Jennifer Dillard
Life has a way of changing our plans when we least expect it, but sometimes those unexpected turns lead us exactly where we are meant to be. Just ask one of the area’s most beloved former hairstylists, Jennifer Dillard, about her journey from salon chair to successful boutique owner of Mountain Time Boutique in the Laurel Terrace Shops in Cashiers.
Hers is a story of resilience, reinvention, and refusing to give up on her passion for helping others look and feel their best — while staying connected to the loyal clientele she built over the years and welcoming even more folks into her circle of beauty.
For more than 30 years, Jennifer built a loyal following as a hairstylist, the last 15 at The Village Salon. Her days were filled with color appointments, styling sessions, laughter with clients, and the satisfaction of knowing that clients soon became treasured friends.
Then came the diagnosis that changed everything: cancer. The treatments were grueling, and the journey back to health took much longer than anticipated. The physical demands of standing behind the chair all day became impossible, so Jennifer stepped away from the career she loved.
But if cancer taught her anything, it was the importance of self‑care, finding joy in the little things, keeping up with old friends, and making new ones.
Jennifer is quick to point out that her journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of her husband, family, friends, and the Highlands‑Cashiers community. “My husband literally took care of me and everything while I was out of work for three years,” she shares. “We’ve been married since I was eighteen – he’s my heart and soul. Without family support, I couldn’t have made it through.”
Thus, Mountain Time was born, a boutique stocked with professional skin, beauty, and hair items, enhanced by Jennifer’s expertise in helping customers find products well‑suited to their needs. She also has a wonderful selection of thoughtful gifts, accessories, men’s and women’s clothing, candles, diffusers, leather purses, backpacks, sling bags, and more.
Additionally, she offers Mountain Time‑themed clothing and accessories, as well as one‑of‑a‑kind handmade charcuterie boards emblazoned with the name of your favorite community – Cashiers, Glenville, or Sapphire Valley.
And then there are the tanning beds. Two state‑of‑the‑art high‑pressure, 15‑minute bronzing units that have become one of the boutique’s biggest draws. Designed with comfort, cleanliness, and advanced technology in mind, the beds offer clients a relaxing experience and a beautiful glow year‑round.
It is obvious that Jennifer is a people‑person, and you’ll feel that warmth from the moment you enter this charming boutique. This is not just shopping, this is self‑care.
Mountain Time is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. You can reach Jennifer by phone at (828) 507‑1223.
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