Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Fancy Face Founder Brittany Gray, whose company specializes in on-site hair and make-up for luxury weddings and special events. Here’s what inspired her to launch her business and where she sees herself in five years…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell:
Fancy Face is an on-site hair and make-up beauty company specializing in luxury weddings and special events. We are located in Toronto and Vancouver.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I always had a knack for doing makeup on others. The demand became high and I saw that there was a need for a beauty team that offered the most luxurious on-site hair and makeup services in the city.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
My favourite part is staying on top of current trends and techniques in the beauty industry; endless makeup and hair products, endless learning. The most challenging part for us is scheduling. We are very busy and trying to make each client fit into the schedule can be hard.
Where do you see your business going in five years?
I see it growing in Vancouver just as much as it has in Toronto. I see a bigger, fancier studio located in a wonderful area of Toronto. I see a line of signature, Fancy Face branded cosmetics and I see Fancy Face Inc. becoming a household name for all women who want to look nothing short of fabulous.
What does success look like to you?
Balance. For many years, I was a self-admitted workaholic. Now, since my company is more well-known and stable, I find I feel successful when I see balance in my life. When I make time for my fiancé, friends & family, take time to relax and breathe, travel around to see the world, and soak in all the blessings life has to offer – that is success.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Doing the cover and complementing spreads for Wedluxe Magazine, as well as for Elegant Wedding Magazine for three years in a row. It was definitely a highlight! Last year, my covers for Wedluxe Magazine and Elegant Wedding Magazine were both on newsstands together at once. Seeing our work looking glamorous as ever on the shelves was a pretty neat moment.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Follow your passion. Listen to your gut. Be authentic. Be unique. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and don’t settle for average.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We regularly take part in large charitable events. We recently had the staff provide free hair and makeup services for a Rouge Valley Hospital fundraiser at The Liberty Grande. As a team, we are taking part in a fundraiser called Hope Totes this year, which provides everyday essentials to women in need. We will be teaching these women in need how to do their hair and makeup so that they look their best for job interviews. We will assist them in putting their best face forward!
What is Notable to you?
I find entrepreneurship in general notable. I am always astounded by the courage and passion it takes to create a business based on something you love. I find it notable to provide jobs for others. I find it notable making a positive difference in peoples lives. Notable to me is anyone that fearlessly chases their dreams and makes a mark on the world because of it.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone 6 all the way!
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I am a walker through and through. I love going on long walks in nature to take time to think, hear my thoughts, nurture my body, and to slow down. I also love to take moksha yoga classes from time to time. Being a dancer all my life (from three years old to 24), I found exercising extremely hard once I stopped dancing. Dance was so much fun, and lets’ face it, working out (in my opinion) is not. I find walking and yoga true to me and good for my soul.
#NOTABLE
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