Dr. Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman of Farouk Systems, Inc. a company that manufactures and distributes high quality professional hair care products, including industry-leading brands CHI® and BioSilk® in over 150 countries joins Enterprise Radio.
Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Dr. Farouk Shami discuss the following:
* Being an immigrant and a hairdresser, how did this help you build a billion-dollar company?* How have you used your success to help others?* You own 23 patents, where do your ideas for new ingredients, technology and products come from?* You are in over 150 countries world-wide, what advice would you give to someone branching out internationally?* You recently partnered with LG Household and Healthcare and purchased a company in Germany called Red Deer. How do you see these companies advancing the beauty industry?
The History of Dr. Farouk Shami
Introduction:
In 1986, Dr. Farouk Shami founded Farouk Systems, Inc. He defied the odds by creating the world’s first ammonia-free hair color, finally making a safer work environment for stylists, customers, and the environment. Farouk also developed a system to triple process hair in one setting; something that had never been accomplished before in the professional hair industry. Yet, these are just some of the many firsts achieved by a true legend; a man stylists and consumers lovingly call “The CHI Man”. His trademark of wearing of “red boots” has not only become a part of his persona but something that brings a smile to all he comes in contact with. His journey reveals the true meaning of artistry and a passion for life. Today, all of this vibrancy paints a picture that is Dr. Farouk Shami.
Farouk Shami: A Man of Many Colors
Dr. Farouk Shami’s legacy begins with many colors. You can see it in the red, white and blue of his American Dream. You can find it in the rich tapestry surrounding his heritage and his undeniable passion for the color wheel.
As the son of a Sheikh and Chief of the olive farmers in Palestine, Farouk Shami was born in mid-October 1942. He grew up exposed to the trials and tribulations of war while learning from his father the meaning of hard work and sacrifice. Through this, he also learned the tales of hope about America. His mother, Jamilah which means “beautiful” in Arabic, lived up to her name in every way. When his father was away fighting for liberation, she took on the role of both mother and father to Farouk and his siblings. She was a very creative woman which was reflected in her striking embroideries and woven baskets. It was here that Farouk learned how to make natural dyes along with inheriting her love of nature and beauty.
When it became time for Farouk to leave his homeland, he traveled from Palestine to the United States on April 1, 1965 with only $71.00 in his pocket. Combining all that he learned from his parents, he knew that his love of color and artistry was his destiny. He proudly obtained his cosmetology license in 1966 and began working in a salon. This would be just the beginning of a career that would significantly impact the professional hair industry and the world.
In 1978, Farouk decided to move from Lafayette, Louisiana to Houston, Texas; forced to leave an industry he loved so much due to severe health issues caused by the ammonia found in hair color.
