A Life-Changing Journey: Our Trip to Guatemala to Teach Haircutting March 4, 2025

Last month, Cortney and Julie the owners of The Salon Professional Academy and Hair Company & Spa embarked on a journey that not only transformed the way we look at the world but also allowed us to make a difference in the lives of others. Our mission? To teach haircutting skills to individuals in Guatemala, helping them build a sustainable livelihood and empower themselves and their communities.

The Warmth of the Guatemalan People

One of the most striking things about Guatemala was the kindness and warmth of the people. Although the primary language spoken is Spanish, we never felt lost or isolated. The people’s hospitality transcended any language barriers, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Every person we met greeted us with open arms, eager to learn and share their own experiences. It was clear that their generosity and spirit were deeply ingrained in their culture.

What stood out to me the most was how safe we felt during our time there. Despite being in an unfamiliar place, we never once felt uneasy or anxious. Everywhere we went, we were met with smiles, respectful conversations, and an overwhelming sense of unity.

The Earthquake Experience: A Wake-Up Call

One of the most unforgettable moments of our trip occurred while we were sleeping one night. We were abruptly awakened by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. At first, we had no idea what was happening, and honestly, we didn’t know what to do. The shaking lasted only about six seconds, but it felt like an eternity. We even thought for a brief moment that the nearby volcano, Fuego, had erupted.

Thankfully, our wonderful host Elden calmly assured us that we were safe. It turns out that earthquakes are relatively common in the region, and we learned that the locals are well-prepared for such events. The experience was jarring but fascinating. What we thought felt like a minute-long bed shaking was over in just six seconds. In the grand scheme of things, it was a reminder of how much we take safety for granted back home and how adaptable the people of Guatemala are to living in such a seismic zone.

The Beauty of Guatemala’s Volcanoes

Guatemala is home to some of the most stunning and active volcanoes in the world, including Fuego, which is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. People travel from all over the world to hike Acatenango, a neighboring volcano, to get a front-row seat to Fuego’s eruptions. We weren’t able to hike up ourselves, but the sight of these majestic mountains in the distance left us in awe of the raw beauty and power of nature.

Helping Families in Need: A Journey to the Market

During our trip, we had the privilege of helping support local families by buying essential goods in the market. Our host guided us to negotiate for the best prices on rice, corn, pasta, beans, veggies, fruit, and other necessities. While some sellers were easy to negotiate with, others were tougher. The cost of living in Guatemala is difficult, and many families rely on these markets for their daily survival.

We bought as much as we could afford, knowing that it would directly impact the families we were about to visit.

The Hike to the Mountainside Families: Poverty and Resilience

After stocking up on supplies, we made our way into the mountains surrounding Antigua. The drive was long, and the terrain was rugged, but it was worth it to reach the families living high up on the mountainside. These families live in incredibly difficult conditions, often working on coffee and fruit farms. The level of poverty was heart-wrenching, but we were also struck by the resilience and sense of community that these families shared.

Many families live off the land, growing coffee, corn, and beans. Coffee farming is a major industry here, with some of the finest coffee grown in the volcanic soil. But the work is hard, and the families we met often struggled to make ends meet. The hike through these steep mountain paths to deliver food and supplies was physically demanding, but seeing the gratitude in the eyes of the families made it all worthwhile.

The Realities of Poverty and the Impact of Support

The experience of delivering supplies was humbling and eye-opening. Poverty is real and visible in these mountain communities, and the families we visited often had only a modest roof over their heads and little to live on. However, there was a sense of solidarity among the people, and it became clear that even the smallest act of kindness could make a world of difference.

As we handed over the bags of food to these families, we couldn’t help but reflect on the privilege of being able to help in whatever small way we could. Many of the people we met expressed their desire for more education and better resources to improve their quality of life. It’s a stark reminder of the disparities that exist, and why we must continue to help bridge those gaps wherever possible.

The Food: A Culinary Delight

One thing we absolutely loved about Guatemala was the food. The flavors were rich, fresh, and full of vibrant spices. From the hearty tortillas to the savory tamales, tostadas, everything we ate was delicious. Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan dish, was one of our favorites, as it’s packed with local ingredients like chicken, rice, and vegetables. The food was a celebration of local culture, and every meal felt like a taste of home—warm, comforting, and made with love.

Supporting Each Other: The Power of Community

One of the most beautiful lessons we learned during our trip was the importance of mutual support. It wasn’t just about what we could teach them – it was also about how they taught us. Their resilience, kindness, and willingness to support one another were inspiring. We shared stories and experiences, not just techniques, and through those exchanges, we realized that education is a two-way street.

In the workshops, we encouraged everyone to support each other, to create a network where learning never stops, and where one person’s success benefits the entire community. Teaching someone a skill is empowering, but showing them how to support one another and work together makes the entire experience even more fulfilling.

We realized that building a strong community isn’t just about providing resources—it’s about creating an environment where people can grow, share knowledge, and be there for each other in times of need. We hope the lessons we shared in Guatemala will ripple out, allowing the community to flourish as they continue to help each other.

What We Learned: The True Meaning of Impact

While we went to Guatemala with the intention of teaching and offering our skills, what we left with was far greater. We saw firsthand how the smallest actions can have a monumental impact. A haircut might seem like a small thing, but it’s a tangible way to build self-esteem and open up new doors of opportunity. And beyond that, the relationships we formed with the people there will last a lifetime.

If there’s one thing that this trip reminded us of, it’s that helping others isn’t just about providing for them—it’s about empowering them to stand on their own. We didn’t just teach haircutting, we gave them the tools to help themselves, to support their families, and to reach out and help others along the way.

What’s Next? Continuing the Journey of Giving Back

As we reflect on our trip, we feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference in the lives of others. But our journey doesn’t end here. We are committed to continuing to support communities like the one we encountered in Guatemala, and we hope to return someday to see the progress they’ve made and offer more training opportunities.

If you’re considering a trip to a developing country, or any mission where you can give back, don’t hesitate. The lessons you’ll learn are far beyond what you can teach. It’s a reciprocal journey of growth, compassion, and mutual respect. We encourage everyone to take a step toward giving back—it can be the most fulfilling adventure you’ll ever embark on.