Judi Ashworth is a true product of Coral Gables. A graduate of Coral Gables High School and then the University of Miami, Ashworth has become a much-loved fabric of the city.
She has immersed herself in volunteer work over the years, thanks to her philanthropic clients such as Dottie Corbett and Mary Nolan who exposed her to many opportunities to serve.
She became president of the Franklin Bush Chapter of the Women’s Cancer Society for three terms. She enjoys volunteering at The Bargain Box, the WCA thrift store where she collects, sorts and prices items for sale.
Ashworth also is a hands-on volunteer for various fundraisers for which 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the University of Miami School of Medicine and Sylvester Cancer Research. Last year these efforts raised $250,000 for the cause.
Her leadership skills also were utilized when she served as president of the Women’s Board of the Coral Gables Country Club. Of course, she also took advantage of her many networking groups such as the Coral Gables Chamber, Progress Club and more to help her charities.
Early on Ashworth had an interesting career path. After college, she moved to Maryland and was interviewing for jobs in the accounting field when her brother suggested she meet Joe Perron, owner of the Georgetown Beauty School. For a person who loved doing hair on her friends and family from a very young age, this introduction was a game changer.
She became so excited about the opportunity, she immediately bought everything she needed and started school the very next day. After that training, Ashworth traveled to London for another six weeks of training in hair cutting and blow drying and then traveled for another six-week course with Paul Mitchell in Hawaii.
After 14 years, she met her second husband and moved to Coral Gables where she bought the J Baldi Salon. After many years, she moved her business to 136 Madeira.
My mother was bookkeeper for J. Baldi salan in Coral Gables in the 50’s. I was in high school, Coral Gables high, during that time. I am now 78 and live in Charlotte, NC. I also got my hair done at the salon and once appeared on TV with Mr. Baldi to advertise his salon. Good memories!
I am sooooo happy to read about Judi Ashworth and
Gloria Burns. They are as good as gold just as the City of Coral Gables is golden.