Stonington-Mystic Patch has begun a new feature to help us and you get to know your neighbors and the friendly faces around town. This week, meet Colleen Hicks, a Mystic resident and new small business owner. Hicks opened Sound Audiology and Hearing in North Stonington this past June. The Connecticut and Rhode Island licensed audiologist spoke with Patch about being a small business owner, her love of the ‘annoying drawbridge,’ and her dream of being a professional golfer.
Name: Colleen Hicks
Age: 53
Occupation: Audiologist and Owner of Sound Audiology and Hearing
How long have you been in Mystic? Twenty-nine years. Well, Mystic for 22, but in the surrounding area for 29.
Why Mystic? Before we were married my husband and I were driving to the Cape and we drove through Mystic. We said ‘we’re going to live here,’ and we did. Instead of having a honeymoon we moved to an apartment in .
What’s your professional background? I was a special education teacher and then when my kids were young I got my second masters in audiology. I worked for the VA for years and for Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. Now I’m working on getting my doctorate and working hard for myself.
Why did you open a small business now? It was just the right time. Things kind of get presented to you. Small business owners have to do it all. This type of business is about relationships. Many of my clients are referrals and I so appreciate that.
If you weren’t an audiologist what would you do and where would you live?
I love to golf. I’d be a professional golfer. I guess I would have to go somewhere warmer. But I love Mystic so I’d really need two houses.
What’s your fondest Mystic memory? Saturday morning breakfasts at Bee Bee Diary. I miss that.
What’s one thing you’d change about Mystic? I’d love to have a breakfast place back.
What’s one thing you’d never change about Mystic? The annoying drawbridge. It makes Mystic what it is and you learn to work around it.
Where are some of your favorite Mystic places? I love and . I love the whole Mystic atmosphere. It’s friendly and safe.
Any personal thoughts you'd like to share: I’m very passionate about hearing; about people hearing and understanding that the technology is not what it use to be. I’ll speak to any group any time.
