Soulful Self-Care Conversations

How Embracing Hair Loss Leads to Empowerment & Self-Acceptance with Kellie Rhymes

Pearl Chiarenza

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In this heartfelt episode of Soulful Self-Care Conversations, Pearl welcomes Kellie Rhymes—a confidence coach and founder of Limitless Mindset Coaching—who helps women navigate hair loss with courage, authenticity, and radical self-acceptance.

Kellie shares her journey from the first pea-sized bald spot to a scarring alopecia diagnosis (CCCA), the shock of being told “there’s nothing you can do,” and the day an adverse salon reaction led to shaving her head—ready or not. With honesty and grace, she walks us through denial, wigs, learning curves, and the turning point: rebuilding confidence from the inside out.

If you or someone you love is facing hair loss—from alopecia, autoimmune issues, chemo, or hormonal shifts—this episode offers practical perspective, the power of community, and a path back to feeling beautiful, worthy, and free.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

  • Kellie’s Origin Story: From late-20s thinning to a scarring alopecia (CCCA) diagnosis common among Black women due to historic styling practices/products.
  • When “There’s Nothing To Do” Isn’t the End: Why clinical answers aren’t always emotional answers—and where personal agency begins.
  • The Shave Day: An unexpected cut, a closed barbershop, and friends who stayed all day—what true support looks like.
  • Wigs, Learning, and Letting Go: Navigating early wig missteps, quality upgrades, and the difference between hiding and choosing.
  • Mindset > Mirror: How releasing negative self-talk and fear of others’ opinions created real, embodied confidence.
  • Being Seen (Without Hair): Receiving compliments as a bald woman—and learning to believe them.
  • The Balcony Test: Curating your support system—who gets a front row seat to your healing?

Powerful Quotes

  • “A diagnosis can tell you what’s happening to your hair. It can’t tell you who you are.” — Kellie Rhymes
  • “I wasn’t prepared to shave my head—but my friends were prepared to love me through it.” — Kellie Rhymes
  • “Hiding and choosing can look the same on the outside. Only you know the difference.” — Pearl
  • “Confidence didn’t come from hair. It came from the way I talked to myself.” — Kellie Rhymes

Gentle Guidance & Takeaways

  • Feel your feelings: Denial is human. So is grief. Make room for both.
  • Get informed—get support: A dermatologist’s input matters; so does advocacy, especially for CCCA and Black women’s hair health.
  • Try, test, choose: Wigs, scarves, bald, buzzed—your body, your decision. Choice restores power.
  • Rewrite the script: Replace “What will they think?” with “What do I believe about me?”
  • Curate your balcony: Surround yourself with people who help you feel safe, seen, and strong.

Resources & Support

  • Kellie Rhymes – Limitless Mindset Coaching
    Coaching for confidence, authenticity, and navigating hair loss
    (Add link or social handle if available)
  • Alopecia Awareness & CCCA Info
    • National Alopecia Areata Foundation: naaf.org

    • CCCA advocacy/education (provide your preferred org/resource if applicable)
  • Work with Pearl
    • Mini coaching session: wsliving.com/shero

    • Retreats & community: wslivingretreats.com

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Follow Pearl on
social media TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook: @Pearlchiarenza

Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wsliving.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Remember to embrace your inner pearl, nourish yourself, and find balance in life. Stay
true to your authentic self and continue working on your personal growth.