From Byrd

Life had other plans. I was all set to start cutting hair again on May 1—now that my back is finally healing—hoping to bring in a little more financial stability. But then I got hit with a surprise: A torn, bruised, and inflamed set of tendons in my right wrist… apparently since July. After injections, I’m now in a cast for at least two weeks. Surgery’s on the table in May if it doesn’t heal. This is the same injury that forced me to close my Alaska salon in January. I didn’t want to… but I couldn’t keep going. And now? I’m making a last-minute trip back to Alaska to gather the last of my things. I wasn’t planning this—but I’m choosing to see it as a blessing. Thanks to help from Jaxon’s aunt, I was able to book a spot on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry. I won’t have to drive the whole way. I can rest. Sometimes, the universe pauses us on purpose. Not to punish, but to protect. #lifeupdate #healingjourney #salonlife #restisproductive #mobilehairstylist #disabledentrepreneur #q***rbusinessowner #shearlara #alaskasalon #roadtorecovery #slowgrowth #trustthetiming #tendoninjury #hairbylark #newmexico

I’m back in Philadelphia for action packed business retreat with ! I didn’t even see the building art last night! While I am still not back to work since my back surgery, I’m moving forward with new ideas and education.

Our experience navigating Jaxon’s brain injury has been full of frustration and heartache. Every day, I remind myself how hard this would have been for him if he didn’t have an advocate or someone willing to put the work in. Please read this list of symptoms and share with others. This is just one area of the brain that can be affected (right frontal lobe is the area responsible for personality). Different zone will have other symptoms.

The Right to Sit: Why It Matters for Service Workers

If you work in retail, hospitality, or personal services, you’ve probably been told at some point that “standing looks more professional.” But at what cost?

A recent Associated Press article, Is Spending All Day on Your Feet an Occupational Hazard?, highlights the serious risks of prolonged standing—including varicose veins, joint damage, and chronic pain. The long-term effects aren’t just physical; they’re financial, too. Medical bills, lost wages from time off, and decreased longevity in your career all add up.

Many countries and states already recognize a right to sit for workers. But in the U.S., service industry employees are often forced to endure exhausting shifts without proper breaks or seating. Why? Because of outdated ideas about what “good customer service” looks like.

A tired worker isn’t a better worker. Sitting when possible (even for a few minutes!) reduces fatigue, prevents injury, and improves job performance. Advocating for seating options isn’t laziness—it’s self-preservation.

What’s your experience with the “no sitting” rule at work? Let’s talk about it. ⬇️

https://apnews.com/article/workers-right-sit-standing-retail-unions-43ba3e9e36a2604c1b6ed9dc594e3b79

I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close my salon due to health challenges. These challenges have made it impossible for me to continue working behind the chair while maintaining the quality of work I’ve always strived to provide.

Though my time in Alaska has come to an end, my adventure is far from over. My passion for nature, art, and protecting those who are “othered” continues to drive me forward.

I’m deeply grateful for the trust and support you’ve given me over the years—it means the world. This is just a new chapter. 💖

***r