New York & Me how lovely!
Hey! It’s Christian, welcome to my blog. If you’re here, we most likely know each other in the real world. If we haven’t met yet, then you are among the first to know me as a writer and not as a hairdresser, So welcome!
A lot happened recently, and although the full story could be a book on its own, I’ll focus on what really matters. I’ve talked incessantly about a path set for me. Preaching of lessons learned, putting stubbornness aside to trust that the “universe” has opened specific doors with intention. This is not uncommon as I’m sure you have also felt some force guiding you this way.
Believe it or not, that force is why I recently ended a two-year adventure in New York and relocated back to my hometown, Denver. Lots of variables factored into this decision. However, the primary reason was my health. Every day the whisper my body was telling my brain to slow down and take care of myself was steadily becoming a yell, I just didn’t feel good.
My initial goals of moving were simple. To prove I could do it, and to reignite my creativity. These mysterious open doors have a funny way of manifesting though. I did move, and I did survive, and did reignite my creativity. I worked next to incredible stylists who are killing the NY hair game. I met amazing people and my concept of what was out there and possible in this life was completely transformed.
Yet as we all know, life is about the journey, not the destination.
That journey, so invigorating and life altering was all I really needed. The torch light the universe had lit for me began to dim and She was pushing me in another direction. Was it the excessive water leaking in my apartment? A severely instable roommate? Mold? The constant pain in my lower back? All the doors I so freely walked through getting to The City, seemed to be shutting now.
These are just a snapshot of what was piling up, but after work one day, I was sitting at Madison Square Park, people watching, listening to a live band playing, the smoke from the fire’s cleared and left beautiful weather in its wake. Hot, but so perfect. Like so many times before, I was overwhelmed by the sheer luck of being one of those who called New York home. Even if it was for a short time. It was clear in that moment, my eyes stinging, the thought I’ve been stubbornly pushing away for months. I love it here, but I can’t do this anymore.
I have every confidence that there were lessons and opportunities to come if I had stayed. In my heart I know that I got what I was supposed to get, learned what I was supposed to learn and yes, my departure was less than elegant. I quite literally blew up my everything, quit my job didn’t tell anyone, packed a truck and drove cross country. Some may characterize that as a mental break down, but now that I’ve settled in, I’m calling it a rebranding. I know I know, let’s not joke about mental health. But I must reframe it in some way.
So, what started as a challenging search for creativity, turned into the most magical experience of my life, then to a mental break down, and finally to realign what really matters to me. Sanctuary. Health. Creativity. I don’t have all the answers. But I’m starting here. With the next chapter of my studio Citizen Nox, building a sanctuary, and this blog, to share my long-hidden hobby with the world.
Thank you so much for reading and taking part of this journey. My intention is to focus on beauty and post a new blog every Wednesday ish, sharing my expertise and opinions about the world of hair!
Join me next week as we dive into the world of hair color; “Ammonia Free Hair color? Is it worth the switch?”
Follow us on instagram @citizennox for all my studio, blog, & hair updates
Comments