#MAKEITHAPPEN
Suelyn Farel, CEO of the Julien Farel GroupA serial entrepreneur, Farel has been launching start-ups since she was in her 20s. Prior to joining forces with her husband, Farel developed three brands on her own. After meeting Julien, the pair opened the iconic Restore Spa & Salon in Loews Regency Hotel in New York City, where they regularly tend to an impressive roster of celebrity clientele, including Lauren Bush Lauren and Rafael Nadal.
Here, we chat with Suelyn about her beauty best practices and tips for balancing it all.
Q&A
3 tips for fellow female entrepreneurs?
1. My mantra is “NRHW.” Meaning “Nothing Replaces Hard Work.” I have a relentless work ethic. There is no magic, no secret... Success is truly about working hard, day in and day out.
2. I never expected to have children. Work was my “thing.” Becoming a mom flipped my priorities upside down and I had to determine how to forge ahead in my career while having a full life outside of work. It’s by far the best thing I’ve ever done—my greatest accomplishment to date. Having two girls, hopefully I am a role model for strong, independent women.
3. Lose the fear. Fear can be crippling. Leave it at the door. Don’t let people, situations or challenges provoke fear.
I’ve never had work-life balance and don’t think I ever will. I just strive to get in 2-3 workouts a week and some date nights but that’s as far as it goes. A few months ago, I became an empty nester so the working mom balancing act changed. And, despite having a more quiet home, we opened a new salon in Palm Beach so I’ve been commuting to Florida every couple of weeks. Living the dream!
Usually every 6-8 weeks. Sometimes I have to drive Julien crazy to squeeze me into his busy schedule!
Top 10 favorite beauty products?
Julien Farel Vitamin Restore
Natura Bisse Inhibit Hi Def Serum
Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme Cream
MAC Lipglass in Dreamy
Nails Lakur Invisible Crown
Mavala Cuticle Cream
Lancôme's Monsieur Big Mascara
Dr Doris Day's Retinol Body Serum
La Roche Posay for sunscreen
Carthusia’s fragrances
Create a signature hairstyle for yourself. For me, since I am married to a hairdresser, the expectation is perfect hair all the time so my go-to hairstyle is a slicked back low bun with a side part.
My mom always said sleep is the best beauty secret. I’m always aiming for more of it!
Most women take their hair for granted until something happens to it. Taking care of your hair is part of a healthy lifestyle—healthy living, healthy diet, and healthy haircare!
I truly believe that the wellspring of beauty comes from within so when I practice self-care, I feel calm, confident and beautiful.
SHOP THE LOOK
SHOP THE LOOK:
Miller Leather Dickey Jacket