By Anna Grace Moore
Photos by Blair Ramsey
Humble beginnings often yield some of the most appreciative people in life. While Greg nor Traci Fox grew up with much, they both say the Lord has given them everything they needed.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Traci moved to Empire, where she graduated from Dora High School. Life took a turn, and instead of going straight to college, Traci went into commercial and residential outside building sales and blueprint take-offs and worked her way up in the industry. With encouragement from her sister, she later attended Bevill State Community College for cosmetology school.
On the other side of the state, Greg grew up in Midfield, assisting his father in home remodeling and repairs. He later earned spot apprenticing for Carpenters Local 107 and soon after went into insurance claims. Through God’s divine planning, their paths crossed through work in 1990, and by ‘91, they tied the knot.
Now a blended family of five, Greg and Traci struggled to make ends meet, but they never lost faith in the Lord. Instead, they started giving more. They opened up their first business together, Tangles Salon & Tanning, in a tiny strip mall in Sumiton. They also began volunteering as children’s pastors at their church, where they learned of a need for hair cuts and school supplies in the local school system. Greg and Traci hosted a “free haircut day” at Tangles, giving away backpacks to their clients to jumpstart the school year. What they didn’t realize was just how many children were in need. Greg says opening the salon that day, he saw lines of children and their families wrapped all the way around the building. Ever since that day, they have prioritized using their businesses to bless those less fortunate, even if they, themselves, did not have much to give.
In 2007, the couple moved to Riverchase, and in 2009, they opened their second salon, T.Fox SalonSpa off of Valleydale Road. Even while juggling their businesses and family lives, the Foxes still volunteered their time in church ministry, serving those in need. Then in 2013, Traci discovered a foreclosed home in Greystone Founders, which just so happened to be within their price range.
Having always wanted a beautiful home, Greg and Traci set off on their biggest project–flipping this aging estate–and spent nearly two years renovating. Now, their home serves as a site of fellowship for hundreds of people each year; yet, they don’t credit themselves for their success. Rather, they thank God for his provisions and will share their story with anyone who has time to listen.
Face of the Home
This sprawling hillside manor was first built in 2000 and rests in the heart of Greystone Founders.
Foyer
This winding staircase connects the foyer to the second story, whose ceilings reach a height of 22 feet.
Precious Artifacts
Adorning the entryway table is a handmade bowl by Terry Shea, the founder of Wrapsody.
Crown Molding
The handmade crown molding is one of the Fox home’s architectural marvels.
Grand Piano
Ricocheting throughout the halls, the mellifluous charm of this Artesia piano engulfs the home in wondrous sound.
Sweet Sentiments
An Elaine Jackson original, this watercolor painting depicts the Fox’s home in Riverchase when they originally moved to Hoover in 2007.
Dining Room
Growing up, Traci and her siblings did not have much money, so to afford Christmas presents for each other, they would buy $1 prizes for the winners of their annual “Christmas Bingo.” As the Lord continually blessed Traci over the years, she decided to keep the tradition alive, inviting first her extended family, then her friends, coworkers and more to her home each year for bingo. The tradition outgrew the dining room, and now, nearly 75 people come to play Christmas Bingo in her and Greg’s foyer each holiday season.
Twinkling Lights
This handcrafted crystal chandelier is from Crystals Complete Estate Sales.
Kitchen
The kitchen once sported an autumn color palette with tawny cabinets, dark granite countertops and mixtures of hardwood and tiled flooring. Greg and Traci opted for a light and airy aesthetic rich in timeless design during their renovation.
Custom Cabinetry
The Foxes credit Antonio Mendez with Mendez Woodworks for his time and talents in creating their beautiful, handmade perimeter and island cabinets.
34 Years Strong
Greg and Traci are celebrating 34 years of joyful union this year. This champagne bottle was gifted to them as a wedding present and now adorns the counters of their kitchen.
Living Room
Natural light seeps in through the anterior windows, immersing the living room in such sweet solitude.
Office
Traci’s office has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with pictures of all of her loved ones, reminding her daily of her blessings.
Master Bedroom
A spacious suite, the master bedroom’s marble fireplaces are original to the house’s build.
Layering Textiles
The master bedroom’s layered textiles are from White House Interiors.
John 15
All of the artwork in the game room was made by Greg and Traci’s son, Jonathan Fox, who is the lead pastor at Move Church. The artwork tells the story of John Chapter 15–the days leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
Payphone
One of Greg and Traci’s family friends of 25 years, Richard Gray, used to own payphones. The Foxes were working as children’s pastors at the time and asked to borrow one for a church event to teach kids about Jesus. When Richard learned about Greg and Traci’s ministry, he donated the payphone to the cause.
Home Gym
Greg, whose background is in carpentry, built this home gym for he and Traci to share. He even designed and built the acid-stained basement flooring.
Hobbies & Harleys
A connoisseur of all things cool, Greg’s 2005 Harley Davidson Soft Tail Deluxe is in excellent condition. He and Traci like to take it out for a spin on sunny days.
Behind the Scenes
Custom Cabinetry: Antonio Mendez with Mendez Woodworks
Electrical Services: Luke Watkins with Watkins Services
Fence Railing: Nelco Ornamental Iron
Front Door: Keith Jones with Birmingham Art Glass
Game Room’s Artwork: Jonathan Fox with Move Church
Hardwood Flooring: Dustin Cross with Cross Hardwood Flooring
HVAC: Al Hipp with Hipp Heating and Cooling
Kitchen Lighting: Mayer Lighting
Kitchen Finishes: Brandino Brass
Interior Design: Rylee Tucker
Painting: Tony Gomez
Plumbing: David Strickland with Strickland Plumbing
Window Replacement: Van Holcombe with Holcombe Doors and Windows & Greg Fox
Roof: Alabama Roofing
