I was depressed. I was scared. I had tried every ‘miracle’ cure advertised on the radio and Internet for thinning hair and nothing helped. And it got worse. The bald spots started getting too big to cover with the hair I had left. What happened? Why me?Flash back 10 years. I was super fit. I raced and beat men on bicycles through the Rocky Mountains (Triple Bypass), I ran marathons, I trained others in Bootcamps to get fitter than they’ve ever been and then it happened. My health started going downhill. I won’t bore you with additional details, I merely went from being a woman that was a symbol of physical fitness and health, confident in me, in my abilities, to a depressed woman that didn’t want to leave the house. I was later diagnosed with autoimmune disease and alopecia and my focus shifted to my kids and a career outside of physical fitness, a life I had built from childhood. I have had my fair share of struggles. Now, today, here I am sharing my story. Not for sympathy but to help others know there is hope. I went from being ashamed of my appearance to pulling my hair off in public to scare away the persistent huckster touting hair products in the mall (my kids couldn’t stop laughing!). Don’t get me wrong, sharing something so terribly personal with the world is hard, but I’m no longer embarrassed and have learned not to care what others think. Yes, we are not defined by our looks!
Shaving my head was a big step in coming to terms with my situation and finding confidence in myself again. That was a process, too, that started with a bob cut, then a brush cut, and then a buzz. No more worry about finding and using treatments or regimens to keep my hair. I was free! Free!
My family went through this journey with me. At first, my kids were embarrassed to be seen with me or have others see me without a wig on, even the delivery person at the door. Other women and mommies around them were different. It was a hard concept to wrap their brains around (it was hard for ME to wrap my brain around). But, with a little time and learning, it became a non-issue. They had to let go of their embarrassment. They love who I am and often prefer me without a wig. My family truly accepts me for who I am. To a mother, this is precious and means more to me than words can express. My husband? Oh yeah, he’s been there too. He knowingly frowned at the supplements and expressed sticker shock with the first topper, but he’s been supportive and loving all along.
Now, today, I’m on a mission to help others along the journey by sharing my story and providing education and support. But each person is different and each person should be gentle with themselves and give themselves permission to take as much time as needed to settle into the new chapter of their lives. Sometimes, it’s a long road to help people make peace. I’m passionate to help as many people as I can find their own version of hair freedom. It has been a bumpy road for me. I hope to smooth it some for you, to help keep you from making similar mistakes, to be an example. Struggling with alopecia, or any type of hair loss, is not easy, but I have pulled through as strong as ever and you can, too. I’ve made it my mission to help others on their hair transition journey. A door is closing but many, many others are opening and it can be fun!
I host a private Facebook group for people to find community and encouragement for their situation. My kids talk to their dad about how Mommy has a new friend she’s helping with hair. They have fun helping here with videos and photos. I love sharing my experiences with people and helping them on their journey in becoming confident in themselves and writing new, hopefully fun and fulfilling chapters in their book of life. Hair loss, whether from cancer, alopecia or medicine, is something that a lot of people hide and are ashamed with. This often limits them from living their fullest life. Once they can accept their new you and realize their hair does not define who they are, its freeing. I really, really pray and hope I can help people, to help you, get through this rough spot on your journey.
My New Adventure
I’m now offering high-end custom wigs. I love hair and work hard to refine my wig customizing skills, while keeping my prices as low as possible. Having been part of the hair loss community for many years, I truly understand the struggle women go through to find a suitable wig without going into debt. I look forward to working with you or a loved one to find the hair of your dreams!
My Mission
“Helping Others” I want to share my experiences with hair loss and wearing alternative hair in hopes to help others on their journey. Hair loss is something that a lot of people hide and are humiliated by. I see people completely devastated by their hair loss and it breaks my heart. I went through the grief, devastation and humiliation myself. It is a journey that rocks a person’s world. It’s not something we overcome, but hopefully learn to accept and live with. My intention is to help women know that their hair does NOT define them. I now love to wear hair and I want others to learn to love it too!
We all have something to share and ways we can support others. I’m a helper and caretaker by default, and supporting this incredible community is my passion.