WCW: Meet Sarah Potempa, Celebrity Hairstylist and Founder of the Beachwaver
August 28, 2019
What inspired you to invent the Beachwaver?
I often chatted with beauty editors on the phone and explained how to get the perfect, beachy waves. At the time, you had to use a wand to get the perfect curl — you had to wear a glove so you didn’t burn yourself, you had to hold the curling iron upside down, and you had to wrap your hair backwards. For someone who isn’t a hairstylist, it was incredibly difficult to understand. After one interview, I was in my New York apartment and thought, “What if I invented a curling iron that you could hold upright and it would rotate in the correct direction for you?” I immediately sketched out the idea for the Beachwaver. The rest is history!
What’s your favorite part about working with your two sisters?
Starting a company with my sisters, where we’ve taken a simple sketch I had and turned it into a global beauty brand is not only exciting, but something we’re extremely proud of as a family. The loyalty, hard work and dedication my sisters give every day is phenomenal. We are building a sustainable and innovative brand together.
What advice do you have for aspiring female entrepreneurs?
My life motto is, “Leap and the net will appear.” I’ve believed this since the moment we started The Beachwaver Co. In order to be a successful entrepreneur, you have to believe in yourself and you have to have faith. You can’t be afraid to take risks, and you have to keep a positive attitude.
Earlier this year, I was on a beauty boss panel with other female founders, and fashion designer Cynthia Rowley modified my motto to, “Leap and the network will appear.” I’m incredibly proud of the hard work of our team — our community that we’ve built from the ground up believes in our mission and our goals. The journey has been challenging, but it is even more rewarding!
What's your current hair routine? Any products you love?
I recently went back to blonde with Wella Bondor, so I’m especially loving the Beachwaver BRB Blonde Purple Shampoo and Conditioner. I use it about once a week to keep my blonde fresh and bright.
On days I don’t use BRB, I use Good Vibes Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner. I love it because it has our active ingredient called HiX, which helps to strengthen hair from the inside out. It also has an incredible aroma experience, Bondi Beach Day, which has a delicate blend of Caribbean coconut and Mexican vanilla orchids. One of the coolest things about formulating our products is that we created the actual fragrance as well, so that you can continue the aroma experience throughout your whole day.
In the summer humidity, I also like to use 100% organic coconut oil (you can buy it at a local health food store). Just put it into the palm of your hands, emulsify it and distribute to the ends of your hair to close the cuticle and prevent frizz.
My favorite styling product is Braid Balm. My favorite Beachwaver is the Pro 1.25, which gives me the perfect, relaxed wave that lasts. When I’m Beachwaving my hair, I always use Great Barrier Heat Protectant Hairspray, which has a flexible polymer. The aroma experience is Polynesian Pink Sugar, and it smells incredible!
Can you tell us about the most memorable moment in your career?
There have been so many amazing moments in my career! One incredible experience was when the Beachwaver was the official hair tool of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. We styled so many gorgeous models backstage with the iconic, voluminous beachy waves.
With celebrity clients, there are so many unique and special moments, like styling Lea Michele for her wedding day and working with Camila Cabello while she was on tour with Taylor Swift.
I’m also super proud that the Beachwaver has won 42 beauty awards. It’s been wild watching my small idea seven years ago become a favorite in the industry. Also, after six years of working toward the utility patent, one of the most difficult to get in the U.S., we officially became American Inventors in 2016.
What’s your biggest hair-care tip of all time?
My biggest hair-care tip of all time is simple: Shampoo the roots and condition the ends.
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