
Barefoot, Vivacious,
and Slightly Bruised
“The dirtier the feet, the happier the heart.”
Meet my published book.

Author · Dreamer · Tennessee girl
Hey y’all, I’m Paula June. Welcome to my little corner of the world—where imagination runs wild and there’s always another story to tell.

From my imagination to your bookshelf
One book out in the world.
Another story waiting in the wings.
Come find your next read.


“The dirtier the feet, the happier the heart.”
Meet my published book.

A new novel is on the way. Step into the darker side of my storytelling.

The woman behind the words
I was born and raised in a small town in Tennessee with an imagination that is almost ridiculous—in the best possible way. I’m married and the momma of two boys, and my mind is always dreaming up the next thing. If my bank account could keep up with my imagination, there’s no telling what I could bring to life.
You can call me a dreamer. Some people laugh at that, and that’s okay—I’m probably laughing because they aren’t one. I’ve never been small-minded, and I’m so damn proud of that. I’ve always told myself, “You’re the only thing standing between your dreams staying dreams and becoming reality.”
My love for writing started with teenage poetry, a couple of songs, and eventually books. Reading to my oldest son inspired me to write short, meaningful children’s stories families could enjoy night after night—because bedtime shouldn’t feel like a freaking job!
I have eight children’s books ready but not yet published. Barefoot, Vivacious, and Slightly Bruised wasn’t my first story, but I shared it first so readers could get to know me and my voice. My mind never shuts off: two other novels are in the works, and Murder in the Boondocks, my seductive murder mystery, is in final editing. I can’t wait to share it!
Children hold a special place in my heart. My biggest dream is to have an orphanage where I can pour love into children who haven’t received the care they deserve and help them feel truly loved.
My upcoming podcast will bring you further into my world. Whether you’re publishing a book, starting an idea, or finding your next chapter, let’s learn together and cheer each other on.
God has blessed me, and I’m thankful. My momma prayed I’d be the head and not the tail, and that’s what I’m aiming for. I love Jesus and cuss a little—well, a lot—but I’m working on it!
Invite your family and friends to LovePaulaJune.com for conversations, shopping to come, salon inspiration, and plenty of laughter. Come along—we’ve got a whole lot of living to do!
Another way to share a story
Pull up a chair for fun stories, serious conversations, and a little encouragement when life gets loud. We’ll talk confidence, self-esteem, and remembering that we deserve to feel good about ourselves—even while we’re growing.
I’ll be here to motivate you, help you dream big, and share plenty of laughs along the way. I can’t wait to get talking!
Podcast · Coming soon
There’s more to the story
A little beauty, a little nostalgia, and plenty of personality. Explore the other corners of my creative life.

My salon in Union City, Tennessee—a love of vintage style with room for fresh creativity.
1943 Salon & Spa is named in honor of my momma, who was born in 1943. Behind that name is a woman who was good as gold, worked hard her entire life, and loved us enough to keep us in line—even when I made that a full-time job.
I was Momma’s rebel child. My sister behaved. I did not. I wasn’t trying to be mean; I was just full of myself and usually full of some kind of mischief. Momma once jokingly told me, “If I had not given birth to you, I would swear I picked you up on the side of the road.” Bless her heart—I probably gave her plenty of reasons to wonder!
At Momma’s house, you didn’t fight with your siblings, you didn’t cuss, and when she said to be home at 11, she meant 11. Walk in at 11:05, and she might have already dialed 911 to get the law out looking for you. That was my momma: she expected you to mind, and she wanted to know you were safe.
She would do anything for you. She worked hard to make sure we had what we needed, and she truly put God first in her life. She expected us to do the same, and I’m so thankful she raised us that way.
Momma was hospitality at its best. She fed everyone who walked through her door, with a smile on her face. People looked forward to coming to her home because they knew they would be welcomed and fed.
We lost Momma to a rapidly progressing case of Alzheimer’s on January 24, 2025. Naming this salon 1943 is my way of honoring her and keeping a little piece of her close. I hope everyone who walks through our doors feels some of the warmth and welcome she gave so freely.
1943 is full of old inspirations and new good feels. It’s a one-of-a-kind place with a whole lot of heart. Go see my girls and let them make you feel beautiful!

An online thrift store named in honor of Mattie Lou—my mom’s mom and the best granny a girl could ask for.

Mattie Lou was my mom’s mom, and this online thrift store is named in her honor. She was the best granny. With all my mischievousness, I probably exhausted her, but the only spanking I ever remember getting from her was when I was little and told her she didn’t love me. She wore my butt out with that fly swatter, and I never said that again!
She made the best pancakes and let me drown them in sugar. Her chocolate gravy was divine, and her quilt making was top notch. I played house underneath her quilting frame while she quilted the old-timey way.
She was the best back scratcher, and oh, how I miss her so.
Thanks for stopping by
There’s always room here for another story,
another dream, and a little more color.