We were lucky to catch up with Shelley Gregory recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shelley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In my line of work as a licensed cosmetologist and spa owner, success hinges on how I make my clients feel. It’s essential to create an environment where they feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident in my ability to care for them. Building this trust is key to ensuring they not only enjoy their experience but also look forward to returning.

Shelley , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Shelley Gregory, and I’ve been a Licensed Cosmetologist since 1997, with esthetics becoming a part of my career in 2001. Owning Amethyst Headspa is the culmination of not only my passion for cosmetology but also my deep-rooted love for entrepreneurship. You could say it runs in my blood—my grandmother, a pioneer in the industry, was a Beautician who owned and operated thriving salons in two different states for over 50 years. Her legacy has inspired me to build a business that’s more than just a place for beauty treatments; it’s a sanctuary where clients are genuinely cared for.

What sets me apart in this industry is my unwavering commitment to putting my clients first. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to me that each client feels valued, understood, and pampered. While life occasionally calls for personal time off, my focus is always entirely on my clients when I’m at work. Their trust in me is something I deeply cherish, and I work hard every day to earn it.

I’m incredibly proud of the two amazing young men I’ve raised—one starting at UNC Chapel Hill this year and the other entering his sophomore year in high school. But professionally, my proudest achievement as a single mom has been taking the risk to open Amethyst Headspa. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one, and I’m thrilled to have created a space that embodies my passion for beauty, wellness, and client care.

Success in my field is about more than just skill; it’s about building genuine relationships with clients, continually learning and evolving with the industry, and creating a consistent, high-quality experience that keeps clients coming back. At Amethyst Headspa, I’ve combined these elements to offer something truly special—a place where clients can relax, rejuvenate, and feel completely cared for.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation within the market has grown through a combination of visibility and, more importantly, the trust and satisfaction of my clients. The initial buzz came from the viral headspa and scalp facial service videos on social media, which intrigued many people and led them to search for similar services in their area. When they discovered that Amethyst Headspa was the only place offering these specialized treatments locally, it naturally drew interest.

However, the true foundation of my growing reputation has been the power of word-of-mouth. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing that a new client was referred by someone who had a wonderful experience with me. My dedication to providing exceptional, personalized care has resulted in an abundance of 5-star reviews, which further solidify my standing in the community. As a pioneer in offering these unique services locally, I’m committed to continuing to lead the way in providing unparalleled experiences for my clients.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I now offer products that I use on my clients, branded as Pamper Essentials, on my website. When clients click on these items, they’re directed to Amazon for purchase. I made this decision after receiving rave reviews from clients about the comfort of the spa wraps or the effectiveness of the hair tools I use during their sessions. Offering these products through Amazon is a fantastic way to generate extra income without the need to carry inventory.

Currently, I also retail some hair products from the brand I use in my spa, and I plan to add those to the site as well. The major pro of linking to Amazon is that it allows me to provide product recommendations without feeling like a salesperson. I can discuss the benefits of products and tools with enthusiasm, but I’ve never been one for pushy persuasion. This setup lets my clients explore and purchase what they want, whenever they’re ready, with the convenience of having it shipped directly to them.

On the flip side, there are a couple of cons. First, getting started can be a bit challenging—making those initial sales to establish your affiliate link takes some effort. Another con is the time it takes for my web designer to add and format the listings so they look great on the site. However, these are minor hurdles compared to the overall benefits. This approach perfectly aligns with my style of service and allows me to extend the pampering experience beyond the spa.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amethystheadspa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amethystheadspa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amethystheadspa

Image Credits

Amethyst Headspa