We had the good fortune of connecting with Tibby Wornick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tibby, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I started my Fairy Hair business, I was transitioning out of a decade-long career in education, most of which I spent teaching 7th grade English. Teaching was something I loved, but after three years of navigating COVID regulations and witnessing the toll it took on both my mental health and the education system, I was burned out. I had lost my creative edge. It became clear that I needed a change. I had grown up a creative and artistic kid participating in theater, film, and photography. I expressed myself through fashion, dying my hair bright colors, and creating unique experiences for my inner circle. I wanted to get back to her.

When I pulled the plug on teaching, I pivoted quickly into a diverse career path that included Marketing, Small Business Consulting, IT, and Communications. While I found aspects of the work enjoyable, it lacked the passion I was seeking. Almost as soon as I started, I began thinking about a side project—something that would spark joy, introduce me to new people, and revive my social life.

In October, I soft-launched my fairy hair business, starting with friends and family. By the end of November, I was fully immersed in weekend events, enjoying the vibrant entertainment and market scene in Charleston. I was instantly hooked on the creative freedom that came with sparkling hair. Seeing the happiness on people’s faces when they looked in the mirror after getting fairy hair was incredibly rewarding. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I had found my true calling.

By February of the following year, I made the leap to take my small business full-time. It was the toughest, yet most fulfilling, career decision I’ve ever made.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At first glance, my work might seem superficial to some—we add sparkles to your hair. But The Sparkle Bar is so much more than fairy hair. We light people up, spark joy, and bring smiles to everyone who sits in our lime green chairs. What I’m most proud of is the hard (heart) work I’ve poured into building my brand, team, and community here in Charleston over the past two years. It hasn’t been easy; I’ve faced personal and professional challenges along the way, but they’ve shaped me into a stronger and more confident version of myself.

No one starts a business thinking it will be all sparkles and rainbows, but it’s in overcoming those hurdles that I’ve found my greatest growth. After leaving a career in teaching, burned out and unhealthy, I knew I had to care for my body and mind just as much as my heart. The Sparkle Bar is heart work for me. I show up for my clients so they can leave happier, more confident, and, of course, sparkling.

Part of this journey was taking my health seriously. I began working with a holistic doctor and joined a local yoga studio. These changes in caring for my mind, body, and soul have been transformative. I’m now stronger, more confident, and more certain of who I am and where The Sparkle Bar is headed.

At the core, we’re a small business with a big heart, deeply committed to giving back to the local community, schools, and nonprofits. We’re here to bring more than just sparkle—we’re here to uplift and inspire.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
**Welcome to Charleston, SC!** Get ready for a day packed with delicious food, stunning views, and plenty of adventure. Your heart will be full, your belly even fuller, and your feet might be a little tired—but it’ll all be worth it. Let’s go!

Start the day with a **sunrise walk on Sullivan’s Island**, right next to Fort Moultrie. The view of the city across the harbor is magical, and the Ravenel Bridge looks especially stunning in the early morning light. From there, head into Mount Pleasant for breakfast at **Vintage Coffee and Café**. Treat yourself to their mouthwatering avocado toast topped with homemade tomato and onion jam, and grab an iced caramel oat milk latte to-go.

Next up, head downtown to wander the **historic streets** and explore some of my favorite parks like **Hampton Park** and **Allan Park**. While you’re downtown, don’t miss out on shopping at a few local gems—like **The Paper Canopy** and **Hermosa Jewelry**, both owned by amazing women and conveniently located on Spring Street.

By afternoon, you’ll need a pick-me-up. I’d recommend either a refreshing smoothie from **Huryali** or, if you’re feeling like a true local, pop into **Salty Mike’s**, a laid-back dive bar on the water. Afterward, take a walk along **The Battery**, soaking in the picturesque waterfront views.

As the day winds down, head to **Frannie and The Fox** inside **Hotel Emeline** for dinner. It’s a perfect spot for a memorable meal, with top-tier food, drinks, and ambiance in the heart of Historic Charleston. Finally, bring the day full circle by heading back to Mount Pleasant for a nightcap at **Shem Creek**. Relax at **Muddy’s on the Water** with your toes in the sand, or grab a frozen Screwball at **Red’s Ice House** to end the day on a sweet note.

Charleston has it all—great food, amazing views, and endless fun!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my right-hand sparkle queen, Bella. We met on a random Tuesday at a boutique on King Street when I had the chance to add a little sparkle to her hair. We instantly clicked—our connection was undeniable. Just a few days later, she became part of The Sparkle Bar family.

Since then, Bella has been an integral part of my Sparkle Squad and a true asset to the business. After about eight months of working her magic with fairy hair, I invited her to join me on the administrative and business side of The Sparkle Bar. Today, she helps run things behind the scenes, managing our website, social media, and team schedule. We always joke that Bella was my “personality hire,” but she’s so much more than that. She’s the yin to my yang when I get too caught up in the hustle of running a business, keeping me laughing and grounded.

Bella is talented, hard-working, and absolutely hilarious—a true gem of a human. Our meeting feels like divine intervention, and she has become my soul sister. I feel so lucky to do life, work, and, of course, sparkles with her!

Website: https://thesparklebar.co

Instagram: @thesparklebar.co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tibby-wornick/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairyhairtinselbytibby

Image Credits
Christina Percario

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