It was February of 2022, just over a month into attending Hairdressing School.
Hubby took me to Harrison Hot Springs for Valentines Day dinner and hot tubs to relax, as he knew that’s my favorite getaway place.
We had a wonderful dinner, then hit the hot tub. It was busy, so we went into the middle. Within about 20 minutes, a space opened on the side-so we moved to it.
That’s when everything changed.
Suddenly the voices of all the people around us started to mix together and I felt a little dizzy. I jumped out of the water and pulled my legs straight out in front of me, placing my hands on the ground on either side to keep my balance- but it was too late.
I remember saying to my husband that I dont feel right and asked him to go get my towel.
As he got up and took 3 steps to the towels-he heard a thud behind him
He turned to see i had fallen right back, out cold, and hit my head hard on the cement.
Immediately, I started to vomit and got lucky because hubby knew to roll me to my side. After a long night of my hubby taking care of me in our room because I kept refusing to agree to him calling 9-1-1, he got me to the hospital the next morning.
Unfortunately, I have a history of concussions, and that one was a big one that affected my ability to talk, walk, think, process and balance. The ringing in my ears lasted for months.
The hardest part was the first month. I felt stuck in my body. I wanted to give up. I just cried because I couldn’t communicate. I literally could not find words.
I slept a lot for that first couple weeks, and the doctors told hubby they didn’t know if everything would come back.
I remember panicking in my head thinking, what about my brides? I had weddings booked and needed to get better! This sent me into motion wanting to try harder.
I was determined, worked hard, and went back too early, but it was what i needed to do. I missed 3 weeks of school and made it up when I got back, still graduating with my class that December. No weddings were missed in my recovery that year.
I have trouble in busy places, my mind struggles sometimes and i get overwhelmed but The good side of this is I’ve realized that when I’m bridal styling, my brain stops racing and becomes quiet.
When im styling for a bride and her crew, I’m so lazer focused on every detail of her hair, mood, and vibe that I am calm and at peace.
This is my dream. This is my passion. This is my soul’s purpose.
To help others become their most their most beautiful, empowered self. To elevate brides and their loved ones so they don’t just look stunning – they feel ready to walk into their moment.
My attention to detail has gotten sharper, my perfectionism is no longer pushed aside- I even embrace it, so may even pull your hair apart mid style and start again. But the result will be stunning, lasting and feel like you-timeless, classic & elevated.
When I’m doing hair, you may notice I become quiet at times. This is me mapping, picturing placement, making every piece perfect, and perfecting the image i see before me to make it match the shape I see in my head.
Life happens. It’s gonna knock us down. But it’s all about how fast and hard you get back up and try again – that creates character. I am grateful to have recovered and determined to spend whatever days i have left chasing this dream.
Thanks so much for being here. For following my journey, even if you just joined. I appreciate you, I see you, and im here to support you.
Love Joanne Meakin
Bridal Hairstylist | Lioness Mane Events