We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Saphira Sanders a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Saphira, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The way I actually started my business going from idea to execution was I wrote down absolutely everything i was thinking when it came to creative ideas, business plans, information i learned, etc. I always knew I wanted to work for myself at some point as well. I launched my business in 2020 since I had a lot of time to brainstorm because of the pandemic shut down. After gathering loads of information like how to obtain my LLC, property insurance, business banking, etc. I pretty much didn’t waste no time trying to find a store front to service my clients. I was already gaining an influx of clients due to many salons being closed at this time so I was doing so much traveling to client homes, because at the time I had a 1 month old as well as wasn’t able to travel but so much through out the day I figured my best bet would be to get a salon.

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.

My name is Saphira Sanders, also known as Phira Phierce across all social platforms. I got into my industry because I developed a love for beauty and building confidence through enhancing natural beauty. My passion for all things beauty probably started when I started modeling at the age of 16. I attended John Robert Powers Modeling School where I learned about hair, makeup, posing, and reading commercial scripts. From there I then grew even more passion for makeup throughout college. I started as a freelance makeup artist in 2013 doing makeup on weekends and summer breaks. At the time I started posting my work of makeup I did on myself and the questions and booking followed short after. I got booked for proms, special events such as birthdays, and even photoshoots. As the years went by I then started working for MAC Cosmetics which helped enhance my customer service skills as well as enhance my artistry. After graduating college in 2016 I then worked cooperate for several years while also maintaining weekends with Mac Cosmetics and all while taking personal clients on the side of my own. All this became overwhelming after a while to the point where I started missing out on paid opportunities with my clients, which was sometimes more money then my job. 2019 was the last time I worked for a company until I started my business in 2020. Phira Phierce Beauty & Grooming Lounge Located Right outside of Philadelphia in Delaware County, PA.

The type of products and services I now offer at my salon are natural hair styling such as locs, silk presses, sewins, braids, and so much more. For makeup I specialize in soft glam that is photo ready, red carpet ready, etc. I service both men and women at my salon, which helps me stand out so much because we’re a one stop shop for men and women to come and relax. The type of problems I solve for my clients is they come in feeling one way and always leave out feeling like the King or Queen they are because I don’t just do their hair and makeup. I build confidence, pour into their crown, uplift, and help grow each and every person that walks in and out my salon.

The main thing that I am proud of is that I’m still here 5 years later going strong. Most businesses don’t even get to see a year, and I made it to 5. For that I am very grateful and thankful, and very blessed that I have serviced, met, and poured into so many different kinds of people from all walks of life. I am truly grateful I have gotten to be apart of so many special days for so many special people thus far and can’t wait to see what the future brings for us as a brand.
I want people to know that when you leave my salon, you never come in feeling or looking the same. You’ll come out with your head held high, ready to take on the world and all the magic that it offers.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The woman. The brand. The story that refused to break. There’s no specific story but her entire journey reflects her resilience.

Phira Phierce is more than just a brand — she’s a living testament to resilience, faith, and perseverance. Behind every milestone, every launch, and every “boss move” is a woman who’s had every reason to quit… but never did.

From growing up in an immigrant household where nothing was handed to her, Phira learned early what it meant to grind for everything you want. As a first-generation college graduate, she broke generational barriers and rewrote her family’s story — turning pressure into purpose.

Life didn’t go easy on her. She became a mother, balancing her dreams with sleepless nights and the endless responsibilities that come with nurturing a child. She went through the heartbreak of a failed marriage, yet found strength in her independence and peace in rediscovering herself.

There were moments when the weight of it all could have stopped her — the financial struggles, the self-doubt, the fear of starting over — but Phira refused to fold. She turned her pain into power and her setbacks into stepping stones.

Through it all, Phira Phierce evolved into more than a name — she became a movement. A brand that represents courage, divine alignment, and the power of belief. She stands for every woman who’s ever been told “no,” who’s ever been underestimated, who’s ever had to rebuild from the ground up.

Today, Phira doesn’t just build businesses — she builds people. Her story reminds us that resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising every single time.

She’s not just surviving — she’s thriving.

She’s not just building a brand — she’s building a legacy.

Because Phira Phierce isn’t just a name… it’s a mindset.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn is that not everyone will support you on your journey — and that’s okay. Let that truth become your foundation, your building blocks for creating something greater than yourself. Use it as fuel to keep going.

The reality is, this journey can be lonely and deeply eye-opening. But don’t give up. Keep pushing forward. Your tribe — your people — are out there. Trust me when I say that.

One day, you’ll look up and realize that you’ve gone from dreaming to living in your purpose. You won’t even notice when the transition happens — it’ll just feel right.

Contact Info:

• Website: phiraphierce.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phira_phierce?igsh=eW5nMjhwM3NmdWxy&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saphira.delevry/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saphira-sanders-479a7584?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: https://x.com/phira_phierce?s=21&t=Z6oRcehzOQbdRJRNYnnOKQ
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@phiraphierce?si=jx0OWG8K8ZIuKa83

Image Credits
Ricky Codio