Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorren Parks.
Hi Lorren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My parents moved me from Southern California to Charleston, SC, when I was six. My childhood was not your average upbringing; my father was a minister and wanted me and my siblings to be homeschooled to protect us from negative influences. My parents were strict—I would not be allowed to watch PG-13 movies or listen to secular until I was 18. I rebelled against my parents, but maybe not much more than the average teenager. My parent’s ways of containing me were a little extreme. When I got caught sneaking out at sixteen, they put an alarm system in the house—in my room only. It became evident that keeping me so sheltered wasn’t benefiting anyone, and my siblings were put into private and eventually public schools.
When I moved out of my parents at 18, I worked in an office and rented a small bedroom, and when I was 20, I met a man. He was an amiable, funny guy. We got married within a year of knowing each other. He was a loving husband, but he would have me quit working and be a stay-at-home wife. This seemed like a great deal! But little did I know I was continuing my life of being hidden away, over-protected, and alone most of my days. How had I gone from being locked away between four walls for so much of my childhood and found myself in the same position as an adult?
My confidence was low. I did not feel that I could do anything on my own. I wrote a few self-published books but needed to be more confident to promote them. I had two children (my absolute greatest success). I began painting and found I was good at it. I do not want to speak badly of my ex-husband; he is not a bad guy, but I had unknowingly gone from fearful parents to a fearful husband. When I left the house, he would react strongly to it. Was he insecure that I was a pretty girl and might find someone else? I felt as trapped as I had in my parent’s home, but this time, I had a child on each hip.
I didn’t know what to do. But I needed to be around people and stop relying on people who wanted to keep me secluded. I needed to be a member of society who helped others, not just a person chained to a house. My children were my first calling, but I had another call. One day, a woman who owned a hair salon bought all my paintings and commissioned me to paint more. This significantly boosted my confidence, and when I got my hair done by her, her and her and her employees encouraged me to become a hairstylist. Painting was great, but it kept me isolated, and after some time, I decided that going to hair school was the next best step.
The years that followed the divorce were the hardest years of my life. It was not an easier life. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t learn immediately and would do it again with another man. I was so insecure and afraid to take care of myself that I would try to find someone to rescue me. This next man also had his issues, but he built me up when needed. He was a voice in my ear that told me I could do anything I wanted. He constantly told me how great I was. Eventually, I began to believe it.
Becoming a hairdresser was scary, but it was the best thing I ever did for myself. Doing people’s hair, using chemicals, and hoping they like what you create is terrifying sometimes. And can you imagine spending almost your whole childhood indoors, having such little social interaction, to one-day meeting person after person all day long? The social anxiety was real! But I worked through it. I became confident in both my skills and as a person. It gave me the financial freedom to support myself on my own. I couldn’t have done it without my mother, who watched my babies while I was in school!
Behind the chair, I met the most wonderful people. I met amazing friends, people with crazy stories who had overcome great adversities. I found my true passion and half of that is art (in hair form) and the beauty of people. Finding a connection with other people, all different types, and sharing what we learn about life has given me a new life. I am so grateful daily to provide for myself and my children while doing the most important thing we can ever do: connecting and loving others! I am now self-employed and do hair in West Ashley.
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
I’ve had so many obstacles, as previously stated. But I’ve overcome abuse as a child, a custody battle that left me devastated, a very unhealthy romantic relationship, and toxic work environments. I’ve had to be tested and learn forgiveness truly, and I wouldn’t have been able to make it through without God!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was a painter for about 15 years. In recent years, I’ve painted hair, but I used to sell acrylic paintings and mixed media paintings. Much of my art consisted of old celebrities like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and James Dean. I also painted a lot of pets! But now I do hair, and I specialize in highlighting and toning.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
First of all, people remember you by how you make them feel! I want people to leave my presence feeling better than when they entered it. It’s a goal I always strive for, though I’m not perfect at it by any means!
Contact Info:
- Website: Imakehairpretty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmagnolia_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085667574335&mibextid=LQQJ4d
