Meet Amy Leavell Bransford | Salon Owner + Skin Care Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Leavell Bransford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work / Life balance is definitely a challenge. I started my business when my oldest was 3 (now 19) and I was pregnant with my 16 year old. When they were little it was a lot of juggling. My line of work rarely comes with PTO so we relied on my husband’s corporate job with PTO when the kids would get sick so that I could keep my clients on the schedule. Once they were older and involved in sports, it was important to find a balance that allowed me to be part of their practices, games, sleepovers. Around that time I started to hire my first employee and we found a balanced schedule that would allow me to have some weekends and evenings free. I’m not gonna lie, I had to constantly revise my schedule to make it work and it wasn’t always perfect. Later I ratcheted back on my hours, taking clients early in the day, handling administrative tasks in the afternoons and having the evenings at home to make dinner. Now my kids are older, in college and driving so I’m back working evenings. The key here is to be flexible and keep trying a system until you find one that works!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I created Aviary Beauty + Wellness in 2009 because there was no space for me to work that I could identify with. Esthetics rooms and Day Spas were either too clinical or too Zen with a Water Feature. When I found the studio where my Old 4th Ward location is, I fell in love. The courtyard to the building is super unique and the building is historical. The concrete floors and exposed brick walls inspired me to decorate using rustic wood that I repurposed from my family’s tree farm. It has a rustic yet modern vive, a tranquil little oasis in the heart of a busy, bustling city.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Eastside Beltline, Oakland Cemetery, Piedmont Park, Arabia Mountain, Ponce City Market, UMI sushi for a splurge, Ticonderoga Club, Talat Market, Madeira Park, Chrome Yellow Coffee, Lotta Fruita, Big Softie in Summerhill

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Steve, Miles and Rocco Bransford for having my back always. My dog Penny Lane for believing that I am the best person in the world. My staff for lifting me up every day. Our clients for allowing us to do the thing we love the most.

Website: https://www.aviarybeauty.com

Instagram: @aviary

Image Credits
Gianna Keiko Photography