For a small girl, Lois Burak is carrying a big load on her shoulders. At 28, Lois is the sole proprietor of the Beauty Worx Salon at 7240 Frankford Avenue. On her own since 16, Lois has always been a very responsible woman.

Now, after a long search to replace Rosemarie McMenamin, a president of the Mayfair Merchants Association, Lois has come forward to take on this added responsibility.

“Technically, I’m not responsible until January 1st, but little by little, word has spread and I’m already flooded with requests and questions,” she said.

As a child, Lois was always an organizer. “Growing up, my brother Jeff and I used to come up with all kinds of entertainment ideas and newsletter. I’d like to see some kind of newsletter and a good utilization of

the area papers to help spread the news regarding the Mayfair merchants over the next few months.

Lois grew up near the old Sears building on Adams Avenue. She moved to Mayfair when she was 16. “I never graduated high school. I hate wasting time. Back then, we were babysat. Thank God the times have changed.”

Lois worked in a beauty salon doing nails. “I used to sit around and think up new ways to generate business. I never stop thinking about. But I’ve been very fortunate. I worked part time at Tom’s Sportsman’s as a bartender. They’ve always supported my ideas. When this position was available, one of my girls, Jane, came to me and suggested I take the job. I had no idea what was involved. For the most part, however, people are supportive. I’m young, I want to be involved in this community and I care to make a difference. If the community dies, so

does my business and I won’t sit by and let that happen,” she said.

Lois is planning o a beginning of the year “Get to know you party” with the merchants to better understand their needs from her. She also feels that because she is in constant contact with the public, she knows what the general public wants.

Along with a newsletter, get to know you meeting and the usual street clean-ups, Lois wants to remind the Merchants that she will be calling for donations, ideas and anything to make her reign a success. “I will work to get an official agenda. Give people official jobs and stop spending as much dollars on labor by using more volunteers. I’ve been told I’m a nag until I get what I want. And what I want is success for all of the Mayfair merchants.

Sounds like a success story to me.