We recently had the chance to connect with Collin Adams and have shared our conversation below.
Collin, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think the beauty industry in general is often viewed as vain or having to keep up with unrealistic beauty standards. At Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, we have always had a deeply personal philosophy to keep things Simple, Sexy, and Sophisticated. Our guests know that when they come to us we are accentuating their natural beauty and not giving them something that isn’t manageable. Furthermore, we are very much involved with our communities. We have partnered with and advocated for many different small businesses and non profit organizations (and have recently started our very own non profit) because we want to be a part of a larger change, one that will help our communities thrive.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m very much an operational enthusiast. “Business” for me, has always been something that I felt should be a specially curated, inclusive, and collaborative experience for both the guests and our team. I am very lucky to have the support of Paul Labrecque and Brian Cantor in all of my endeavors.
Aside from the day to day obligations, I enjoy formulating new treatments, creating effective marketing strategies, connecting with the community, helping strategize and delivering on the long-term goals for the growth of the business.
As mentioned before, we have started our very own 501c3 nonprofit “The Paul Labrecque Foundation” it will act as a vessel to fund the important missions of smaller nonprofits in our community because with positive change comes a stronger community. Each year we support many different causes and host our annual “Night of Giving” (alongside my event co-founder Taylor Materio) an event that is completely sponsored and of no cost to our beneficiaries. Through these ventures I know that when our guests come in they know and feel a part of a change much larger than the beauty service they are receiving that day.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My first time in New York City. I went with friends who have been going there for years so I wasn’t doing any of the touristy stuff (even though I wanted to) I was able to get the grit of it all and fell in love. I grew up between Ohio, Alabama, and South Florida. The culture, diversity and the people of NYC offered me something I wasn’t used to. I was both fascinated and enamored. I eventually moved there and it will always feel like home to me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Probably that success success isn’t a straight shot. There are ups and downs to everything but as long as you hold the big picture tight you can create smaller attainable goals that will eventually lead you to where you want to be.
I’m very lucky to have the natural drive and gull that I do and I know that if I would’ve trusted those traits earlier in life I wouldn’t have gotten so impatient from time to time.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I believe they would touch on how seriously I take friendship. As someone who has limited personal time I always make an effort to spend time with them. Whether its hosting a dinner or going some where, getting everybody together is one of my most favorite things.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
A badass.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paullabrecque.com
- Instagram: @xoxosantini @paullabrecquesalon
Image Credits
Images 1,2,4,5, 6, and 9 Capehart Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
