Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis. Being faced with a sudden, unexpected, and drastoc appearance change makes for a big emotional adjustment. We live in an appearance-driven society where female baldness is not accepted as one of many versions of "normal".
My initial adjustment to being bald was a rocky road. I had always been physically active and very social. Hair loss turned me into a hermit. I didn't understand the disease and could not find support in my area. I retreated to the safety of my home and dropped out of everything for quite some time. Well-meaning friends tried to be supportive but the typical comments such as "it's only your hair" just made me feel worse. I felt alone, but I also realized that I was the only one who could turn my emotional state around.
Little-by-little, I began to accept the "new me" and tried to find a solution to my hairless head. I tried wigs but they just didn't suit my life style. I tried to find a fashionable alternative (scarves) and was disappointed by the lack of fun and fashionable scarves. I came to realize that the head scarf market for the hairless was lagging way behind the fashion industry. I've always been involved in fashion, so I began to design my own suitable solution - the birth of the beaubeau®: "Beautiful Scarves for Beautiful Heads".
Initially, I didn't know if anyone else would find my scarves as comfortable and fun to wear as I did. Turns out many women and girls love them as much as I do. I've now been designing scarves for 6 years. Alopecia handed me the opportunity to help other women and girls cope with their hair loss in a dignified and stylish manner. There is no substitute in life for the feeling that you have made a difference in the life of someone else! Thank you Alopecia!
Susan, I know we seemed to miss each other at previous conferences. I am so glad that we tracked each other down and finally met. We will speak to you soon. Take care and please say hi to Jack for us. Sincerely, Cheryl
Cheryl, Co-founder
Jun 28, 2010