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

Hi Brittany, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Losing my corporate job was a gut punch I never saw coming. For months, I searched for work with no luck. To make matters worse, I was pregnant, juggling overdue bills, and trying to hold it together while feeling completely lost. I had no family to lean on—just my partner—and being alone in Atlanta after moving here in 2020 only amplified the pressure. I was terrified, but one thing was clear: I had to make something happen.

That’s when I decided to bet on myself. Hair wasn’t a business I had ever planned, but desperation has a funny way of sparking innovation. I had started doing my own braids after an infuriating experience at a local braid shop. I’ll never forget that day—I’d booked an appointment in advance, showed up with my hair already prepped, and still ended up sitting there for three hours. The staff was rude, disorganized, and more interested in my money than providing any kind of service. The energy was loud, chaotic, and downright disrespectful. I vowed that day never to step foot in another one of those cheap, soul-draining salons again.

That experience lit a fire in me. I decided I could do better—so I did. I started braiding hair in my one-bedroom apartment with nothing but sheer determination and a few dollars to run Facebook ads. Those ads brought my first clients, and from there, I invested in a mannequin head to perfect my craft. Soon, I was setting up in the common area of my apartment complex, building a business from the ground up.

I wasn’t ashamed, shy, or afraid of failure. I knew sitting around waiting for another corporate job to save me wasn’t an option. I had to hustle, and I wasn’t going to let fear hold me back. That moment of uncertainty became the foundation of something powerful—my business. What started as a desperate leap of faith turned into a story of grit, courage, and undeniable willpower. Looking back, I realize I didn’t just start a business—I reclaimed my independence and built a legacy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art lies in helping people love and embrace themselves on a personal level. It’s not just about styling their hair—it’s about showing them what authenticity looks like. I’m not afraid to be me. No mask, no makeup, no weave. This is me, raw and unfiltered. And while those things are always options if I choose them, my truth doesn’t rely on them. I keep it real, no sugar-coating, and that’s what resonates with the people I serve.

I’m most proud of taking chances and pushing forward, even in the face of uncertainty. Where I am today is a result of optimism, a free spirit, and unshakable determination. “No” was never an option for me. It wasn’t easy, but faith carried me through. Along the way, I learned one of the most important lessons: no one is coming to save me. I had to save myself. I am the master of my universe.

I took the time to know myself—to build my confidence and strength brick by brick, through years of trials and tribulations. That’s why my brand, Blucious Beauty, is rooted in the color green. It symbolizes nature, self-love, confidence, and the beauty of embracing who we are in our most natural, authentic state. My mission is to show the world that before anything else, it starts with loving and honoring the real you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A perfect week in Georgia would be spent exploring the stunning trails and natural beauty scattered across the northern and central parts of the state. Start with the serene waterfall at Roswell Mill or the peaceful paths at Soap Creek in Cobb. Venture out to Stone Mountain for its breathtaking sights or hike Kennesaw Mountain for a panoramic view of the city.

For a change of pace, play a round of golf at one of Georgia’s picturesque courses, followed by brunch at Café Lucia in Smyrna. This cozy, artsy spot is the perfect blend of charm and simplicity. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden or the Georgia Aquarium to immerse yourself in vibrant flora or mesmerizing marine life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the Black women who didn’t know me from a can of paint but still believed in me and the value I brought to the table. They trusted me not just with my services but also with my unapologetic personality and raw, real conversations. These women saw past the fact that I didn’t have my own space at the time, and it didn’t faze them. Especially to those who returned as loyal, repeat clients—you didn’t just support my business; you poured belief and confidence into me when I needed it the most. For that, I’m forever grateful.

Website: https://www.Bluciousbeauty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/B.Luciousbeauty

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/b.luciousbeautyy/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@B.luciousbeauty

Other: http://bluciousbeautystudio.booksy.com/f

Image Credits
Self: Brittany Virtue

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.