Interview by Abernathy Cochran Real Estate Group’s Brad Abernathy
Meet Blythe Hammons! Blythe is a wife to Clay, mother of three and enjoys listening to the Beastie Boys. She works at Gateway House to provide advocacy to clients, makes sure that all programs are going well and provides for the needs for domestic violence survivors. For her home means safety, love and family.
Blythe said throughout her life she has always looked to her father, Mark Turner, as a mentor. She said he is just the best, a wonderful family man who people look to for advice and support.
We want to thank Blythe for recently spending time with us and telling us more about her life and love of Hall County.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: “I went in to the counseling field after being a survivor of Hurricane Katrina. I wanted to provide counseling to trauma victims and people who’ve been through something. I got my Masters in Counseling and I kind of thought I would want to do trauma counseling and I did that for few years on a Gulf Coast. Family changes happened, we moved back to Gainesville and there was a position at Gateway and it was just absolutely perfect for me.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County, and what do you love there?
A: “2 Dog’s and buffalo shrimp appetizer is my favorite. Second, is El Griton on Atlanta Highway and there its the ceviche.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “I’ve been here since 2012.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Hall County?
A: “I meet so many interesting people. Because this is what I do, my favorites are the people in helping non-profits in this community. Four years ago, when we are trying to move and help find resources for the homeless under the bridge, I became huge fan of Philippa Moss; she’s awesome, a good leader and a great aspect to this community.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “I always wanted to go to Greece.”
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A: “‘Wizard of Oz.'”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Be kind and be heard.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “A family trip to Europe. I’ve been to Italy as a pre-teen and it was so beautiful and that’s where I want to go back.”
Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “Residue (a band her husband Clay was formerly a member of) Elton John, Beastie Boys (my kids love them), and Modest Mouse.”
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “Lawrence Pharmacy, the pharmacy in general, the coffee shop, everyone is so nice and welcoming.”
Q: Choosing anyone alive and non-relative, with whom would you love to have lunch?
A: “Drew Brees, 100%. I would go to 2 Dog, it reminds me a lot of my New Orleans culture- artsy and fun, you will feel at home there.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Hall County?
A: “The community. It is very family oriented, people rally around each other, non-profits work together, churches work together, everyone seems united and I don’t think that exists everywhere.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “Definitely still at Gateway, I feel like I’m here to stay.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I was an assistant men’s soccer coach in University of North Georgia. I used to be a soccer player back in high school and college.”
Q: What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Safety, Love and Family.”
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
A: “Bradley Cooper and I want to be the lead, like a woman investigator.”