A Love Letter to 45 Years of Doing Hair

After 45 years of doing hair, I’m stepping away from the chair.

Even typing that feels surreal.

I have absolutely loved my career in the hair industry. It has been rich, meaningful, exhausting, beautiful, challenging, and deeply fulfilling. Over the years, I wore many hats: behind the chair for 45 years, a salon owner for 25, a state board examiner, a sales representative for a beauty supply company, and a master educator for Matrix Hair Company. I had the great honor of learning from and working beside some of the greatest in this industry. I attended countless classes, stayed curious, stayed current, and never stopped learning.

But some of the most touching, meaningful moments of my career were the times I did hair for free. I volunteered twice in Joplin after the tornado, cutting hair for people who had lost everything. I volunteered at A Night to Shine, at a Salvation Army homeless shelter, and at veterans’ homes. I showed up in nursing homes, hospice houses, hospitals, wherever someone needed care, dignity, or a reminder of their beauty.

Those were the moments when I was never more proud to be a hairdresser.

Because making people feel beautiful—truly beautiful—has always been my gift.

I believe my superpower has never been hair. It has been my ability to see people, their soul, their essence, and reflect that beauty back to them in the mirror. Yes, I created something they could be proud of when they left my chair, but even more than that, it was the conversations we had, the thoughts we shared, and the space we held together.

Somewhere along the way, I realized something important.

Hair was not my passion.

Even though I was good at it. Even though I worked hard at my craft. Even though it came naturally to me and provided a beautiful life.

My passion was connection.

Doing hair simply became the vessel through which I lived that passion.

One of my most beloved clients once shared something with me that I will never forget. She told me that her hair was one of the most important aspects of her life. That it truly mattered to her. And I realized the honor of that trust—that I was entrusted with something so meaningful.

Hairdressers get to witness lives unfold.

We give first haircuts. We prepare hair for first days of school and every school picture after that. We style hair for middle-school dances, high-school proms, senior pictures, graduations. We see clients leave for college—and come back every break because “no one does my hair like you.”

We are there for engagement photos, weddings, and then the moment they bring their child to us for their first haircut.

I have watched clients that I gave their first haircut become parents, then grandparents.

I have had the honor to stand beside people in their greatest joy and in their deepest grief.

I have cut hair in hospital rooms. I have shown up during illness, loss, transition, and healing. I have been invited into some of the most tender moments of people’s lives.

I want to mention a few of the ride or die people my journey:

Vickie Tackett has been my greatest teacher in this industry, personally and professionally. We worked side by side, long days, for nearly 30 years. She has been a mother, sister, friend and is an inspiration. I love her dearly.

Ruth Markway has been the best friend and “YES” person I know! She is up for anything…well, almost anything! Her continued love and support is a constant in my life and I love her dearly.

Angie Williams has been by my side for many years, we’ve worked together, taught together, laughed, cried, and pushed each other and I love her dearly.

This part of my life has been a great honor and a privilege beyond words.

And in many ways, this career has perfectly prepared me for what comes next.

Because connection—deep, soulful, human connection—is still my calling. I am not leaving that behind. I am simply allowing it to evolve.

As I step away from the chair, I do so with overwhelming gratitude, love, and appreciation. For my guests. For my colleagues. For every conversation, every laugh, every tear, every moment of trust.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives for 45 years.

I may be retiring from doing hair, but I am not retiring from connection.

That part of me is just getting started.

When we change the world changes.