We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Siobhaen Zgela a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Siobhaen, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I have always felt like I didn’t fit in. That there was no where I belonged. I started getting into punk music and art. I took that and expanded with being a hair stylist. I can look the way I want and create the hair I love. I get to meet others that are similar minded to me and accept me for me. I created my one place where I belong and I can pay my bills with it. I started cosmetology school in my twenties but have always done hair. With getting into punk music I would play with different colors and styles on me and my friends. Same with being the front women of my band, All Thicc. Playing in a punk band with a bunch of amazing women is such a badass accomplishment.. The band unfortunately doesn’t pay the bills but we just released a new album and play shows. That is another way of getting my creativity out. I write all the lyrics and preform. I absolutely love it. I love having people not only connect to my creativity but to my lyrics and message. I love to create a space where all the misfits and the black sheep belong. A place where you don’t have to look like a cookie cutter of what society thinks is acceptable

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I lost my call center job for having tattoos and piercings (what I was hired with mind you) I decided I was over working call centers and retail. That I didn’t want to be in a place that judge me for my looks. So I went to cosmetology school. It was hard and I’m glad I never have to go back. Haha. I’ve always been creative but oddly enough the first few salons I worked at I couldn’t really grow and expand. I was in shops that I felt like valued quantity over quality and I was being booked back to back and in between processing time. I really didn’t have the time to be creative. I finally left and found a salon that allowed me as much time as I liked without double booking me. I’ve been in the industry for over 12yrs and behind the chair for 10years. I am grateful for my clients and have a bunch that I’ve been seeing for the whole 10years. Who have trusted me and grown with me. It’s amazing! I take a ton of continuing education and always have focused on growing my craft/skill. I also am not afraid to step out of the box or my comfort zone. I finally got to the point (when Covid hit) that I realized that I needed to grow. I needed a business of my own to not only have control over my safety and my clients but I just make a space of my own. A place where I wouldn’t be judged. My business partner and I ran a successful, award winning salon for over 4years. Then the unthinkable happened. There was a fire at the salon(Oct 2024) That is what unfortunately ended my business.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Since my salon caught fire I have been caught in a weird limbo. A place where I am trying to figure out where I belong. I decided that life is too short to live with regrets and live with “what if’s” I have signed a lease on a new salon and it’s currently under construction! I figured we only live once and live it to the fullest! My goal is to have my salon, Rockin Rebel Salon, up and running in May 2025. I need my own space and my own way. I feel like it goes back to my love of punk rock and diy. I want to open and run a successful, trendy, safe salon! One where you don’t have to worry about who you are and just be a good person and great hairstylist! As I mentioned before my band just released a new album. We are doing mini tours this summer and getting out of our home state, New Mexico.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to be exactly how you are. To feel safe and not judged. To be able to think outside the box. To surround yourself with other creative and good people.
I create hair and an atmosphere that makes people feel good about themselves. I create music that empowers and inspires.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skummysyummy?igsh=MWN3NHE2dTNtcDNjaA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gq4AuKMb4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: My band All Thicc

  Instagram: https://instagram.com/all_thicc?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/all-thicc/1590391353

  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/21PlGRbxImMMLNs7iwR3L9?si=SOBefYcbTT6x4O8jl9nFFA

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allthicc?mibextid=LQQJ4d

  YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCa3__d4bYh1ZI_LtfTvFPnw?si=taXfFxwwQGHOyy_C

  Bandcamp: https://allthicc.bandcamp.com

Image Credits

Billy iknowbilly.com