Misti Hays
Misti Hays was a hair stylist for 15 years, ending her career self-employed at Misti’s Salon Exclusif. “What a French name for a hillybilly salon!” Misti laughs. She retired when her son, Will, went to kindergarten but soon realized there was something missing in her life. “That’s kind of where Tri Kappa has filled a void,” Misty says. “I missed talking to people. Once I quit doing hair, my sister-in-law told me that she felt like she couldn’t ever get off the phone with me.”
Born and raised in Monroe County, Misti grew up in Sanders, which is five minutes from her current home in Smithville. That’s near area where “Breaking Away” was filmed at Sanders Quarry.
She met her husband, David, at a softball game. Misti knew everyone on the team except him. When the game ended, she and her friend (and now Tri Kappa sister Betty Schermer) were talking in a group. She turned around, and David was waving at her. “I was working at Disc Jockey Records in the mall,” Misti says. “One day as I was walking into work, I saw him. I thought to myself, ‘He won’t remember me,’ but as I passed by, he called my name.”Next thing she knew, they were on their first date to the Indianapolis 500 qualifications.
Misti has long been involved in the Bloomington community. She has coached the pom squad at both Bloomington South and Edgewood, as well as served on the Clear Creek Christian Church’s bus ministry. She enjoys planning CASA’s “Casablanca” fundraiser. But Tri Kappa has really meant a lot of Misti. “I am so glad that I joined. Tri Kappa gives me a sisterhood, comradery,” Misti says. “I enjoy the multi-generational friendships. We have younger girls, legacies, people around my age, and then women like Angie Martin and Aggie Sarkissian who bring so much knowledge to the group.”
Misti enjoys the “Favorite Things” meeting and helping with the Flower Committee. “I really do enjoy ‘flower day’ when we go to Sunny Lawn Farms, walk in circles for three hours and then go have lunch,” Misti laughs.
“Tri Kappa is just special. You’re supporting each other, you’re there for one common cause – to raise money for charity.”
More About Misti:
Was on “The Cowboy Bob Show” when she was in Girl Scouts.
Her family goes back seven generations in Bloomington.
Loves her three English Springer Spaniels.
Owns the “dive bar” The Porthole Inn on Lake Lemon.
Came out of retirement during Covid to do family members’ hair.