From Sensors to Sensing Inner Beauty
Why Pamela Percy, an Accomplished Woman Engineer, Bought into an Eyelash Extension Franchise
Women hold only about 9 percent of leadership roles in Engineering. Pam Percy was part of that minority, rising to management positions at global semiconductor companies. Her big-picture thinking, combined with her attention to critical detail was only eclipsed by her sensitivity to individuals’ goals and personalities.
Pam spent 30 years leading product development teams in the semiconductor industry and managing 125 employees across five continents. A fierce risk-taker, she always considered herself a trailblazer.
When Pam reached her 50’s and her son went off to college, she thought about her own professional goals, craving a position that was more people-focused. Ironically, I met Pam at a coffee shop when she was interviewing an aesthetician for her new venture. She was so masterful at asking questions and listening actively to the responses that I just had to find out her story.
Pam is about to open the first of three Lash Lounge locations in Arizona, the first studios in the state. She was inspired by Lash Lounge founder, Anna Philips and the way the business was run.
Why a Franchise?
As an engineer, Pam was trained to think critically and analytically. “I knew that I wanted to run my own business,” she says. “Buying into a franchise would accelerate the start-up process and provide support in a variety of areas.” A common statement about franchises is “You’re in business FOR yourself, but not BY yourself.” Pam considered several types of businesses but settled on eyelash and eyebrow services because it’s a rapidly-growing industry, estimated to reach $1.5B over the next five years (just for product). In fact, ABC News called eyelashes “a must-have, everyday accessory.”
The Lash Lounge is woman-owned and the Texas-based corporate management provides franchisees with state-of-the-art marketing support. In fact, the first location (in Scottsdale) will be using a next-generation appointment-setting and marketing system from MINDBODY and benefits from social media and time-tested and cost-effective SEO services.
The science of lashes was very important to Pam and she chose to involve herself with a company that has exceptionally high product quality standards. Finding the perfect location for her first studio was also approached like a research project. She selected a high-traffic shopping area in Scottsdale Quarter frequented by both residents and vacationers. “Location, location, location,” asserts Pam. “My salon is close to Dry Bar and other women-targeted retail destinations, providing convenience as well as exceptional service. The key to success in a retail business is having the best possible location, service-oriented talent (who are well-trained and appreciated) and the right marketing/PR,” she continues.
Engineering the Transition from Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
Says Pam, “From supervising construction to interviewing and hiring every employee to learning the POS system, running a retail business is not for the faint of heart. But getting into the details of how the business runs is fun, and seeing it all come together is as rewarding as anything I’ve done in my career.”
Beyond Beauty
Pam is committed to not only running a successful business but also to supporting other women. She speaks often about women’s inner beauty and views her services as an enhancement to what her clients already possess.
“My goal is to help woman’s outer beauty match their inner beauty. When women feel that their outer and inner beauty are at their best, they are fierce, focused, and can accomplish anything!”
In addition, Pam is supporting non-profit organizations focused on helping women, especially those diagnosed with cancer and spinal cord injuries. She will be donating beauty services to help boost these women’s self-confidence.
NOTE: I am currently serving as a marketing advisor to Pam, proving that random conversations in coffee shops can lead to great things!
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About Survivors & Thrivers™
We’ve all seen 30-Under-30 awards and have read articles about launches, and first-time entrepreneurs. This column, published by Nancy A Shenker, an OG (as in Original Gangster) of marketing and technology, award-winning writer/professional speaker, and former C-level executive, is about LONGEVITY, RESILIENCE, and RE-INVENTION — people and companies that have withstood the test of time and have bounced back from challenges to achieve incredible things.
We feature stories from professionals who have ridden the economic and life roller coaster and gotten off smiling and begging for another ride. People of all ages can learn a thing or two from their adventures, successes, and transformations.
Are you a Survivor & Thriver? Over 50 and have re-booted your profession or life? Run a business that’s been around for 30+ years? We want to hear from you!
