Leslie’s Curly Confession: A Journey of Art, Healing, and Embracing Her True Crown
At Austin Curls, we believe every curl carries a story—a symphony of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. Today, we invite you into the world of Leslie Hyland Rodgers, a performer, storyteller, and curl advocate whose journey to loving her natural texture mirrors the raw, transformative power of her art. From childhood dreams in Dallas to the humid trials of Texas, here’s how Leslie learned to wear her curls—and her truth—as boldly as she wears her heart onstage.
Roots: A Creative Spirit Blossoms in Texas
Leslie’s story begins in Dallas, where her love for the arts bloomed early. “Music and performance were my first languages,” she recalls. After studying Voice at The University of Texas, she chased her dreams to the stages of New York and Los Angeles, honing her craft as a singer, actress, and writer. But it was Austin’s vibrant energy that ultimately called her home.
Life offstage is just as colorful. Married to her husband, George, for 19 years, Leslie’s world is a tapestry of family: three stepchildren, six grandchildren, and three beloved cats who rule her home with “paws of iron.” “Chaos? Absolutely,” she laughs. “But it’s chaos filled with love, art supplies, and the occasional cat hair in my gel.”
The Curl Awakening: From LA Ease to Texas Trials
For years, Leslie’s curls thrived in Los Angeles’ dry climate. “My hair was effortless there—minimal frizz, minimal fuss,” she says. But when life brought her back to Texas, humidity became her nemesis. “Suddenly, my curls felt like a wild animal I couldn’t tame. Frizz, bulk, defeat.”
She tried every product and method—even the famed Curly Girl routine—but nothing worked. “I felt like my hair was holding me hostage,” she admits. “It didn’t reflect who I was anymore.”
The Turning Point: A 2019 Revelation at Austin Curls
In 2019, a friend’s recommendation led Leslie to Jasmin at Austin Curls. “From the moment I walked in, I felt seen,” she says. “Jasmin wasn’t just a stylist—she was a curl alchemist. Kind, funny, and so skilled.”
The transformation was instant. “I’d never seen my curls so defined, so alive,” Leslie recalls. “My husband couldn’t stop staring. ‘These are your curls?’ he kept saying. ‘They’re you.’” Jasmin’s precise cut and care tips gave Leslie something she’d longed for: control. “She taught me that curls aren’t a battle—they’re a dance. And I finally learned the steps.”
Curls as Creative Armor: Empowerment On and Offstage
Embracing her natural texture became a metaphor for Leslie’s artistic evolution. “I used to straighten my hair relentlessly—hot rollers, chemicals, you name it,” she says. “But fighting my curls felt like silencing a part of my soul.”
Today, her hair is as integral to her artistry as her voice. In The Infection of Secrets—her groundbreaking solo show blending live performance, poetry, and original music—Leslie’s curls mirror the raw honesty of her storytelling. “The show is about breaking cycles of trauma and finding power in vulnerability,” she explains. “Just like my hair, it’s messy, bold, and unapologetically real.”
Professionally, her curls command attention. Personally, they’re a badge of courage. “In an industry that pressures women to fit molds, my hair reminds me: You are enough.”
The Routine: Simplicity Meets Soul
Gone are the days of product overload. Leslie’s routine is refreshingly minimalist:
- Wash: 2-3 times weekly with Innersense shampoo and conditioner.
- Style: A palmful of Innersense gel scrunched into damp hair.
- Philosophy: “Let your curls breathe. Trust your stylist. And dance in the rain—humidity be damned.”
Her advice to fellow curly souls? “Skip the 10-step routines. Invest in a great cut at Austin Curls, follow their wisdom, and let your hair tell its story.”
Beyond the Curls: Art as Medicine for the Soul
Leslie’s creativity extends far beyond her crown. Through Mystic Moonlight Productions, her nonprofit, she crafts art that heals. The Infection of Secrets—now streaming on Apple Music and Spotify—is a testament to her mission: blending prose, music, and visual art to explore themes like generational trauma and women’s empowerment.
“Art is how we mend,” she says. “Just like caring for curls, it’s about patience, love, and showing up as you are.” Explore her work at MysticMoonlightProductions.org or dive into her portfolio at LeslieHylandRodgers.com.
Leslie’s Final Curl Wisdom: Your Hair, Your Revolution
“Curly hair isn’t just hair—it’s a rebellion,” Leslie says with a grin. “It’s wild. It’s unpredictable. And it’s yours.”
To anyone hesitating on their curl journey, she leaves this: “Find your Jasmin. Let your hair—and your heart—run free. The magic begins when you stop fighting and start flowing.”
Ready to Begin Your Curl Revolution?
Let Austin Curls guide you. Book a consultation today, and discover the joy of curls that feel uniquely, unapologetically you.
Share your own curly confession at [email protected]—your story could inspire the next journey!
