Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Hills.
Hi Sam, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Fifteen years ago, in a small space with big ambition, Sam Hills set out to change the salon industry. Armed with a pair of shears, a relentless work ethic, and a vision for something more heartfelt and human, Sam launched High Five—a salon built not just on beauty, but on bravery, connection, and community.
What began as a one-person wave of influence quickly became a cultural ripple effect. High Five wasn’t trying to be the biggest salon in town—it was trying to be the most meaningful. Its tone was clear from the start: confident but kind, bold but rooted in grace. Think underdog energy with championship swagger. David to NYC’s Goliath. The little engine that smoked the freight train.
Over the past 15 years, Sam and the High Five team have delivered over 20,000 haircuts and colors to thousands of clients—but the numbers only tell part of the story. Because while the work is about hair, it’s never just about hair. High Five became a place where people could feel inspired, encouraged, and a little more themselves, where a new cut could be the start of a new chapter, where courage and creativity flowed side by side.
“Some days, I still can’t believe I get to do this,” Sam says. “I wake up thinking, I can’t wait to go to work. And it’s not the hair that keeps me coming back—it’s the people. The stories. The transformation that happens in and out of the chair.”
Fifteen years in, High Five remains fiercely true to its roots. Its tone hasn’t wavered. Its heart hasn’t dimmed. And its vision is still expanding—dreaming as big as ever, imagining what the next 15 years could bring.
One thing is certain: this little engine isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but that’s part of what makes the story worth telling. Building something from scratch takes grit. We’ve weathered long hours, tight budgets, and learned a lot the hard way. There were partnership challenges and buyouts, seasons of tough decisions, and the constant work of honing and pruning a team that truly aligns with our values and vision.
We’ve navigated industry shifts, a global pandemic, and the balancing act of staying creative while running a business. But every challenge refined us. We’re stronger, clearer, and more aligned than ever—and that resilience is a big part of what defines High Five today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
High Five is a salon rooted in creativity, community, and connection. We set out to do things differently—leading with heart, skill, and a deep belief that hair can be a catalyst for confidence and change.
We specialize in cuts and color, but we’re really known for the way we care. Every service is personalized, intentional, and rooted in making people feel seen and celebrated. Our space is warm, real, and hype-filled—a place where bold choices are encouraged and individuality is honored.
What sets us apart is our culture. We blend high-end artistry with down-to-earth vibes. We’re proud to be the little engine that could—scrappy, soulful, and fiercely committed to doing work that matters.
Hair is what we do. Empowerment is why we do it.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Books:
Setting the table
Unreasonable Hospitality
The E-Myth
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Podcast:
Acquired
Song Exploder
Work Life
Contact Info:
- Website: www,highfivesalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highfivesalon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570640559
