October 29, 2016

Meet Old Fourth Ward Salon Owner & Facialist: Amy Leavell Bransford

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Leavell Bransford.

When Aviary first opened its doors in 2009, it was the first Atlanta-area spa and salon to embrace product lines that were gentle on both the body and environment. But it also became revered for its friendly personnel, all of whom quickly developed into some of the city’s top, trusted talent. Allure, In Style, American Salon, Citysearch, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, The Atlantan and several other prominent media outlets have all given Aviary fierce accolades, celebrating it as a tranquil oasis in the heart of a big, bustling city.

For Aviary founder and owner Amy Leavell Bransford, music and green living are a family affair. Her father, keyboardist Chuck Leavell, is a tree farmer and noted environmentalist who has performed with everyone from the Indigo Girls to The Rolling Stones. Bransford’s career hasn’t fallen far from her family tree. For nearly a decade, she was a publicist for bands such as 311 and Widespread Panic before enrolling at the Atlanta School for Aesthetics. After working at one of Atlanta’s top spas, Amy launched New Moon Skin Care, which offers bespoke, organic skin care in a relaxing, music-filled setting. She founded Aviary in 2009 after seeing an increasing desire for a wider range of sustainable beauty treatments. Amy is actively involved as a fundraiser, chairperson and volunteer for a variety of local organizations, including Community Farmers Markets, Westchester Elementary School, and the Inman Park Festival. She lives in Decatur with her husband Steve and their sons Miles and Rocco.

Has it been a smooth road?
There are always struggles and I would be kidding myself to act like there aren’t. The toughest days are always when you feel like your business might fail, that new clients won’t be searching to find you anymore, that you aren’t relevant in today’s market. But when I step away to think about those things I realize most of it is ego and insecurity. At seven years, my business is a dinosaur in the area so I just stop and say “hey, we are doing great in a time when lots of others have come and gone!”

Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
I liked to color outside of the lines always. As a teenager, I was bit contrary, which is something that has helped me as a business owner. No one can tell me that I can’t do things the way that I want. I have always loved music and apparel and being outdoors.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
So many! But one fun one was when I was about 4 or 5 years old and my dad was touring as a keyboardist for the Allman Brothers Band and the tour bus would pick up at our house. I would climb on board and was obsessed with the small cubbies where the band would sleep on the road. I am sure it was pretty uncomfortable as a grown man but as a child, I thought sleeping in them looked like so much fun!

What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking for growth in 2017. There are so many exciting things happening in Old Fourth Ward and it’s cool to be a veteran business owner in the midst of so many young ones. I can’t say what this growth will look like so stay tuned.

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