At Austin Curls, we believe every curl tells a story—a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace what makes you you. In our Confessions of a Curly Girl series, we spotlight the powerful journeys of women who’ve found confidence through their natural texture. Today, meet Samantha, a vibrant soul whose curl journey mirrors her path to self-acceptance.

If you’ve ever felt unsure of your choices, struggled to love your reflection, or wondered if it’s too late to start over, Samantha’s story will resonate.

Samantha’s Journey: From Midwest Winters to Texas Sunshine

Samantha’s journey began in the Midwest, where she grew up celebrating her Polish heritage and dreaming of warmer climates. “I learned to hate the cold,” she laughs. A move to Texas in middle school introduced her to Catholic school uniforms—and her first taste of rebellion. “That navy plaid skirt I had to wear every day? It drove me to my passion for fashion. Who knew plaid could spark a love of style?”

Her career path zigzagged as much as her curl journey. She studied marketing in college, pivoted to fitness after following her then-husband to Dallas, and eventually landed in corporate America. “I managed a gym while finishing my degree in health and wellness,” she says. “But I’ve always been passionate about a lot of things. Figuring out what truly felt right took time.”

After a failed move to Colorado, Austin became her home. “I fell in love with the small-town-meets-big-city vibes,” she says. But even as she climbed the corporate ladder at Anthem Wealth and built a life here, something felt off. “I spent years trying to fit into roles that didn’t quite fit me,” she admits.

Then came a pivotal moment: choosing herself. “Last year, I got a divorce,” she says. “It’s never too late to choose your peace and happiness.”

The Curl Struggle: “I Hid My Hair—and Myself—for Years”

Samantha’s relationship with her hair mirrored her lifelong battle with self-doubt. Growing up with a mom who had pin-straight hair, she never learned to care for her natural curls. “My mom would give herself a blowout every day—she just didn’t know how to handle my texture,” she says. “I grew up in the era of flat irons, where frizz was mocked and curls were called ‘messy.’ So, I straightened my hair. For 27 years.”

Her early attempts to embrace her curls ended in frustration. At 13, she experimented with Austrian mousse, only to panic and chop her hair into a bob. “That haircut traumatized me,” she laughs. “I swore I’d never cut my hair short again.”

As an adult, she defaulted to heat styling, even as she envied others’ natural texture. “I’d see people with gorgeous curls and think, Why can’t mine look like that? But I didn’t realize I had the tools all along—I just needed to learn how to use them.”

The Turning Point: “Jasmin Showed Me What My Hair Could Be”

Everything changed when Samantha’s best friend—a loyal Austin Curls client—insisted she book a consultation with Jasmin. “I was terrified,” Samantha admits. “I’d never gotten a curly cut before. What if I hated it? What if I couldn’t style it?”

But Jasmin’s expertise and warmth put her at ease. “She promised we’d take it slow,” Samantha recalls. “And when I saw the results? I had no idea my hair could curl like that. It was like meeting myself for the first time.”

The transformation wasn’t just about technique—it was about mindset. “I was shocked by how much product I needed,” she says. “And blow-drying upside down? I thought, This is a commitment. But Jasmin showed me that caring for my curls wasn’t a chore—it was a way to honor myself.”

Over the next 18 months, Samantha’s curls became a metaphor for her life. After her divorce, she made another bold choice: breakup bangs. “Cutting my hair felt symbolic,” she says. “It wasn’t just a style change—it was me saying, I’m ready for what’s next.”

Today, her curls are a source of pride. “My hair is half my personality now,” she jokes. “I get compliments even on ‘bad’ hair days. Turns out, what I thought was messy was just…me.”

Samantha’s Curl Care Routine

Curious how she maintains her iconic curls? Here’s her routine, in her own words:

• Curl Type: A3
• Holy Grail Products: “I use Ouidad’s Anti-Frizz shampoo, conditioner, and gel. Andrew Fitzsimons’ Fantasy Curl cream and Ouidad’s Anti-Frizz cream are top contenders.”
• Pro Tip: “Sleep in a pineapple every night with a silk bonnet, on a silk pillowcase. It’s a game-changer for second-day curls.”
• Routine: “I wash once a week, or every 4-5 days. The level of styling depends on the amount of good hair days we get!”

What’s Next? “I’m Chasing Sunshine—Literally”

Samantha’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of self-acceptance. Growing up, she struggled to embrace her curls, but a pivotal consultation at Austin Curls changed everything.

Now, with unshakable confidence, Samantha is chasing sunshine across the country, embodying the freedom to choose joy in every step she takes. Looking ahead, she’s working on purchasing a camper and truck to travel across the U.S. and documenting her journey on Instagram (@samanthamerlo11).

But for Samantha, adventure isn’t just about exploring new places—it’s about standing up for what matters. “My only plug is donating to Planned Parenthood, as most of my charity work, time, and money goes to fighting the good fight—reproductive rights for all!”

Your Turn: Ready to Embrace Your Curls—and Yourself?

Samantha’s story is a reminder that transformation begins with a single step. At Austin Curls, we’re here to guide you through every twist, turn, and coil of your journey.

Inspired? Book a consultation with our curl experts and discover the power of embracing your natural texture.

Are you an existing Austin Curls client with a story to share? Email [email protected] to be featured in our Confessions of a Curly Girl series. Let’s celebrate the beauty of natural curls together!