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

Hi Wendy, thanks for joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected problems I faced in my creative journey was self doubt. I come from humble beginnings and sometimes I felt like my talent did not deserve a space in high-end salons. At times I would abandon projects or not post my work because I feared they weren’t good enough. To resolve this, I had to learn how to separate the creative process from perfectionism. I gave myself permission to create without judgement and from there I became one of the most highly respected color correction stylist in my salon and in all of Long Beach and surrounding areas. I kept furthering my education and surrounded myself with a supportive creative community who I could share my work with and get constructive feedback. I also realized that imperfection is often where originality lives.

Another unexpected challenge I faced in my career was navigating the balance between motherhood and my career. I had built up so much momentum in my career— my books were full, I was constantly learning and growing, and I felt like I was finally hitting my stride. When I went on maternity leave after I had my first son I expected to be back after two months. I had suffered a pregnancy loss prior to him and that left me unable to connect with my child during pregnancy. I can honestly say I didn’t connect with him until after I physically had him earth side. Becoming a mother shifted everything— my priorities, my schedule, even my energy. I didn’t anticipate how much motherhood would consume me. It quickly became my entire personality. Two months turned into 2 years, two years then quickly turned into four years when I unexpectedly fell pregnant again only 9 months postpartum. My career took a huge hit. I could no longer say yes to every opportunity.

It was discouraging at times I became severely depressed, I truly love what I do I can say I have never worked a day in my life when doing hair. I questioned if I’d ever get back to where I was. But instead of giving up, I made a choice to rebuild—in a whole other state at that! I became a single mother in the summer of 2024 and decided that the best thing for us would be to move to Arizona to be close to my family. This time around I’m focused on quality over quantity, I’m getting more certifications, refining my skills, pouring int0 meaningful connections and loyal clients and leaning into my strength.

Motherhood may have slowed me down for a season, but it also gave me a new perspective and a whole other level of motivation. I am building a legacy for my children. I want them to be proud of the work their mother in her lifetime. I came back with more patience, more depth, and more purpose. I realized that long pause didn’t ruin my journey—it refined it.

Wendy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a master stylist with a deep love for the art of transformation. For me, hair isn’t just a service— it’s a form of self-expression, empowerment, and connection. Each cut, color and style is a chance to bring out someone’s inner confidence a beauty. My creativity is rooted in real life stories, and I draw inspiration from strength, individuality and spirit of the people who sit in my chair.

Motherhood has shaped me in profound ways. Not only personally but creatively. It slowed me down just enough to reconnect with my “why”and gave me a deeper sense of patience, empathy and intention. It reminded me that my artistry isn’t just about trends, it’s about impact.

My mission is to create a safe space for people to feel seen, celebrated, and confident. I focus on healthy hair, elevated looks and lived in hair that fits into real lives. Whether I’m behind the chair or building something new, my goal is always the same: to make people feel beautiful from the inside out.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There was a moment in my journey when everything I thought was secure. My marriage, my career path, and my sense of direction shifted all at once. I moved to another state with hopes of building a new life. I was looking for stability so I started working at a med-spa, trying to lean into a new chapter that I thought would bring stability and professional growth. But deep down, I KNEW I was stepping away from my true passion: hair. The spark I had behind the chair, the creative freedom, the connection with clients. I missed it me than I expected.

At the same time, I was navigating the unraveling of my marriage. The emotional weight of divorce while starting over in a new place was more than I could have prepared for. I felt completely ungrounded. Like I had to rebuild not just my business but myself.

That season forced me to get real about what I wanted. I realized that playing it safe wasn’t actually safe at all. I wasn’t fulfilled at the Medspa, and no amount of stability could replace doing what truly lights me up. So I pivoted. I CHOSE MYSELF. I went back to my roots hair, artistry, connection ands started rebuilding my business from scratch again. This time only terms.

It wasn’t easy. But I came out stronger, clearer and more aligned with my purpose, The pivot taught me that even when everything falls apart, you can rebuild something even more beautiful if you’re willing to bet on yourself.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

It would have been easier for me to settle. Stay in that marriage where I lived a comfortable life and didn’t have to work, to stay in a job that didn’t inspire me just to keep things stable. But something in me refused to quit. I knew that version of my life wasn’t the one I was meant to live. So I made a choice to start over, again.

Building back isn’t easy, I had to rebuild my clientele, find my power again, and push through moments of doubt. But I kept showing up. Every day, I remind myself that resilience isn’t about bouncing back quickly. It’s about to refusing to give up on your calling, even when the path isn’t clear.

That season proved something to me: I am not defined by what I’ve lost. I’m defined by how I rise.

Contact Info:

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