interview by Jess McCuan
photo by Matt Rose

Name: Frances Tacy

Age: 42

Lives in: North Asheville

Occupation: respiratory sales rep for GlaxoSmithKline

Do you always look this fabulous for work? During my workday, I do. I always try to look nice. I even dressed my son’s friends with the clothes I had in my car! It’s the ‘dress for success’ model.

And where is your office? I work out of my car.

Gotcha. That’s why you have great clothes stashed in there. Yes. My customers call me the ‘hippie in high heels.’ I put on a suit, but inside, I’m a raging hippie.

How so? I have a forestry degree. I have chickens and a garden, and at home, we brew beer.
That’ll do it. Once my customers get to know me, they’re like—you are not who you appear to be.

Tell me more about your job. I sell the drugs that help people breathe better, and that prevent respiratory infections. The other reason I’m a walking contradiction is that I don’t use any pharmaceuticals myself.

Does anybody in your family? We’re all pretty healthy. I have a teenager. He’s a triathlete welder artist. He’s the coolest. We’re all about family, food, beer and bikes.