9 minute read
Johanne Brierre
Johanne
BRIERRE
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Head of Growth at BKLYN Commons and Founder/Chief Brand Architect of NY Beauty Suites
WrittenBy:NatashiaBobbitt
When mandatory business closures swept the nation at the height of the COVID-19 shutdown, the beauty industry was among the hardest hit. Johanne Brierre, saw first-hand how the lockdown affected individuals on a personal level. “As the lockdown lifted, these entrepreneurs in the beauty industry couldn’t afford storefront rents or the added cost of making modifications to meet government COVID-19 safety requirements. They needed assistance and they needed it fast. Johanne took action and launched NY Beauty Suites. NYBeautySuites, the first flexible workspace for licensed and insured beautypreneurs, is Brierre’s way of aiding New York City’s community of beauty professionals.
Didyoualwayshaveapassionforthebeautyindustry?
Actually , I did not know much about the beauty industry . All I knew was everything was shutting down March 2020, social injustice and the financial crisis was rising. My family member, who is a hair stylist, came to me asking for assistance in finding a beauty workspace, where true growth and accessible resources were available. She, like many beauty professionals, were having difficulties scaling their businesses due to the social restrictions. I knew I wanted to solve this problem the beauty industry was having , so I thought to myself “ What is the best way to impact and support the community and this industry ?"
HowdidNYBeautySuites’getstarted?
NYBeauty Suites started during COVID. A family member who works in the beauty industry, reached out to me and asked if I could help her and some associates find a flexible workplace where they can work, connect and find resources to survive the pandemic. All the while still living in their neighborhoods without commuting too far. As the Head of growth for BKLYN Commons, I' ve successfully helped small businesses and startups. With already having the necessary foundation knowledge , it did not take long for NYBS to be born.
Whatadvicedoyouhaveforup-and-comingwomenentrepreneurs?
Do not be afraid to pivot. Pivot as many times as you find to be necessary until you get your desired results. Do not hesitate to reach out to mentors and other folks in the industry for support and help. People are more willing to help than you think
Howcananindependentbeautyentrepreneurapplyforaco-workingspacehereatNYBeautySuites?
We are hosting a open house at one of our two locations; 495 Flatbush on October 6 & 7th from 12-5pm. We invite all beauty and wellness professionals . RSVP a time slot here : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/410024523387. If you 'll like to view our suites sooner, visit nybeautysuites.com and book a tour, and you have the option to book either or 81 Willoughby Street or 495 Flatbush Ave
Owningandoperatingabeautysuitetakesalotofdedicationandhardwork,whathasbeenthekeytoyoursuccess?
one of the most important keys would be finding the right partners, investors and community leaders who believe in the same vision as you with a similar vision or purpose for themselves in their lives. It is much easier to built like this because you’re able to create a mutually beneficial opportunity for everyone. For example: i was able to connect with the landlords / investors in my own neighborhood , I shared my idea and concept. Thankfully he as well wanted to create a workspace in Brooklyn without having to travel elsewhere. It was easy for us to collaborate and execute this vision.
Whendidyourealizeyouheldapassionforcreatingspacesthatencourageandupliftwomen?
Being born in Haiti, I’ve always wanted to empowered and support women while providing them with a platform to continue doing what they love. In my personal opinion women are the natural leaders and innovators. However due to glass ceilings and lack of opportunities — we’ve never had the chance to impact the world and our communities the way we would want to. Thanks to the new social norms and movements, women are encouraged, supported and empowered everyday. I am honor to be one of the many women to create a bridge for the next generation of entrepreneurs
C CR RY YS ST TA AL L W WI IL LS SO ON N
C E R T I F I E D E S T H E T I C I A N A N D B E A U T Y B U S I N E S S M O G U L , C R Y S T A L W I L S O N G E T S R E A L A B O U T P O S T O P E R A T I V E S U R G I C A L C A R E
CRYSTAL WILSON
She is the founder and ceo of Luxe Beauty and Body Studio and Training Academy in Atlanta Georgia where she has Certified over 1,000 beauty industry entrepreneurs. Crystal has made it a goal both personally and professionally to be transparent and authentic with her services, revealing the truth about post-operative surgical care. We had some questions for her and she came with the answers!
You stated depression triggered your passion for entrepreneurship, what advice would you give others battling depression?
W r i t t e n B y : K e z i a h P r e s t o n
When battling depression, you must focus on things that make you happy. You can’t allow yourself to sit in depression for long because it can take you to dark places. When I first realized I was depressed, I went to esthetic school. It helped take me out because I was able to find my purpose. You have to surround yourself with positive energy and people. It’s a journey, so you must be honest about what feels right to you.
Don ’t be afraid to take a risk! Challenge yourself to learn something new or network with others. Find the motivation in yourself! Everyone isn ’t always going to be there to push you, so you need to find it within yourself.
What is your main focus for your clients when it comes to post-operative care?
My main focus for my clients is their healing process and getting the best results. They ’ ve paid a lot of money to get their bodies to be what they envisioned, so I have to make sure they get what it’ s worth. It’ s also important for their health to get the proper post-op care.
Do you recommend surgical body changes to people battling depression or do you feel it isn’t for everybody?
I personally believe that people should get help for their depression before getting surgery. Surgery does not cure what’ s happening internally. It might even enhance your issues. Also, you must be aware that what you went into surgery for, sometimes might not be what you hoped it would be. That can put an additional issue for you mentally if you aren ’t healed.
Have you made surgical body changes yourself? Why or why not?
Yes, I have. I have done Lipo 360 and a BBL. I did surgery for myself and wanted to enhance my natural features. I didn ’t worry about what others thought and did it.
What would you say is most fulfilling on this journey?
In terms of surgery, the most fulfilling thing about this journey is loving your results and feeling like you made the right decision. Regarding my career, I am glad to share my knowledge about this industry and the process of post-op. Being properly informed can help influence someone ’ s decision to make surgical changes. Also, it’ s fulfilling to inspire those who are interested in being a part of the beauty industry.
TheSixFigureSpaChick
Candace Holyfield Parker a.k.a. Six Figure Spa Chick is not only a business mogul, but also a mentor and advocate for beauty and spa business owners. In today’s market there are many who desire to earn millions very fast. Most of the coaches that claim to teach the required skill set have not run successful companies themselves. Candace “The Six Figure Spa Chick” not only ran one successful business which generates over a million dollars a year, but she runs multiple high earning businesses: A Multi Million Dollar Spa enterprise, An international Air BNB portfolio, a Trucking company, and a successful coaching program.
As an author what are your publications and for those interested in purchasing where can they befound?
I have over 30 ebooks and 4 paper back books on Amazon. You can see all my digital assets via http://www.payhip.com/candaceholyfield , and on Amazon you can search for Candace Holyfield plus all my links in my instagram bio @sixfigurespachick. I have books on literally everything I know from earning my first six figures on Groupon to paying for your cosmetic surgery without going broke. My best seller is my instagram 7 figure framework ebook.
Can you share with us what it is you do as a holistic practitioner ?
I love being a holistic practitioner. I’m 4 time trained on VSteam aka yoni steam. I’m highly trained in using herbs and aromatherapy to heal the body. I’m an advocate for wellness. We offer breathing techniques, plant based products/Spa treatments and stress relief wellness programs such as Iv hydration which is vitamins directly into the blood stream.
Wow I haven ’t lived an average day in over 12 years. Being an entrepreneur is like a box of chocolates. You never know what will happen in 24 hours. I usually wake up at 5am, partake in personal development/meditation, kids off to school and I work every hour until the kids are out. I host my Vip clients at my downtown Atlanta office to help them find their missing money, during my commute to and from the office Im always in phone meetings, I get the kids dinner, talk about their day, help with homework and work more until bed around 12 midnight. I travel every single week as a speaker or influencer hosting classes/retreats.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is building the largest African American Community #spabosstribe and helping 16 spa owners make 7 figures in their business.
Growing up did you always see yourself experiencing private jets and walking with lions and elephants or is it safe to say growing up you never thought you would be “The Six Figure Spa Chick” ?
Growing up I had a great childhood. I did not know any millionaires so I never had the thought to be one. All those years I never knew I would be six figure spa chick. I’ m so grateful it happened though.
What are a couple things on your bucket list you have yet to accomplish ?
My bucket list is insane. I want to own a neighborhood called Candy Land. I want to be the bronner brothers of Spa. My bucket list is to sell out a convention center. I used to want to travel to Africa, Dubai and Greece but I did all those things so I changed my bucket list. I still want to visit Maldives and Bora Bora one day.
Do you have a motto, word or phrase you always say ?
My motto is Six Figure everything you do!
What would you say is the best advice you were given and the best advice you have gave ?
Images Courtesy: Candace Holyfield Parker
