Celebrating Salon Owner, the Late Mrs. Catherine Wright Simmons

By FRAN FARRER

CHARLOTTE, NC – Catherine Wright Simmons was a woman raised by parents that instilled in her to not only know who she was, but who’s she was; with that she was told she could do anything she wanted to and have anything she wanted. And more importantly, according to her daughter, Linda, she was taught not to take mess from anyone including her children. Her daughter Linda soon found that out once she acquired her cosmetology license and thought she didn’t have to pay mom; that was a mistake – mom made her pay booth rent as well saying, it helps to build character and realize nothing worthwhile comes free.

The proud owner of LaSalle Beautyette, Catherine lived by faith and determination. Watching the City of Charlotte host the annual Carousel Parade, she felt her professional cosmetologist should be allowed to wave to the citizens on a float as Caucasians did, and she fought the battle for two years before they consented; LaSalle Beautyette made history as the first African-American Beauty Salon in the parade and opening the doors for others. She had favor!

A true entrepreneur, Simmons also opened an additional beauty salon and barber shop on Statesville Avenue, then added LaSalle House of Flowers and designed beautiful floral arrangements, next came a clothing boutique and thrift store, and later a fitness studio. Yes, it’s often considered a business estate housing several businesses of her own while giving back to the community. She inspired many entrepreneurs to step out on faith. One, Deborah McLendon, says Simmons was her inspiration, and she does hair just as she did; and still does press and curl as well.

Simmons passed March 15, 2003, and in an attempt to change the negative views of West Charlotte, her daughter Linda Jones worked to improve the high crime area; having to located property owners in New York, Maryland, California and others to assist. Those efforts led to the renaming of Cummings Avenue to Catherine Simmons Avenue on October 7, 2004.

Born March 17, 1932 in South Carolina, Catherine relocated to Charlotte and lived in Charlotte’s Historic West End community while still a toddler, attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg grade schools, graduated from West Charlotte High School and attended Carver College. She earned her cosmetology license in the late 50’s and shortly thereafter in 1959 opened her own salon, LaSalle Beautyette on LaSalle Street near the corner of Beatties Ford Road and LaSalle. This new found enterprise lifted the spirits of African-American women as she made them feel more beautiful, all while independently raising her 3 children; William (Billy), Linda, and Deborah.