Today we’d like to introduce you to Tibby Wornick (Fielding).
Hi Tibby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I really enjoy creating spaces and experiences where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. I am a former middle school and college English teacher (10 years in Education), DE&I Program Director, marketing professional, and business consultant. The majority of my early career was spent teaching 7th grade ELA. I have always loved working with adolescents creatively and engagingly. Reflecting on my time as an educator revealed how much I enjoyed having fun with my students, throwing parties, and celebrating for no reason. (Sometimes maybe too much fun, ha!).
In 2018, I started putting sparkles in my hair and I have always loved wearing glitter, bright colors, and anything sparkly! This influenced my idea for a brand I picked up and put down for a few years (literally tucking it away in bins). After I left the classroom, I briefly worked in business consulting (I still had sparkles in my hair, lol). This job took me a grueling 6 months to find. The job hunt is challenging for teachers transitioning to another career. I quickly honed my skills and learned how to start a business, design and run a website, and create and implement social media campaigns. Within two months of working in consulting, I finally launched my brand. I started as Fairy Hair Tinsel by Tibby. By the following Spring, with the unwavering support of my husband (then boyfriend), I took the leap with my business, left my consulting job, and rebranded to The Sparkle Bar.co. I wanted to be able to offer more than Fairy Hair, and my business had grown beyond myself.
Today, our Sparkle Squad is not just a team, but a family. Together, we have transformed this business into something more than I could have ever imagined. Bringing smiles, sparkles, and fun vibes to every event we attend is truly the best job in the world! Fairy hair, hair glitter, hair tinsel, sparkle stands, angel hair, mermaid hair,- whatever you call it, – It makes people happy. I cannot tell you how often people of all ages tell me how amazing they feel with fairy hair from The Sparkle Bar. It builds confidence, is much cheaper than highlights or hair extensions, and does not damage your hair. It lasts longer than a manicure and makes your hair sparkle and shine!
We are not just about sparkles and fun but we also want to make a difference. In the coming year, The Sparkle Bar is gearing up for something much more prominent with a philanthropic approach! In just two short years, we have made a significant impact, donating thousands of dollars, time, and services to local school fundraisers, community organizations, and nonprofits. Stay tuned for more on that coming soon as we continue to partner with local community organizations and pledge to give back.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Any small business owner can tell you- “it’s the hardest thing I have ever done- but it’s also the most rewarding.” I spent my entire life in education. I went from K-12 to college at Virginia Tech, taught at Trident Tech, attended College of Charleston and The Citadel for my Masters in Education, taught 7th grade for years, and then I left it all behind. Going to school was my life. It was so scary during my first year. I’ll openly admit I had a therapist who helped me stay on track through the sleepless nights, what-ifs, and fears. My husband, Brad, never questioned any of it; he believed in me cheering me on every step of the way. Charleston showed up for me. I have lived here 14 years, and my connections have made an impact. The local community, other vendors (my friendors), and my friends and family truly supported me.
During that first year as a business owner, I quit my full-time job, built a brand, got engaged, and re-branded to The Sparkle Bar.co, planned our disco themed wedding (which included fairy hair and sparkles for everyone), started a local vendor market with friends, and formed a team. It took blood, sweat, tears, and patience, but I grew confident in myself and what we built with The Sparkle Bar. Two years in, I have come so far in creating a strong and supportive foundation for The Sparkle Bar.co.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Sparkle Bar is an endless party. From sparkling men’s beards at The Charleston Pour House on Sundays to giving grandma the most sparkly silver hair, we work with everyone – not just women and children. The Sparkle Bar allows everyone to let their inner child run wild. We thrive at events, whether it is a birthday party or a huge corporate event, we bring fun and smiles for everyone! You never know who is going to sit in our chair for sparkles.
What sets us apart is our vibe. We are fun, friendly, and experienced with a people-first mindset. Plus, who doesn’t love glitter?! The Sparkle Bar is known for fairy hair, feathers, and glitter. We specialize in fairy hair at pop-ups, markets, and local businesses, as well as our event services. We cater to personal appointments, large corporate events, and everything in between.
My career in education shaped me to approach life in an empathetic way. We want you to have the best possible experience with us. I have sought out team members with experience working with children, sales, and service. We are creatives. I am so proud of my team. They are endlessly supportive and know how to have a good time with our clients. At my core, I am also proud of myself. It took me a long time to say it out loud, but now I will shout it from the rooftops.
When you visit The Sparkle Bar, you can be sure our services are the best. We only use high-quality, premium fairy hair products designed to last and withstand your daily hair routines, like washing, brushing, blow drying, curling, straightening, bleaching, and dying your hair. Our tying method is unique and lasting. All of the attention to detail, along with our vibrant brand personality, is what sets us apart.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I can’t imagine where I would be today if I had not taken a risk on myself, my business, my health, and my own happiness. At the end of my career in teaching, I was not feeling my best. I was burnt out; I had been suffering from an auto-immune disease and working way too many hours on top of extra jobs to make ends meet. Risk taking is what ultimately led to the creation of The Sparkle Bar and I couldn’t be more happy with where we are today. I am so grateful for my small (happy) business.
Pricing:
- We have prices to meet every budget!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheSparkleBar.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesparklebar.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairyhairtinselbytibby
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesparklebar.co
Image Credits
Madison Lee, Christina Leigh Photos, Doreen Sullivan
