Sondra "Stefani" Padilla has been a hairstylist for over 20 years, steadily transforming hair for clients in New York, LA, and Portland. Prior to creating La Tierra Sagrada, Stefani embarked upon a seven-year spiritual journey exploring the extraordinary healing power of plants. These plant teachers imparted nature’s wisdom to her, and, coupled with the knowledge she gained from both her work as a stylist and her own personal health issues, La Tierra Sagrada- The Sacred Earth- was born.
Did becoming a mother change your hair?
Becoming a mother has definitely had a profound impact on my hair. With both pregnancies, I experienced significant shedding postpartum. It was particularly noticeable after my second child, and I remember feeling quite alarmed by the amount of hair I was losing. To cope with this, I decided to share my experience on Instagram as a way to support other mothers who might be going through the same thing. It was both a personal journey and a way to connect with others who have been through a similar situation.
What are your top tips for postpartum hair loss?
Don't stress! Postpartum hair loss can be distressing, but it is a natural cycle, and does not last forever. Here are some things that definitely helped me cope with it:
Firstly, I made sure to maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients that support hair growth, including iron and protein. I also kept taking my prenatals and other vitamins to help support my overall health as well as hair health. Additionally, I found that using non toxic, gentle hair care, La Tierra Sagrada products specifically and avoiding tight hairstyles helped minimize further damage to my hair. Weekly oil Treatments with our Treatment were beneficial as well.
I've heard you talk about "Lunar Hair Care" online. What is a lunar hair care practice?
A lunar hair care practice involves aligning hair care routines with the phases of the moon. Certain lunar phases can influence hair growth as well as overall hair health. As a hairstylist, I often share about the energy behind doing hair treatments and/or cutting in alignment with the New Moons and Full Moons. These are potent windows in time to either shed, release, let go during the full moon phase, or plant seeds of intention and manifest with the new moon phase. I often have clients take their hair to offer during these phases. Some of my clients find it to be a meaningful ritual that enhances their connection to nature and their hair.
How has community played a role in your journey through motherhood?
Community has been absolutely essential in my journey through motherhood. Whether it's connecting with other mothers or forming friendships with fellow parents in my local community, having a support network has been invaluable. Sharing experiences, offering advice, and simply knowing that I'm not alone in facing motherhood has been incredibly reassuring and empowering. Community support has provided me with a sense of belonging that has enriched my experience as a mother.
Walk us through some of the rituals that support you in your daily life?
Rituals play a significant role in helping me navigate the demands of daily life, especially as a mother and business owner. Each morning, I start my day with a few moments of quiet reflection and gratitude, setting positive intentions for the day ahead. I find that this helps me approach each day with a sense of purpose and mindfulness. Throughout the day, I try to prioritize self-care rituals between taking care of my 1 and 4 year olds, managing a team/running a biz. Sometimes self care looks like taking short breaks to stretch or practicing deep breathing exercises. Also- staying hydrated is key. I live off Moon Juice Mini Dew to keep me focused and on the righteous path. In the evening, I wind down with a calming bedtime routine that includes bathing with my babies, then getting into bed and reading to them. This gets us all ready for restful sleep.
What has the journey been like for you in business coinciding with motherhood?
Balancing business endeavors with motherhood has been both challenging and rewarding. On one hand, it's been a journey of personal growth and fulfillment, allowing me to pursue my passions and professional ambitions while also prioritizing my role as a Mother. However, it's also come with its fair share of sacrifices and struggles, such as navigating time management, guilt over dividing my attention between work and family, and overcoming the inevitable setbacks and obstacles that arise along the way. Despite the challenges, being a mother has brought a unique perspective and sense of purpose to my business endeavors, motivating me to strive for success and create a better future for my family.
