21 Comments
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Rebecca K's avatar

You write so beautifully. I really appreciate your honesty because I often see your life and am jealous because I feel exhausted and overworked. I don't post my life much online because of the fear of creating too much of a highlight reel while I feel like I'm drowning... on the flip side I am also living out my purpose and my dream of owing a salon by creating a safe and supportive place for stylists and my clients. It's a dichotomy between knowing you are following your dreams but also drowning in a sea of debt and stress of trying to create structured systems on the back end. Also understanding it's such a privilege and how amazed younger you would be, to be in these situations. However it shouldn't minimize the level of stress it also produces. Sending you a big hug 💚

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

You should be so proud of yourself Rebecca. We had a rough start, especially you, but you pushed through everything and have gone on to be an incredible stylist, educator and now salon owner! So many of the most worthwhile things in life are hard and the behind the scenes aren’t always pretty. Thank you for sharing babe. 💗

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Aridiana Morales's avatar

This is what I needed to read today. I’ve been having a hard time putting my feelings together and when you wrote “I want to lie down and listen to records and cry because there's something building inside of me that is weighing down my eyelids and my heart”. It feels so valid and exactly how I’ve been feeling lately and really needed this today so thank you for showing us this rawness and unedited version of you.

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

Thank you Aridiana. It means a lot that you could find solace in my words. I hope you also gave yourself some grace and time to recover from whatever it is that is feeling overwhelming. 🖤

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Galen Mancino's avatar

You may be feel lonely but I promise you aren't alone! ❤️

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

Awe. Thanks babe. I miss you.

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Natasha Huey's avatar

💗💗💗 Wishing you the space to feel into everything you’re describing and the release of a self judgement that sounds so familiar

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

Thanks Natasha 🌹

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Tiffany Faircloth's avatar

My first read of yours and appreciating the rawness and the underground feeling of your authentic inner self 🖤

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

Thank you Tiffany ✨💗

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Sandra Olson's avatar

I love your authenticity of sincerity and truthfulness and desire.

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

Thank you so much, Sandra.

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Laura Wagner's avatar

Thank you for posting something so emotionally honest, Stephanie. I love you and admire you. You deserve to take the time to reflect and treat yourself with empathy. You rock!

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

Thanks, Laura. You've always been such an inspiration to me, and I hope you give yourself the same grace and kindness. I love and miss you!

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Jen's avatar

I think you are a great writer. I love reading your essays. And all that you say is relatable! Sending love :)

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

Thank you, Jen. I'm glad they resonate with you. <3

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Samantha Morgan's avatar

You’re allowed to say you’re sad, and we thank you for it, too. Who we are kidding with the dream life not also being devastating at times? Who are we kidding when we punish our life by demanding it *appear* dreamier than it is—that to admit satisfaction with something subpar is the ultimate defeat? I think Buddha said that is actually liberation. Guess it always depends who we’re asking! Love you 💗

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

I love this and I love you. <3

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Tanya's avatar

Appreciate you— your rawness and vulnerability. It speaks to so many. 🤍

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Linda Schweidel's avatar

Sending you love, Steph! You're someone I really admire and appreciate.

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Stephanie Gamarra's avatar

Awe, thank you Linda. The feeling is mutual, I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

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