendly and there's all families in here. They bring their dogs in here too. 

North Branford Patch: Are you from North Branford?

Waterman: I've lived in Wallingford for 12 years; I grew up in East Hartford. 

North Branford Patch: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Waterman: I shoot guns–at shooting range, not animals! I don't hunt. My husband used to work for Marlin Firearms so we've got a collection at home. But mostly I enjoy spending time with my family. 

North Branford Patch: What do you want your customers to know about your business?

Waterman: We've got dog biscuits for the customers with pets. The dogs know, they go straight to the back. Mike's got lolipops up front for the kids, they know about those, too. 

North Branford Patch: What makes your business unique?

Waterman: We're all friends here. The best part is the clients - my friends. It's fun. We have fun here! So may families come here, it's very, very tight-knit. 

Simmy's is open from 6:30 a.m. until the last appointment Tuesday through Saturday. Services include hair cut, color, style and beard trimming. Simmy's is located at the Northford Center (1411 Middletown Avenue) and can be reached at (203) 484-4831.