Today’s career profile is with Brittany Lo, the founder of Beautini by B.Lo. Brittany and I met through a mutual friend. She is so kind, energetic, and driven. I was amazed to learn that she’s been interested in beauty since she was two years old – and she started her first company at 17 years old. She has such great advice for entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and all young professionals.
What inspired you to start Beautini by B.Lo?
Since the age of two years old when I found my mother’s makeup bag I always knew a career with beauty was my calling. In addition, growing up I became very passionate about empowering others and making people happy so I wanted a career that incorporated all of these things together. While in high school, I started an organization called GALS (Girls And LeaderShip) that strives to empower girls in middle school through community service. I also started an all-natural makeup line called B.Lo Cosmetics when I turned 17 years old. I got some products such as mascara manufactured and hand made other products including eye shadows. Although I am currently focused on the service side of beauty, I eventually plan on reinventing my product line as well.
How would you explain Beautini by B.Lo in a few sentences?
Beautni by B.Lo is a mobile-based beauty service company for women on the go. We offer our services within office buildings, fitness centers, wedding venues, etc. and cater to groups of women that value high quality and convenience. During the services each client is offered complimentary drinks (including our signature cocktail, the “Beautini”) and desserts, creating a luxurious and fun yet empowering experience.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start her own business? Just keep going! I think the hardest decision is to mentally and emotionally decide to embark on your own venture and then once you do, just keep going. Granted I have just begun but I still experience highs and lows very frequently but luckily I have a strong support group to keep me going when things get tough. Start building your support group and a circle of advisors that you can go to when you feel lost to help you to move forward.
What is a typical day like for you?
I wish I could tell you! Being an entrepreneur is mostly about learning to adapt to different situations and taking the business day by day. Every day turns out completely different than I may anticipate depending on what goes on during the day and what new opportunities may arise.
What are some of the best things, and on the flip side the most challenging things, about starting your own business?
Some of the best perks are that you can wake up and do something you love each and every day and feel fulfilled at the end of the day. I personally love the flexibility because I can always go home for a family member’s birthday, spend quality time with my family while also working from home and being just as productive.
You previously interned at L’Oreal, what was your role there? What advice do you have for someone who wants to work at L’Oreal?
Really know the brands behind L’Oreal and see how each brand caters to a different type of person. L’Oreal strategically has created a portfolio of beauty brands that fill a different gap in the market so before interviewing there understand what brands address what part of the market and find a few brands you can personally resonate with.
What did you major in at school? Did you find that it has helped with your career?
Babson College is a business school so we have a “major” in business but have concentrations in different areas of business. I decided not to have a concentration so I could study abroad in Paris and take classes that truly interested me instead of the ones I had to take to fulfill a concentration requirement.
What is one thing that you wish you had known when you were starting out your career?
It is okay to ask for help! A lot of times growing up I would fear that asking for help would make you look unintelligent but I learned that the more you ask the more you learn and no one expects you to know everything!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In five years I hope to still be working on Beautini and scaling it into physical brick-and-mortar stores throughout the country/world so we can empowering while through our beauty services everywhere!
How would you define your professional style? What are a few staples?
My professional style generally includes a piece that is black, which is my go-to color. I tend to wear black pants or skirts and pair them with a colorful top or a bright lip. I try to keep my clothing conservative for the most part and be most creative with my hair and makeup each day. A few go-to staples are my black Anne Taylor black pants (I have three pairs!), a handful of colorful blazers (Zara and Ann Taylor have great options), and my Jimmy Choo black pumps that allow people to look in my eyes rather than looking ‘down on me.’
What is on your desk right now?
A large cup of coffee, a container full of colorful pens/markers, my calendar, colored sticky notes for me to jot down all ideas that pop into my mind throughout the day. I also like to keep little trinkets that have inspirational quotes on them to keep me going and to stay motivated!
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Whenever I need some inspiration I will take a walk in the city or visit somewhere filled with creative energy such as a museum or a really cool company that I admire and learn more about what they are doing.
Who is your mentor?
I have many mentors; depending on if I need advice for a business problem I am facing or need support emotionally I would go to different mentors of mine.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Always keep your word no matter how big or little the commitment may be. Growing up this was instilled into me and as a businesswoman this bit of advice has truly resonated with me. Right now I am at the bottom of the totem pole trying to success in business and I think it is important for everyone to remember their journey to success and take time to meet with people just starting off no matter how busy they may be.
What is a fun fact about you?
My socks never match! Haha.
What advice do you have for other young professional women?
My advice to other young professional women is to take full advantage of opportunities that are presented to you. Many times we turn down an opportunity because we fail to see how it directly correlates with our long-term goal but many opportunities can be leveraged to be useful. Granted although not every opportunity may be worthwhile, the ones that are can truly help you get closer to your goal/dream.
Images via Brittany Lo and Host Committee
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