Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Hagemann.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
To really tell my story, I have to start back in 2006 when I signed up to sell skincare and makeup for an MLM (Multi-level marketing company). I was halfway through college, unsure of what I wanted my career to be, and fell in love with the idea of “being my own boss” and helping women feel better about themselves. After a couple of years, I learned that the MLM wasn’t for me, but I still felt drawn to helping others – particularly women.
Fast forward to 2011. I graduated from UC Davis and had been working as a contractor at a California State Agency in Sacramento. My contract was up, so I moved to San Diego for a job. I ended up working at a big box retailer from 2012 to 2015 until one day, I woke up with my hair falling out from stress and I realized it wasn’t for me. I was 30 years old and I hated my job. Sure, I made good money, but the company I worked for expected long hours and to be on call 24/7. I had what I can only call an epiphany. I thought to myself, “If everything I love – my boyfriend {at the time, now husband}, parents, family, friends went away and I lost my job, what would I do every day?” It was crystal clear to me. I would become an Esthetician. I knew even if I never made much money again, at least, I would be happy going to work every day.
I quit the next day.
One month later, I was enrolled in San Diego City College Esthetician program and graduated at the top of my class in May 2016. I got my license in June and my first job – working under a very skilled Esthetician in North Park.
Over my time at that spa, I learned a lot – mainly how much I loved treating clients with acne. I could see a change in their skin and confidence and I knew that was the direction I wanted my career to go in.
In September 2017, I decided to go out on my own to create BLH Beauty – with the goal I would focus on acne. I found an acne skincare line (Face Reality) that was comprehensive, affordable and WORKED. I had a few clients with stubborn acne start on the line and I saw amazing results. Since starting my own business almost a year ago, I have “cleared” 12 women who suffer from acne, with many more on their way. My approach to acne is a lifestyle change. My clients understand acne cannot be “cured” – only controlled with products, diet, treatments, and other important lifestyle considerations.
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?
Oh gosh, I wish I could say this has been a smooth road. I spent my entire twenties looking for my “career” or “passion” or “purpose.” I had some really terrible jobs, terrible bosses, and terrible income. I lived on a tight budget until I was 28 and often held 2-3 jobs at a time. I worked all of the time with little money to show for it. I would always be sad to see my peers living that “Instagram life” – going on nice beach vacations or traveling the world. They had nice homes, designer clothes and often seemed happy with their job and life.
I struggled with everything. I had a hard time making (quality) friends, dating and finding a job that I liked. I graduated from college right when the recession hit, so I had a hard time finding a job, especially one that paid more than $30,000 a year. Up until I was 28, my parents often helped me with groceries and veterinarian bills.
Growing up and into young adulthood, I was often criticized for being “bossy” or “talking too much” – those skills, (being able to give others directions & being able to hold a conversation with a complete stranger) have made me great at my job. Remember that sometimes your “weakness” can also be your strength but do not shy away from constructive, loving feedback.
When I was learned to be an Esthetician, I asked everyone I knew if I could give them a facial. I promise you, I had no clue what I was doing, but I listened to feedback from trusted friends and continued to ask for feedback from others. It isn’t always easy to hear how you can improve, but it is so important.
My advice is to stay your course, do the best you can, and do not compare yourself to your peers (or to me!) It’s really important to remember that no one has it figured out and everyone is doing the best they can at this exact moment. And be kind to others. Conan O’Brien famously said, “Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen” – I couldn’t agree more.
Please tell us about BLH Beauty.
I am so proud of my success stories, my Boring Skin Club members! Since I am passionate about acne, I love doing extractions (so weird, but it’s true!). I am oddly sad when a client’s skin clears because I no longer have pimples/blackheads/whiteheads to extract/pop! When a client’s skin started clearing, I told them that they had “boring” skin! It caught on, and when my clients get clear skin, they are inducted into my Boring Skin Club – they are given a certificate and either champagne or sparkling cider. I love celebrating their success – and as women, we often don’t get celebrated, so it’s always so much fun and tears are often shed. My clients work REALLY hard to be in the club. It’s a commitment, they have to change so many parts of their life and agree to follow my many rules. So, when they succeed in controlling their acne, we celebrate.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Absolutely. I had a hard time making friends as a child/teenager. I am very sensitive with a big heart, and it often got squashed and bullied. I come off as extroverted because I am naturally friendly and social, but I am introverted and I care deeply for others which often caused more pain than good. I have cried many tears over feeling excluded or made fun of. I tend to take things to heart and can feel deeply wounded by words, particularly written words.
I was always an emotional wreck in high school and my early twenties. I think for many years everytime I talked to my dad I was crying. I am a deeply feeling person in messy world (as Glennon Doyle says) and I had no idea of how to navigate that. I had the hardest time finding my “tribe” and often felt like an outsider. I have been told I am “too much” for some people more times than I’d like to admit.
I went through a painful breakup (including going into debt) in my early twenties and had to find a way crawl out of it. Doing so, I went to a lot of therapy, learned how to cultivate my empathetic ways (and through Reiki) and I can say that even though I am still very much a feeling person, I am not as easily wounded and I can self-soothe.
Although I experienced so much turmoil personally in my twenties, I believe it has given me the ability to hold space for my clients when they experience emotional pain without judgment or expectation. For the most part, I can listen and be present for my client without taking it home and being sad. I am not perfect, but I feel that my own personal experience gave me the insight I needed for my career today.
Pricing:
- $125 for New Acne Client Consultation and Treatment
- $75 for Acne Clients follow up 45 min appointments. I request clients come every two weeks to effectively treat the skin.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3651 Midway Drive
Suite 28
San Diego, CA 92110
(by appointment only) - Website: www.blhbeauty.com
- Phone: 619-786-7385
- Email: info@blhbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blh_beauty/
Image Credit:
All photos property of BLH Beauty
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