Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirby Scruples.
Hi Kirby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my nonprofit, The Trich To Stop, because I myself know what it’s like to live with Trichotillomania. For years, I struggled with this disorder. I began pulling out my hair without fully understanding why or how to stop in the 2nd grade. Growing up, there wasn’t much awareness or compassion around it, and that isolation stuck with me. Growing up with Trichotillomania brought a lot of insecurity and shame. I often felt different and hid parts of myself because of the way my hair looked. It was hard for me to show up in the world the way I could have. I held myself back from exploring my natural born talents and creative abilities simply because I didn’t feel confident in my appearance. On top of growing up in a high-control religious organization, I had also been conditioned not to do certain things due to the strictness and control of the organization. The leaders of that group strongly discouraged members from taking part in the outside community & from getting a higher education which limited my knowledge of the everyday world and society, exposure to opportunities, and my own personal self expression for a long time. In 2019 I broke free from the high controlled religious organization & In 2022, I founded The Trich To Stop, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with Trichotillomania through community, awareness, and empowerment. I wanted to create the kind of organization I wished existed when I was growing up, struggling with Trichotillomania.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Living with Trichotillomania while trying to build something meaningful has come with its own unique set of challenges. For years, I’ve battled internal shame and self doubt & honestly, I still do at times to this day. Even though I’m open about my disorder, there are still moments when I question myself. On top of that, starting a nonprofit from scratch with no prior experience in the nonprofit world has been intimidating. I’m having to learn everything, from organizational structure and fundraising to grant writing and community outreach. All being done through trial & error. There are days when it feels overwhelming, especially while balancing motherhood and trying to keep the vision alive.
Because Trichotillomania isn’t widely talked about, one of the biggest challenges has been raising awareness and breaking the stigma around it. But that challenge is also what fuels me. It drives my passion to educate, change the narrative, and create a safe space for people who have felt invisible while living with this disorder.
Through it all, I’ve learned patience, resilience, and creativity. Every obstacle has shaped me into a stronger person and leader, and it’s made the mission of The Trich To Stop even more meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Trich To Stop is a nonprofit organization dedicated specifically to individuals living with Trichotillomania. It’s a type of OCD that causes people to pull out their hair. Unlike most organizations that address all body focused repetitive behaviors, such as nail biting or skin picking, The Trich To Stop focuses solely on the needs and experiences of those who pull their hair. What sets us apart is our mission to go beyond awareness. We aim to provide tangible, practical support. Many people don’t realize that managing Trichotillomania can come with significant costs. The price of hair extensions, wigs, and hair care maintenance can be overwhelming, and none of it is supported by health insurance. On top of that, the stigma surrounding hair pulling often leaves individuals feeling guilty or ashamed for spending money on their appearance, even though it’s an essential part of their self esteem and healing process.
Our goal is to help lift that burden by providing supplies and resources for those in need. Everything from hair restoration materials to supportive education and community connection. We want our members to feel seen, supported, and empowered to care for themselves without shame.
What I’m most proud of is the heart behind The Trich To Stop. It’s not just an organization, it’s a haven for people who have felt misunderstood for far too long. We’re building a community that recognizes Trichotillomania for what it is a real disorder that deserves real understanding and support.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The Trich To Stop has been one of the biggest and most meaningful risks I’ve ever taken. I didn’t have prior experience in the nonprofit world, no roadmap, and I was stepping into uncharted territory without a college education, a personal insecurity, since I’ve always valued knowledge and learning. One of my favorite quotes is, “Applied knowledge is power.” Most people misquote it as “knowledge is power,” but it’s really about applying what you know. Even though I didn’t have formal credentials, I used every bit of information I could access. On top of that, I was putting myself out there by speaking openly about Trichotillomania, a disorder many people hide or dismiss. I started taking calculated risks, and over time I’ve learned that the way you approach risk matters just as much as the risk itself. If I am forthcoming, hold myself accountable for accidents or mistakes, and lead with transparency, not just honesty, the world is far more forgiving than if I were to hide, dismiss, or deflect a misstep. I’ve found that showing accountability is not a weakness, it’s something others respect and commend.
Even with limited formal credentials, I relied on the knowledge I could access and applied it in practical ways. I started researching my own Trichotillomania in third grade using the tools available at the time, back when Google didn’t even exist, I used AskJeeves.com! I realized early on that taking responsibility for my life and experiences and being open about my struggles, was a form of risk that could create meaningful impact for others.
Stepping into leadership and sharing my story has taught me that risk isn’t about recklessness. It’s about taking responsibility, embracing growth, and moving forward even when the outcome is uncertain. These lessons have guided how I lead The Trich To Stop and how I approach challenges in both my personal life and as a nonprofit founder.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thetrichtostop.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrichtostop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetrichtostop
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trich-to-stop
Image Credits
images taken by myself, Kirby Scruples & my daughter Cali Kruz
