Business Spotlight: Peonies & Sparrow

Transformation is a common theme for Brenda and her boutique/salon, Peonies & Sparrow, whether it’s the business itself or the emotional state of her clients. The desire to provide this emotional transformation for others has been a near constant in Brenda’s life. Doing so through the creation and operation of Peonies & Sparrow is the culmination of the past 20 years of Brenda’s personal and professional life.

After graduating from high school, Brenda knew she wanted to become a hairstylist. “I wanted to to make people feel their best, and it feels good to make them feel good. There’s a transformation when people come in. Once they have their hair done, there’s this whole shift. It’s awesome to be able to do that for people.” Brenda worked as a hairstylist for nearly 20 years, owning and operating two salons, before setting out on a new business venture.

In 2018, she and her best friend partnered together to start a pop-up boutique. Together, they carefully curated collection of clothing including t-shirts, dresses, and sweaters, among other things. Two years later, they were looking for a permanent space to set up shop, a space to store inventory and offer their customers a regular location they could visit. They found this space here at Mellwood, where she and her husband had their wedding party in 2007.

It wasn’t long before Brenda wanted to take things in a different direction. She had lost someone dear to cancer. She used her experience as a hairstylist to ease her friend into the hair loss which accompanied chemotherapy. She was also there to offer her friend emotional support. Brenda later lost her father to cancer and her mother is currently in the midst of her own battle with it. Cancer had left its mark on Brenda, and she saw how she could use her talents to help others; Brenda knew it was important to incorporate that into Peonies & Sparrow. After a discussion with her best friend and business partner, Peonies & Sparrow became a sole proprietorship and added a salon component in addition to the boutique.

With the salon services, there are two parts which Peonies & Sparrow offers. The first is typical salon services, while the second helps women diagnosed with cancer. Brenda provides her hair styling services, and emotional support, depending on the client’s wants and comfort level free of charge. This is free service is also extended to any friends or family members who are shaving their heads in solidarity as well. Lastly, Brenda makes these services available wherever the client is more comfortable, whether it’s at her studio here at Mellwood or the client’s home. All salon services are appointment only.

The inclusion of hair styling isn’t the only transformation to come to Peonies & Sparrow, the selection of products offered by the boutique is changing as well. While some of the previous inventory is still available, Peonies & Sparrow is shifting towards products to aid in comfort and healing. The boutique still offers clothing, such as sweaters and wraps, but it will expand to include candles, lotions, and other sensory products too.

For more information, to book an appointment, or to see what products Peonies & Sparrow offer, you can find them on Facebook at Peonies & Sparrow Boutique Hair or on Instagram at @peoniesandsparrow.

Testimonial