December 16
Let’s talk about your crowning glory—your hair—and how it can help you embrace your authentic self.
Gina Marie Rodriguez, a self-described "nerdy/sciency hairstylist," is on a mission to help clients love their natural curls and waves. As the owner of The Cultivated Curl in Fair Oaks, CA, Gina’s work blends natural hair movement, gray hair acceptance, and neurodivergence advocacy, creating a space where authenticity is celebrated.
In this episode, Gina shares her personal ADHD journey, from childhood masking to embracing her neurodivergent traits as an adult. She opens up about how ADHD has fueled her passion for learning and teaching, driving her to innovate within the salon industry. By creating a pre-appointment educational course, Gina is empowering clients to better care for their hair and embrace their individuality.
Gina also dives into the challenges of masking, breaking societal expectations, and finding community in spaces that honor neurodiversity. Her story is a testament to the power of leaning into your quirks, whether that’s in hair care, creativity, or daily life.
If you’ve ever felt the need to shrink yourself to fit in, this episode will remind you that there’s beauty in being exactly who you are.
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"Being authentically you all the time, unapologetically, allows other people to see what that looks like. When they see what that looks like, they’re drawn to you."
- Gina Marie Rodriguez
"The more my clients know about themselves and stop working against their hair, the more they love it. My job is to teach them to embrace what their hair naturally does."
- Gina Marie Rodriguez
"If your hair is frizzy, it just needs to be rewet and redone. Hydration is key. Frizz is not always bad—it can be new growth or simply a loss of moisture between wash days."
- Gina Marie Rodriguez
"[On ADHD workarounds] What can I do right now to help tomorrow’s Gina? Think of her as my friend. I want to support her."
- Gina Marie Rodriguez
- Gina Marie Rodriguez, a curly hair specialist and salon owner, discovered her ADHD and giftedness through her children's diagnoses.
- She shares her early experiences of feeling different and developing "chameleon" behaviors to fit in, eventually learning to embrace her authentic self.
- The discovery of her neurodivergence helped explain her intense interests, ability to see patterns, and deep need for understanding the "why" behind things.
[30:00 - 60:00] Building a Specialized Business
- Gina developed a unique approach to curly hair care, combining her ADHD traits of pattern recognition and intense focus with technical expertise.
- She created an innovative online education program during COVID-19, requiring clients to complete it before appointments, ensuring better understanding and results.
- Her business model naturally attracts other neurodivergent clients who appreciate her detailed explanations and authentic approach.
[60:00 - 01:28:16] Technical Expertise and Personal Growth
- Gina shares extensive knowledge about curly hair science, including specifics about porosity, drying techniques, and heat management.
- She emphasizes the importance of accepting natural hair patterns rather than fighting them, paralleling her journey of self-acceptance.
- Her ADHD workaround involves thinking about "future Gina" and being a good friend to her future self through preparation and organization.
