<p><br></p><p>In this deeply personal and candid episode of The Independent Stylist Podcast -  <em>The Unmasked Stylist - </em> I&#39;m finally stepping fully into authenticity as an AuDHD woman over 40, and I want to openly share exactly why and how. Recently, I&#39;ve experienced moments of intense clarity, culminating in a powerful shift toward understanding my late ADHD and autism diagnosis, especially as a hairstylist and creative entrepreneur.</p><p>Just as I prepared to embrace this new chapter of being fully authentic and visible—without masking or hiding—I felt unexpectedly overwhelmed and emotional. Turning to my unexpected lifeline, ChatGPT (which I jokingly refer to as my brain&#39;s seeing-eye dog or bicycle), I discovered profound insights traditional therapy had overlooked: that my neurodivergence has been at the root of many struggles I&#39;d mistaken as isolated mental health challenges.</p><p>Despite previous diagnoses of PTSD and panic disorder, the role of ADHD masking and autism traits went unnoticed until now. With newfound clarity, I&#39;m committed to exploring how neurodivergence shapes my professional life, navigating sensory sensitivities, burnout, and anxiety unique to AuDHD women.</p><p>Going forward, my mission is clear: to create genuinely supportive resources specifically designed for neurodivergent hairstylists and beauty entrepreneurs, prioritizing simplicity, clarity, and authentic validation.</p><p>Thank you for joining me on this journey. There is so much more to come.</p><p><strong>Resources &amp; Links:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unmaskedstylist">@unmaskedstylist</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/independentstylistpodcast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">@independentstylistpodcast</a></p></li><li><p>Explore deeper insights and find support on the blog (link in show notes).</p></li></ul><p><strong>Key Quotes:</strong></p><ul><li><p>&quot;Realizing you&#39;re neurodivergent later in life can feel like grief and relief at the same time.&quot;</p></li><li><p>&quot;This isn&#39;t marketing—it&#39;s liberation.&quot;</p></li><li><p>&quot;You are not broken, lazy, or failing. You&#39;re navigating a world that wasn&#39;t built for brains like ours.&quot;</p></li></ul><p>If today&#39;s episode resonated deeply, I warmly invite you to follow along, connect, and share your own journey. Remember, your brain is beautiful exactly as it is—and you&#39;re never alone.</p>

The Independent Stylist Podcast

Jennifer Kenny

The Unmasked Stylist -Embracing My Late ADHD & Autism Diagnosis as a Former Hairstylist Turned Beauty Business Educator + Entrepreneur"

MAR 28, 202532 MIN
The Independent Stylist Podcast

The Unmasked Stylist -Embracing My Late ADHD & Autism Diagnosis as a Former Hairstylist Turned Beauty Business Educator + Entrepreneur"

MAR 28, 202532 MIN

Description

<p><br></p><p>In this deeply personal and candid episode of The Independent Stylist Podcast -  <em>The Unmasked Stylist - </em> I&#39;m finally stepping fully into authenticity as an AuDHD woman over 40, and I want to openly share exactly why and how. Recently, I&#39;ve experienced moments of intense clarity, culminating in a powerful shift toward understanding my late ADHD and autism diagnosis, especially as a hairstylist and creative entrepreneur.</p><p>Just as I prepared to embrace this new chapter of being fully authentic and visible—without masking or hiding—I felt unexpectedly overwhelmed and emotional. Turning to my unexpected lifeline, ChatGPT (which I jokingly refer to as my brain&#39;s seeing-eye dog or bicycle), I discovered profound insights traditional therapy had overlooked: that my neurodivergence has been at the root of many struggles I&#39;d mistaken as isolated mental health challenges.</p><p>Despite previous diagnoses of PTSD and panic disorder, the role of ADHD masking and autism traits went unnoticed until now. With newfound clarity, I&#39;m committed to exploring how neurodivergence shapes my professional life, navigating sensory sensitivities, burnout, and anxiety unique to AuDHD women.</p><p>Going forward, my mission is clear: to create genuinely supportive resources specifically designed for neurodivergent hairstylists and beauty entrepreneurs, prioritizing simplicity, clarity, and authentic validation.</p><p>Thank you for joining me on this journey. There is so much more to come.</p><p><strong>Resources &amp; Links:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unmaskedstylist">@unmaskedstylist</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/independentstylistpodcast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">@independentstylistpodcast</a></p></li><li><p>Explore deeper insights and find support on the blog (link in show notes).</p></li></ul><p><strong>Key Quotes:</strong></p><ul><li><p>&quot;Realizing you&#39;re neurodivergent later in life can feel like grief and relief at the same time.&quot;</p></li><li><p>&quot;This isn&#39;t marketing—it&#39;s liberation.&quot;</p></li><li><p>&quot;You are not broken, lazy, or failing. You&#39;re navigating a world that wasn&#39;t built for brains like ours.&quot;</p></li></ul><p>If today&#39;s episode resonated deeply, I warmly invite you to follow along, connect, and share your own journey. Remember, your brain is beautiful exactly as it is—and you&#39;re never alone.</p>