We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandi Fontenot and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I thought… if not now, then when? When am I going to create the life I want to live? Punching in and out of someone else’s time clock is not how I envision my life. I want to make a career out of my passion so that I never have to “work” a day in my life. I want to enjoy life being inspired by the world’s beauties while knowing I’m putting something out in the world that feeds my soul and my family’s bellies! I thought… jump and figure it out as you go.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been very artistic and drawn to details and colors. I used to draw faces a lot when I was younger. When I was able, I jumped right into makeup. I played around with it until I figured out what I liked. I was mostly inspired by the colorful and creative looks of the 90’s show Charmed. It was my favorite show growing up and definitely had an impact on my personality and style of makeup! I realized that this is where my creativity blossomed and continues to thrive: in colorful, creative, fantasy, editorial, imaginative looks! I watched YouTube videos and soon later sought out education options to pursue it as a career.

I took chances and risks to get where I am. It wasn’t easy and still isn’t. My biggest challenge has been exposure, making sure enough people see my work, as well as getting out of my own way. I tend to shy away from promoting myself in public, although my friends have no problem doing it for me! I just have to take a deep breath and do it, whatever ‘it’ is. Whether it is an audition, application, or talking to a stranger about my work; I just have to do it because I know it could take me places in the long run. If I don’t try, I’ll never know what could’ve been!

Once I realized what a ‘yes, I can do this!’ from me could do, I kept going. I was able to book fashion shows one after another, eventually landing NYFW! I collaborated with other creatives on photoshoots. My work has been published inside and on the cover of Duende Magazine! I’ve recently been recognized by the Professional Beauty Association for my work! I was a Finalist for their Mentorship Program this year for the NAHA Awards. Unfortunately, I didn’t win the Mentorship. Although, just being recognized by the PBA is such an honor!

My biggest piece of advice is to take the leap. Do it. You never know what could come of it. Follow your dreams! Ask yourself which is worse: getting rejected or wondering what could have happened if you had tried. There’s not enough time in the world to justify wasting it on wondering!

My story is just beginning. I’m blessed to be where I am, but I’ve got a long way to go!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honestly, I don’t go out much so I wouldn’t even know. I’d probably take them to the beach, eat at Saltgrass, and then just hang out at my house. We are okay being homebodies!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends are my biggest supporters and cheerleaders! Matt, Daddy, Mom, Brett, Aaron, Shelby, & Tasha have all picked me up from self doubt and cheered me through my education and achievements. They have stayed up late at night and helped me clean brushes, brainstormed business ideas, shared my social media posts and work, gave constructive criticism, shared encouragements, and even have called me before a gig to remind me (in case I had any doubts) that I got this, and they are proud! I truly couldn’t be where I am without the love and support from these people 💕

Instagram: @bbeautyinspired @bbibeauties

Facebook: @bebeautyinspired (for booking and all of my work)

Other: I just started a business Tiktok: @bbibeauties

Image Credits
Photoshoot images: Photographer: Ethan Allen Miller Models: Destiny Morris, Ashley McCormick, Lexi Skinner Client Images: Clients: Summer Klumpp, Natasha Synigal

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