About Us
Shear Advantage is a nonprofit organization established to empower people in Guatemala by teaching them the skill of hairdressing. Our workshops consist of a 5-day intensive haircutting program in which we teach small groups, primarily women, the basics of haircutting. Our workshops serve as a starting point for their new careers in hairstyling, helping them earn a living within their communities. Volunteer stylists and translators teach the workshops.
Shear Advantage is also working to build funds to help students start their new careers, whether setting up a small salon, working from home, or connecting them with salons seeking staff. Students who wish to further their skills can enroll in barber or cosmetology school. For those who need more financial means or the time to commit to a complete program, our monthly classes offer an excellent opportunity to continue building their skills. We are grateful for the support of our partners in Guatemala—Pepe Barbero, Stacey, and Carrie—whose expertise helps us provide ongoing education to our students.
We must continue our workshops or support our students with donations. Contributions of scissors, capes, clips, and combs for the student kits come from individual stylists and companies. We also rely on monetary donations, which help fund scholarships and cover the cost of any tools we have yet to receive through donations. Regardless of size, every contribution makes a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
Shear Advantage is fundraising for our next April workshop in Antigua, Guatemala.
Mhairi Loeb, a stylist with 18 years of experience, founded Shear Advantage. Mhairi is passionate about sharing her skills and knowledge with women in Guatemala. She focused on Guatemala because of the significant need to help women learn a valuable trade. Many women we work with never had the chance to finish high school, and some never even attended high school. This is one of the reasons why hairdressing skills are so valuable—being a stylist is a rewarding career that relies on hands-on skills and does not require extensive reading or writing abilities. During the workshops, we also teach basic business skills so students can budget, charge for their time, and price their services appropriately.
Mhairi has had a fulfilling career as a stylist and business owner. She loves passing on her knowledge to the women in Guatemala, leaving a piece of her heart behind each time she travels there.
Shear Advantage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in Colorado.
Our Board Members:
Aimee Ruddell – Treasurer
Karla Beth Spence – Secretary
Noelle Edwards
Shawn O’Brien
Javi Valenzuela Yuraszeck
