Hi everyone! My name is Cassandra Swanson, but people call me Cassie. I have lived here in Big Lake for almost 20 years and am the owner of French Twist Salon & Boutique. I have been a hairdresser for about 24 years and am slowly removing myself from behind the chair. This industry really takes a toll on your body. After several surgeries, I decided I needed to prepare for the day I can no longer do hair. That is how the boutique came about. Not only do I love shopping, but I love making people feel beautiful about themselves. The best part is, I have become friends with so many of our frequent shoppers! I love seeing the same faces come through our door and continually support us. It makes me love Big Lake even more.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my super supportive husband, Duane, since 2011. I am a proud dog mom to Ozzy, Diesel, & Scooter who just passed in March. I have two bonus sons, Derrick, 30 and Darrin, 27.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I moved to Big Lake in 2007 and opened my shop in 2019.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I am definitely not sure what the future holds, but I do hope to keep the boutique going here. With online shopping and increased prices, small businesses have really suffered. I am hoping the convenience of us being here keeps us open. You can swing in for a cute outfit or for a last-minute gift!
Q: What are 2 things you never leave the house without?
My sunglasses and my cell phone!
Q: What is something about you that surprises people?
I have a fear of frogs. I had a horrible nightmare when I was younger and have disliked them ever since.
Q: What is your go-to comfort food?
I am obsessed with peanut butter burgers! They have been my go-to for a few years now.
Q: What is one thing your Dream House would have?
Dogs. Lots of dogs!
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Going on our pontoon, shopping of course, doing puzzles, and spending time with my niece, Michaela, and her two little girls, Addy & Randi. They are my whole world!
Q: What is one thing on your Bucket List?
To visit every zoo in the U.S.
Q: What has been a challenge you’ve had to overcome? (Life, work, school, etc.)
Ugh… having a small business during Covid. We got shut down only 4 months after we opened. It was a very scary time as a new business owner. I rushed to put all of our boutique items online and thankfully Big Lake is an amazing community because our clients and customers shopped online to keep us going. We are beyond thankful for their support.
Q: Who has been a hero, mentor, major influence in your life?
My mother, Donna. She is my rock, my cheerleader, and my best friend. I am the luckiest person on earth to have her as my mom. She juggled being a single mom while having a successful career. I love that she is retired so we can spend more time with each other.
Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
Keeping the business open after the Covid shutdown.
Q: What are some of your favorite Big Lake Establishments? (Restaurants, shops, businesses, etc.)
We enjoy all of the restaurants Big Lake has! I love getting treats from Jen at the Frozen Spoon and fresh flowers from Jamie at Big Lake Floral.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
The small town feel yet we have everything we need here. We have so many amazing businesses here that you literally would never have to leave.
Q: Who is someone that should be included in the Face of Big Lake? (Please share their contact info if you have it)
Jamie at Big Lake Floral
