Meet Bri Richards | Beauty Professional

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

Hi Bri, how do you think about risk?
As individuals we never really realize the hoops and loops entrepreneurs or business owner’s go through and the different risks businesses take. I was never a risk taker until I started my own business. Entering into a popular market, the beauty industry, is already risky itself because so many other individuals do the same thing. You have to consider what makes you different or what makes you unique enough to compete with not only the same types of businesses, but also like minded individuals. In addition to entering into this type of market, you are going to take financial losses and for me, that was not a risk I was willing to take, but it happened. I did not know or understand how to sell my products, my services, and I was not a voiceful person nor was I outgoing; this hindered me big time. You think if this person can do it, so can I, but that’s not true at all. I worked a full-time job, went to school part-time and tried running my business full-time as well and I failed miserably. Not because I had too much going on, but I had no balance in life. I risked my freedom over my financials which in term, I ended up risking my financials on school because I did not finish, and I had a failed business that I was doing nothing with, but I was still paying for active subscriptions and software. I knew having my own business was what I wanted, but I felt so defeated. I lost all hope, but I realized that I needed to revamp my approach into the industry, revamp my products image, and have a sales/service strategy. Everyday is a learning curve, but everyday business gets better. In addition to my sister, my mom was my #1 supporter and I realized that when I loss her, that was only her way of telling me to do more and to trust in myself. If I could pass along any advice, it would be time is valuable. Make a plan, write the plan and follow the plan. Hold your goals and dreams right tight because you will question your ownself and feel defeated.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m the proud owner of Embellished Beauty Brands and soon to come Puzzle Palace Autism Services. I founded Embellished in 2019, in which originated from Eminence Nails which I founded in 2017-2019. The journey to success has not been easy at all, in fact this is one of the toughest journey’s I have experienced. There’s so many challenges in business that are unexpected and there’s not a guide to help you through them. I’ve found it’s nice going to people who are in the same industry or someone who has already experienced the challenges you’re experiencing and allowing them to mentor you and provide you with do’s and don’ts. I continue to learn every single day no matter if it’s an easier way to do something, a better marketing strategy, or simply just engaging with my consumers; in addition to that my biggest lesson learned was product presentation and packaging. If I could share with the world anything about me or my business, I’d share that I’ve faced many obstacles, personal and in business, to the point where I began battling with myself and developed manic depression disorder. When you are at your lowest point in life, don’t think that the world is finished with you because truth be told, you’re going to come back with a vengeance. Success doesn’t happen overnight and businesses aren’t successful overnight. Take your time, learn your industry and your consumers. Don’t jump off the edge unless it’s jumping into blessings. Your mind is all you have, use it in positive ways.

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.
Being that I’ve been in Georgua for 5 years, I’d take my bestfriend to eat at The Juicy Crab because of course we love seafood and that’s the best seafood place in GA. If we were going to go out for drinks, of course we’d have to go to Ponce City Market or The Battery, both have great drinks and fun in the area for adults. Georgia has tons of Escape Room options, so we’d definitely hit up some of those as well as go hiking in Talluah Falls. When we’re ready to calm down from the events from the week, I like to go to different waterfalls throughout GA and just be at peace with nature.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to say thank you to my sister, Shy Richards, for pushing me to get back into the beauty industry when I moved to Georgia and for showing me that I just need to dive in head first. In addition to thanking her, I’d like to thank my family for their support and just being there for me. I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Casandra Davis; while you have left this earth, you did not leave me. Your presence is in everything that I do and I’m pushed even harder now that you are not physically here. I will ensure I live my life and do things as you knew I would.

Website: www.embellishedbeautybrands.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embellishedbrands/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbellishedBrands/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCcQ2KYIgOWzksaL4c3eKv8w

Image Credits
Image credits Camera Shy Photography