As the year draws to a close, many women are slowly entering a season of self-reflection. For some, that journey begins with resetting goals or shedding old habits. For others, it begins with learning to embrace peace, purpose and healing to fall in love with the woman in the mirror again.
Healing is a crucial part of life that looks different for every woman. Sometimes it is found in moments of stillness or the gentle calm of a slow morning routine. But for Terriona Hopkins, a senior kinesiology student attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and founder and hairstylist of Polishing Your Crown, it can be rediscovered through faith, service and even a trip to the hair salon.
Rooted in her belief that “our bodies are temples” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and that everything starts from the head, Hopkins built Polishing Your Crown as more than a salon. It’s a sanctuary for women redefining their confidence and faith. Lake Charles, La. native, she began her craft in 2018 when she was 14 years old.
“My mom is a licensed cosmetologist, so doing hair has always been deep in my roots,” she said. “Before I start a client’s hairstyle, I pray, ‘Thank you, God, for this talent and for blessing me with this opportunity.’ A hairstyle is deeper than looks, some people have trauma and memories connected to their hair.” The name Polishing Your Crown reflects the same belief that every woman carries spiritual crowns that are deserving of care, love and attention.
Stepping into a woman’s healing era means honoring herself on every level. It’s a time to nurture the body, mind and spirit, and step confidently into femininity and growth during this season, showing that care for herself is an essential part of the journey.
“It’s big to show up for yourself every day,” she said. “Start with your hair and your clothes, even on those low days. That starts your day off with a positive mindset and builds consistency.” For her, these small, intentional acts of self-care are the first steps towards renewed confidence and inner growth.
Hopkins views hair as a reflection of one’s personality and self-expression. “For me, hair is a personality. It’s how I express myself,” she shared. At Polishing Your Crown, every appointment is more than just a beauty service. Driven by faith-filled passion, Hopkins prays her gift leaves her clients not just looking beautiful, but feeling spiritually refreshed, reminded that self-care isn’t vanity; it’s essential.
Through her service, she not only teaches women to honor their crowns, but also guides them into a new phase of healing, a period of self-restoration. She believes that nurturing oneself, in turn, allows you to pour into others. “When my cup is full, I can fully pour back into other people,” she explained, highlighting the importance of self-love and selfless balance.
As women continue to grow in their healing journeys, Hopkins reminds us that transformation begins with intention. For her, true growth doesn’t begin with perfection but from faith, a firm reliance on God and His timing.
“First, go to God,” she said. “Remember those goals you have for yourself so you can start and end off strong.” This wisdom reminds us that as women, we were created with strength, grace and softness. This spiritual alignment grounds us, leading into a fruitful season of elevation and perseverance.
Hopkins encourages women to embrace new beginnings fearlessly, even when stepping into the unknown feels uncertain. “Prepare for something new. Walk with it and be confident with it,” she said.
In accordance with Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the assurance in things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” Growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s in the discomfort that we find passion and purpose.
Maintaining that purpose also means protecting one’s inner light. Hopkins said, “I’m really big on not letting anything or anyone dim your light. You’ll have some seasons where it feels dim, especially as women, it’ll feel like we don’t have our light anymore. But you really have to have that self-reflection and stay true to you and have your faith.”
It’s that balance of reflection, confidence and faith that defines both her work and her mission. She’s not just styling hair, she’s helping women rediscover themselves, piece by piece, prayer by prayer and crown by crown.
Because becoming “her,” the healed, whole, glowing version of yourself, starts with one small, sacred act of self-love at a time.