Past life to Present How I ventured into Beauty

by Britta Krueger

For some people it is clear from a very young age what they want to do with their life and they have a clear vision of their dream job and follow that path all the way, others get to it with some detours!

Iam one of those who knew what I wanted to do but now looking back, I ended up with my dream job through a set of challenges and detours which got me to where I am now.

I loved languages and definitely wanted to work with them so studying languages was the obvious first step and with my love for travelling it was only natural that I started working in Export which was immensely interesting! Over the years I have worked for different companies in various industries and it has given me a whole range of opportunities to evolve and expand my knowledge and skill throughout various departments including financial controlling, Import, Marketing and of course the position as a sales manager – all of which I really enjoyed! I loved the challenge of a difficult position or having to rescue a situation with the added pressure of last minute hiccups (nothing more challenging than organising a trade show within 3 weeks because someone handed their notice in without organising it!) while at the same time project managing the global launch of a new product line.

Working with a team to make it happen against all odds to then see the success unfold is such a buzz and more than rewarding for all the hard work and long hours.

Little did I know that life had an even bigger challenge for me….without much of a warning I got the diagnose that no one wants to hear….. the dreaded C word…and unless you have been in that situation you have no idea how much this turns your life upside down and into an emotional rollercoaster that makes you question everything and forces you to see your life in a different light!

Your view changes, your plans, dreams and hopes all get a different perspective and it was an opportunity to revalue and assess everything and as a result a fresh start for me.

It was time for a change so I handed my notice in and started making plans. Through my previous positions in the Health & Beauty industry I was able to use my experience and knowledge and put the plan into action (sitting at home wasn’t my idea of fun anyway) and that is how it all started!

I am not going to lie and say that it was all plain sailing….anyone who is running their own business knows that there is a lot more to it than meets the eye but in all honesty I have never regretted this step no matter how hard it has been or how much blood, sweat and tears it has cost me over the years.

Starting with our first spray tan brand we then developed many of the ranges which are still available through flirties today.

Looking back, it was maybe all meant to happen in order to get me to where I am now.

I got the all clear a few years later, the business is booming and I am still as passionate about it as I was when I first set out on this journey. Even though things were not as straight forward and I had to take a few detours along the way, I feel grateful for what I have achieved and how my life has turned out.

Products, techniques, teamwork and the hustle and bustle of a busy business are all part of it as much as having to constantly evolve and move forward, pause or even take a step back, then revalue, assess, adjust or amend in order to move forward to the right direction.

Those who know me also know that I normally keep my private life separate and behind closed doors but I feel that this little insight into my story and how I started my journey with flirties could be an encouragement for those who get disheartened or frustrated. Those who feel there is no way forward or that they will never be able to make their dream come true……don’t give up! Sometimes you have to change direction to get what you really want. Life isn’t about straight lines…. there is always detours, compromises, challenges and things to adapt to but that makes it even more rewarding when you can make your dreams come true!