Meet Kira Higgins | Hairdresser & Garden Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kira Higgins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kira, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
In this season of my life, I’m balancing being a mom, a hairdresser, and a garden educator. It’s a full life, and one I’m deeply grateful for. Before becoming a mom, I went through a sad divorce at 30. The divorce gave me the time and the need to keep mentally busy. I had already laid a strong foundation as a hairdresser, and for the next 5 years, I threw myself into hair working nearly every day: behind the chair, styling weddings, educating hairdressers for Pureology and a styling class I developed, leading fashion shows, traveling to expand my education, and working with a few famous clients. In my spare time, I went rock climbing and salmon fishing. Since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a hairdresser, and these years were a dream fulfilled.

My balance changed when my son was born. I think about the balance like an animal raising young. How does what I’m doing support my child and provide an environment where he can thrive? This time in my life feels like a constant transition, redefining myself as not just a hairdresser. During Covid times, when the salons shut down, I began raising monarch butterflies and exploring gardening. I come from a family of farmers and gardeners; this familiar hobby brought me joy. When my son began kindergarten in 2021, I began teaching K-5th garden education at his school through the Sage Garden Project. And, since then I’m balancing being a mom, hairdresser, and garden educator.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have 2 kinds of art: hair and gardens. My art begins with the direction of others, interpreted through my artistic lens, and shifting as the process evolves to create our masterpiece. Some of the lessons I’ve observed drive my purpose in teaching garden education. Time feels scarce. Natural spaces feel scare. The landscape of childhood has changed from unstructured free time in yards and natural parks. We could argue that children have experienced habitat loss where learning used to happened through play and experience. Now, the majority of children’s time is adult-led or supervised inside walls, on concrete, on turf, on decomposed granite, on rubber ground, or on screens. I’ve seen kids get in trouble for making mud, jumping in puddles, climbing trees, playing with insects, gathering materials from “landscaping”, and being too loud at recess. These observations have driven me to find ways to connect children to nature because if children don’t develop a love of the natural world will they want to protect or preserve it as adults? Will they experience the joy and wonder that nature provides? Because time is so limited I’m still trying to find the best ways to maximize children’s outdoor experience connecting them with nature, allowing opportunities for independent discoveries, and building on grade level curriculum. I love seeing the wonder in children’s eyes when they are outside.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I have guests in San Diego we usually eat at The Pescador, Wayfarer Bakery, Hot or Not Thai, Don Bravo’s, and Regent’s Pizza. I like places that are a little more casual with uncomplicated menus and nice staff. These are my favorite places in the La Jolla, UTC, and Bird Rock area where I spend most of my time. I enjoy the La Jolla Farmer’s Market on Sundays, especially when they have holiday events. There are always events happening in San Diego around art, gardens, performances, and sports. When my parents recently visited, a highlight for my dad was the Road Runner Sports store. He’s a runner, and it was fun to take him in for the custom foot analysis and fitting. While they visited, my husband and I enjoyed the rare evening date night. We went to The La Jolla Comedy Store, and we laughed so hard!! San Diego has something for everyone!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There is NO WAY I can give a just one single shoutout. First, shoutout to God for this wild path. Second, shoutout to my husband, Josh. Without his support I wouldn’t have my son (giving me new purpose) or the time to make my magic possible. He’s my rock. Third, my hair clients that make me feel valued for my time and talent. Shoutout to my salon community for providing a space to work and years of friendship. Fourth, my LJES (La Jolla Elementary School) Garden Chair team, we’ve made this year grow beyond what any of us could have imagined. Christina Abuelo, my garden mentor, for believing in me and school gardens. And, truly EVERYONE I’ve met, your actions and words shape me in this connected world of ours.

Website: https://www.kirahiggins.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-higgins-23279513/