God crossed my path with a few incredible people over the
last year and I have never been more inspired to grow.
I have secretly struggled with Trichotillomania for the last
10 years. It has been an intense, emotional and not always but sometimes
self-destructive journey. Trichotillomania is a compulsive hair pulling
disorder affecting 2-4% of the United States. At this time there are no
diagnoses as to why or how it begins. Most often it has been related to or
effects those battling depression and /or anxiety. I have gone months without
relapsing and other time’s only days. My most recent relapse has been THE
worst, THE longest and my turning point.
I was referred to The Hair Club through a family friend a
few months ago (around February) and without hesitation scheduled a
consultation.
That day, I asked God to give me some direction as to where
I'm supposed to be in life and not only did He light the path, He gave me
wings.
In less than three hours and between three beautiful souls
my life was forever changed. After shedding a few tears and making light of my
situation, I made the courageous decision to start a new journey.
Here is what I learned:
Trichotillomania does NOT define me.
It does not make me LESS beautiful.
It is not MY fault.
BUT ultimately I have to make a change.
I am proud to say that I officially began my 12 month
recovery in May with the help of the Hair Clubs exclusive Bio-Matrix
strand-by-strand (non-invasive) procedure.
My experience has been life changing. Life changing to the point
that I want to change the lives of thousands of other people around the world as they (in three short hours) changed mine. Quickly after, I made the decision to
enroll into the Aveda Institute to become a licensed cosmetologist. Have I mentioned how much this journey has changed my life?!
The Hair Club of San Antonio is an amazing facility. I cannot
speak highly enough of the staff. Each time I have walked through their doors
feeling uncertain or anxious, I have walked out feeling BEAUTIFUL and loved---
Genuinely loved by people that I hardly know but feel as if I have known for
years. Each cosmetologist has their own private suite for your comfort. Any time I have had a question or concern they
have thoroughly responded in a timely manner and sometimes before business
hours... But I did't tell you that (; In fact, THC could quite possibly be the epitome of, "Southern Hospitality" in a professional environment... Is there such a thing? I genuinely feel like 90% of their focus and goal is on my/our comfort and understanding. (Which I feel is not easy to find these days.) I highly recommend a consultation
to any of those suffering a hair loss disease or disorder.
My eyes are open. What was once a negative puzzle piece of the last
ten years of my life is now fueling me and quickly becoming the foundation of my
career in the beauty industry.
Mom, Dad, Stephen & Hendrix- Thank you for your unconditional love and unending support in my darkest of days.
Morgan- Sweet girl, everyday, because of you I choose to be better, to fight harder and to share our story in hopes of helping others around the world. You are my fuel.
Verenia- I owe you endless amounts of wine haha (: You will always be a huge part of my future success and I am SO grateful that God crossed our paths. You helped in giving me a significant gift this year. I owe my confidence to you.
Lindsey- Your kindness and willingness to make this entire experience for me as easy and functional as possible has been significant. I cannot thank you enough. As a manager, you set the bar HIGH. Thank you for being an amazing example.
Vihaney- You are magic and I loved our instant connection. Thank you for always making me feel beautiful MOST IMPORTANTLY walls down in my own skin. You are close to my heart.
Sabrina & Front Desk- Best candy, snacks and coffee ever. Thank you for always being so good to me and my little guy!
I am forever indebted to the handful of genuine people that
have held my hand and loved me through this entire process. There are many names I am leaving out that are so important to me. I hope you know who you are. May God fill your
life with sun shine as you've filled mine.
