Name: Marylouise Fitzgibbon
Occupation: General manager at W Atlanta - Buckhead
Location: Noland Suttles Salon and Authentic Beauty
There’s much mythology surrounding the tales of women who “have it all,” but it takes just five minutes with Marylouise Fitzgibbon to know this urban legend is a Buckhead reality. While formally introduced as general manager of the W Atlanta - Buckhead, at home, Fitzgibbon is known simply as “mom” to spunky twin 4-year-old boys and as a loving wife to a supportive husband–all while being an esteemed Atlanta “it” gal who is recognized as a notable, stylish trendsetter. Her bubbly personality projects from her petite 5-foot-3-inch frame. And when she tucks dark wisps of her shiny bob behind her ears as she smiles, there’s something intriguing about her that makes her familiar and approachable. Her dazzling nature is purely authentic, only to be eclipsed by her astute social prowess. Perhaps it’s a well-practiced skill honed from more than a decade shaking hands with A-list guests from around the globe. “First impressions count,” says Fitzgibbon, enthusiastically explaining her “everything communicates” philosophy, which she conveys to her staff. “You have to back up the first impressions with true talent and professionalism–but the first time they shake your hand, you’ve got to make a strong positive impression, which includes your overall appearance.”
Polished, in-vogue, yet refreshingly down-to-earth, one would never surmise her beauty routine begins each morning with a boy on each leg, tugging at her high-waisted belts and elegant pencil skirts while she speedily blow-dries her locks and applies mascara. How does she fit it all in? “Yes, life gets busy, and there never seem to be enough hours in the day, but that’s no excuse for not taking care of yourself and looking your best,” she says. “At any age, and any stage in life, I believe women should always make sure they have a great haircut, great skin and maintain a healthy weight.” You’d never guess a spa-day would fit into this jam-packed schedule filled with Little League games, staff meetings and Whiskey Blue parties, but you’d guess wrong. With equal parts work and play, the organized beaut even manages to make working on a laptop mid-haircut look enviably chic. “[Pampering] is a moment for me to appreciate my life, my great husband, my two great kids [and] a job that I love,” she explains. “It allows me to de-stress and, most importantly, relax.” This sharp fashionista knows when to see an expert to update her look, and when she does, it’s off to Authentic Beauty and Noland Suttles Salon, where she regularly visits her beauty team. JEZ caught up with the busy super-mom to see how she puts the W in her wow-factor.
Fitzgibbon’s
Top City Picks
BEST MANI/PEDI
Sugarcoat A Nail and Beauty Bar. “I can go almost a month and my polish still looks amazing.” 256 Pharr Road, 404.814.2121, sugarcoatbeauty.com.
BEST FACIAL
The Triple Oxygen Treatment at Bliss Atlanta, W Atlanta - Midtown. “[It’s] an expensive treat ($160), but totally worth it!” 188 14th St., N.E., 404.685.3510, blissworld.com.
BEST HAIRCUT
Pam Dewese at Noland Suttles Salon. “Pam is so amazing! When I came to her, my hair was all wrong, and she was honest with me about needing a change. She’s always great at updating my look.” 4674 Roswell Road, 404.255.5530, nolandsuttles.com.
BEST MASSAGE
Ryan Griggs. “Between work and twin 4-year-olds, I love the fact that he makes house calls!” massagehelps.com.
BEST MAKEUP ARTIST
Alyson Hoag at Authentic Beauty. “Aly is just incredible. She makes me look so beautiful and knows how to keep me with the trends, but works with what looks best for me. She’s very honest, and I love that about her.” 4674 Roswell Road, 404.849.0443, myimagejourney.com.
BEST PLACE TO BEAUTY SHOP
Noland Suttles Salon and Authentic Beauty. “Like most people, I am so busy that I rarely have time to go shopping for products. I get all my hair products from Pam, my hairstylist, and skin care from Alyson at Authentic Beauty. I love the one-stop shopping. I also buy a lot of items online.” 4674 Roswell Road, nolandsuttles.com and myimagejourney.com.
–Tova Gelfond. Photography by Sara Anthony.