Wild Palms
The people who make South Florida

Reporter: Judy Odierna
Photographer: Thomas Hart Shelby
Ocean Drive

Deborah Koepper Skin Deep
Deborah Koepper never aspired to run her own business. And her savvy corporate philosophy isn't what makes the Deborah Koepper Salon a staple in Palm Beach. In fact, this Maryland native went to Johns Hopkins University to study pharmacology and wound up a skin-care aficionado. A four-year stint at the White House, when she was brought in to do skin care and makeup for the second Reagan administration, proved to be an enlightening education. "I worked with everyone in the world--from Madame Gandhi to Lucille Ball and Princess Diana," says Koepper.

The beautician relocated to Palm Beach nine years ago to work with Elizabeth Arden. After that relationship, Koepper embarked on securing a salon of her own. Now in her fourth year of operation, she incorporates positive energy and a little bit of what she learned back in Washington into her shop. "it's not just a salon--it's like a social hub," explains Deborah. "People stop by to have coffee or a cappuccino, or just to talk. They love coming in because they know that we'll go the extra mile for them."