Lead with Authenticity and Personal Vulnerability

Growing up in India, I was bullied for having "hair that was far too curly" and skin "just a little too dark." I thought strong leadership meant proving I belonged by working twice as hard and keeping my personal struggles hidden. When I started Perfect Locks in 2007, I maintained this facade of having it all together while secretly battling the same insecurities that drove me to start the company.

The wake-up call came when Kirin, a client who'd survived two brain surgeries and massive scalp scarring from a drunk driving accident, came to our salon. Instead of just fitting her with a wig and moving on, I found myself sharing my own story of feeling "ugly" and not fitting beauty standards. That vulnerability created a connection that transformed not just her experience, but how I lead.

That moment taught me that authentic leadership isn't about projecting perfection—it's about letting your wounds become your wisdom. Now when I mentor other entrepreneurs or work with clients like Yanelli (who struggled with trichotillomania for 15 years), I lead with my scars first. This approach has shaped our entire company culture and is why we have over 5,000 five-star reviews.

The business impact was immediate. Our customer stories section became one of our most visited pages, and we started receiving emails from women saying they chose us specifically because they felt understood. Sometimes the very thing you're hiding becomes your greatest leadership superpower.

Priyanka Swamy, CEO & Founder, Perfect Locks