What is beauty? The question is an old one with roots in ancient philosophy. Every generation, every decade, has given a different answer to this question. In the era of social media’s filtered aesthetics, the discussion has only increased in intensity.

Sammie Leary, Founder & CEO of Greater than Sparrows Salon and Medspa, thinks that beauty is all about knowing your self-worth. The name of the salon originates from the bible verse, “for even the very hairs on your head are all numbered; therefore, you are worth more than many sparrows.” Sammie wants everybody who has lost their identity or forgotten their value to hear this message and believe in themselves again.

Sammie’s passion for Hair and beauty started young, as she was always the one doing her friends’ hair. But it was a life-threatening car accident that befell her while she was in dental college that caused her to take a closer look at her life and reexamine her choices.

With Greater than Sparrows Salon, Sammie’s goal is to offer a place where everyone can meet all of their beauty needs in one convenient location. The salon offers its clients the royal treatment, with the priority being to enhance their natural beauty. Its website claims, “Expect to turn a few heads when you walk out that door.”

Hair is Sammie’s one true love. She loves experimenting, breaking the rules, and creating new shades and ways of doing things. Color and extensions are her favorite parts to work on. She says, “I don’t like anything boring I’m not satisfied unless I create the perfect eye-catching color that turns heads!”

In an exclusive interview with CIOLook, Sammie shares her journey and the challenges she overcame. She opines on what beauty is, what she wished people would embrace, and her vision for Greater than Sparrow’s future.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at Greater than Sparrows. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today?

I’ve always been the hardest worker in the room, and I was always willing to do the things others would not. I’ve been poor, I’ve experienced tragedy, trauma, pain, and hurt. I’ve worked in my kitchen without the lights on and my kids climbing all over me, I’ve worked 2-3 jobs at a time, and I’ve even scrubbed toilets ALL with a smile on my face. I’ve overcome a lot, and the journey has been valuable. You will learn the most valuable lessons at the bottom- before you ever get to the top.

Tell us something more about Greater than Sparrows highlighting its services in the business arena.

We don’t just offer great services that are highly sought after in the beauty industry. Still, we help our clients feel good about themselves and value who they are, which, is often forgotten nowadays due to the pressure social media puts on society to look a certain way. The message behind Greater than Sparrows is “Knowing your Worth.”

You can be yourself and still be beautiful.

What are the immersive benefits of the services that Greater than Sparrows offers to its clients?

Its literally beautification at your fingertips. For example, you can walk in and walk out with a pair of hair extensions on the same day. Most salons, you would have to have two separate appointments and have to wait for the hair to come in. We’ve cut out the middleman on most services.

Enlighten us on how you have impacted the personal care services industry through your expertise in the market.

I’ve created the first full-service beauty salon, hair extension salon, day spa, and med spa, all in one convenient location.

What is the current scenario of the personal care services industry, and how does Greater than Sparrows excel in the niche with your staunch leadership?

It’s a one-stop shop for all of your beauty needs. You can literally get Botox while your color processes or get a pedicure while your hair extensions are being put in. We’re saving our clients valuable time, and I can’t think of anything that’s more important than your time.

Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.

Integrity, hard work, constant education, perfecting our skills, and also giving back to the community and those in need is a HUGE part of who we are.

Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?

Our reps keep us trained and updated on the latest and greatest advancements. Plus, the constant research that I do on my own time to make sure we have the best of the best when it comes to the products and tools available to offer our clients.

What change would you like to bring to the personal care services industry if given a chance?

I would like to see more people going after the looks that they want and not being so afraid of change and also new products that would make change easier, because we are forever changing our minds–– ha!

What, according to you, could be the next significant change in your sector? How is your company preparing to be a part of that change?

Technology is increasing at a very fast pace, and everything is getting much more computerized. I could see walking into a beauty salon where a PC digitally scans your face and picks out your perfect hair color. I see hair color processing times becoming less and less time-consuming. I see new tools that make beautification easier. We’re ready for all of it!

Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for Greater than Sparrows?

I’ve always just wanted to make a difference in this world. It’s never been about the money. I would like to get involved with some of the orphanages and offer apprenticeships and franchise opportunities. After a recent visit to another country, I learned that after the children turn 18, they are released, and if they do not have a skill or a sponsor they are put on the streets. This has stayed on my mind ever since, and that usually prompts how I begin my next business ventures.

What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the personal care services industry?

Find someone you look up to and do an apprenticeship. It’s way cheaper than paying for a full-time school, and you will learn so much more. Work your butt off and smile while you do it. You never know who’s watching and where it will take you. Trust God.

The post Sammie Leary: Exhibiting Pure Flair of Magnificence appeared first on Insights Success.