Today we’d like to introduce you to Phoebe Tran.
Phoebe, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In my 2nd year of college, I was working at an engineering internship. I got offered a full-time position, but I realized I just couldn’t see myself doing this long term. So, I turned it down and signed up for beauty school that same day. It seemed like a good opportunity to do something creative and artistic for a living.
After I got out of beauty school, I started doing high school prom gigs for friends and family. I got some buzz through word of mouth, and got some opportunities to do weddings, and started working at a salon. I met a good friend of mine, Thuy Lam Nguyen (of Fresh Face Era), an amazing makeup artist, as a client in the salon. She helped me get my foot in the door of the wedding industry. Social media was on the rise, and this helped get me some exposure. Posting images of brides updos let my work speak for itself, so I didn’t have to rely as much on classic networking, because I’m a bit shy.
It’s been an amazing 10+ years, where I’ve been able to meet and collaborate with many other hairstylists, makeup artists, photographers, and other vendors. It has really opened my eyes to the possibilities of this industry.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were times when my lack of networking was keeping my business from growing as fast as it could have. I would recommend reaching out to more experienced stylists and asking if you could assist them with any gigs. It’s important to invest in building experience, even if it’s not the most lucrative path in the short term. It will eventually pay off.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in bridal hairstyling, specifically updos. I make an effort to listen to the particular concerns of my clients. For instance, if a client is self-conscious about showing her ears, but she is dead set on an updo, I will find a way to work with their constraints. What sets my work apart is I ensure that the styles I create complement the individual client, even if it takes some convincing. I am proud of the launch of my line of bridal accessories, Ethereal Bridal, which has affordable accessories for brides that are easy to work with when styling hair. I am proud of the fact I have offered educational classes to other stylists or upcoming artists. It is rewarding to see other people be able to grow in the styling technique.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I don’t believe there are barriers to female leadership today, especially in this industry, where female leadership is the norm.
Contact Info:
- Website: bridalbeautybyphoebe.com
- Phone: 858-386-6542
- Email: bridalbeautybyphoebe@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridalbeautybyphoebe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridalbeautybyphoebe/
Image Credit:
Jenny Thai Photography (action shot only)
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