Meet Laurel Wright

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laurel Wright. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laurel below.

Laurel, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? 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.

For as long as I can remember I’ve struggled with severe anxiety. I’m not sure if I was wired at birth with this and/or my childhood trauma contributed to this. But it’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life. I used to think I was just shy and timid. But I’m not. I was just fearful of how the outside world would perceive me. Overrun with thoughts of the worst case scenarios.

When I started my career as a hairdresser, I just dove in head first with no idea of what I was getting myself in.to. With pressure from my parents to find a “career “. I knew I never wanted a “normal “ job. I was always creative, a deep thinker, and into art and fashion.

But with severe anxiety, especially social anxiety, I was so young to understand that I would be dealing with the public and constantly under a microscope of intense approval of all kinds people and personalities.

I think I’m grateful I started my career so young because I had no idea or understanding, or time to overthink of what was to come.

So ultimately the way I overcame my anxiety was facing it head on. The constant repetition of panic attacks, embarrassment and trial and error for over a decade.
Having shaky hands and sweating through client appointments. Going home in tears and second guessing myself if I’m even worthy of this job.

With time, maturity, experience and on going education, my confidence gained. I knew who I was. With people pleasing being so much of my downfall aswell, I over came that aswell. I started setting boundaries too.

I’ve been doing hair for 20 years, half my life. It’s something that’s in my blood. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m so proud of myself for never giving up and pushing through the darkest times.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a hairdresser who specializes in color and cuts. Full transformations.

I’m kind of a hippie rocker grunge chick. I’m light hearted. Kinda a free spirit. I grew up in Irvine, CA. I have amazing supportive parents and my sister is my best friend!

When I’m not doing hair I love to paint, make jewelry and spend time with my dogs.

I’m most excited and passionate about meeting new clients and making them feel beautiful!! That’s the best thing in the world to me!!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Ive learned that truly listening to people is so important instead of just talking about yourself. Let people confide you. That makes them feel safe and heard.

Work ethic is so key. Keep going even if things feel stagnant for awhile. Hard work pays off.

Reward people with kindness, but set boundaries for those who abuse your kindness

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful things my parents did was model was it is to be good humans and intelligent, career drive, productive members of society. I’m so lucky!!! This is not the case for so many people.

They disciplined me with love and ethics. They taught me to work hard and be self sufficient. And they always supported me no matter what. That for that I’m beyond grateful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Fireandbright

Image Credits

Laurel