This month, our spotlight is on Simply Organic Beauty Educator Bailey Simon Sagona. Bailey owns what is probably the most charming salon space ever in Geismar, LA – Periwinkle Beauty Studio, where she treats her clients to a multi-sensorial experience behind the chair.
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She believes in incorporating the five senses in her salon to create a truly holistic environment, so we interviewed her to learn about what inspired her to become part of the Organic Way movement.
Check out her interview below!
Outside of the salon, what are your main goals in life?
One of my main goals is to be the best example for my son of what it means to be mindful and humble. I hope to teach him to understand what it means for him to love himself and others and how to connect with the world around him.
I know the question asks for goals outside of salon, but line between personal and work life is so blurred for me. I am so passionate about what I do that it is intertwined in all aspects of my life.
Another goal of mine is to help people see and embrace their inner and outer beauty. Every person that sits in my chair is not just a guest, but a friend. It is my honor to be able to change their life for the better as much as they change mine. It is more than just a haircut, color, or treatment – it’s a connection.
Also, a goal of mine is spreading awareness about hair loss, and helping people not to feel embarrassed or hopeless. I want to help give people their dignity back. There are so many aspects to hair loss and people should know that there are options. Lifestyle changes, diet, illnesses, medication, vitamin deficiencies, and so much more can make a major impact on hair. I want to show people that their body is trying tell them something is not right, help them get their hair back, and change their life and health forever.
What is something on your bucket list?
This is so hard! There are so many fabulous things on my list! Definitely traveling all over Europe, like old historical landmarks, landscapes; immerse myself in the cultures – just go to the places where there are no tourists just locals. I want to explore and see what else is out there, meet new people, and have unforgettable experiences. Of course, going to Bologna, Italy to pay a visit to the Oway farm is a must!
What brought you to working with a more organic and holistic line, like Oway?
My beautiful little boy. The moment I saw him I knew he only deserved the best out of life, including the best health. In the months following his birth I discovered the harmful side of ‘health and beauty’ products. I’ve been in the industry for years and have had so many awful illnesses, autoimmune diseases, and allergies. Lots of research lead me to the conclusion that my prior lifestyle, diet, and profession were causes to my and my son’s health issues. I got to work on finding the best alternatives in my home and in my career. That’s when I ‘googled it’ and there was my answer, The Organic Way, offered by Simply Organic Beauty. I was terrified! How could these products even work? Well here I am over a year later after finding Oway, fully committed and loyal. Making the jump was the best thing I ever did, and my life is forever changed for the better.
How would your family and friends describe you?
Well I asked them, and here is what they said: My Mom: A beautiful positive young woman who encourages others to see the beauty in themselves. My younger sister: determined and healthy. My best friend: Caring and loyal.
What is your favorite hair color formula?
Oh, so many! I love to formulate and make magic with color! Fashion color-wise I am slightly obsessed with teals so Oway Hcolor equal parts 10.1 and 0.9 over hair pre-lightened with Hbleach. As for a more conservative color: Oway Hcolor 8.0, 7.31, 6.0, and 6.3 with Oway Hbleach hand-painted throughout.
Who has inspired you in the industry?
When I was 14, I began to assist my cousin who is an amazing hair stylist and salon owner. I saw the joy that she gave people not just with hair services, but with the connections she made with her guests. I fell in love with all things hair and beauty and never turned back. I am so grateful for the knowledge and experiences that she gave me!
What product would you most desire if you were on a deserted island?
Oway Glossy Nectar for sure! I could just bathe in it. Like I don’t think the words ‘too much Glossy Nectar’ should ever be spoken! Plus it could soothe a sunburn, protect me from getting wrinkles, and keep my hair in check while I await my rescuer!
What practices do you have as a holistic stylist?
Webster defines holistic as “characterized by the treatment of the whole person”, and that is what I do with every guest and with my salon practices. For my guests their ‘whole’ self is what sits in my chair, so mind, body, and soul are present. I had never had a guest leave without feeling like each of us had touched each other’s lives/made a connection. For my salon as a ‘whole’, I incorporate sensory experiences to help my guest relax and be at peace while engaging all 5 senses. I use a diffuser for smell, spring water to quench their thirst, pleasant décor, and soft colors throughout for ease on their eyes. Adele is usually singing in the background soothing ears, and a relaxing shampoo bowl experience and Remedy Hand Balm for touch.
Do you have any ideas for people that want to market their salon using their Oway line?
Try all of the products more than once, learn all about them, and believe in them. When you truly believe in what you are using and doing, that passion shows through and there will be no need to prove your belief in the Oway products and way of life. You will find yourself so immersed in the brand and what it stands for that promoting yourself or your salon will come naturally.
I also love to sample. I use amber glass bottles and jars to introduce my guests who are interested, but maybe unsure if they want to change. They see how amazing it is and the benefit that it is not harmful to their health, and they make the switch!
