Today we’d like to introduce you to Giusi Gownley.
Hi Giusi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey is deeply rooted in the example set by my mother. She was a single mother raising four children and faced challenges that most people could never imagine. There were times when she struggled to provide for us, and she made the difficult decision to place us in a convent so we would be cared for and never go hungry. Looking back, I realize that decision came from love, sacrifice, and her determination to do what was best for her children.
As a child, I saw the struggle in my mother’s eyes, but I also saw her strength, resilience, and unconditional love. She became my greatest inspiration. Watching everything she endured taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and putting your family first.
When I became a mother myself, I carried those lessons with me. I made a promise that I would work hard to provide opportunities for my children and build a stable future for my family. That promise became one of the driving forces behind everything I have accomplished.
My passion for the beauty industry eventually led me to open Unika Salon. One of the most important moments in my journey was becoming a salon owner. I was fortunate to have the support of my husband’s grandfather, who believed in my dream and helped make it possible by purchasing the building that would become my salon. With the help of my husband and father-in-law, we transformed the space into what is now Unika Salon.
Today, I am proud of the business I have built, the team I work alongside, and the relationships I have developed with my clients. Every challenge I have faced has shaped me into the person I am today. My story is a reminder that where you begin does not determine where you can go. Through hard work, faith, family, and perseverance, dreams can become reality.
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 has definitely not been a smooth road. One of my greatest challenges was overcoming the fear of failure while trying to build a better future for my family. Growing up, I watched my mother struggle as a single parent raising four children. Seeing the sacrifices she made and the hardships our family endured left a lasting impression on me and became one of my biggest motivations.
As a salon owner, I faced many of the same challenges that small business owners experience—long hours, financial responsibilities, managing a team, and balancing work with family life. There were times when I questioned myself and wondered if I was making the right decisions, especially during difficult economic periods and unexpected setbacks.
Another challenge was learning that success does not happen overnight. Building a loyal clientele, growing a business, and becoming a leader required patience, persistence, and continuous education. I invested in advanced training and worked hard to stay current in an ever-changing industry while still being present for my family.
Through every challenge, I learned the importance of resilience. I am grateful for the support of my husband, my family, and those who believed in my vision. Their encouragement helped me push forward even when things felt difficult. Looking back, the obstacles I faced became some of my greatest lessons, and they helped shape both the business owner and person I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Unika Salon?
Unika Salon was built on the belief that beauty is about more than just hair—it is about confidence, self-expression, and helping people feel their best. We are a full-service salon specializing in customized color, balayage, blonding, hair extensions, bridal styling, special occasion hair and makeup, conditioning treatments, and personalized beauty services.
What sets us apart is our commitment to education, quality, and creating an experience that makes every client feel welcome and valued. We continuously invest in advanced training and certifications to stay at the forefront of the beauty industry, allowing us to offer the latest techniques while maintaining the health and integrity of our clients’ hair.
As an extension specialist and salon owner, I am especially passionate about helping clients achieve their dream hair while building confidence and self-esteem. I am proud to work alongside a talented team of professionals who share the same dedication to exceptional service and client care.
What I am most proud of is the environment we have created. Unika Salon is more than a salon—it is a place where clients become friends, friendships become family, and everyone is treated with kindness and respect. Seeing our clients leave feeling beautiful, confident, and empowered is the greatest reward.
Our salon was built through hard work, perseverance, and the support of family, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to serve our community. My goal is to continue growing, educating, inspiring others, and providing an experience that keeps our clients coming back for years to come.
What were you like growing up?
I was born and raised in Sicily, Italy. At the age of six, I went to live in a convent with nuns, where I stayed until I was eleven years old. Although it was not an easy experience, it taught me discipline, gratitude, and resilience at a young age.
After my grandfather passed away, I moved in with my grandmother along with one of my sisters. During that time, my mother made the difficult decision to move to the United States with my other two siblings in search of better opportunities for our family. She worked hard and sacrificed so much to provide us with a better future, and her strength continues to inspire me every day.
When I was fifteen years old, I joined my family in the United States. Moving to a new country, learning a new language, and adapting to a different culture was challenging, but it also helped shape the person I am today. Those experiences taught me perseverance, determination, and the importance of never giving up on my dreams.
I became a mother at eighteen years old, and by the age of thirty-three I was raising three children. Being a mother has always been my greatest blessing and my greatest motivation. Every decision I made was centered around creating a better future and providing opportunities for my children.
Life was not always easy. My marriage did not work out, and at the age of thirty-seven I made the difficult decision to start over and build a life on my own with my children. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but it was also one of the most important. That chapter of my life taught me strength, independence, and confidence in my ability to overcome challenges.
Throughout the years, I worked hard, pursued my passion for the beauty industry, attended educational events, hair shows, and New York Fashion Week to continue learning and growing. Those experiences inspired me to think bigger, embrace creativity, and pursue my dream of owning a salon.
Looking back, every challenge I faced helped shape the woman, mother, and business owner I am today. My journey has taught me that no matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, with determination, hard work, and faith in yourself, it is possible to build the life you dream of.One of my proudest accomplishments has been seeing the trust and support of our community reflected in our growth. Unika Salon was honored as a Google Business Top Rated Hair Salon in both 2025 and 2026. Those recognitions mean so much to me because they represent the loyalty of our clients and the dedication of our entire team. They inspire us to continue learning, growing, and providing exceptional service to every person who walks through our doors.
Pricing:
- Women’s Haircut & Style – Starting at $40
- Custom Color & Balayage – Consultation Required
- Hair Extensions (Installation) Starting at $365
- Bridal Hair & Makeup – Custom Packages available
- Nail Services – Starting at $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unikasalon.wixsite.com
- Instagram: Unikasalon77
- Facebook: Unika Salon
