About our Nominee
Norma Wise is a Gulf Breeze local and has had a very interesting history. The Dallas Cowboys are one of her favorite teams. When the Kennedy assassination happened, she was only a block away. She even saw his motorcade pass by her too!
Norma’s Husband, Jimmy, was a prison minister for 35 years and Norma has been a Bible Study Leader for 25 years.
Q & A
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career/owning your business?
A: I think that mostly, I had a great career as a young lady. I got to be a mother and a wife to a fabulous family. When my daughter went to college, I decided to go back to work. I started at Levi Strauss in the regional office in Dallas, TX. I was with them for 10 years. That was extremely fun, and I learned a lot there. When I left there, we returned to Pensacola. I was raised there in East Hill. We decided to move to Gulf Breeze, there wasn’t much there. People don’t realize how beautiful it is. It took a while for them to find out. I had a waterfront property on the canal. We stayed there for about 7 years. We loved every minute of it. About 5 years before I moved here, I had a real desire to go back and study the Bible. Jimmy did too. We took a lot of courses and it has been so fulfilling. He taught in the jails, even when he was working. I taught in BSF for 3 years and attended for 7 years. I found the perfect church to teach, and I have been for 20 years. That church is Coastline Calvary.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
A: I have been back 21 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person/business owner you’ve met here in Gulf Breeze/Navarre? Who would you like to see nominated as a Face of Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
A: I would say you, Keith Furrow. Other than Keith, there are so many people I know. I think probably, the one that I have seen that’s built it up quite a bit, is a gentleman that owns a nail salon, Johny at Elite Nails. He is a great businessman. Also, I have a dog groomer, Diane’s Pet Grooming. I have gone to her for 21 years.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people? (Or someone starting their own business?)
A: Well in my opinion, use honesty. You won’t make it if you are not. The Lord blesses those, who bless other people.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about (or what is most iconic in) Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
A: Of course, there is nothing like God’s nature on the beach, Pensacola Beach. The hurricanes have destroyed some of the dunes, but it’s a miracle, it’s still beautiful.
Q: Where do you see yourself (and your career/business) in 5 or 10 years?
A: Most likely, if I’m blessed, I’ll be in Heaven. But I would say right here, in Gulf Breeze. I wouldn’t move for anything.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Gulf Breeze/Navarre, and what do you love there? (What is your favorite dish, and where do you get it?)
A: I like the Grand Marlin, because of the seafood. I mostly like their shrimp.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I would go back to Israel. I’ve been there once.
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: I don’t remember the first one, but my favorite is Gone With The Wind.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I wanna dive again. I’m a certified diver. Also, I’d like to go back to Israel.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Gulf Breeze/Navarre?
A: The people. I love the people here. I’ve lived in other places, but it’s different here. The people are friendly, it’s beautiful, and I’ve always felt safe here.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
A: I would pick my husband, Jimmy.
Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I’d like to see Marvin Gage, Barry White, and I love Neil Diamond.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: Oh, I can tell you for sure. First of all, they don’t know that I’m a certified scuba driver. They also don’t know that I used to ride across the United States on the back of a gowing Honda motorcycle with my husband.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Peace, comfort, and love.
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: I think Maryl Streep. She can play any age, and any character.
Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: I think at my age now, I would pick a housekeeper, because I can cook.
Be sure to check out what our other nominees had to say!
