Photography by Lori Sparkman Photography | Styled by Jenanne Filat with Barakat Bespoke
‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness’ – these powerful words are uniquely and undeniably American. This American Dreams series features ordinary people with extraordinary stories of success and advice for making the most of your dreams. It reiterates the importance of shop local + share local, a part of our culture that makes Central Arkansas unique.
“That something special – persona and confidence – that resonates from the soul.”
With a heart of gold and flair for the extraordinary, it seems like style expert and entrepreneur Aaron Perkins has the Midas touch – including his newest project Face Your Day Xpress, located in the downtown Little Rock Marriott Hotel. Featuring a slick and modern décor with a unique portfolio of amenities, it’s the first in-house salon in the building’s legacy as the Marriott, Peabody and Excelsior as well as the first salon to be operated within a Marriott property in Arkansas. Face Your Day Xpress is an evolution of the intimate boutique appeal of Aaron’s Face Your Day Salon – located in the historic Gans Building. His philosophy to beauty and composure spans beyond an attractive appearance. “It’s more about empowerment and making someone feel really great,” Aaron notes. “That something special – persona and confidence – that resonates from the soul.”
Its focus on corporate guests of the hotel and downtown business and civic leaders makes the Face Your Day Xpress amenities equally convenient and luxurious. “We want busy professionals to realize the time investment of looking – and feeling – fabulous has residual value. We can make every appointment easy, pleasant and quick – infused with a sense of satisfaction and well-being.” The team at Face Your Day Xpress offers the company’s trademark services including haircuts and styling, makeup application and eyebrow waxing/threading as well manicures and pedicures. The salon also features a retail store offering Aaron’s own complete custom line of Aaron Charles Cosmetics.
After following his dream to work in the beauty industry to Miami and Manhattan, Aaron returned to Arkansas when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. He notes that she’s the inspiration for his business, “helping Mom feel beautiful and confident in one of the lowest times of her life when she didn’t feel beautiful at all.” She entered remission and Aaron decided Arkansas is his home. “I realized the women of Arkansas deserved nothing but the best treatment. We consider it #PolishingTheRock – with consideration to the inner beauty and unique sparkle of every individual.” Aaron believes that civic leadership is important to building a brighter future for all Arkansans. His work with CARTI and the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant – among many others – represents his unwavering support.
With celebrated success and a complete calendar of events + appointments, the Face Your Day empire remains true to its vision. “The excitement of urban development in Little Rock coupled with the talent – at my salons and other businesses around town – astounds me. I love Little Rock and want to help Arkansans succeed. At work, that means coaching my clients – and team of beauty stylists – to achieve greatness. In life, that means sharing my passion in ways that make others happy.”
