Broke, Bullied, and Then... Christina Aguilera Called: Hollywood Hair Stylist Chris Appleton’s Story
In this episode of Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton discusses his path from a challenging childhood in middle England to success in Hollywood. He shares his experiences growing up with poverty and dyslexia, his early start in hairstyling at age 13, and his journey of self-acceptance, including coming out as gay in his 20s and working through personal challenges with therapy.
Appleton describes how he built his career from local salons to working with high-profile clients, using social media to showcase his work and develop his brand. He also explores how his childhood experiences with poverty influenced his current approach to finances, explaining his daily money management habits and his perspective on the connection between financial well-being and self-worth.
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1-Page Summary
Chris Appleton's Personal Journey and Identity
Chris Appleton shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by poverty and dyslexia to becoming a celebrated hairstylist. Growing up in middle England, he faced early labels about his sexuality due to his interest in hairstyling, finding initial solace in styling his mother's hair. His journey to self-acceptance included coming out as gay in his 20s, following a difficult period that included suicidal thoughts. Through therapy, Appleton learned to confront his internal critic and develop self-kindness, while addressing past traumas and reconnecting with his inner child.
Chris's Path to Success as a Celebrity Hairstylist
Starting at age 13, Appleton built his career from the ground up, working for free initially and continuously expanding his expertise in all aspects of hair styling. His journey took him from local salons to editorial work in London, where he developed specialized skills including wig styling. Despite facing imposter syndrome while working with high-profile clients like Madonna and Christina Aguilera, Appleton's unique talent for transformation set him apart. He strategically used social media to showcase his work, which helped attract celebrity clients including Jennifer Lopez, while building an authentic personal brand that resonated with his audience.
Lessons Learned About Finances, Money, and Self-Acceptance
Appleton discusses how his childhood experiences with poverty shaped his current approach to finances. Despite his success, he maintains careful financial habits, checking his accounts daily and emphasizing the importance of saving and investing for long-term security. He connects financial well-being with self-worth, working to help both himself and his parents understand that it's acceptable to invest in self-care and improvement. Appleton applies the same principles of overcoming negative self-talk to both financial and personal growth, viewing attributes like aging as signs of wisdom rather than limitations.
1-Page Summary
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Actionables
- You can start a "Skill Swap" initiative in your community where individuals exchange services based on their expertise, like hairstyling for financial planning advice, to gain experience and build a network without monetary investment.
- This approach allows you to learn from others and offer your skills in return, fostering a supportive environment similar to how Appleton worked for free to gain experience. For example, if you're good at graphic design but need help with public speaking, you could offer to design a flyer for someone's local event in exchange for coaching sessions.
- Create a "Self-Care Savings" jar where you regularly deposit a small amount of money dedicated to personal growth activities, mirroring the idea of investing in self-care.
- This tangible savings method encourages you to set aside funds specifically for activities that contribute to your well-being, such as therapy sessions, workshops, or fitness classes. For instance, every time you skip buying a coffee and make one at home instead, put the money you would have spent into the jar.
- Develop a "Wisdom Timeline" where you document life experiences and the lessons learned from them, celebrating aging as a source of wisdom.
- By reflecting on past events and recognizing the knowledge gained, you create a positive association with aging. You could start by writing down significant events from each year of your life and the insights you gained, creating a visual representation of your personal growth over time.
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Chris Appleton's Personal Journey and Identity
Chris Appleton opens up about his difficult childhood experiences with poverty, dyslexia, and being labeled for his interests, and takes us through his journey of self-acceptance, emphasizing the transformative role of therapy and self-reflection in overcoming his challenges.
Chris Appleton's Early Struggles With Self-Perception
Chris candidly discusses his upbringing in middle England, where he grew up very poor, sharing a bedroom with his two brothers and experiencing an absence of food in the cupboards. He also talks about his struggle with dyslexia, not fitting in conventional learning or gender roles, and being prematurely labeled as gay due to his interest in hairstyling.
Grew Up Poor, Faced Dyslexia, Labeled "Gay" for Hair Styling
Growing up, Chris was faced with the negative perceptions of being poor and dyslexic, where he was often seen as stupid or lazy by his peers. He avoided the labels placed on him by trying to prove to everyone that he was enough. He found solace in making his mother look and feel glamorous through hairstyling, a stark contrast to their reality of poverty.
Chris's Journey of Self-Acceptance and Overcoming Challenges
Chris explains how the love for his craft led him to come out as gay in his 20s, a process that wasn't easy and included a period marked by suicidal thoughts.
Came Out As Gay In 20s, Difficult Period Marked by Suicidal Thoughts
In his 20s, after a suicide attempt, Chris stopped fighting against his authentic self, which marked the beginning of his journey of self-acceptance. This challenging period, especially coming out at 26, led to a better understanding of himself and the importance of being aligned with who one is before entering relationships.
The Transformative Power of Therapy and Self-Reflection
Therapy and self-reflection have played a significant role in Chris's life, helping him confront internal criti ...
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Chris Appleton's Personal Journey and Identity
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can create a personal "glamour day" to boost self-esteem and provide comfort, similar to how hairstyling did for Chris's mother. Set aside one day a month where you focus on activities that make you feel special and valued, whether it's a DIY spa day, dressing up for no reason, or creating art. This practice can serve as a reminder that self-worth isn't tied to material wealth.
- Develop a "self-dialogue journal" to practice kindness towards yourself, taking inspiration from Chris's therapy experience. Each day, write down any negative thoughts you have about yourself and counter them with positive affirmations or evidence of your capabilities. This habit can help you recognize and challenge your internal critic, fostering a more compassionate self-view.
- Engage in a "childhood reconnection" exercise ...
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Chris's Path to Success as a Celebrity Hairstylist
Chris Appleton shares the journey and strategies behind his ascent as an in-demand celebrity hairstylist, culminating in his work being featured in a movie and his recognition among high-profile clients.
Chris's Pursuit of His Passion For Hair Styling
Chris's journey began at 13, when he started working in hair styling, challenged by dyslexia and negative school experiences. He overcame these obstacles and found his passion for hair, which became an avenue where he could excel and empower others to see the best versions of themselves. Chris relentlessly honed his craft for over 30 years, progressing from free jobs to establishing his own price level in salons, then advancing to editorial work in London. His passion was fueled by his dedication to master all aspects of hair styling, including earning a degree in color and learning specialized skills like braiding in Harlem.
Worked Hard, Offered Free Work, Became an Expert
Appleton sought out every opportunity to enhance his skills, even when times were challenging financially, as he pursued his dreams in the expensive city of London, resorting to strategies like avoiding train fares. His expertise in wigs, developed from assisting cancer patients, helped him gain recognition for addressing neglected aspects of wig styling such as rooting and plucking the hairline.
Navigating Challenges in Fashion and Celebrity World
Chris's progression in the fashion industry was not without its hardships. Famed clients like Madonna heralded his talent, which marked a significant milestone in his career. Despite grappling with imposter syndrome, Chris overcame his doubts by affirming his aptitude and abilities, pushing past his fears with the support of loved ones. Chris's narrative reveals a period of self-doubt and fear, especially when he first worked with Christina Aguilera, where he confronted his insecurities head-on. Despite initial hesitance and doubt, Chris's talent was affirmed when he finally presented Aguilera with a customized wig that received high praise, signaling the start of a period where his work gained wider appreciation.
Faced Imposter Syndrome With High-Profile Clients
Chris candidly recounts battling his imposter syndrome, questioning whether high-profile clients like Jennifer Lopez could even be aware of his work. However, his capability shone through during pivotal moments, such as a first-time collaboration with a world-famous client where he managed to showcase his unique hairstyling “superpower” of transformation that captivated audiences and set him apart.
Showcased Unique Talents and Expertise to Build Reputation
Determined to dissect the success of prominent stylists, he distilled their qualities and applied these insights to his efforts, winning a TV hairstyling show in the UK and surmounting high aspirations to work ...
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Chris's Path to Success as a Celebrity Hairstylist
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can start a passion project in an area you're interested in by dedicating just one hour a week to it, regardless of your current skill level. For example, if you're intrigued by photography but have no experience, spend an hour every week taking photos with your smartphone, focusing on different techniques or themes each time.
- Create a mini-portfolio of your work or hobby on a free website or social media platform to share your progress and get feedback. If you enjoy baking, for instance, document your creations with photos and descriptions, and share them online to connect with fellow baking enthusiasts and gather constructive criticism.
- Reach out to a l ...
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Lessons Learned About Finances, Money, and Self-Acceptance
Chris Appleton reflects on his humble beginnings and how being very poor growing up taught him the significance of being resourceful and the value of saving, which influenced his current financial habits and attitudes toward self-acceptance.
Chris's Financial Background and Early Experiences With Scarcity
Appleton, who started working in a salon at the age of 13, earning very little, learned the value of money and the essential practice of saving to improve his situation from his financial struggles as a child.
Financial Struggles Taught Resourcefulness and Saving
Chris recalls how the price of a chocolate bar went from 50p in his youth to six pounds, indicating how money devalues over time, which only emphasizes the need for saving and understanding the true value of money. With his background of scarcity, Chris developed a saver's mindset, a habit continuously reinforced by his upbringing.
Navigating the Financial Aspects of His Successful Career
Despite achieving success, Appleton remains cautious with spending, questioning purchases and considering returns due to the financial frugality instilled in him during childhood. He finds importance in being able to support his family and also relates his parents' frugal actions, rooted in a lifetime of saving and prioritizing their children.
Habit of Monitoring Finances, Still Struggles With Old Habits and Fears
Appleton maintains his financial management habit partly due to fear of fraud, checking his financial accounts every day. His memories of childhood scarcity drive his determination to provide for his family and avoid repeating the same patterns. The challenges of an expensive lifestyle in LA, like high-priced smoothies at Air One, reflect his ongoing awareness and consideration for the value of money.
Recognizes Importance Of Investing For Long-Term Security
He advises saving more than one spends and investing wisely, acknowledging that money loses value over time, underscoring the importance of proactive financial management for long-term security.
Connecting Financial Health With Overall Well-B ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Lessons Learned About Finances, Money, and Self-Acceptance
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can create a "value journal" where you track all your expenses and next to each, write down how much value or happiness it brought to your life. This practice will help you become more mindful of your spending habits and encourage you to invest in things that truly add value to your life. For example, if you buy a coffee, note whether it was just a routine purchase or a genuinely enjoyable moment. Over time, you'll be able to identify patterns and make more informed decisions about where to allocate your funds.
- Start a family financial education night once a month where you discuss topics like saving, investing, and budgeting with your household. Use games, simple presentations, or storytelling to make the concepts engaging and relatable. For instance, you could play a board game that simulates investment strategies or share stories of successful savers and investors, adapting the complexity to suit all ages in the family.
- Implement a "self-worth savings chal ...
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