*cue mission impossible theme song*

Aw shucks

Thanks for clicking (*≧∀≦*)

So, once upon a time. . .two days ago, I was scrollin' through the nethermost trappings of instagram. This might only relate to me specifically, but that algorithm knows me! The FBI agent watching (who I've subconsciously named Oliver by the way) just knows who I am and my deepest desires and that makes it sO difficult to scroll past ads. Like. . .OF COURSE I want to purchase a rug that looks like flat Tom from Tom & Jerry (true story: picture for reference)

But honestly, those ads are getting better and better; and I don't think it's bad to want these things--unlike what I've been told growing up. "Now Peaches, is it a want? Or is it a need?" As a kid, all my wants certainly felt like needs! And now, as a young adult of 23, the most common ads popping up parade a cute, modest swimsuit or a ruffled retro dress. They are torture to me, because I feel the price isn't worth it, but I still want it!

Now, I thoroughly believe in investing in yourself. Ways of thinking, learning, skills and practicing are the best components to one's character. Getting out of your comfort zone to learn a new skill is the best approach to change. Because I'm growing up and learning to provide for myself, I definitely prefer to make a big purchase/commitment while I'm young now: so I can enjoy life without much heavy lifting later.

Getting into sewing is nOT EASY. And it's messy: thread eVeRYwhERE, scraps of fabric all over the place, sweat and maybe a little bit of blood are guaranteed. I started with minor alterations to the cloths I already owned. Then, to thrifting and using previous cloths to make my own patterns. Figuring out my style and cooking up my own patterns became a real hobby! It took a lot of time and effort, but I finally have a wardrobe that I can be proud of! I'm not going to say that it's all worth it--I'm still figuring things out. But, learning to sew when I did. . .no timing has been finer.

I didn't start making money with sewing until after I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Because small sewing projects aren't as physically taxing, I was able to do a little work here and there. Let me tell you--chemo brain is a real thing. Little, unpretentious tasks were about all I was capable of at the time. Fortunately, as a full time hairdresser before the diagnosis, I had already met my perfect support system of friends and family who took care of me. I ended up making a truckload of money from my kindhearted motorcyclist friends. They would bring their leather jackets, coats, shirts, etc. and I would sew Harley Davidson patches on for them. Since I had a sailrite sewing machine, it took little to no time and effort on my part, despite working with thick leathers.

Yes, I have cancer. Here's a little bit to fill you in: my official diagnosis was November 26, 2019. With the rise of the COVID pandemic not too long after, yes, I had to do most treatments alone. But I seem to be alright now! My life is looking bright ahead and I find that I can do complex projects again. It certainly isn't easy, but practice makes perfect!

In order to get on my feet and out of the house, I walk to the salon down the street and work three hour shifts every once in a while; just to keep me on my toes. I love to connect with the admirable citizens in my neighborhood and create things no one has ever seen!

Being a hairdresser is one of my proudest achievements because I'm more than crafting an item--I'm crafting confidence. It's crazy how someone's looks can impact their daily frame of mind. Believe me, after losing my own hair, eyebrows and lashes, I know.

I also know that you've had your fair share of good/bad haircuts. So you know exactly what I'm talking about. When you sit in that seat, you are prey to whoever stands behind it; for good or for worse. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into when I pursued this route. I wanted to help others feel good about themselves and feel capable enough to carry that confidence from my salon chair, everywhere!

Connecting with a person before cutting builds their trust and peace of mind. Truly listening to what they want and explaining it back to them helps them understand that I care and they are safe in my chair. Taking it further by asking what they don't like about their hair, helps me understand their needs. By the time they leave, they leave with a show of poise and determination. There is little else as fulfilling as their smiles.

My tools make it possible to solve others' problems. Making them happy, makes me happy. And I think that's lovely.