Celebrating Your Wins: The Importance of Acknowledging Your Success

The day that I found out that having a PhD was possible as a Hair Stylist was the day that my mindset shifted.

Yes, I’m a (P)rofessional (h)air (D)esigner but nearly 20yrs ago, my world was expanded when I found out that as a stylist, I could have letters behind my name. Although I’ve never been title-driven, I’ve always been education-driven. Letters don’t necessarily make you educated, but the education gives you the knowledge and the information to apply to your current career goals.

Right after High School, 32 years ago, I sat out a year before I went to college for Business Administration. I hated everything about it, other than the actual college experience. What I know now is, when I realized that I enjoyed my two electives the most: Art and African American literature, I should have changed my major. Instead, halfway into my third year, I left and immediately enrolled in Cosmetology School which was always the plan.

My love for all types of Art continued to develop and as a Visual Artist, the Anatomy of the human body has always been most intriguing to me. Over the years, I’ve since developed an interest in Psychology because I am interested in how our thought processes affect our human behavior. In 1997, I became a licensed Independent Contractor of Advanced Cosmetology and although styling/designing hair was easy for me, the SCIENCE of cosmetology was challenging. I didn’t enjoy Anatomy, Biology or Chemistry in High School, let alone Cosmetology School.

Since 2019, I have been diligently working behind the scenes to enhance my business practices and creating a structure that reflects my long-term goals. There has been ebbs and flows but I’ve stayed focused on the vision. I don’t usually publicly share my accomplishments, but I wanted to encourage someone to keep going! It’s never too late and as long as there’s breath in your body, you’re never too old!

I’ve been in training to complete my Certification goals since September 2022. I became a Certified PsychoHAIRapist by Dr Afiya Mbilishaka to practice micro counseling skills within the salon environment to use hair as an entry point to mental health and wellness. In November 2023, I officially became a Certified Trichologist (trained by none other than Celebrity Hairstylist, Dr. Kari Williams) to further introduce Holistic Health and Homeopathic Practices into my salon services. I will soon have a certification in Art Therapy and Board Certified with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. I am also currently a Certified Holistic Perimenopause and Menopause Health Coach. This has not been easy because it is literally ALL things science. Yes, a full-circle experience of my most challenging subjects and unfortunately, it took experiencing grief to connect the dots and understand my specific concentration of study.

In the process of all of this, I have also established a podcast - From the Stylist's Chair: Building Confidence One Head at A Time, and I will soon be launching my first book with companion products. There were other projects that were scheduled to launch that I had to put on hold while I accomplished first things first, and I desire to do it all with excellence!

This year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and did my first Pitch Competition with Mortar Cincinnati Entrepreneurship Program! I’ve only just begun, and I am far from finished. It will take me a few more years to complete my current certification goals, and I'll be releasing more projects.

June 29, 2024, I stepped into another phase of this new season. As I celebrated my 50th birthday, 27 years since graduating Cosmetology School and all of the "Milestones to 50 & Beyond", here’s what I’ve realized: God used what I didn’t like, didn’t understand and couldn’t connect, and merged it with my passion in order to “get” me to purpose. I am CALLED to confront, call out and raise up low self-esteem. Low self-esteem comes in many forms, and it’s triggered by many factors. Low self-esteem is an open door to mental illness, and the lack of healthy mental health practices can cause disruptions to the body’s system, and in a lot of cases, the hair is the first place that will tell all of your internal business. I “GET” to help people become whole in their mind, body and soul, and live a more confident lifestyle. Serving is a privilege and it’s MY honor.

Although pursuing a PhD is now tempting, I am celebrating my 50th birthday as I continue to walk out this new season as Trichologist Koree L. Thatcher, HPT, HPMHC, and coming soon, APT, BCHPT. I am thankful to EVERYONE who has been a part of my journey, didn't question my sacrifices and supported my efforts! I AM GRATEFUL that I made it and grateful for who I am and who I am BEcoming!

Let this be a reminder to celebrate yourself and your wins! You are worth the celebration!

Be balanced & Be well!

Trichologist, Koree L. Thatcher, COSA, HPT, HPMC