Celebrating 25 Years with Gila Rut: Deborah Van Huis
Nov 02, 2017

How did you get started coming to Gila Rut?
When I moved to San Diego in 2002, I asked my very good friend, the lovely Linda Long, where she got her hair done. I always loved the way her hair looked.

What was your profession when you started coming to Gila Rut? What is it now?
I was the Director of Forward Planning for KB Home. Now I have my own consulting business and two wonderful partners. We do a lot of work for KB Home and other builders in southern California.

What’s your favorite hobby?
I love art. Lately, I’ve been working in encaustics.

How has Gila Rut impacted your life or style?
It’s provided me a safe place to ask questions and step out of my comfort zone a little bit.

What is your favorite part about coming to Gila Rut?
It’s the relationships that I’ve formed. It’s fun to come in and have Shannon greet me with a loud exclamation of, “DVH!” Andre is wonderful. I loved, loved, loved Laura Cross and miss her very much.

Do you have a memorable story from the years past?
Laura is a great storyteller and kept me in stitches with her dating stories. I tried really hard not to give her advice, but it was hard not to (not that she took any of it). Andre has also made me double over in laughter with stories about his family in Alaska.

How would you sum up Gila Rut celebrating 25 years in business?
I’ve always been very impressed with how Gila Rut is managed. It’s much more like a bona fide business than most salons that I’ve experienced. Everyone is very professional and proud to be a part of the Gila Rut team. I’m still getting compliments on my hair! Stylists and managers make careers there. I like that about the way Keri runs her business.