Sammie Leary’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and determination. As the founder of Greater than Sparrows Salon and Medspa and Lady Insane Mane Hair Extensions, Sammie has transformed her personal struggles into a thriving beauty empire that stands as a testament to her grit and innovative spirit.
From Struggles to Success: The Start of Greater than Sparrows
In 2014, Sammie Leary became a licensed hairstylist, but her life took a difficult turn when a breakup left her as a single mother. Instead of giving in to the challenges she faced, Sammie saw an opportunity to start fresh. “I could’ve let it break me,” she says, reflecting on that period of her life, “but I decided I was going to make something of myself for me and my child.”
She began styling hair from her kitchen at home, growing a loyal client base with her skill and dedication. “It wasn’t easy, but I’ve always loved making people feel good about themselves, and that kept me going,” she says. In 2015, Sammie took the leap and opened Greater than Sparrows Salon and Medspa, a beauty space that serves men, women, and children. “It wasn’t just a salon to me—it was a chance to bring some light to people’s lives, just like hairstyling did for me.”
Compassion Turned Into Action: Lady Insane Mane Hair Extensions
Sammie’s journey wasn’t just about business success; it was also about helping others. While running her salon, she frequently met cancer patients who came in to cut their hair before starting chemotherapy. Seeing their pain and vulnerability moved her, especially since her own aunt was battling stage four lung cancer at the time. “Watching my aunt struggle with hair loss really hit home. I saw firsthand how devastating it could be,” Sammie explains.
Determined to make a difference, she launched Lady Insane Mane Hair Extensions, which provides custom lace front wigs to those dealing with hair loss. “It’s not just about hair,” Sammie says. “For these people, it’s about confidence, dignity, and feeling like themselves again.” A portion of the proceeds from her wig line goes toward supporting cancer patients worldwide—a cause that remains close to her heart.
Innovating Beyond Beauty: Creative Products for Everyday Life
Sammie’s creativity didn’t stop with hair. She’s always been someone who sees problems and thinks, there has to be a better way. This led her to develop two unique products that address common issues. The first is “Happy Hiney,” a disposable diaper rash cream wipe and applicator. “As a mom, I wanted something cleaner and easier than slathering on cream with my hands,” she laughs. “So, I came up with ‘Happy Hiney.’”
Her second invention, “Switch Beard”, is a USB-charged switchblade beard comb that heats up and straightens. “I noticed a lot of men struggling with unruly beards,” Sammie explains. “I figured, why not give them something easy to use on the go?” Both products now hold utility patents, and Sammie hopes they’ll simplify people’s daily routines in meaningful ways.
Expanding Her Reach: The Airbnb Adventure
Sammie’s entrepreneurial ventures didn’t stop at beauty. She also expanded into real estate, owning and operating an Airbnb in Virginia Beach. “I saw a good investment opportunity and decided to go for it,” she says. “Sometimes, you just have to trust your instincts and take that leap.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Compassion
Sammie Leary’s journey is about more than building a business—it’s about turning personal challenges into opportunities to help others. From launching a salon that started in her kitchen to creating wigs for cancer patients and even inventing new products, Sammie’s entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by a deep desire to make a difference.
“I’ve been through some hard times, but those experiences have made me who I am today,” Sammie says. “I hope my story inspires others to push through, no matter what life throws at them. If you’ve got the will, you can turn any situation around.”
Her story is a reminder that success isn’t just about making money—it’s about lifting others up along the way. Whether through her beauty businesses, her innovative products, or her heart for helping those in need, Sammie Leary is proof that with perseverance and compassion, you can achieve greatness.
