Today we’d like to introduce you to Rubi Nunez.
Hi Rubi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a cosmetologist because of my love for helping people feel beautiful and confident in their appearance. I began pursuing that dream in high school, completing my cosmetology program during my junior and senior years, and graduated with both my license and diploma. Over the years, I built experience in haircuts, waxing, and other services—skills I credit to many mentors, especially my cousin, Yesenia Jaimes Ramirez, a hairstylist and business owner who encouraged me from the very beginning never to give up.
For many years, I worked in franchise hair salons, often catering to men’s grooming, while balancing life as a single mom. That time shaped me, teaching me the importance of listening and creating an experience that went beyond just a haircut.
Life took a new direction when my husband and I discovered that one of our son’s, Julian who is now 5, was diagnosed with autism at age two. From that moment, I immersed myself in learning—through therapies, school programs, inclusive events, and everyday life—how to best support his needs. One area that stood out was haircuts. Even in “autism-friendly” kid salons, I found that the environment was rarely truly sensory-friendly.
Julian became my greatest motivation—the very foundation of Styles by the Spectrum. Every idea, every effort, every moment of growth is rooted in him. And while he is the heart of this business, I’ve also been blessed with a village that lifts me up every step of the way. My husband has been my steady partner and encourager, my mother has been my constant source of strength, and my grandmother has been the guiding wisdom that reminds me of the bigger picture. Their love and support allow me to pour my heart into this work.
I wanted to create something different for our ASD community: a place where children, teens, adults, and their families could feel safe, respected, and confident. My work isn’t just about patience in giving a haircut—it’s about building an environment tailored to each client. I’ve spent years asking, observing, and educating myself with the help of occupational therapists, play therapists, ABA therapists, and most importantly, parents. Every session is designed with customization in mind: from a thorough consultation to learn triggers, goals, and reinforcements, to offering sensory-friendly items, snacks (with allergy-friendly options), small prizes, and engaging tools like a tablet and TV.
Appointments typically last 45 minutes, with the first part dedicated to consultation—because listening and understanding is key. Returning clients who have mastered their haircut process may take less time, but the focus is always the same: creating a safe, positive, and confidence-building experience.
For families, Styles by the Spectrum means no judgment—no stressful waiting rooms, no uncomfortable public stares, no dismissive staff. It’s a space where kids and parents alike feel supported. Advocacy takes many forms, and for me, it’s about making a difference one haircut at a time.
But Styles by the Spectrum isn’t just for families—it’s also for the barbering and cosmetology community. My hope is that stylists who are interested in expanding their services can reach out, learn, and grow. The goal is bigger than one salon: it’s about creating a world where inclusivity is the standard. Autism or not, we are all different, and we all deserve the confidence and joy that even a simple haircut can bring.
Today, I am grateful and proud of how far I’ve come—celebrating two years of being open. Yet, I know this is just the beginning. There is no limit to where Styles by the Spectrum can go. While it’s just me behind the chair right now, I look forward to expanding and building a team that carries the same heart, patience, and passion. And with Julian as my foundation and my family as my support system, I know the best is yet to come.
No matter which direction this business takes, I am proud of the impact I’ve been able to make so far and the hope of what’s still to come. In this life, being able to create change, inspire confidence, or simply be part of someone’s village is more than enough to remind me why I started this journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Opening Styles by the Spectrum hasn’t come without challenges. Like many small business owners, I faced financial struggles, navigating permits, licenses, and the ongoing costs of keeping a space running in today’s economy. Location has also been a challenge—finding a space that supports my vision is key. I’m so grateful for my current suite and my coworker, whose understanding and compassion for what I do has allowed me to thrive this past year. In past locations that weren’t as supportive, it was difficult to fully share my business and create the experience I envisioned.
Work, life balance is a challenge. I am a mother to more than one child so of course being present for them and catering to each of my children’s individual interests and needs can be difficult to manage with a business.
Another challenge is managing expectations. I work with children with autism and other special needs, but that doesn’t mean every haircut happens perfectly in one session—patience, trust, and engagement guide the process. Some children may only allow me to achieve part of their goal at first, and that’s okay. Through consistency, we build confidence together, and eventually reach their desired styles. Some triggers can’t always be comforted immediately, but with time, each child can achieve their greatest potential.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Styles by the Spectrum?
About Styles by the Spectrum
Styles by the Spectrum was born from a lifelong passion for cosmetology and a desire to help people feel confident in their appearance. As a licensed cosmetologist with years of experience in haircuts for children, men and women, waxing, and salon services, I combine professional skill with a personal mission: to create a truly sensory-friendly salon environment for children, teens, and adults with or without autism or other special needs.
My services are not limited to just haircuts for children on the spectrum, as I have a variety of services. My foundation is on the services I provide for the autism and special needs community.
What sets Styles by the Spectrum apart is our customized approach. Each appointment begins with a consultation to understand triggers, goals, and reinforcements, and sessions include sensory-friendly tools, snacks, small rewards, and patient, compassionate guidance. Beyond providing exceptional haircuts, our salon focuses on building trust, confidence, and comfort for both clients and their families.
I’m proud that in just two years, Styles by the Spectrum has grown into a space that makes a real difference in the lives of families—providing relief, understanding, and a positive experience that goes beyond hair. Our brand also supports the barber and cosmetology community, offering guidance for stylists who want to expand their services and create more inclusive environments.
At its core, Styles by the Spectrum is about embracing differences and celebrating every individual. We provide more than a haircut—we provide confidence, comfort, and a safe space where clients and families feel understood. Whether you’re a family looking for a truly supportive salon experience or a stylist seeking to learn more about inclusive practices, Styles by the Spectrum is here to inspire, educate, and make a positive impact—one haircut at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest in life is simple yet deeply meaningful. My family is my greatest joy—my children and husband are my priority, because we only get one life to share with them. Watching my accomplishments unfold, especially after all the hard times and challenges I’ve faced along the way, brings me a sense of pride and gratitude that is hard to put into words.
I also find joy in baking and cooking—side hobbies that allow me to create and share moments of happiness. Seeing friends and family delight in a bite of something I’ve made is pure pleasure, and it’s a reminder of the small ways we can connect and celebrate each other.
Equally important is the village that surrounds me—my family, friends, and the supportive community that lifts us up every day. I am grateful for the families who have become friends, who trust me not just as a stylist but as someone who genuinely cares. And through Styles by the Spectrum, we are building something bigger than a salon—a community rooted in inclusivity, understanding, and connection. That sense of shared purpose, and seeing the positive impact we can make together, is truly what fills my heart.
Pricing:
- $43.00 men’s base haircut
- $43.00 children’s base haircut (with/without special needs)
- $57.00 women’s base haircut
Contact Info:
- Website: http://styles-by-the-spectrum.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylesbythespectrum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Styles-by-the-Spectrum-61550060516539/
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=Styles%20by%20the%20Spectrum%20-%20Rubi%20Nunez
Image Credits
Michelle Payter with Michelle Payter Photography
