We were lucky to catch up with Sami Sue Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sami Sue, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it. For me, the year 2023 has brought a whirlwind of change, loss, adventure, and the promise of new beginnings. Accepting a job as the Head of Education at Rudy’s Barbershop, relocating my entire life from Arizona to Seattle, Washington, and planning a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, all within the same year; involved taking calculated risks while also leaping into the unknown. In this article, I will share my journey of embracing change, seizing opportunities, and celebrating life’s most cherished moments.

The journey began when Rudy’s Barbershop, a renowned chain of barbershops in the Pacific Northwest, acquired a similar chain of barbershops called Bishops, in December of 2021. I had worked for Bishops for three years up to this point as the General Manager and stylist, building my clientele and dream team at my shop location in central Phoenix. So, the idea of accepting the role as the Head of Education at Rudy’s Barbershop, in Seattle, was a nerve-wracking yet daunting prospect. It meant leaving behind my friends, family, familiar routine, and a beloved community. However, the opportunity to shape the education and training programs for a respected brand was a challenge I couldn’t resist. It was my chance to have an impact on this industry, I’m so passionate about, and to grow both personally and professionally.

With the ink still fresh on my employment contract, I embarked on the second chapter of this year of change: relocating to Seattle. The idea of moving across the country was initially intimidating. Leaving behind the familiarity of Phoenix, a place I’d called home for nearly seven years, and uprooting my life, was a scary challenge. However, my partner and I were craving change and inspiration, so we took the leap! We packed all our belongings into a U-Haul that my fiancé drove, and I drove up our three cats and two ball python snakes.

Unfortunately, this is the part of the story when I experienced one of the most profound losses of my life. My oldest kitty, B’Jitty (pronounced Buh-Jitty) had been battling kidney disease for quite a while, and with all the changes around the house, and driving four days to Seattle… he didn’t make it to his new home. The night before we got to Seattle, he had stopped eating and drinking, and had barely eaten or drank the three days leading up to that. We were very concerned, so I did some research and found an emergency vet we could get him into immediately. My fears became a reality when the vet informed me that he was too sick, and the humane thing to do would be to put him to sleep. I don’t think I’ve cried harder than I did that day. B’Jitty (The #1 kitty in the city) had been my best friend for 16 years. He’d seen me through most of my adult life. He was my rock. My one constant. I like to think that he had to make sure that I made it to Seattle, but felt ok to leave because he knew I would thrive, even without him… I miss my little buddy.

Seattle, as a city, welcomed me with breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and the iconic Space Needle. The city’s rich culture, thriving art scene, and vibrant neighborhoods offered endless possibilities for exploration and growth. The city is as diverse as it is picturesque, and I couldn’t wait to make it my new home.

As if a new job and a cross-country move weren’t enough, 2023 had one more exciting chapter in store for me. My partner and I had long dreamed of a destination wedding, and we chose the beautiful beachside paradise of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as the perfect backdrop for our special day.

Planning a destination wedding can be both exhilarating and challenging. We’ve navigated through the process of coordinating with our resort wedding planner and helping to make travel arrangements for our guests. Despite the intricacies, the idea of celebrating our love against the backdrop of the Mexican coast is a dream come true. We’re only 41 days away and I can’t express enough how thrilled and grateful I am to be able to marry my best friend in paradise!

To me, taking risks means embracing change and seizing opportunities. I have come to realize that some of life’s greatest adventures often begin with a single “yes.” Accepting my partner’s proposal, taking on a new role at Rudy’s Barbershop and moving to Seattle, were all risks, in their own ways, that enriched my life more than I could have imagined.
Moral of the story is, it’s ok to be afraid to say “yes”, but don’t let that fear stop you from saying it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In addition to my administrative duties as Head of Education, I’m currently accepting new clients 2 to 3 days a week at Rudy’s Barbershop, Pine St location in Capitol Hill.

The best way to reach me for an appointment is via Instagram @samisueluvsyourhair

There, you can view my portfolio of work and purchase products through the affiliate link in my bio.

If you’re a stylist or barber in the Seattle area and you’re interested in chatting about working at Rudy’s please email me at [email protected]

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a hair artist is bringing people joy and helping them express their most authentic selves.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Pay them what they’re worth!!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rudysbarbershop.com
• Instagram: @samisueluvsyourhair
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sami-sue-jones-ab140a85/