Thanks, Kristin for joining us on Ocean State Stories. You were recommended by Kerri Dobbyn Cassino and we thank her for that. Let’s begin with the people you serve. Your website states “Compassionate Haircare for Every Need.” Can you please elaborate?
Someone who experiences sensory sensitivities can experience an array of challenges. Between getting in their personal space with sharp implements, touching their ears and their heads can deem too much at times. The itchy hairs triggers outbursts caused from discomfort. The vibration of the clippers can be over stimulating. Therefore, knowing these triggers, I do my best to keep them comfortable and show them that haircuts can be fun. First and foremost, I bring goodie bags filled with sensory toys. That usually helps them warm up to me and keeps them distracted during the hair process. Secondly, I always verbally prompt them with my next move. That way they’re never caught off guard. If I see that the clippers make them anxious, I’ll usually resort to scissor cuts. If the clippers are tolerable for the client, I will rub the clippers on my hand, then their hand, then I start massaging their backs with the clippers. Once they see that the clippers are harmless, I then proceed to cut their hair slowly. I’ve noticed an excellent response to at-home hair care. The children seem much more at ease in their comfort zones. However, my biggest tip is laughter. A little laughter throughout the haircut can go a long way.
You provide care at your center, but also mobile care, correct?
I do hair and nails at the location of the client’s choice. It can be home, a care facility or even ABA Centers. Wherever they feel the most at ease.
The bedrock of the care you provide relies on several principles. Can you please provide a summary
Our mission is inclusive hair care that empowers beauty for all abilities. Everyone deserves a great haircut. It’s just easier for most to obtain that goal. No one should be turned away at the salon. And no one should become disheveled because they are now home-bound.
What journey did you travel getting to your current positions?
I’ve been a licensed hairdresser for over 20 years. My first job as a hairdresser was at a well-known kids salon, here in RI. I saw there and then the meltdowns caused from fight-or-flight responses. That was before autism was a thing, back then. We had no idea why some children soaked up the salon experience and some dreaded it. Now we know, those children were experiencing sensory sensitivities. We had no training for that back then. However, learning how to do perfect cuts on moving targets really helped improve my hairdressing abilities.
Then, later on down the road I gained experience as a group home caregiver and eventually a manager, caring for adults with developmental disabilities. That’s where I learned about neurological diagnoses and physical limitations.
Therefore, I’ve combined my hairdressing and care-giving experience creating The Sensory Stylist. Hair and nails services with patience, compassion and professionalism, all in the comforts of home. And we also offer party experiences that are open to all. Creating magical memories for any occasion.
Community engagement is important to you, correct?
For the Community I’ve helped by donating free haircuts for the RESPIT program and the Backpack Drive at the imPOSSIBLE DREAM, free haircuts for the SSELAC 3rd Annual Color Run and free haircuts at The McNeill Children’s Institute Ribbon cutting event.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a born-and-raised Rhode Islander. I grew up on the East Side of Providence: Wayland Square. Now I’m a Kent County resident. I personally saw a need for at-home hair care primarily for individuals living with disabilities or sensory related differences. I thought that it was wrong to not have the right to perform proper hair care for this community. Luckily, I met Kerri Dobbyn Cassino, Representative Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, Nancy Howard Sarah Blakeley McNeill, and Judy Kawa who all taught me the process on how to submit a bill. Honestly, I’m just a goofy hairstylist with a big heart, learning politics. A topic I had little interest in prior. To make a long story short, after being told that this bill could take 2 – 4 years to pass, we managed to get our bill passed in only seven months! Signed by our Governor on Friday, June 13th. Before, at-home hair care was only allowed for wedding parties and prom or like events. Now, besides special occasions, people living with disabilities or sensory related matters can receive at-home hair and nails services. We are proud to have made Rhode Island history for the neurodiverse, the disabled and the elderly community of the Ocean State!
I’m a down-to-earth woman who loves helping people. Trying to spread kindness, one haircut at a time.
