We recently connected with Christine McMillan and have shared our conversation below.
Christine, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and let me tell you, it was both a revelation and a relief. Suddenly, so many aspects of my life, especially as a professional and business owner, made sense. The forgetfulness, the disorganization, and the struggle to keep everything on track—it wasn’t just me being scatterbrained. It was my brain operating differently.
Initially, the diagnosis felt like a setback. How could I possibly run a business with this new label? But instead of letting it hold me back, I decided to lean into it. Technology became my best friend. Tools and apps for organization, reminders, and scheduling became essential. They helped create a structure that my brain naturally resists. Processes were put in place to ensure that even when my frontal lobe was on a break, my business didn’t have to suffer.
Building a community was another game-changer. Surrounding myself with a supportive team and fellow business owners who understood my challenges (shoutout to Modern Stylist Movement) provided both practical help and emotional support. They became an extension of my memory and focus, filling in the gaps when I couldn’t.
Of course, things still fall through the cracks sometimes, and that’s okay. It’s part of the human experience, ADHD or not. Plus, my ADHD brings a unique strength to the table: creative problem-solving. When traditional methods fail, my brain is wired to think outside the box, often finding innovative solutions that others might miss.
Today, my business runs smoothly, not because I’ve conquered ADHD, but because I’ve learned to work with it. I’ve built a network of systems to keep things on track, ensuring that the major tasks are covered even when I’m not at my best. Embracing my ADHD has not only helped me thrive as a business owner but also allowed me to accept myself more fully, quirks and all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Rock Paper Scissors Buford is a space dedicated to sustainability and the art of curly hair.
An incredible amount of care has gone into creating an environment that’s not only cozy and welcoming but also kind to the planet. From reducing waste to choosing eco-friendly products, every decision we make reflects our commitment to sustainability.
Each one-on-one session is curated to the individual sitting in the salon chair. Music, smells, sensations, even an option for mirrorless appointments… all completely customized for the perfect experience.
Education is at the heart of what we do. Our Cut & Discover sessions are designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to style your own hair at home. During these appointments, I take the time to teach you about your unique hair texture, the best products to use, and techniques that enhance your natural curls. It’s all about giving you the confidence and tools to embrace and celebrate your hair.
We’re excited to introduce Scalp Garden, our new segment dedicated to nurturing thriving scalps and offering innovative hair restoration solutions. Using Sonophoresis, a painless and side-effect-free alternative to PRP and minoxidil, we’ve seen incredible results in hair health and growth.
At Rock Paper Scissors Buford, we believe in making choices that are good for both people and the planet. Whether you’re here for a Cut & Discover session or exploring the benefits of Scalp Garden, we’re committed to helping you look and feel your best, naturally.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Running a business is no small feat, especially when you’re juggling the unique challenges that come with ADHD. But three key qualities have been instrumental in my journey: curiosity, work ethic, and humility.
Curiosity has always been my guiding star. It’s the driving force behind my constant quest for knowledge and improvement. This insatiable curiosity led me to discover new techniques, sustainable practices, and innovative treatments for my salon. It’s what pushes me to stay ahead of trends and continuously learn, ensuring that I can offer the best to my clients.
A strong work ethic is the backbone of any successful business. For me, it means showing up every day with dedication and passion, even when things get tough. It’s about putting in the effort to turn dreams into reality, and that perseverance has been crucial in building a salon that stands out. Hard work has helped me implement the systems and processes needed to keep everything running smoothly, despite the occasional slip-ups that come with ADHD.
Lastly, humility has been a game-changer. Recognizing when I need help and having the courage to ask for it has been incredibly important. Whether it’s leaning on my team, seeking advice from fellow business owners, or utilizing technology to stay organized, embracing humility has allowed me to create a supportive network. It’s this quality that ensures I don’t have to face challenges alone and can always find a way forward.
These three qualities—curiosity, work ethic, and humility—has not only shaped my journey as a business owner but also allowed me to create a salon that thrives on innovation, dedication, and community.
To anyone new on their journey: Lean into your unique strengths. Don’t worry too much about mine. YOU are the secret sauce to the operation. Your unique blend of qualities is important for yourself and your target market. Conforming to someone else’s recipe is inauthentic and will honestly, take waaaaaaay more energy than anticipated. You do you, friend!
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
As someone with ADHD, building my business has been a unique journey. Along the way, I’ve accidentally created a haven for fellow neurodivergent folks—a place where sensory needs are not just accommodated but embraced.
At my salon, I understand that sensory overload can be overwhelming. That’s why your appointment is a private, one-on-one session with no extra people to navigate around or hear over. You can opt out of scalp massages, avoid mirrors, the hair products have very low/no natural fragrance, and even turn off the music. If you prefer silence, there’s zero pressure for small talk. Pop in your earbuds and enjoy your favorite audiobook or catch up on that show you’ve been wanting to watch.
Or, maybe your brain swings the other way and craves experiences. Perfect! You can indulge in a mocktail and a crispy snack to light up your sensory sectors. Pick an aromatherapy fragrance and music that you love to create a stimulating environment. There is a dish of fidget toys sitting out for you to use at any point in your services.
Your appointment is very much a choose-your-own-adventure experience. Whether you need a calm, quiet space or an engaging, sensory-rich environment, we’re here to make sure you feel comfortable and cared for. Let’s see where you take us!
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://Rockpaperscissorsbuford.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockPaperScissorsBuford
- Other: https://Scalpgarden.com
Image Credits
Angel Rose Photography, Honeyroot Photo + Film, Allie Jorde Creative
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
