Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fatou Sow . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Fatou, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Growing up with immigrant parents likely played a significant role in shaping my work ethic. My parents came from Senegal, West Africa and did so much for themselves and the family even for the people back home in Africa still. They instill strong values of hard work, determination, and perseverance in me and my siblings , stemming from their own experiences of overcoming challenges and striving for a better life in a new country. My parents’ emphasis on these values have influenced how I approach my work and the importance I place on doing your best in any job you undertake. Just like my father once I start a project I won’t stop until it’s done and done perfect !
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
So I’m the CEO of Simply Fa Beauty. I started it during COVID Year. During all the layoffs I just couldn’t sit and not make money since my job hours got cut. My auntie has a skincare business and she was giving me suggestions and hair was the best choice since I already love wigs! I then proceeded with her help making a site and launching. During my first launch I didn’t know much so of course I did fail. I took a year step back when to North Carolina learned more network. Came home around my birthday , my mom gave me money for my birthday and said she didn’t think it was much but happy birthday. I took that money and bought a wig with it. The wig was great so I stuck with that vendor and then my dad gave me money and i bought more wigs with that money. And that right there put me in business. We now sell wigs all over the country and have it on hand ready for customers in Albany NY and Ohio. And who would have known that the money my mom thought wasn’t much would bring me so much happiness making money doing what I love and what makes me happy !
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My hard work , determination and integrity was very strong qualities that took me far. Trust is important, i want my customers to feel happy about what they buy from me if they don’t like it ILL ALWAYS FIX IT!! And they all know that which I love. Them trusting me helps the brand spread because they tell their loved ones about me which builds my brand. My hard work and determination helps me push the wigs. When i picked up and went to Raleigh NC i had to start from ground up. I want to be further in Raleigh like i am in Albany , but The people i met and business relationships I have are an amazing start. Even at the club of someone says they like my hair I’ll let them know it’s from me so they can check me out. I’m also really outgoing which helps because I’ll talk and approach anybody and build that relationship. For folks that just start GO OUT AND NETWORK. you never know what people can do for you and how they can help you. Staying in won’t help at all you have to spread the word and it’s your brand no one can tell the story better than you. Even if you need to just take a public speaking class or just practice in the mirror never be too shy because that can be a missed opportunity!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Getting overwhelmed does happen. A lot. Being your own CEO in the beginning everything is all you. Like yes you may have help but nothing moves without you. When it happens to me i push through the day , assign work to people that offer to help and then at the end of the day sit back and acknowledge how to make it easier for next time while taking a breather. A breather is important. Some people think hard work means work until you can’t NO. TAKE THAT BREAK. it’s easier and better to perform if you’re well rested and healthy. Go out with your friends , go to the movies alone , travel !! Traveling is my best thing to do when I’m overwhelmed. It helps ease my mind. I still sell wigs but being way having fun the whole trip helps relax me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Thesimplyfabeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesimplyfabeauty?igsh=MXNtMzU5bzJzNHhn&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Tr4TWrcNYT9qMT9N/?mibextid=WC7FNe
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplyfabeauty?si=aUozLlrizYFWdQqy
Image Credits
@ju_jewel21 for colored hair
