Who: JoAnn Dawson, 59, a North East resident and owner of Fairwinds Farm – a riding stable, bed-and-breakfast and now also a wedding event venue.

She is also author of the Lucky Foot Stable Series for pre-teen readers and, thanks to membership in the Screen Actors Guild, works in film and television as an actress, wrangler and animal handler.

You may also know her as an instructor with Cecil College or through her community involvement with the Cecil County Office of Economic Development, Cecil County Tourism, Cecil County Farm Bureau, and North East and county chambers, among other groups..

Personal style: Dawson’s style runs the gamut from barn clothes to evening dresses, although she said she much prefers the former. For the “in-between” times, she likes comfortable dress pants, lightweight colorful sweaters, fitted blouses and blazers.

“I don’t really look to anyone for style inspiration but I do admire Halle Berry. I think she always looks amazing no matter what she’s wearing, even if it’s jeans and a T-shirt,” Dawson said.

Although she’s not much into jewelry, she will wear simple earrings and does like colorful accent scarves.

Where do you find special items: “I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I do most of my shopping at the Goodwill or other thrift shops,” Dawson said. “If I have the time, I can find some real gems, designer labels, things I couldn’t afford otherwise. I once found a beaded Oleg Cassini evening dress that fit me perfectly for $15. I really don’t like shopping, so these stores are one-stop places where I can find a wide variety of stuff.”

Her best recent purchase was made at Goodwill – a pair of Coach heels with the $159 price tag still on them. She paid $25.

Style advice: “I think the best way to establish your own style is to wear what you feel comfortable in and what looks best on you. Don’t try to imitate someone else or the latest trend because if you don’t feel comfortable, you will just end up feeling self-conscious and awkward, and that kills your confidence.”

Lifestyles: When she does have time to go out with her husband and business partner, favorite restaurants include unWined in North East and The Wellwood in Charlestown.

“I pretty much use all my time working with Ted on our business, which includes our upcoming wedding season. We are really enjoying hosting weddings on the farm. It’s easier than running a horse show!”

Dawson credits working around the farm and following a simple diet for keeping her healthy and in shape. (Her genes may also be helping – her mom is 95 and grandmother lived to be 104.) From growing up on a dairy farm, she learned to eat three nutritious meals a day, the largest meal at lunch. Fruits and vegetables are part of every meal. While she doesn’t drink soda, she will have a glass or red wine with dinner. Water, green tea and orange juice keep her hydrated throughout the day.

As a SAG member, she’s lucky to get “screeners” in the mail in order to watch and vote on them for SAG Awards. She was able to watch “Room,” “Steve Jobs” and “The Big Short” recently.

An author herself, she makes time for reading. A few books she read and loved in the past year were “The Glass Castle,” “The Goldfinch” “All the Light we Cannot See,” “Maude” and “The Fault in Our Stars.” She’s also just finished writing a book about B&B life called “Bed, Breakfast & Beyond.” She expects it will be out by the end of the year.