Rising Stars: Meet Celia Jenkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Celia Jenkins.

Hi Celia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I would like to thank my younger self for choosing to save our life. This is where my story begins.

Like many people, depression made a home in my mind at the age of 13. At that time, I was living with undiagnosed depression, intrusive thoughts, and not fully understanding what was happening inside my mind. Eight months after my 13th birthday, I attempted to take my own life.

Thankfully, I was unsuccessful.

I spent some time in a secured facility to be treated and met with a psychiatrist daily. I was on my way to living life! “All was well!” So Thought.

As I grew older, I continued to battle depression, self-harm and numbing the pain the best I knew how. This continued all through middle school and part of high school. I was too young to fully grasp what was happening in my mind and didn’t understand that it was OK to ask for help.

A friend of mine at the time suggested I try going to the gym to “blow off some steam”.

This was when my life path shifted. The more I went to the gym, the more I FELT my depression, negative mental energy, intrusive thoughts, and self-harm actions disappear. Nine years of built-up trauma was finally being released. I felt those happy endorphins. I finally felt free.

The gym and physical fitness saved my life.

Fast forward a few more years, I started my career as a hairstylist. Little did I know, this would be my next life shift!

I was hired to do hair and makeup for a local bodybuilding show. I was fascinated with the sport! Everyone worked incredibly hard to build their physique. It takes time, discipline, and grit. Let’s just say I was hooked! Since then, I have been fortunate enough to compete in 5 bodybuilding shows over the years.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am very thankful for my life path. It hasn’t been easy and I learned some tough lessons at a very young age. One of the bigger lessons was learning the art of Self-Love.

I learned to finally love myself no matter the circumstances. Learning to love myself mentally, emotionally, physically.

Now, at 32 years young. I am a salon business owner, wife, competitive bodybuilder, and mental health advocate.

I often think about 13 years old Celia and think about how amazed she would be. If I could go back and sit with her, I would tell her “Look at this life we built. WE survived and WE did this! Thank you for choosing life.”

If I could leave you, the reader, with some “love nuggets” or some advice, it would be this. Mental health is not talked about enough. If you or someone you know are silently struggling, please understand that it is ok to ask for help. You are not alone and you are worthy.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been in the hair and salon industry for 13 years. It is my passion and is a true art.

Hair trends are always evolving. To make sure I am staying ahead of the trends, I am constantly polishing my skills by continuing my education.

My certifications are:
Redken Specialist
DevaCurl Certified
Pureology Specialist
Redken Blonding Stylist

I have learned a lot in these 13 years of styling. The thing I am most proud of is choosing to open my own salon studio in 2020! I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I look to leap and it was the best decision I made for my career!

I understand the emotional impact that I have on whoever sits in my chair. I take pride in creating a safe space and without judgment for whoever sits in my chair.

It’s a salon environment where my guests can come and mentally unplug for a little bit. For some people, the salon is the only time they have to themselves.

What matters most to you? Why?
The biggest thing that matters most is protecting my mental health at all costs.

The phrase “protect your peace” has been my constant.

I will keep this short but want the readers to really let this sink in. We are the only ones who can hear our thoughts and feel our emotions. We are the only ones who can make us truly happy (think about that).

If we don’t CHOOSE to protect our peace and mental health, who will?

Contact Info:

• Email: Celia.hairlove@gmail.com
• Instagram: Celia_lu