Blogger | Building Movements | Breaking Barriers| Host | Barber

I HEAL DIFFERENTLY. ❤️‍🩹🕊️💈

October 11th, I walked through the gates of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center with a purpose much bigger than myself.

I’ve walked through those gates before, but only as far as the visiting rooms. Never did I imagine I’d be walking through that facility helping bring a barber battle to life for the men inside.

From the planning, floor plans, cutting, laminating, coordinating, and making sure every detail came together, I poured my heart into this. People see the finished product, but they don’t always see the work it takes to get there.

Being a woman in this industry, I’m constantly pushing myself to make my mark. I’m passionate, I’m direct, and I stand on business when it comes to my work. I’ve realized I don’t need the spotlight. I just want the hustle, dedication, and heart behind my work to be respected.

But what people don’t see is the pain I carry behind my smile. Walking through those walls was hard AF. I wanted to cry so many times, but I had a job to do. A big part of why I do this work is because it makes me feel closer to my brother. ❤️

I know what it’s like to be the family on the other side of those walls. I know what it’s like to miss someone who’s still alive. And that’s why I show up for people with so much heart. Because behind every incarcerated person is a family with a story, too.

I keep myself busy, I turn my pain into purpose, and I continue putting myself in spaces that challenge me emotionally because I know the work matters.

I do this for the people. I do this for my brother. I do this for the little girl I once was.

This was never just a barber battle. This was personal. This was healing. This was LOVE. ❤️‍🩹

Sometimes the strongest people are the ones showing up for everybody else while silently carrying their own pain. 🕊️