I’m Tami Wong, and I’ve lived with alopecia since I was 15, which started after taking an acne medication. For over 20 years, I struggled with shame and fear, hiding my hair loss in an effort to feel “normal.” It wasn’t until I opened up to others that I realized my hair didn’t define me—I was perfect just as I was. Ten years ago, I began wearing wigs, and embracing my hair loss gave me the confidence to feel like myself again.

With a BA in Psychology, I’ve spent two decades in healthcare—starting in physical therapy and later working in biotech operations and patient advocacy. After being laid off at the end of 2022, I reconsidered my path, wanting to make a deeper impact.

In 2023, I wrote Hair Pride, a children’s book inspired by my alopecia journey that encourages children to love and celebrate their hair. I then started managing a wig store in Vancouver, BC, helping women with hair loss find wigs and toppers. Conversations with these women made me realize the need for more support, so I founded Hair Loss Pride, a coaching and support group for women and teens. My goal is to create a community where no woman feels alone, helping them regain confidence and live life to the fullest.

There are so many types of alopecia, and while there are organizations supporting people with more severe forms like alopecia areata, I struggled to find a space for people like me, with androgenic alopecia. In some groups, I didn’t “qualify” to join because I didn’t have enough hair loss. I believe everyone deserves a supportive community, no matter the form or extent of their condition. That’s why Hair Loss Pride welcomes anyone experiencing hair loss, regardless of the type or severity. I can’t wait to meet you—you are not alone.