We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lori Mueller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lori thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.
When I reflect on my incredible professional career, I can’t help but think about my very first boss and the lasting impact he has had on my life. It may surprise some people to learn that my first — and most influential — boss is the man I simply call “Dad.”
Long before I ever received a paycheck, he was shaping the professional I would become. The qualities we often hope to gain from great leaders — discipline, integrity, accountability, and respect for others — were instilled in me from a very young age. He led by example, and because of that, I entered the workforce already understanding what it meant to show up with excellence.
Being on time — actually, being early — was non-negotiable. Hard work wasn’t optional; it was expected, both physically and mentally. And perhaps most importantly, the people you work with are not just coworkers — they are a team, and often an extension of family. Watching him, I learned that how you treat people matters just as much as the results you produce.
Some of the most powerful lessons didn’t feel like lessons at the time. I vividly remember standing beside him while he changed the oil in my car. I was bored, impatient, and certain there were better ways to spend my time. But looking back, I now see the brilliance in that moment. He was teaching me through presence and process. He was showing me the power of what I would later come to understand as “Tell, Show, Do, and Review.” First explain it. Then demonstrate it. Then let someone try. Finally, review and refine. Without knowing it, he was modeling one of the most effective leadership and training philosophies I have ever used in my own career.
My father was tough, but he was also an exceptional teacher, coach, mentor, and trusted friend. He believed in setting high standards and then equipping you to rise to meet them. He didn’t just tell me how to succeed — he showed me.
Those foundational traits became the bedrock of my professional life. They shaped how I lead, how I teach, how I coach, and how I support others. If I have ever been a great mentor, a strong leader, or a trusted friend, it is because my very first boss showed me what that looks like — long before I ever had a title of my own.
Lori, 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?
As Manager of Sea Love Savannah: Candle Bar & Boutique, I stepped into this role after more than 25 years in leadership with one of the largest hair salon chains in the United States. Throughout my career, I have always been drawn to businesses that combine purpose with experience — and Sea Love’s commitment to inspired, clean, and sustainable products immediately spoke to my heart.
At Sea Love Savannah, we don’t simply sell candles — we create moments. Our guests are invited into an immersive scent-blending experience where they craft their own custom candle or diffuser while enjoying a complimentary beverage. As Scent Stylists, we guide each guest through selecting three fragrances from our wall of over 100 clean scents, blending them into a one-of-a-kind creation that is uniquely theirs.
What makes this experience so powerful is the emotional connection to fragrance. Scent has the remarkable ability to transport us — back to a childhood memory, a favorite vacation, a loved one, or a meaningful milestone. The collaboration between guest and stylist often becomes more than creative — it becomes personal.
In my years as a hairstylist and manager, I frequently found myself serving not just as a professional, but as a listener and a source of comfort. Hair appointments often became safe spaces for laughter, tears, and life conversations. I quickly realized that the same is true within our boutique.
Not long after we opened, I remember a young woman standing at the scent wall, smiling and sharing how excited she was for the experience. Moments later, when I checked in with her, she was in tears. A fragrance had unlocked a powerful memory. It was my privilege to offer her a tissue, a listening ear, and the space to feel. That moment reminded me that what we offer at Sea Love is more than a product — it is connection.
Scent and emotion are beautifully intertwined. Being able to create experiences that allow others to relive cherished memories, honor loved ones, or simply pause and feel is one of the greatest joys of my career. At Sea Love Savannah, we don’t just blend candles — we help people bottle moments.
Any advice for managing a team?
When it comes to managing a team, I have always believed that I am a player on the team — not simply “the boss.” Leadership, in my experience, is not about standing on the sidelines giving directions. It is about being in the trenches alongside your people, understanding both the victories and the challenges firsthand.
When you work shoulder to shoulder with your team, you gain perspective that can’t be learned from reports or secondhand conversations. You experience the pace, the pressure, the customer interactions, and the small details that shape the day. That shared experience builds credibility. A respected manager or owner is someone who can speak not only from authority, but from lived experience, someone who has navigated the same obstacles and celebrated the same wins.
Trust is built in those moments. When a team knows their leader understands the work because they have done the work, morale strengthens. People feel supported, not supervised. They feel guided, not commanded. That culture of shared ownership has a direct impact on both team performance and overall business success.
At the same time, effective leadership requires balance. While it is important to be relational and approachable, there must still be a clear distinction between peer and leader. You can care deeply about your team without becoming “one of the friends.” Maintaining that professional boundary ensures that when direction is given or performance needs to be redirected, the conversation carries clarity and purpose.
In my experience, the strongest leaders combine empathy with accountability. They stand with their team, but they also stand for the standards that drive growth. When that balance is achieved, respect deepens, communication improves, and meaningful change can occur.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most impactful strategy I’ve used to build clientele and grow a business has always come down to one core principle: building genuine relationships.
Whether I was behind the chair in the hair industry cultivating a loyal personal clientele, leading a region of more than 100 salons and supporting both guest growth and team development, or now helping expand Sea Love into a new market, the foundation has remained the same, relationships drive growth.
Success has never been just about the service or the product. It’s about being relatable, friendly, approachable, and reliable in every interaction. From Chamber Coffee Chats to downtown art events, to representing the brand at community festivals and vendor booths, I believe every moment is an opportunity to connect. A warm smile, a curious spirit, and an outgoing, welcoming presence go a long way.
I also make it a point to remember something personal about each individual I meet. The next time our paths cross, I intentionally refer back to that detail, asking about their new project, their family, their recent trip, or whatever they once shared. It’s a small gesture, but it communicates something powerful: our previous conversation mattered.
Strong businesses are built on strong relationships. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, community is strengthened. And when community is strengthened, business growth and meaningful impact naturally follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sealove.com/savannah
- Instagram: @sealovesavannah
- Facebook: @sealovesavannah
