Brittny Skylar Robins is the founder of Canadian beauty brand Flawless by Friday, a skincare “system” that repairs and nourishes your skin strategically over the course of 5 days. Brittny is a true entrepreneur and member of the #notablewomen club because she designed a brand from scratch, sought mentorship from women like Bonnie Brooks, and worked very hard to find success. This is Brittny’s story:
Do you know where you got your drive from?
From seeing that there was a positive difference to be made in the beauty industry and with how people perceived themselves. I wanted to be able to help simplify and demystify the beauty industry. I also grew up in a household with parents who were constantly pushing my sisters and I to go out and find what industry we could love enough to try and make a real difference in it.
How do you stay self-motivated?
By remembering that other people have invested their energy into Flawless by Friday.
What would you say is your preferred way to network?
I usually feel pretty cooked at the end of the day which has resulted in not being as involved as I have wanted to be in terms of going out and meeting people at events. However, if I hear about someone I am interested in meeting I will do everything in my power to be able to grab a coffee with them (even make up that I will already be in the city they work in and then once I have the meeting book a flight and go just to see them.)
How would you describe your process for deepening relationships?
Ask people how they are doing – ask people what their goals are. Forget about how a relationship benefits you for a while and see what the benefits are for that other person. If you have the ability – make it important to you that they get better at their job everyday. I feel like this in turn makes me better at my job and makes my company better.
What is your favourite way to market your product or services?
By showing real people using the products and letting people try the difference in our hydrogel technology – seeing is always believing. We also love working with other companies and individuals that are all about inspiring confidence and spreading the message of “finding your own flawless”
Who has been your mentor in helping you find success?
My creative partner Marc Giacomelli – He is my grounding force whenever I get overwhelmed. Bonnie Brooks (my ultimate girl boss crush) has been mentoring me since Flawless hit the market and she is arguably the most honest and brilliant business woman I’ve ever met. Having her on my side always makes me feel like I can handle anything in the business world that comes at me.
What social issue does your organization raise funds and/or awareness for?
As a Toronto based beauty start-up we have been lucky enough to be mentored by some of the beauty industry greats and that has made all of the difference. This is what has inspired us as a team to create F3 (Founding Fearless Females), a network for women to access and quickly and easily access support in starting and continuing to pursue their business ideas with the proper know-how. We also connect them with the right women to help them achieve their professional goals.
How and where do you continue to learn?
From everybody I work with everyday. A lot of the time when someone asks me a question in the office I put it back on them and ask them what they think – 98% of the time we go with that. I only want to be surrounded by people who are better than me in their specific area of expertise.
Do you have a fitness ritual that you live by?
I am the opposite of a disciplined gym go-er, I basically go to be able to pat myself on the back and rarely ever break a sweat – however, the smoothies they sell at my gym are really good so it’s always worth the trip.
How would you describe the eating ritual that makes you feel most powerful?
Eating really healthy during the week and eating everything else on the weekends.
Who is your favourite personality to follow on YouTube?
I love Pixiwoos – designers of my favourite make up brushes and everyday accessible make up looks. I also secretly (not so secretly anymore) like Boyce Avenue cover videos.
What type of content do you find most compelling on Instagram?
Funny/ridiculous (big fan of Daquan) – anything to make me laugh when I am taking a quick break to check out my feed during the day.
What lifestyle brand would you say shares your values most?
Ban.do – their messaging is about being your own best self versus someone else’s.
Who is your favourite artist?
Leon Bridges
What is your favourite meal?
Fajitas for dinner (lot’s of guacamole) and chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert always
What is your favourite sport to watch?
Anything in the play offs. I like watching sports when there is something at stake
Where is your favourite place to unwind?
My parents house (they live on a farm with lot’s of dogs!)