Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Omar Row. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Omar, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

Schools should take an interdisciplinary approach, much like my balance between hair styling and vintage fashion. Rather than pushing students into narrow career paths, education should encourage exploration across diverse fields, fostering creativity and adaptability. Career counseling and mentorship programs could be reimagined to highlight unique opportunities for fulfillment—whether in creative industries, trades, or academic pursuits—helping students see the value of blending their passions.

Equally important is supporting emotional and mental well-being, as fulfillment goes beyond career success. Schools could incorporate mindfulness practices, emotional intelligence training, and flexible, project-based learning to help students build resilience and balance. These tools would not only prepare them for professional challenges but also help them find a deeper sense of purpose in life.

When I moved to Cherokee Street to open my salon and vintage retail business, it was a leap of faith. I had no formal training in business management or financial planning—I had to figure it out as I went. I remember feeling overwhelmed trying to balance creative work with the practical demands of running a business. There was no blueprint, just trial and error. What made the difference was the community around me—learning from others, asking for advice, and finding ways to adapt quickly.

This experience taught me two key things: first, that creativity thrives when combined with real-world problem-solving, and second, that emotional resilience is just as important as technical skills. These are lessons I wish I’d learned earlier in life, but they weren’t part of my education. Like many students, I was encouraged to focus on a narrow set of academic goals rather than discovering how to blend my passions with practical, fulfilling work.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Omar, the owner of O POTHECARY x OMAR STYLES, a unique fusion of a salon and vintage retail shop located on Cherokee Street. My journey into this industry began with a deep passion for self-expression through both beauty and fashion. Initially, I worked as a hairstylist, and during the pandemic, I found myself pivoting out of necessity, moving from my studio in the Grove to creating a salon space in my home. That experience not only solidified my love for hairstyling but also sparked a desire to offer something more dynamic and creative. When I discovered the perfect space on Cherokee Street, I knew it was time to combine my love of hairstyling with my passion for vintage fashion—and O POTHECARY x OMAR STYLES was born.

At my shop, I offer hair styling services tailored to my clients’ unique personalities and lifestyles, as well as a curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories. I aim to create an experience, not just a service—whether it’s helping someone rediscover their confidence through a cut and color or encouraging them to express their individuality with a vintage piece that feels just right. I also host pop-up events featuring local artists and vendors to create a vibrant community space.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to my work. I deeply value the relationships I build with my clients, the stories they share, and the transformative power of beauty and fashion. My goal is to ensure every person who walks into my space feels seen, heard, and inspired. I limit the number of daily clients to maintain a calm, intimate atmosphere, and I work to incorporate the same sense of care and intentionality into every piece of vintage I sell.

I’m most proud of the community that has blossomed around my business. Since opening, I’ve welcomed 28 new clients and countless vintage enthusiasts who’ve embraced my vision. I’m also proud of the opportunities I’ve created for small vendors to explore their business potential through no-fee pop-ups at the Cherokee Market I’ve curated.

The main thing I want people to know about O POTHECARY x OMAR STYLES is that it’s more than a business—it’s a space where creativity, connection, and individuality thrive. Whether you’re looking for a fresh style, a unique vintage find, or just a place where you can feel at home, my goal is to make every experience meaningful and memorable.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to do everything perfectly and on my own to be successful. For a long time, I thought that if I just worked harder, pushed through every challenge, and stayed in control, things would eventually fall into place. But that mindset became a barrier, both in my personal life and in my business.
I have learned the importance of asking for help, leaning on a community, and letting go of unrealistic expectations of myself. That experience taught me to prioritize progress over perfection, not just in my personal growth but also in how I run my business.

Going into year two of O POTHECARY x OMAR STYLES, I’ve let go of the pressure to do it all alone. I’m embracing collaboration, asking for support, and recognizing that success doesn’t mean being invincible—it means being resilient and open. Unlearning the belief that I had to carry everything by myself has allowed me to grow, not just as a business owner, but as a person.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my life was during the COVID pandemic. At the time, I was running my business out of a studio in the Grove, but the circumstances forced me to close that chapter. With no clear path forward, I decided to pivot and transform my home into a full-functioning salon. It wasn’t just about survival; it was about staying connected to my passion for styling and creating a space that felt welcoming and safe.

That decision taught me to trust my instincts and adapt quickly. It also gave me the courage to embrace a new opportunity when I found an unexpected beauty space on Cherokee Street. Starting over in a new neighborhood was daunting, but I used the experience to build something even more aligned with my vision—a place where hair styling and vintage fashion intersect and a community can grow.

This pivot wasn’t just about my business; it reflected a shift in how I approach challenges. It reminded me that setbacks often lead to growth and that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re willing to change direction and try something new.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: O_pothecary
• Other: The website is launch January 2025

Image Credits

Tre Parmalee