Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Samuel.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, raised in Toronto, Canada and moved to the U.S. at 16 to pursue the American dream. I moved to Florida in 2003 and opened Abbiegail’s salon and spa in Ft Lauderdale the following year. I have been a licensed esthetician for over 15 years, along with several other licenses, and certifications in the salon and spa industry.
I am the mom of a smart, kind, generous 18-year-old son (who’s off to college in the fall), a funny, artistic 17-year-old daughter, and the silliest, rambunctious 2-year-old girl a mom could ever ask for.
I don’t think I originally set out to be a business coach or even an esthetician. I obtained my esthetician license because I was dreaming of a life that would provide me with fun, flexibility and afford me some work/life balance. After my divorce and with the pressure to provide for my family, I decided becoming an esthetician would be my best chose (plus, I loved being in the treatment room and popping pimples).
After years of being in the salon and spa industry, I was able to build up an amazing clientele, along with working with some of the most talented people in the industry. At that point, I was ready to take all that I had learned (the good, the bad, and the ugly), and share it with other beauty bosses to help them avoid some of the pitfalls I had endured.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This has been a road paved with some potholes, to say the least. Along the way, I have had some very trying times, but I believe that’s when you really get to see what you’re made of. As a business owner, I have had to deal with employee walkouts, partnership disagreements, unsatisfied customer, working 18 hour days, power outage, just to name a few. However, what each and every one of those challenges taught me was how strong I really was. Quitting or throwing in the towel would have been the easy road to take, however, for every problem there are at least five solutions.
My advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey, is to remember their “WHY.” If you come at this from a place of love, and wanting to serve others then it will never feel like a job. Love allows you to get through the trying times (and there will be many), it allows you to keep going when frustration and exhaustion set in, and it’s what keeps you going back day after day. I love that I am in an industry that helps clients look and feel good. But I particularly love, that I am able to serve my fellow beauty bosses in a way that inspires, motivates and supports them in their life + business journey.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
If you haven’t met me before, most of my friends would say that I’m the straight-talking, ass-kicking cheerleader you always wished for :). My mission is to help women create a vibrant, fulfilling life/business (preferably in the salon/spa industry) that inspires them to jump out of bed in the morning and connect with their greatest self.
I am proud that I am able to provide easy, fun, straightforward strategies to my clients to help them achieve the results that they’re looking for, in growing their business. I feel what makes me unique, is that I am able to think outside of the box. When others are going left, I’m going right. I’m able to look three steps ahead and know what their needs are before they do. My secret sauce is that I’ve been in those same shoes, so I know how deep the quicksand is, and I can help them avoid getting stuck, the way I did.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Growing up, my parents were employees but also had their own businesses (mom a clothing store, dad construction company) However, it was always explained as side hustles. My mom would often say, “this couldn’t possibly be “our” real jobs because there’s no benefits, insurance, or time to spend in it full time”. Yet what they failed to realize is that they had planted the seed of entrepreneurship in me at a very young age. I knew by the time I was 13, that I wanted to own my own business. I was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, and nothing would ever come close to the euphoria of running my own business.
That experience growing up played a role in setting me up for success because it taught me to follow my passion, to love what I do, and to show up and serve others with a genuine heart.
Pricing:
- 60-minute Crush Confusion Coaching Session; $650
- Beauty Business Bliss Intensive: $5000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abbiesamuel.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: abbiesamuel_xo
- Facebook: Abbie Samuel, Branding + Business Coach for Beauty Pros
Image Credit:
MSP [email protected] www.msuarezphotography.com
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
