(Today’s article is by recurring guest writer and relatively recent Knoxville transplant Luke Frazier.)
In a small, tightly organized space, tucked away on a second floor of a building adjacent to South Knoxville’s Baker Creek Preserve, there exists an oasis and a culmination called The Mighty Wig. It’s an oasis for individuals who are seeking help with hair loss, and a culmination of owner Siobian (Sha-von) Jones’ twenty-year journey as a hairstylist, theatrical wig designer, and artist.
Siobian recently built out the space with her husband Gary, and it offers a comfortable feeling as soon as you walk in. There’s a lot going on and the vibe combines arty and industrious, a sense that something positive happens inside these walls on a regular basis. Maybe it’s the flash of Siobian’s smile or the Irish-y twinkle in her eyes, maybe it’s the deep confidence she exudes. You get the sense of a person being present and aware of themselves as being in the right place at the right time for all the right reasons. It’s the kind of thing that feels good to be around.
Before opening The Mighty Wig at this location a few weeks ago, Siobian’s creative pursuits had taken her far and wide. She has done professional work in Kentucky, Illinois, Nevada, Colorado, California, Florida, Utah, and here in Tennessee. These gigs included a lot of Shakespeare festivals, stints at Cirque Du Soleil, Madame Tussauds, and Circus Circus Fright Dome in Las Vegas, music industry work in L.A., various fashion shows, and Rhinestone Fests right here in Knoxville.
It was the Covid pandemic that accelerated her art, and she found herself creating pieces that were doing more than serving a role written for the stage.
My art pieces are the character so they’re supposed to be the main event and I switched into that when Covid happened, and I couldn’t work in theater anymore. I was looking for an artistic outlet and just started creating.
But philosophy underpins the artistry and sings the highest notes: she believes in the power of listening, creating a safe space, and providing hope in what can be a dark time for individuals losing their hair.
Just a glance at The Mighty Wig website gives you a clue that there is more than fashion at stake. A short scroll past the list of available services brings you to a collage of (mostly) smiling faces and three bold proclamations: Bald is Beautiful. Self-Care Is Not Selfish. Wigs Are Not Vain. Then comes the mention of being a Wigs for Kids affiliate, which means she gives her time and talent to kids experiencing hair loss for any medical reason, including cancer.
Siobian has been involved with cancer patients ever since she volunteered for the American Cancer Society right out of beauty school, while working as a traditional hairstylist. She said, “I think everybody has somebody who is had cancer in their life or lost somebody within proximity. I’ve been pretty fortunate to not really have lost anybody super close to me but for some reason I’ve always been called to it.”
And it’s this sense of a calling to respond to others in need that’s palpable when you visit. Siobian talks about the fact that by some estimates 80% of people will experience temporary or permanent hair loss at some point in their lives, and the medical reasons include lupus, thyroid conditions, immune system issues, and more. Since hair is such a visible aspect of our appearance, it can mess with people’s minds and emotions when they lose hair during everything they might be going through. Stressing over how we look creates a billion-dollar beauty industry, and if you end up needing a wig it can be a situation fraught with anxiety. If you’re fortunate, you might end up working with someone like Siobian, who keeps her approach simple.
I just listen and try to figure out the best way to help. I see that with people who come in experiencing hair loss for the first time and they’re looking for answers and help and when we finally find that piece that looks natural, feels natural, [it] gives them back something they lost. It’s so empowering for people to feel like they have hope when they felt hopeless before.
By listening, Siobian provides witness to a person’s struggle, and authentically validates their experience. Then she can bring her creative energy to bear on some kind of solution. It may not mean everything is immediately peachy-keen, but it means a situation can be made better, and that’s a win-win.
“I get to meet a whole new group of people that are coming from all walks of life and I love it…I think there’s something in my nature that enjoys making people feel safe and comfortable.”
In the future, Siobian hopes to expand The Mighty Wig to a bigger space. Right now, visits are by appointment only so privacy can be respected. Whatever the space ends up being in the future, it’s certain that Siobian will weave in mighty big love to fill it.