CORDELE — Many people believe the key to success with a job or career is based on the love one has for that job or career. For 27 years Liz Cote’s love for her career has continued to blossom. Cote is the manager of both Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, and Downtown Flowers here and enjoys bringing out the beautiful things about life.

“It is a wonderful job, always new things to learn, to keep up with.” said Cote. “We operate the Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in which we also have a salon, and then the floral decor store. It is always busy, but it is fun to me.”

Cote was born in Ben Hill County and her family relocated to Wilcox County when she was young. After graduation from Wilcox County High School she decided to attend Ben Hill - Irwin Tech to study cosmetology. It was there that Cote learned the basis of hair style before testing for her certification.

“You really do not get your real experience until you get out of school and on your own.” she said. “In school if you made a mistake on someone’s head the instructor was there to fix the mess. Once out in the business is when it gets a little nerving.”

Cote says that she came to work for her now long-time employer, Shirley B. Carter, almost fresh out of school. Carter has been in the business for the better part of 50 years.

“Shirley is more like family to me.” she said. “She has taught me pretty much everything I know. The first time I cut someone’s hair on my own was a little shaky. Once you take it away, you can’t put it back. When you have done it a while it begins to be like second nature to you. Especially after 27 years.”

Cote says that there is always something to learn. About 18 years ago, Carter decided to go into the floral design business and opened Downtown Flowers. She said both she and Carter went to classes to learn the craft. A florist names James Simmons taught the pair by coming to the shop several nights a week.

“Of course, just like with hair styling he taught us the basics of floral design,” said Cote “A big part of the job is left up to imagination.”

Cote added that as time and style change they have to keep up to date on the hair styles that change with it. She and Carter have both attended a number of seminars and classes on hair style and care, some offered by Ray Mac technology.

“My personal specialties are spirals and French braids,” said Cote. “We also concentrate on the actual health of the hair. We even do ear piercing. As far as the cosmetics go, we have a franchise with Merle Norman and they send us regular updates on their cosmetics and beauty tips. We do free makeovers right here in the salon to introduce customers to the products. A good many of those products are hypoallergenic, oil free, and contain sunscreen.”

Cote also oversees all the business for Downtown Flowers as well. They offer a variety of services which include; weddings, funerals, and proms.

“We can handle any occasion and deliver as soon as they are complete,” said Cote. “We do cemetery pots and carry a variety of plush animals, gifts and balloons.”

Cote says one of the best parts about her job is the fact that she loves it so much.

“We have a lot of fun together,” she said. “We are proud to have a lot of regular customers that we have grown attached to throughout the years. We also grow more and more attached to each other.”

As for the future, Cote says that hers is pretty clear.

“We are like family and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere but here. We just have a really good relationship.” she said. “We are just going to keep on doing what we do, the best we can do it, and everything else will just fall into place. We are always open to new ideas and are looking forward to the future.”