In the latest episode of Business Matters, presented by Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, host Rob Cupello sits down with Samantha Wedlund, Manager at Success21 Salon, to discuss her remarkable journey from leaving Jamaica to establishing a successful business in Canada.

Business Matters EP #165 with Samantha Wedlund from Success 21 Salon from NowMedia on Vimeo.

Samantha's journey began with a pursuit of higher education, leaving Jamaica in search of better opportunities. She obtained an accounting degree from Jamaica and secured a position at Okanagan College, a move that ultimately led her to Canada.

Arriving in a new country, Samantha faced numerous challenges and had to take on several jobs to support her education fees and raise a family.

Her resilience and determination paved the way for a career in the beauty industry, where she opened Success21 Salon—a space that goes beyond traditional hair styling and beauty, becoming a journey to self-discovery.

“I'm always learning more stuff and taking on new challenges,” reflects Samantha on her entrepreneurial spirit.

Acknowledging the hurdles of launching a business in a new country, she shares how she lacked mentorship and financial advice. At Success21 Salon, the focus extends beyond hair services; it's about providing a personalized experience for each client.

“Clients are attracted to us because of our spirit. We are gentle, really kind, and we truly love our clients and want the best for each client,” she shares.

Looking ahead, Samantha plans to open a school to teach braid skills, contributing to skill development in the industry. Additionally, she is excited about the prospect of opening another store in the future.

To find out more about Samantha's journey to Canada, the challenges she overcame, and her incredible salon, check out the full episode. You can also catch this on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.