I am a queer, non-binary hairstylist. My pronouns are they/them, and I believe that gender is limitless. My biggest goal and passion is to create a safe space and community for all people—but for queer people in particular. As a hairstylist, I have the unique pleasure and opportunity to interact with all sorts of members of the community, who in turn are members of their own smaller communities with a multitude of intersectionalities. Getting the opportunity to work with and meet people of all backgrounds and cultures is a true gift, because I can use what I’ve learned from them or from my own learning/unlearning and impart that on others who may not have ended up in that orbit. I’m lucky enough to work at Midwest Beauty House, where we don’t gender our services or differentiate pricing based on hair texture. We encourage our clients to come as they are and let themselves be taken care of. Salon services can be life-changing, gender-euphoric, confidence-boosting, and mood-altering experiences that affect how we see and present ourselves to the world and how others perceive us. I strive to help others see the beauty that is being them, to be aware of the beauty that surrounds them, and to unlock their true power and potential to advocate for themselves and others so that we may create a more beautiful, empathetic, equitable, and euphoric existence. I intend to always lead by example, listen when it’s my turn to listen, show up when I need to show up, and fight for every person, community, etc. that needs it. I honor those who have come before me, who have lead the way—many times without their due gratitude or recognition—and I encourage you all to show up for yourselves and your communities in new ways, be kinder with yourself and others, and take a moment now and then to stop where you are and notice all that you have in that moment, because once you could only dream of having it. Remember, nothing about you is a mistake.