In her conversation with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Bahira Shami, CEO of Scruples, reflects on her dynamic journey from an early age in the beauty industry to leading a major company. Starting her career with impressive sales achievements at Chi, Bahira’s transition to CEO at Beauty Elite Group was marked by her commitment to uphold her family’s legacy while injecting innovative practices into the brand. She emphasizes the importance of blending traditional values with modern strategies to keep the brand relevant and competitive. Under her leadership, Scruples has significantly enhanced its educational programs for beauty professionals, demonstrating her belief in continuous learning and development within the industry. As a young leader, she leverages her generational insights to keep the company ahead of industry trends, while relying on the expertise of her seasoned team to navigate business challenges. Looking ahead, Bahira is excited about the new educational initiatives and product developments at Scruples, particularly the launch of the eco-friendly Color Art Fresh line, which reflects the company’s commitment to “beauty with integrity.”
Bahira Shami is the visionary Chief Executive Officer of Scruples, headquartered in Houston, Texas, a distinguished name in the beauty and cosmetic industry. She is a third-generation leader from a legacy family deeply rooted in beauty, renowned for founding CHI Haircare and BioSilk Hair Care. Bahira started at CHI in 2018, where she acquired invaluable hands-on knowledge and training, laying the foundation for her independent ventures and then was named CEO of Scruples in 2022. Bahira is the recipient of Woman of the Year in Houston in 2020 and CEO of the Year in 2023. Currently enrolled in Harvard Business School, Bahira infuses Scruples with a fresh perspective and innovative ideas. As a third-generation leader, she draws inspiration from her family’s success, envisioning Scruples’ ascent to new heights in the beauty and cosmetic industry. Her leadership philosophy revolves around fostering positivity, eliminating disputes, and creating a healthy work environment. Visit: https://scrupleshaircare.com/
Bahira, can you describe your early experiences in the beauty industry and how they prepared you for your role as CEO of Scruples? What were some of the key lessons you learned from your family’s legacy in the business?
At 18, while pursuing my studies at Harvard Business School online, I concurrently assumed a full-time sales role at Chi. This role allowed me to achieve record-breaking sales figures, a testament to my dedication and hard work. In 2022, after years of invaluable experience and learning, I was honored to step into the role of CEO at Beauty Elite Group. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of leading with determination and vision, driving the company towards continued growth and success.
As a young leader in a well-established family business, what fresh perspectives do you bring to Scruples? How do you balance innovation with maintaining the core values that the brand is known for?
As a young CEO in a respected family business like Scruples, my perspective is fueled by a blend of tradition and innovation. I bring a fresh outlook that embraces emerging trends and technologies while staying grounded in our brand’s timeless values. Innovation isn’t about abandoning our heritage; it’s about evolving it. We integrate new ideas and approaches while ensuring they align with the principles that define Scruples.
You emphasize the significance of industry education for beauty professionals. How does Scruples contribute to this educational aspect, and why do you believe it’s vital for the industry’s growth?
Since assuming my role as CEO, we’ve prioritized significant investments in the education department at Scruples Haircare. We’ve appointed William Whatley as our Creative Director of Education to realize our vision and amplify stylist sales, making their dreams a reality. Scruples is dedicated to stylists, evident in our latest initiative: the Scruples Uplift Program. This year, we’re launching a free, advanced training program coupled with education tools at our Scruples Academy in Houston, Texas. It’s an unparalleled offer, demonstrating our unwavering support for stylists. Together, we’re committed to empowering stylists to reach their fullest potential through comprehensive education and support.
Being recognized as Woman of the Year by the mayor of Houston at such a young age must have been a remarkable achievement. What are some of the challenges and advantages of leading a major company as an under-25 CEO?
A significant advantage I utilize is being well-embedded and connected within the new generation, affording me a unique edge. While I acknowledge that I don’t have all the answers, I’m committed to continual learning and development. My teams consist of seasoned experts in their respective fields, whose wealth of experience complements my perspective, ensuring we navigate challenges and seize opportunities with agility and expertise.
Looking forward, what can customers and industry professionals expect from Scruples in 2024? Are there new initiatives or product developments in the pipeline that you’re particularly excited about?
Education, education and more education. It is the cornerstone of our approach, driving our commitment to continuous improvement. Through our Scruples Uplift Program, we’ve heavily invested in new platforms, fostering an environment where stylists of all levels can unleash their creativity while upholding client hair integrity. Central to our ethos is our longstanding slogan, “beauty with integrity”, which embodies our deliberate choice of ingredients. It’s not happenstance; it’s a conscious decision reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence. Our Color Art Fresh line epitomizes this ethos, offering ammonia-free and PPD-free formulas infused with nourishing ingredients like Mango and Lotus Flower. This deliberate choice ensures that every product we offer aligns with our values of quality and integrity, providing stylists with the best tools to create exceptional results.
