Introducing Bishops National Education Director Sami Sue
Bishops is pleased to introduce our Education Director Sami Sue. Also known as @samisuelovesyourhair on Instagram, Sami brings a wealth of knowledge gained from their 15+ years experience in the hair industry and a unique infectious positive energy. They started with Bishops in 2018 as a shop manager and after a few years working for another hair company, recently reunited with us and we couldn’t be more excited. Welcome back Sami!
How and where did your hair journey begin? Tell us about your background. What made you fall in love with hair and everything adjacent to it?
I started my hair journey in Dubuque, Iowa, in 2009. I was getting my hair done, and my stylist at the time, Chelsea, suggested that I consider going to Cosmo school because I was complaining about how much I hated working retail and wanted to start a career. Her suggestion changed the course of my life!! I went to school and ended up mentoring under Chelsea, and then I worked for her as an independent contractor for five years after graduation.
During those five years, I immersed myself in the artistic expression of hair and joined a non-profit organization called the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society (DCFAS), and Rouge Collections was born. Rouge Collections was a Hair/Art/Runway Experience that showcased hair as art. I collaborated with every artist I could in my community and had three hugely successful shows… I eventually won multiple awards from my city for community involvement.
In 2016, I decided it was time to leave the Midwest and move back to my birth state, Arizona. There, I started all over again and my educational journey really began.
How did you find Bishops?
I found Bishops after another salon that I worked at closed overnight. A former salon director actually reached out to me and suggested I look into the company because she thought that I would really like the brand, and damn, she was RIGHT!
What makes Bishops stand out in your mind?
Bishops has always been unique to me because of what it represents: Different together, judgement-free, genderless pricing structure, and accepting work environment. I’m sure I’m not alone in my hair journey; not all salons have this culture. As a queer, non-binary person, working in a safe environment for myself and my clients was non-negotiable.
Who and/or what inspires you?
This might sound cliché, but my mom (Momma Bird) is my biggest inspiration. She grew up dirt poor in Illinois and worked her way up in different companies while getting her masters, with 4 kids. She now bonuses 5 figures and is the lead account manager for a worldwide tech company. She’s been my biggest inspiration for as long as I can remember, not just for work but as a human… she’s the most kind, thoughtful, and genuine person I know.
What are some hair trends that you are excited about in 2024?
I’m so pumped that BOBS ARE BACK!! (Katy Perry just cut her hair, and I’m obsessed!!)
What’s a hair trend you hope becomes more popular and is a little bit more under the radar right now?
Honestly, I just want people to wear hair that makes them feel like their most authentic self! Trends come and go… but personal style is where it’s at!
3 favorite products you’re using at the shop right now, and what do you use them for?
Evo Liquid Rollers Curl Balm – Features & Benefits:
· Suitable for wavy, curly, coily, and tight textures
· Improves styling by enhancing and holding curls and waves
· Improves hair condition by adding softness and shine
· Helps detangle and improve manageability
· Seals the cuticle to prevent moisture loss, reduce frizz, and provide humidity control
· Fragrance notes – floral, green, aquatic, fruity
Sebastian Dark Oil – Features & Benefits:
· Lightweight styling oil that smoothens hair and adds body.
· Dark Oil contains precious natural oils: sandalwood, cedarwood and argan
· It smoothens the cuticle
· Adds body and disappears into the hair using DiffusX technology
· Effortless styling
25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner – Features & Benefits:
· For All Texture Types
· Provides a protective shield against heat damage
· Primes waves curls and coils
· perfect frizz-free finish
Where do you see the hair industry in 5 years? 10 years?
Ideally, in five years, I’ll still be directing education for Bishops as we continue to expand our network and open more locations. It’s so difficult for me to see myself 10 years from now! Life has a funny way of pushing you in directions you never thought would be possible… I’m just along for the ride!
Do you have a personal style mantra?
Yes! Wear what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and authentic!! Dress for YOU not for anyone else!
Is there anything about your career in hair that you would like to mention?
It doesn’t happen overnight… I’ve been in this industry for 15 years this August, and I’m just now in a position that I’ve worked towards for the last 8 years.
Outside of hair, what is your greatest triumph?
Hands down, my sobriety. I marked 7 years sober on January 1st of this year and it’s easily my proudest achievement.