Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Mead.
Hi Sierra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Where do I even start? I’ll be honest it’s kind of chaotic. Growing up I was pretty independent and always needed to be making some form of art, my brain constantly wanted to create. I went through so many different mediums of art such as photography, painting, SFX makeup, prop design, graphic design, game design, and even animation until I found that doing hair was the most well suited creative path for me. I ended up graduating cosmetology school in 2017.
Shortly after graduating, I had started assisting at a salon and then in 2019 I got a barista job at Starbucks. Fast forward to 2021, I decided to go back to school and get my bachelors degree in Sustainability. I did the ASU program that is available through Starbucks as this was the only way for me to afford college without loans. At this point I was doing full time school, taking my own clients behind the chair, and working at Starbucks! I made it through and am currently doing hair full time at the Young American Salon in Tustin, CA.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t call it smooth, more like wiggly. Working at Starbucks for six years while also doing school and hair really sucked the soul of my body, unfortunately. After quitting Starbucks in early 2025, I have been retraining my body on how to slow down and relax. And then there’s this problem I have this where I want to do everything, which makes it hard for me to commit to one career. Everyday it’s really different but at the end of the day I just want to make art, help people feel comfortable, and show up for my community.
No one tells you that being a hair stylist means that you’re not only a hair stylist but also a content creator, bookkeeper, graphic designer, editor, receptionist, and a therapist all in one. Because I am constantly having to be on social media, I am always struggling with imposter syndrome and keeping myself in a consistent positive mindset, especially with everything going on. I try to keep my community educated about things such as the climate crisis, and the ongoing genocide taking place in Palestine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Keeping my community informed I feel has a bigger impact than most people think, especially when it’s local, and as a person with a platform I want to use it to educate others. The downside to this is that it can definitely take a toll on my own mental health on a daily basis, I am still working on finding a balance.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a hair stylist! Low maintenance, lived in hair styles are what I would say I specialize in but I absolutely love doing alternative haircuts and bold color. Usually I am working with my feather razor a lot of the time, I promise I do use my shears sometimes! Most of the people that come to me are specifically looking for haircuts that will work with their natural texture and lifestyle.
I am mostly proud of my clients for wanting to take care of their hair, as it’s a form of self love. I know it can be hard to feel dysphoric in your own skin, which is why haircuts and even color are so important when it comes to self expression. Something that sets me apart is that I am pretty adamant about using clean, sustainable products, it genuinely makes a difference. I really just love being able to help educate others and show that it’s possible to have a good relationship with your hair, but also just have fun with it!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
To be cringe is to be free. Don’t be afraid to try different things or even start over completely. Stay true to who you are, that will always shine brighter than trying to be something you’re not. Create art even if you think it’s ugly or bad because someone out there will enjoy it!!
Pricing:
- All haircuts: $95
- Hourly color rate: $85/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hairforbreakfast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairforbreakfast
Image Credits
Caitlyn (@caitphoto_)
Andrew (@andrewdoeshair)
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