We were lucky to catch up with Lena West recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lena, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

My very first day after leaving nursing to pursue barbering I made 20 dollars the whole day. Days before my supervisor looked at me and asked; So you’re gonna leave nursing to go work in a barbershop? I looked in her eyes with full confidence and responded back yes. That first 20 dollars in my hand felt exhilarating. It was the first time in my life someone paid me to do something I loved.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Many years ago I had just graduated and I excitedly told my mother I had found a beauty school I wanted to go to. She immediately said no and that I would be going to college. So I did as told but didn’t feel passionate about it and dropped out a year later after marrying and getting pregnant. 3 children, a decade or more and a divorce later I was given a scholarship to go to cosmetology school. This being a year after I had finished Lpn school. I worked part time taking care of my children as a correctional nurse and went to school on the weekends. At some point I realized that though I loved doing hair I cared more about cutting it. My teacher explained that I could work in a barbershop under my license. After moving to Atlanta from Kansas I began working in barbershop. I worked many years as a high school nurse and would work in the shop in the summer or during breaks. My children were young thus I felt as if nursing was the safer bet financially so it didn’t really make sense to commit to my craft full time. In 2018 I felt it was time to take a risk and bet on myself. I’d leave nursing behind me and set off on an adventure of a lifetime as a full time barber.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most exciting thing about being a creative is watching the growth of my clients and knowing I had a hand in it. I’ve styled clients for graduations, weddings, vacations, job opportunities etc. it makes me extremely happy to know that I was able to bring joy to someone by creating a hairstyle they love.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Although I don’t currently practice as a nurse it hasn’t stopped me from nursing. One of my absolute favorite things to do as a nurse was to educate. As a barber stylist I’m still able to inform my clients about possible medical issues, refer them to dermatologists that can help with hair and skin and speak about mental health. I have several close family members that have mental health issues and it’s a topic I’m very passionate about. A few years ago I was able to refer a suicidal client to crisis resources. I believe it’s extremely valuable to have medical/mental health resources available to share with my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: Lalenawest.GlossGenius.com
• Linkedin: Lalena West
• Other: [email protected]