We had the good fortune of connecting with Sirene Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sirene, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance is a great subject and one that I knew nothing about at the beginning of my career and today I have some experience to share. This incredible adventure of Hairstyling began for me 22 years ago when my daughter was just 2 years old. Starting a career as a single mom I fought hard against a perceived social stigma of being a teen mom. Working long hours and ignoring the clear signs that my body was in turmoil to which eventually culminated in a long host of health issues. This was when I came to realize that things were not working the way I was doing them and I set out to cultivate work/life balance.

Balance has become extremely vital in every decision I make as a business woman now and little by little has taken me on a path from surviving to thriving. As creative and wonderful as being a stylist is, there is a real element of athleticism that requires me to keep my body fit and well. For me this looked like educating myself in nutrition, holistic preventative care, meditation and fitness as well as integrating more quality time with friends and family. This is what true sustainable success looks like to me.

Today, I get to specialize in what I love which is curly hair and I get to bring a very under-serviced clientele haircuts that make them feel confident and creatively expressed. This action of balance has also inspired and allowed me to pursue other endeavors as well, most recently writing and Yoga teacher training. In a society that encourages us to check out from our body and mind, it is almost an act of rebellion to choose to check in and assess our state of wellness. Many amazing such rebels have lead me down this path and I aspire to lead others to do the same.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The creation of the Curly Carver method was developed over 2 decades of salon experience and education but it was inspired long before that. I am a mixed girl Brazilian/Irish but took on the less dominating Irish features of pale skin and straight hair like my fathers side. However I grew up with an army of strong Brazilian women with an array of curly textured hair. I had a gift of cutting and stying hair since I was very young. It came very easy to me, while I watched as the curly women around me struggled with daily styling, product limitations and salon experiences that brought them to tears. When I started beauty school in 2000 my aunt asked me to please learn to do Curly hair because no one knew how to do it. Since then I have set out to really study Curly hair of all textures.

The intention of curly carver is to embrace the individuality and uniqueness of every hair texture. There has been a tremendous movement in the past few years in natural hair texture. The beauty industry has been slow to meet this need. Curly Carver is determined to raise the technical standard in the beauty industry involving all things curly hair.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me the most exciting things in Los Angeles is the food and people watching. I like surprising experiences and going to the DTLA Arts District will always deliver that, it’s just incredible to see all the creativity there. I also love to wonder around Little Tokyo and it is an absolute must to experience Hama Sushi, an oldie but goodie.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It is pretty hard to make a list of all who have supported and guided me through the years. My partner Dominic Bernacchi is by far the greatest facilitator and supporter of my dreams and I am endlessly grateful for him. Most recently I would like to recognize M.J. Dugas for always being my cheerleader and teaching me business savvy things. Eden Dozier Photography for all the support personally and with Curly Carver. Monique Northrop is definitely someone you want on your side, Mo the owner of “You Pretty Things Salon” in Silverlake is a trailblazer, always so inspiring, confidence building and full of solutions. Last but not least I would like to thank my daughter Summer Evans for doing all my web and tech support through the years and for being the best daughter a mother could ask for.

Website: thecurlycarver.com

Instagram: sirenesociety

Image Credits
Eden Dosier Joy Newell mercedes helnwein

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