Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Garrett.
Hi Brittany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been a makeup artist for over 6 years; I have always enjoyed the makeup process and discovering new products and techniques. Ever since I was young, I wanted to go to cosmetology school, but different circumstances over the years prevented this. When I was 26 years old, I was laid off from my corporate job, after months of filling out applications with no leads or interviews I decided take a year off to have our 3rd son and stay home with him for at least a year. While I was home with our son my love for markup grew, having the time to elevate my makeup routine unlocked a new interest. Many of my family members and friends suggested I become a makeup artist, but I knew so many that were close to me I didn’t want to disrespect anyone or step on any toes. After getting encouragement for those I previously learned from, I began my beauty YouTube channel. After creating videos of myself doing my own makeup a few friends started to reach out for me to do their makeup for various events. From there, I decided to start the journey in becoming a makeup artist. I got my Makeup certification and began to grow my clientele, in 2019 I ventured into my first salon suite with a friend who was a braider in the Cleveland area. The pandemic wasn’t far behind and made us all have to pivot, closing that salon. I then moved into a space within my Husband’s office. I worked on many projects with my husband’s company, which helped me grow even more. After 2 years, as his company was looking to expand, we all went searching for a new space, and I discovered a space of my own. I had dreamed of opening my own studio with multiple makeup artists, something we did not have in Cleveland. As we began to plan, that studio evolved into a content studio where creators, photographers, business owners, etc., could create photos or social media materials for themselves or others. We now offer a one-stop shop for all your beauty and photo needs.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would have to say it has not been a smooth road at all. My husband and I have had to pivot and start over multiple times through the years. Having our first son in college caused us to have to make major decisions and moves to be successful. Knowing struggle early on has proven to help us throughout life to navigate others’ struggles. Both of us left corporate America in 2016 and 2017, we had just had our 3rd son and bought a house when we decided my husband would leave his job and become a full time freelance graphic designer. With both of us being entrepreneurs, there are always struggles because none of our income is guaranteed, which makes decision-making and budgeting very hard. We have made it work over the last 5+ years, even when we had nothing. It has taken a lot of sacrifice, hard work, and sweat equity.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I began my Beauty YouTube Channel, I created the Blushing Brit persona. After migrating that into my makeup career’ it has not only become my business name but my brand. It is now the name everyone knows me as and something I would like to carry over into my many business ventures. The first of many being The Blush Gallery. The Blush Gallery is Cleveland’s first and only Makeup and Photo Studio. We offer photography services, studio rentals for photographers and/or content creators, makeup services, braiding, nails, and a retail space called the Beauty Bodega.
This by far has been my greatest accomplishment since stepping out on faith and starting this journey in makeup. I am so proud to have had this vision and make it come to life. My husband and I, along with my mother, worked tirelessly every day renovating and creating The Blush Gallery. After much convincing, my husband agreed to use ALL of our savings to make this happen for me, for us!
Pricing:
- Photography services start at $200, and we have various packages for any occasion or life event.
- Makeup services start at $75, we have 3 amazing makeup artists that offer an array of services for any age, ethnicity or occasion.
- Braiding services start at $200 depending on the service, we offer multiple styles for your choosing.
- Studio rentals are available for $80 an hour with a discount for 8 plus hours.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theblushgallery.com
- Instagram: @theblushgallery
- Facebook: The Blush Gallery
Image Credits
Jason Garrett
Tia Mcknight
