Styled With Purpose: Building an Inclusive Legacy in Cosmetology
- Feb 12
- 3 min read
By Hayley Barber
My name is Hayley Barber and I am a mother, a cosmetologist, and a future educator. My mission is to transform the beauty industry so that everyone feels beautiful. I have worked as a hairstylist for twenty years, with a recent specialization in inclusivity and mobile education. I want to leave a lasting legacy in the field of cosmetology and act as a beacon of hope for people who feel marginalized in the beauty industry.
My clients have told me far too frequently that they are unable to locate beauty experts who can meet their needs. Hearing the experiences of my clients who felt ignored hurt too much, so I decided to take action.
As a cosmetologist with fifteen years of experience at the time, I was already aware that my field doesn’t prepare us for every client, but something had to change.
Many people who deserve beauty treatments are excluded due to a lack of education regarding mobility challenges, disabilities and mental sensitivities. I had a burning need to stand up for my clients and those who share the same sentiments.
The word “legacy” has multiple meanings. For me, that means bringing about change that transcends both my profession and me.
My legacy would be to make sure that accessibility and inclusive education are one of the top priorities of the cosmetology field. The real foundation of a legacy, in my opinion, is leadership in a community, conscious impact, and work that uplifts others as you advance. I want to be a leader in cosmetology and tear down the barrier of inclusivity in salons, which is not sufficiently addressed.
With 20 years of experience behind the chair, I’m starting to surpass my own expectations and explore the field of education. I am gradually but deliberately moving closer to becoming a reliable advocate. I am making sure that I am educated in these specialized fields that are not included in cosmetology school, such as experience with mobility devices, sensory awareness and trauma-informed care. I want to apply my knowledge to create a curriculum that aspiring cosmetologists can use on their path. As a skilled cosmetologist, I am already advocating for this education movement to higher level leaders in the industry. This includes partnering with nonprofits and compiling materials that will be accessible to cosmetologists seeking to explain their expertise.
There is one important group of women in my life that motivate me to lead with purpose: my clients. I relocated and began a new career in a foreign country, and along the way I found devoted clients who trusted me. I am inspired to motivate others by providing them with comfort. These moments of connection gave rise to this desire, which motivates me to lead purposefully to establish a divine partnership of empowerment. Saying that I am “specializing in inclusive styling” saddens me. Making inclusive styling the standard rather than a specialty would be a legacy that would mean a lot to me. Being a true representative of my clients is crucial, and the best way for me to leave a lasting legacy is to work closely with the people I am advocating for to understand what they need from their beauty providers.
Every budding stylist that I train and every client they work with will contribute to my legacy. If you are to learn anything from my continuing journey, it is to take advantage of the chance to change the world. My greatest ambition is to lead with passion. The lighter to the flame is purpose-driven work, which leaves you with something better than when you started. That is the true measure of legacy.
Connect With Hayley
Instagram: hairbyhayley_wg
Facebook: Hair.by.Hayley
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