Layers of Her: A Conversation with Michelle Washington —Celebrity Hairstylist | Wife | Mother | Helping moms balance beauty & life

Michelle Washington wears many crowns—with grace, grit, and an unwavering glow. As a celebrity hairstylist, wife, and mother, she lives at the intersection of artistry and intention—where faith grounds her, beauty is her ministry, and motherhood continues to shape her most sacred work.

For me, Michelle is more than a stylist—she’s a true friend, a sister, and someone I’ve trusted with my story. She’s shown me what’s possible when you pursue your purpose with full hands and an open heart.

In this conversation, Michelle shares the layers of her becoming—the quiet courage of showing up, the tender surrender of motherhood, the power of sacred community, and the truth that who God says you are will always carry you home.

Pull up a seat. There’s so much beauty in the way she balances it all.

Becoming Her: Motherhood, Identity & Self

Michelle, you wear many crowns—mother, wife, artist, entrepreneur. How do you stay grounded in your identity while navigating all these roles?

Honestly, I think I stay grounded by prayer and remaining optimistic—just being realistic in every role. I’ve learned that I don’t have to be perfect, just present. My faith helps me reset and remember that I’m equipped for the life I’m living, even when it feels overwhelming.

What has motherhood taught you about strength, surrender, and showing up fully—especially in seasons when it feels like there’s not much of you left to give?

Motherhood has taught me so much. I was so thankful to be the vessel to bring my babies into this world—but then I was like, “Wait, what did I do?!” This world is crazy! How do I teach them to survive when I’m gone? I was instantly hit with all the ‘what am I doing?’ questions. But at the same time, I was overcome with love and gratitude. Watching them grow and learn is incredible—and as they grow, I grow too.

You pour so much into others through your work and your relationships. How do you protect time and space to pour back into yourself?

Pouring into others comes naturally to me. But I also have friends, family, and a support system that pour back into me—and that makes all the difference. It helps me feel seen, held, and supported.

What does self-care look like for you when the world feels noisy and full? How do you return to the center?

Rest! I return to center by resting, meditating, and drowning out the noise. I enjoy my shower time and shampoo time so much. It may seem small, but that’s when I talk to God, hear my own thoughts, and breathe. Sometimes I hear phantom cries too during my me-time—but even then, it’s like an in-home spa. I really utilize the small things and listen to my body. I push myself when it comes to work and motherhood, but I do have a limit—so I just do what I can!

Love in the Layers: Marriage & Partnership

What does partnership look like behind the scenes—beyond the public moments and polished images?

I’m so thankful. I have a real partnership. Sometimes my husband just knows—he’ll literally force me to get out of the house and do something for myself. It’s honesty, trust, and forgiveness. It’s knowing we’re on the same team, even during the tough moments when the truth is hard to hear.

How do you and your husband stay connected in the midst of family life and career demands?

We have our time. Even if it’s while the babies are napping or just 30 minutes—we cherish our moments! Thankfully, my husband and I did a lot of traveling while dating and were really ready for a family. Now we do all the traveling, hikes, and things we love—but with two little ones along for the ride!

Beauty as Ministry: Life Behind the Chair

You’ve styled some of the most powerful women in entertainment. What does it mean to you to be trusted with a woman’s crown—especially in her vulnerable moments?

Omg it means so much. I take hair seriously. I love each and every client and I don’t take it lightly that this person has allowed me into their space—they trust me with their crown, and I am eternally grateful for that opportunity. I just want my clients to love their hair, how it makes them feel, and to walk away feeling seen.

How do you create emotional safety for the women who sit in your chair—not just beauty, but belonging?

I listen. I meet them where they are without judgment. My chair is a space of grace. Whether it’s laughter, tears, or silence, I honor what they need.

The beauty industry can be both inspiring and exhausting. What boundaries or beliefs keep you whole in that space?

People always think that doing hair is like a side job or just a fun job… and I mean, it is fun, but it’s very taxing on the body. It’s important for me to rest and set boundaries so I can show up fully. I’ve learned to say no without guilt and yes with intention.

Grief, Growth & What We Carry

We often associate grief with death, but we grieve many things—versions of ourselves, relationships, expectations. What’s something you’ve had to grieve that changed the way you move through the world?

After getting married and having babies, I can say I did have to grieve some friendships. Some I never regained, while others came back around. I’ve also had to grieve that part of me that was so on the go and engulfed in work and traveling. Sometimes I call it slower or I’ve even said maybe I’m missing out on styling this client or that client, but then I look at my family and I realize that I am still doing what I love—and that’s raising my babies! Everything else will fall into place just how it should and I thank God for that.

How has that grief reshaped the way you show up for yourself and for others?

I really appreciate friendships. The real ones—the ones that understand, that hold space, that grow with me through every season.

Sisterhood & Sacred Connection

You’ve always nurtured deep connections between women. What does community mean to you on a soul level?

Community is soul medicine. It’s where I’m reminded I’m not alone. Women have carried me through so many seasons, and I do my best to carry them too. We weren’t made to do life alone. Taking the chance to move to LA back in 2015 was such a giant leap of faith, but God put all the right people in my community to encourage, uplift, and be examples for me to continue going.

You introduced Nakia and me during a deeply tender season. What made that introduction feel important to you—and what were you hoping we’d receive from one another?

Nakia is such a treasure. She’s a blessing and an all-around really good human being. Golden. And so are you. I just knew something beautiful would grow between you two.

The Table & Taste

Food is so often a source of memory and emotion. What’s your favorite dish to prepare or share at your table, and what story lives inside it?

Omg this changes from time to time, but right now it’s chicken and homemade dumplings. I love a soup, but this one right here is so comforting—it just makes me feel good while eating! And it helps that my husband and my son Orion love it!

If you could gather three women at your dining table—past or present—who would they be, and what would you want to talk about?

Omg—always my mom because there is a never-ending learning cycle with her that I have embraced. Whether she’s here with me physically or across the water, she’s always with me and I love that. I’ve always wanted to meet and have a conversation with Pauletta Washington—I sense she’d have such wisdom to share about family and marriage. Lastly, I’d say Ginger Forte’. While no longer here with me physically, she’s still present in so much that I do, think, and how I create. I’d be overjoyed to talk life with her now.

Final Reflections

When you look at all the layers of who you are—mother, wife, artist, friend—what truth keeps you anchored through every season?

Who God says I am keeps me anchored. Even in the chaos, I find silver linings—and that’s what carries me through. I promise there are difficult times, but those silver linings? They help me right on through.

Michelle reminds us that becoming is not a destination—it’s a daily surrender. Through every layer—motherhood, marriage, artistry, and friendship—she continues to choose presence over perfection, rest over rushing, and grace over grind. Her story is a tender offering to every woman navigating identity, grief, and growth. And in her presence, we’re reminded: beauty isn’t just something she creates—it’s something she carries.