Meet Ashanti Ervin and Brittany Loadholt |Co-owner Brittany Loadholt | Co-owner

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

Hi Ashanti and Brittany, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We always would plan outings with ourselves or with our group of friends. One of our favorite things to do is to go places that have deals such as happy hour or daily specials. With today’s economy and the cost of living being so high it’s great to have a night out without breaking the bank. We both decided that we should share some of our hidden gems to help others. With that idea we founded Budget Babes ATL in which our mission is that you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time. Whether it’s date night, girls day, self care outing, or day out with the kids you shouldn’t have to worry about the price tag to create memories.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We are unique because we highlight budget friendly outings. Atlanta is full of bloggers but we personally haven’t seen anyone show you how far you can make 20-40 dollars stretch in the city. It’s exciting our followers tell us they tried our recommendations or business owners reach out because our content helped them.
Brittany – Professionally and by trade I work in the tech industry. My journey was not easy at all. I had the false narrative that all I had to do was graduate and I’ll be okay. Life had other plans and the journey was far from easy. I made a big jump from my initial dreams of being a scientist at the CDC to now working in the tech world. I overcame it by hard work and dedication. I did experience a long season of lack but I promised myself I would do everything to never go back to that. The biggest lesson I learned was that we can make 100 different plans but God’s plan is the only one that matters. I would want the world to know that Budget Babes ATL is personal for me because I had times where I had to make money stretch & local specials were the only feasible option at a point in my life. So I hope that our company can help others in their time of need, especially in today’s economy. I believe everyone should be able to create memories & have a good time regardless of how much money you have. I am a young black woman from Brooklyn, New York who continues to break barriers for myself, family, & other women to come. I hope to inspire little girls that look like me to do the same.

Ashanti – I am a licensed esthetician who specializes in waxing, lashes, and facials. My journey began during quarantine, once I realized how disposable jobs were I figured I should try out a trade since I already had a degree. I challenged myself to take a makeup class, lash class, and bartending class. The only thing that truly stuck was lashing but overtime I realized in order to truly be professional I needed to obtain an esthetician license. Going to esthetician school allowed myself to fall in love with facial treatments and waxing. It was a hard road traveled but I did it and don’t regret any obstacle. If I could give any advice to those pursuing trade school or any school for that matter it would be to not give up no matter what transpired, find something to motivate you to keep going. Build your business in school and perfect it so you can truly flourish. If you’re not financially secure to go solo do not feel less than if you have to work for someone. Allow yourself to be teachable so you can gain business knowledge to apply to your company.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s make this itinerary Budget Babe ATL style.
Fin & feathers ATL – daily happy hour food & drinks
592 Lounge – happy hour Monday – Friday. Specials on weekends too
Teranga – daily specials
Toast on Lenox – best brunch!!
First watch – good eats, affordable, no reservations needed
Rum Punch Brunch – free entry every Sunday
Mimosa/Wine/Brunch Festivals
The Interlock
Local Gems: The Underground, Stone Mountain, East Atlanta Village

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Brittany – I would like to give a special “shoutout” to God and my parents. God is responsible for everything that I am. I am forever grateful for all that he has done and continues to do. To my mom, who taught me to be independent and is the reason I am the strong black woman that I am. To my dad, who always encourages me and my biggest fan.

Ashanti – First and foremost all praises to the most high! I would like to send my shoutout through God to my cousin and grandma in the sky. Losing them gave me a different perspective on life as a whole. Without them on earth and after I wouldn’t be half of the person I’m able to show up as today. May they forever rest peacefully.

Instagram: @budgetbabesatl

Youtube: @budgetbabesatl

Other: TikTok: @budgetbabesatl

Ashanti’s personal business: @amielcobeautybar

Image Credits
@des_tinyportaits