Perspective and positivity are two superpowers that today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman celebrates. She chooses to be present and live each day to the fullest. A big THANK YOU to Caycie Volek for reminding us all to “just wear the dress” and embrace the beauty (and fun) in life.

KR: Would you please tell us about what brings you joy and fulfillment?

CV: My family for sure. My husband Nick, and my two girls Presley and Mila are my world. There’s nothing in this world that brings me more joy than them. My little salon and the family within it is my passion. The work I do is so much more than hair. I was really lost without that part of my life during COVID.

KR: We all have inner superpowers. What are some of yours?

CV: I have the gift of gab, I can literally talk to anyone. But more importantly, I listen. Someone once told me,” you have one mouth and two ears. Speak half as much as you listen” (easier said than done sometimes)

Working in the salon, I have up to 8 different personalities in my chair a day. I adapt and give each person what they need according to their mood at that moment. It’s important. Sometimes I might be the only person who physically touches or actually listens to someone that day, or month. People give me their hearts; I listen through family deaths, divorces, a new baby, weddings, and sometimes all of those things on the same day. I love what I do! It’s so filling to be a part of people’s lives and be trusted with all aspects it. Hair is just a small part of what I do.

KR: Can you tell us about an influential woman in your life and how she inspired you?

CV: My mom for sure. My sister was killed when she was seven. My uncle was getting married and my mom had bought us all new dresses for the occasion. Angie (my sister) asked to wear hers a hundred times, and mom always said no. She died a month before the wedding and we buried her in that dress. It was the only time she wore it. That guilt never left my mom. It was just a dress.

The day my first daughter was born, my mom said “just let her wear the dress.”

I live my life with my girls every day with that saying in mind. We wear rain boots with tutus and Superman capes to Target. Easter dresses in the sandbox. We have cereal for dinner. We get the good shoes muddy. It’s just a dress….

I thought I understood the pain, but I really didn’t until I became a mom myself. I can’t imagine what she went through and I thank God every day for her and her advice.

Just wear the dress.

Life is far too precious and short.

KR: If you could have one super-human power, what would it be?

CV: To not need sleep! There’s never enough time in a day.

KR: What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?

CV: Well I have young kids, so their hobbies are my hobbies. Taekwondo, dance and crafts! But one night a month I get away with girlfriends. We all stick to it, we very rarely cancel. That tribe is SO important. To just be Caycie for a couple hours on a Wednesday evening with the people who love you no matter what. I look forward to that all month!

KR: Knowing what you know at this stage of your life, what words of wisdom would you give to your 20-year-old self?

CV: Ok, sunscreen! For the love of all things holy, sunscreen! LOL! Also, don’t be in such a hurry. Slow down, call your grandparents, and travel a bit. Life happens SO fast.