Meet Renee Neil | Founder/CEO of GlamWigs Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renee Neil and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renee, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Being as ambitious as I am, taking risks has continuously played a significant role in my life. Risk taking to me means “taking that leap” “making that move” ultimately going for it. Personally, in my opinion, me taking the risks I have throughout my life and career has molded me into the entrepreneur I am today. Without risks, one becomes dormant, complacent and comfortable. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt throughout my lifetime have been due to taking risks. Note: taking risks shouldn’t always coincide with a negative outcome. Failure helps an individual learn and construct future business strategies/plans including perfecting your craft/product or building a new business plan altogether. Seeing that the majority of the population aren’t risk-takers and avoid the thought all together, it seems one has a competitive advantage being such. This may lead to first in market, in which you may be the only company within that specific market reaping the benefits etc.

Over the years, I’ve single handedly started several companies. Since I was “yay high” I’ve incessantly been thinking of the next big thing. In preparatory school it was selling candy; moving to Canada that developed into starting my own lash line, clothing boutique, and photo booth company, to today being the proud founder and CEO of GlamWigs Inc.

My career after moving to Canada has always been within the Sales realm, industries include: Advertising, Automotive, Air Quality (Vacuum sales), Corporate travel and Technology. Sales gave me an outlet to treat my job as my own business, having to give it my all each and every day generating my own opportunities.

As great as that was, it wasn’t my ultimate vision for my future, plus COVID happened and I was laid off from my 9 to 5. I had two choices: apply for other jobs, or take the risk of starting my own business with little to no capital or guarantees. They say “through hardship come opportunity” so I chose the latter, and here we are today with both a physical presence in Calgary Canada as well as online. The dream from here is expanding my physical stores and gaining recognition worldwide.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
GlamWigs offers a variety of luxury lace wigs and hair extensions for all needs and preferences. We understand the impact that your hairstyle can have on your look, and we’re here to put the cherry on top with trendy jewelry. In addition, we provide the tools necessary to wear your wig and achieve a seamless and flawless look. These include lace tints to mimic your skin tone, lace melting bands, satin bands, satin wig bags, satin bonnets and more. We currently have a physical store in Calgary, Alberta and an online presence (via our website. Don’t worry, all orders qualify for worldwide shipping! Let’s be real! Your hair is your crown, and at GlamWigs we ensure that your crown is never mistaken for someone else’s. There’s something powerful about a woman who looks put together, from her hair to her accessories. Her Confidence and will stands out and shines through any crowd. I created GlamWigs to make it easier for women to embody that feeling with our luxury lace wigs, hair extensions, and fine jewelry. Over the years, I’ve gained experience in various styles and techniques regarding wigs, from lace frontals and Luxury HD lace wigs to 360 frontal wigs and Swiss lace wigs. I’m constantly researching, thinking outside the box and creating new styles ensuring GlamWigs continues to offer the quality, variety, and great experience we do, satisfying all your beauty needs. Whether you’re suffering from Alopecia, Lupus, battling Cancer or looking for an alternative to your everyday look at GlamWigs we cater to everyone.

I’m a perfectionist, and nothing reflects this better than the quality and variety of products we offer; we put out! I strive to ensure customer satisfaction and I’m continuously looking for ways to improve my craft.

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.
Let’s start off the week by getting out of the city. The Rocky Mountains are a hop skip and a jump away.  We would head to Banff and Lake Louise for a moderate hike with epic views and the freshest of air around the globe.  If it’s summer and you enjoy golfing, let’s make a tee time and hit the Kananaskis Golf Course. It will be one of the most scenic courses you’ll ever experience;The scenery is second to none. Even if you suck at golf, the views are incredible, add some golf beats, drinks  and you won’t notice how bad you are.  After hiking and golfing, you are going to want a massage at the Nordic Spa in Kananaskis. You can roam around with a glass of champagne and hit the springs before you relax those tense muscles. PS Winter in Banff and Lake Louise will give you two iconic ski hills, Cancel Golf!

Let’s head back to the city and take a float down the Bow River.  You can rent a raft, meandering through the outskirts of the city which heads straight through downtown Calgary. It’s refreshing and fun! After you exit the river, dry off and walk over to the River Cafe. It’s in the middle of Princess Island Park with a lovely atmosphere and great food.

If you enjoy sports in the summer we have the Calgary Stampeders which is always a good time. It’s the Canadian version of the NFL. If it’s winter go check out a Calgary Flames game at the SaddleDome.  It’s a great atmosphere and we get you ready for a night out.

All right. Drinks and food. Preferably mixed in every day. Canadians are not shy from a good time. If you want a taste of the best beef in the world, head to Caesars Steakhouse, or Hy’s for a more upbeat atmosphere. If steak isn’t your thing. Go check out Major Tom’s sitting on the 40th floor overlooking the city. It’s great for cocktails and dinner. Ok let’s head out.  Walking distance from the aforementioned places, stroll or take an electric scooter down Stephen Ave. There are countless venues to drink, eat and have a great time. Two of my favorites are Untitled Champagne Lounge where they mix old school hip hop and great cocktails. The champagne list will have all your favorites and then some. Ok we are getting litty! Walk down to Subrosa (electric scooter not recommended at this point). It’s in the basement but the room is beautiful and the great atmosphere and quality cocktails will keep you on the dance floor.

Ok it’s Sunday and you have a late flight. Your head is a bit fuzzy and the stomach is empty. Hit the Fairmont hotel for a wonderful brunch and Mimosas. A perfect ending to an incredible week.

Also. The second week of July brings the greatest outdoor show on earth: The Calgary Stampede.  It is a rodeo, but you don’t have to be a cowgirl or boy to have a blast. The rodeo is fun, and fairgrounds consist of huge outdoor tents that are playing live music daily with  a variety of tasty street food. FYI, It’s not just country music. They have acts like Snoop, Nelly, Loud Luxury, Marshmello Machine Gun Kelly, 50 Cent and numerous country acts. So Get your drinking boots on, It’s a ten day party with some events starting at 7am including a pancake breakfast served with vodka OJ, tequila and draft beer.

Have a good one eh!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Kevin & Clarissa Amoore (brother and mother)- Love, Support Always, Finance ( Always routing for me to succeed no matter how many times i fail Gregory Wilkinson (My partner in crime) – My rock, My idea feedback generator, helping me mentally and physically throughout all my business ventures, always pushing me to achieve my full potential.
Lancelott Henry (brother) – My motivation (you passing away really opened my eyes)
Pat Ottmann – My Mentor
Carlo Galasso – My Mentor

Website: www.glamwigsinc.com

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glamwigsinc/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-CEKGmbR1cOVFuMN1Rgrlw

Image Credits
Jesse & Guy – Yamakasi Pictures Gregory Wilkinson