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Meet Sami Sue of Bishops – Willo in Central Phoenix

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Sami Sue.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sami. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My cosmetology career started in Dubuque, Iowa at Capri College in 2010. After graduating, I became an independent contractor at Fringe Salon (Dubuque) and worked there for five years. Throughout that time, I was heavily involved in the local arts scene.

I created, directed and showcased in a Hair/Art/Runway/Event I called Rogue Collections. Rogue Collections was designed to give cosmetologists the opportunity to showcase a unique art form and express their creative potential through accessible runway shows. By connecting passionate artists in a community setting, Rogue Collections offered inspiration for local stylists while continuing to showcase Dubuque as a creative leader and arts destination. Rogue Collections was also an affiliate with the non-profit organization, The Dubuque County Fine Arts Society (DCFAS), of which, I was also on the board of.

After moving back to my home state of Arizona in July 2016, I had to start fresh. I finally found my salon home in the beginning of 2017 at Dolce Salon & Spa. I received amazing education, won national contests and traveled all over the country with Dolce. A focal point being, going to New York City for three days after winning the Oribe Journey to Mastery competition. Unfortunately, Dolce closed it’s doors permanently in December of 2018. The closing of the salon was heartbreaking. I had such an amazing salon family and clientele… and this was a huge loss for me. BUT!! I live by the moto, PMA – Positive Mental Attitude, and I moved forward.

In March of 2019, I accepted the position of Manager and Lead Stylist at BISHOPS – Willo in Downtown Phoenix. At BISHOPS, we believe that different is good. Different should be celebrated, and we can be different together. We are here to empower you to be who you want to be, judgment-free. We take pride in our craft and go out of our way to be decent human beings. I was able to go to Portland, Oregon at the end of May to go to the BISHOPS corporate headquarters and completed a five-day Manager Training course. A true highlight in my career.

In May of 2019, I reached another professional goal of becoming an educator and accepted the position of National Educator for Hattori Hanzo Shears, the #1 shear company in the world.

I’ve been in this industry for nine years, and each year is a struggle, a triumph and a lesson. I love my career. I am truly grateful. The best is yet to come!

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?
Like I said, there’s been a lot of up’s and down’s… Not exactly the smoothest of rides to get to where I am today. By far, the two biggest struggles have been leaving Iowa to move to Arizona, and Dolce Salon & Spa suddenly closing.

However, ALL of the struggles I’ve encountered along the way have molded me into the woman and stylist I am today, and I’m proud of that.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the BISHOPS – Willo story. Tell us more about the business.
BISHOPS is a unisex haircare shop established in 2001. BISHOPS offers a full menu of cuts, color, straight razor shaves, and facial hair grooming that will empower local residents to feel more confident in their individuality. A-la-carte pricing, relaxed environment and an unpretentious staff. Open seven days a week from the early morning to the late-night, and affordability ensures that BISHOPS makes self-care accessible. With a counter-cultural heritage, a contemporary aesthetic, and openness to all-ages and all-genders, BISHOPS is serious about hair and irreverent about most other things. This is more than a place to get a haircut, it’s a full-on experience.

I specialize in creative haircutting and vivid colors. But I love it ALL!! Hair is my canvas, and I am the artist! I appreciate and respect the transformation hair can have on a person; from the extreme to even my most conservative clients. My skills are enhanced by my professionalism, enthusiasm and always-vibrant personality. My passion and continued education allow me to provide each client with a positive and unique experience, as well as offer a diversity of styles to meet their individual needs and tastes.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
This is an interesting question. In my field, luck doesn’t have anything to do with success… hard work, persistence, reinvention and constant continuing education do.

I’ve always been motivated to be the best stylist I can be. I’ve made mistakes and learned from them and become better because of it. I am always researching the latest trends, the newest techniques in haircuts and colors.

Really, the only “lucky” part about my job is my amazing clients that let me create and trust me to give them badass hair!

Pricing:

  • Buzz Cut (Three clipper guards or less) = $12 & Up
  • Short Cut (Hair above the earlobe) = $25 & Up
  • Long Cut (Hair below the earlobe) = $29 & Up
  • Partial Color = $55 & Up
  • Full Color = $65 & Up
  • Highlights = $75 & Up
  • Color Corrections = $80/Hour
  • Style (A La Carte) = $20/30 Mins
  • Deep Conditioner (A La Carte) = $20

Contact Info:

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