04.24.2024
Episode 255: Brittany Lo, Founder and CEO of Beia and Beautini
Summary
We were thrilled to kick off our Influencer Wisdom Quarter with none other than Brittany Lo. Brittany is a beauty expert and influencer that has collabed with brands including Sephora and American Express and is the Founder and CEO of Beia and Beautini.
Though Brittany’s plan was always to start her own beauty line, (and even had her own mascara line in high school!) her path to being a founder and CEO was anything but predictable.
After a college internship at L’Oréal, Brittany was on the fast track to the corporate world, but when a TV producer reached out to her about joining the cast of a dating show, she answered the call!
Brittany may not have met Mr. Right on the short-lived show Coupled, but she did gain a loyal social media following. With her business acumen and her passion for beauty, Brittany developed Beia as a vegan skincare brand built on boosting sensual confidence in the bedroom and beyond.
To learn more about Britany’s career journey and to hear about the books that Brittany (and our host Jodi) recommend to entrepreneurs, listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts!
Episode Reading List:
Traction by Gino Wickman
10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan
Built To Sell by John Warrillow
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
I had this idea since second grade and I was able to make it a reality. And my hope is by following me, seeing what I do, you could be like “oh, if she can do it, so can I.”
Brittany Lo
Transcript
| Announcer | Welcome to WHERE BRAINS MEET BEAUTY™ hosted by Jodi Katz, Founder and Creative Director of Base Beauty Creative Agency. |
| Jodi Katz | We are thrilled to kick off our influencer wisdom quarter with none other than Brittany Lowe. Brittany is a beauty expert and influencer that has collaborated with brands including Sephora and American Express. She's also the founder and CEO of BEA and Butini. |
| Aleni Mackarey | This theme is such a great chance to meet with influencers, creating content and to really see it from their side. |
| Jodi Katz | Along with being an influencer, Brittany is also an entrepreneur and we had such a great chat about some of the similarities of all of the business books on our bookshelves. |
| Aleni Mackarey | Oh yeah, tell us more about that. |
| Jodi Katz | One place we matched up was about EOS, a book you also know about very well. |
| Aleni Mackarey | Yes, the entrepreneurial operating system is something that we use in all of our. |
| Jodi Katz | Work at Face beauty. |
| Aleni Mackarey | It's one of my favorite tools for my team. It really helps us stay organized and accomplish goals for ourselves and our clients and I just love that there's so many actionable ways to to see your work being accomplished. |
| Jodi Katz | We both also connected on the topic of radical candor, a book by Kim Scott, its approach to effective management and being a good boss. |
| Aleni Mackarey | These are such great insights. If you want more links to books mentioned in this episode, check out the LinkedIn Post about Britney and we will have them all listed and tagged there for you. |
| Jodi Katz | Yes, LinkedIn is such a great place to find info on all our past guests and more about what we're up to as an agency. |
| Aleni Mackarey | Okay, great. Let's get to episode 255 with Brittany Lowe. |
| Jodi Katz | Welcome to where brains meet beauty. We are a career journey podcast talking about what it's like to define success and reach for it in the beauty and wellness industries. Today we are starting our influencer theme quarter where we'll get to know some faces behind all the content creation we enjoy on our feeds. We are thrilled to be joined by Brittany Lo, a beauty expert and influencer that has collaborated with brands including Sephora, Amore Pacific and American Express. She is also the founder and CEO of Butini, a luxury beauty concierge that provides custom hair and makeup services for weddings and events. Britney was awarded the Knott's top 100 wedding vendors in the US award. That's really cool. And her newer venture, Bea Beauty, is building sensual confidence through premium vegan skincare. I'm excited to dive into the conversation about her career journey from weddings to self love wellness all on episode 255. |
| Jodi Katz | Hi Brittany. Welcome to where brains meet Beauty. |
| Brittany Lo | hank you for having me. I've been so looking forward to talking to you. |
| Jodi Katz | Well, full disclosure for our listeners. We've known each other for, like, a few years at this point. We always see each other at events. and I feel like every time I'm in an event, I learn about another endeavor or another initiative that you have going on, so, same to you. I don't know what the first event was that I met you at. I feel like it might have been like, a woman's wear daily event, if that's possible. |
| Brittany Lo | Yeah, probably it was that or cause of problems. There was one of the events that was, like, back to back, and I was like, I see you here, and I see you here. Like, how many times can we see each other in a month? |
| Jodi Katz | So. Okay. I also want full disclosure that, my team at Beast Beauty has worked with Britney in the capacities of working with our clients. And you're always a delight to be a partner with, and you've attended our events, for listen again and other events. So thank you for your support of the things that we do. |
| Brittany Lo | No, I love everything that you, your team puts on, creates. So this is cool to be here in a different capacity, but I love just seeing your face here in real life, wherever I can see you. |
| Jodi Katz | Well, you know, this is a career journey show, so we're not going to talk about tips and tricks and the things that you, get questions about often, but we are going to talk about, like, your dreams and how you define success and what it's like to, you know, make a business out of influencing. So let's start at the very, very, very beginning. Britney. Let's go back to your, like, ten or eleven year old self. What do you want to be when you grow up? |
| Brittany Lo | So, funny enough, I would, you know, like, as everyone would say, like, I want to be an astronaut. I want to be a teacher. But in second grade, I still remember my dad was driving me to school, and again, he would just ask me every so often what I wanted to be. And I still remember that morning being like, I love beauty. I'm gonna have a beauty. Like, I wanna go into beauty. And he's like, great. Like, you know, your mom loves clinique and Estee Lauder. Imagine if you could work there. And I was like, no, no, no. I'm gonna have my own beauty company. And I, like that morning during journal session, I wrote that one day I would have a beauty company. And ever since second grade, that was the journey. And, like, I put blinders on, honestly. because that was the dream. |
| Jodi Katz | How does someone that young even know that you can own a beauty company. |
| Brittany Lo | Well, so my grandpa is an entrepreneur. He has a tree, like a construction company. And my mom was always creative. I honestly never knew what it took or what that really meant, but I knew that I didn't. Like, I had. I was always creative and played with my mom's makeup bag since two, doing all my ballet recitals. So I honestly have no idea what was in me to even say that. And even my second grade teacher years later is like, how, like, why? This is crazy. I still remember you writing that because it wasn't like, you know, you had shark tank or anywhere for me to consume, like, entrepreneurship at that point. But I just knew I wanted to, like, create, and that was. That was kind of it. |
| Jodi Katz | That's wild. Cause there's very few people that we ask this question of, and we ask everyone because this is really the launching point for our conversations around journey. There's nobody who, like, says, like, oh, I wanted to be a prima ballerina, and then is one, right? You know, it's like, I want to be in space. I want to be a heart surgeon. Right? I want to be a firefighter. And then, to have you say at such a young age that you want to own a beauty business and then you own several of them, it's kind of crazy. |
| Brittany Lo | I know. I run into, like, some of my height, my elementary school teachers, my middle school teacher, and they're like, it is even, at a wedding recently, one of, my friend's m moms who I haven't seen in, like, I don't know, like, 15 years. She's like, brittany, I still remember driving you to ballet when you were in elementary school, and you talk about, like, you having a beauty company. You're so determined. And we're like, oh, sure, go ahead. And she's like, I am blown away that, like, you actually did it. So I really don't know how. Why, but I will say that my parents always did a good job. Like, whenever I had a crazy idea, they, like, made me believe that I could absolutely do it. Even if I said I wanted to build a company in space, they would be like, oh, my gosh, I can't wait for you to do that. So they think they really embraced my big ideas, my big dreams, and I have no idea, honestly. |
| Jodi Katz | That's awesome. Well, you have to start somewhere, right? So where did you start? What would you say was, like, the first formal step you took to towards, building this career? |
| Brittany Lo | So I'd say that I always. When I think about it. I went through this leadership camp in high school at the Eleanor Roosevelt, Herald house in Hyde park, and it was all about, what do you want to do? How can you support other women? And they had this grant that you would apply for, like, start an idea. And so that's when I was like, oh, let me try to start a cosmetic line. So they gave me, like, a tiny bit of money. I remember borrowing some money from my grandma, and I started a mascara line called belo cosmetics as a sophomore in high school. And that was my first step, into business. Because I went to a school that had 100 kids per grade. There were no business classes. And so I was like, well, what does business even mean? So I just tried, like, starting one. And what I learned very quickly is you don't just make a brand and then it shows up into sephora. I still have cases of those mascaras sitting in my parents attic. So I was like, hm. You know, this is a little bit harder than I anticipated, but I liked working with this person to create a logo. I met this manufacturer and, like, this private labeler who was willing to, like, help m me make this idea a reality. So I say that was, like, my first step. But anyone asked me yesterday who's now looking to start a business, they're like, how do you start? And I was like, honestly, I think if I were to start something new now, I would say, like, put either, like, apply to an accelerator program, like, buy a business course. Like, my friend Sophia Amoroso has business class. Like, put money or put some your time into some kind of commitment if you want to start something. Because I feel like even when I pay full price for a workout, I don't care. I'm, sleepy or whatever. I'm showing up and I'm committing to it. And I feel like that's the same thing is, like, when you actually want to start, like, force yourself by signing up for a business plan, competition, a course, or anything where you almost force yourself to start thinking about it a little bit more carefully. |
| Jodi Katz | I love that I'm thinking around building accountability. Right, which is really what you're saying. I mean, certainly I've joined many gyms and then never showed up. So, you know, it does require, determination and commitment. But it is really smart to marry this idea with, an investment, an emotional investment, right? |
| Brittany Lo | Yeah. And I think emotionally, that was definitely the hardest piece. So, to fast track, I basically went to school. I interned at, l'oreal my junior going to senior year. And then before my senior year of college, I got a full time offer for their fast track managerial program, and I accepted it. And very quickly on, I was like, wait a minute. I always said I wanted to have my own company, and here I just signed my life to go down the corporate path, which is totally fine, but it just didn't sit well with me. And that's where I realized, like, okay, I have a year to figure this out, and then if I can make it work, I'll go down this corporate route, or, I'll go do my own thing. And if I can't, like, l'oreal would be my absolute dream job. So it is, like, interesting to, like, almost see, like, what rises and making the decisions accordingly. |
| Jodi Katz | Let's talk about. So you have this career path in your mind about building a brand? |
| Brittany Lo | Yeah. |
| Jodi Katz | But it's very clear you spend a lot of time in the business of influencing. So how did this being an influencer start for you? And, And then we're going to go really, really deep into, like, what this actually looks like every day. |
| Brittany Lo | Yeah, absolutely. So I graduated in college in 2014, starting Butini. And funny enough, I actually had a tv producer reach out about a tv show. It was, like, the founder, the creator of survivor doing, like, a dating show. And so I ended up going on the show. It was called coupled. Obviously didn't, like, wasn't a huge success, but I got, like, a tiny bump of following through that experience. So it was not kind of, like, accidental. but, like, even in college, I. I would always be the beauty girl. So, like, whenever there was, like, any kind of sale or people were trying to find new products, like, I would always play around with people's faces and be like, this is what I think would be really good for you. And so I think it was a passion of, like, being creative and sharing, like, my thoughts and ideas with also that opportunity that really helped me realize that this is something that I also really love and love and enjoy. |
| Jodi Katz | So, okay, we have to talk about the dating show. Like, one memory of it give me, like, either juicy and horrific, like, amazing and enlightening. You can pick the direction you go. |
| Brittany Lo | Ooh. Honestly. So it's funny because I am such a hopeless romantic. So I really thought I was gonna meet my husband, like, on this show, and the first episode, there was this guy who, like, I was like, oh, I'm not interested. No, thank you. And the producers pulled me in a room, and they're like, he really likes you. You just need to go for it. I'm like, no, I'm here to find my husband. And they're like, britney, just do it. And I, like, really fought it. I was like, I'll say yes, but he cannot pick me, like, for the next round. And they're like, fine. And that's when I was like, oh, okay. This is maybe, like, not for me because I was expecting Prince Charming, and it definitely did not pan out that way. |
| Jodi Katz | Did you watch the golden bachelor? I did. I loved it. Everyone was so nice and supportive |
| Jodi Katz | Well, you're actually helping me segue because after your episode, after we record yours, at four, we're recording with Serena Pitt, who you met at awards, and Serena was on bachelor in paradise and did meet her husband. |
| Brittany Lo | That's amazing. So I didn't even. One of my friends was on the bachelor, and even though she didn't meet her husband on the show, someone she knew through being on the bachelor connected her to her husband. So I am, like, a full believer that if you're there for the right intentions, it can absolutely work. |
| Jodi Katz | Did you watch the golden bachelor? |
| Brittany Lo | I did. I loved it. I loved it. Everyone was so nice and supportive, and Gary was so cute, and him finding love, I loved. I think that's where even in beauty, right. It's like once women hit a certain age, we're kind of like, ah. like, we forget that people still can fall in love. They still can look beautiful. We can still do so much. And I think that just showed America how, like, how incredible women in their seventies can look and how much more to life there is. Like, I feel like our expiration date as women is like, oh, after you hit 50, you're done. Which I think that show just, really pushed against and challenged those notions that us as a society sometimes have. |
| Jodi Katz | What I thought was so fascinating about the golden bachelor was how earnest people were |
| Jodi Katz | Well, okay. we'll spend another 90 seconds on this, bachelor aside, because I did watch a golden bachelor, and I actually wasn't, like, a bachelor watcher before this. I would see some episodes, but I didn't, like, follow along. I didn't know all the cast of characters. But what I thought was so fascinating about the golden bachelor was how earnest people were, right. They were really there, like you said, just like you thought, I want to find a partner. I'm not just here because I want to be on tv, right. And get famous. Right. I'm sure you met plenty of people like that during that journey of yours, and it just made the stakes so much higher. Right. And, every situation or opportunity so much richer because it really mattered. It wasn't just a kiss, right. Or it wasn't just a moment. It was, a pathway to a future together. So I thought the intensity of it was, like, so wild. And I do hope that they do more bachelorettes and bachelor's golden years. |
| Brittany Lo | I agree. There's one woman who left the show because of her daughter, gave birth, a baby, and needed her at home, and she seemed like a fantastic woman. So I'm like, I hope that they bring it back for the golden bachelorette and it's her. |
| Jodi Katz | Okay, so segue done. Thank you, golden bachelor, for bringing us joy and helping, people see their seventies in a new way. Okay, so let's get back to, you as influencer, Brittany. So you had this opportunity on tv, got this bump of followers. This was just sort of like, it sounds like you're naturally, like, the friend that people go to to recommend and give advice at what point in this journey as you're building. Butini, are you actually saying, you know what, I need to put true effort into influencing this is a pathway forward to help me reach my goals. |
| Brittany Lo | So it's interesting because, like, last, like, two years, like, I have, like, I have but teeny, which is, like, hair makeup services for weddings and events. So, like, we're, I'm working with women. Like, even though I'm not doing the makeup anymore, like, they're always asking for the best facial as the best. Like, lots of recommendations for product service, and I'm very meticulous on who I use and, like, what products I use. And so I feel like that's almost, like, offline recommendation. And then I've started my other company, Bea. honestly, I started working on it in 2020. And so I feel like for a while, I've been just, like, heads down on business. But what would happen is, like, American Express and Nike would be like, listen, like, we love your entrepreneurial journey. Can we, like, pay you, like, very well to, like, share your story? And because I do think that, like, I am a business woman, that's, like, my identity. Like, I think that being a creator might have, used to look like, oh, you do makeup tutorials and that's who you are, or you do cooking and that's who you are. But I think recently you're seeing more brands, wanting to work with someone who has a career in a different space or is an entrepreneur. And I can say, like, hey, this is how I use this energy drink to keep me, like, focused and energized throughout my day. And I think that's a little bit more interesting to watch. Someone who likes is running back to back to meetings and utilizing products versus like, feeling like you're only being sold to. And so I feel like honestly, recently, you know, like, I have essentially three accounts between two businesses and mine. And so for a while, I've really just focused on the brand accounts. But what I've come to really realize recently is that people love buying from people, right? So even if you absolutely hate content creation influence, but you have a brand, I think you owe it if you're willing to do anything to make your brand successful. I do think that, like, showing your face, whether it's on your own account or your brand account, is going to allow people to relate to your story. Because I can't tell you how many times, like, I'll show my face, explain what I'm doing, and someone will be like, oh, my gosh, I saw you just spoke at this panel. Can you come speak at, this event or whatever else? And so for me, as a businesswoman who also does influencing, they really go hand in hand, because the more that you can share your journey with someone, no matter what your career is, I think there's just so much value that you can share with others, whether your objective is to get a bunch of paid partnerships or just to show the behind the scenes of your life, of your career. And so that's something that's really hit home, even like, super recently, where I'm like, wait a minute, this is a really good time for me to double down on Amazon Live. I love Sony brands that are on there, plus my own brand is on there. So it's like, not only am I educating on brands that I truly love, but naturally I've created products that I also am obsessed with. So why can't this be a win win for everyone, right? Amazon gets more sales, Bea gets more sales, and then I'm able to also do what I love, too, which is sharing products and showing how I love using them. |
| Jodi Katz | I totally feel connected to what you just said recently, which is about, like, wanting to follow that journey, right? That's like really. I mean, I guess the point of this podcast too, is following people's career journeys. And, now I'm going to segue to a different reality show, the, reboot of the New York housewives on Bravo. I felt like there was this miss and like, why didn't they let us in on their careers? Like, there was, you know, sigh has this fascinating career is like, you know, a legit fashion, influencer. You have Jenna with her own brand. You have Erin as a real estate agent. Like, these careers are so vibrant and they never, like, put a spotlight on what, like, their actual day to day is, like. So, I agree with you. I think following people's real stories, like, the. The good, the bad, the ugly is the meaty stuff and the exciting stuff versus a superficial. |
| Brittany Lo | Yeah. And I think that's where, like, you're seeing the trends. Like, even TikTok, like, people want you to be transparent. They don't want something super curated, whereas, like, Instagram before that, it's all about finding the most beautiful photos showing, like, the highlights of your life. And so I think people crave more authenticity. And part of that is showing your different facets of, who you are. And I think sometimes I even get paralyzed where I'm like, well, I love beauty, but I also like to cook. I am a businesswoman, but am I only a businesswoman? No. Like, I can also, like, love getting a lymphatic drainage massage while, like, because that makes me feel, like, healthier and I can work out because it helps me stay mentally focused throughout the day. And so I think that, like, social media started by, like, having very specific buckets that you fall into, and now it's becoming more holistic. And the next step of influence is really going to be, like, people that we want to, like, learn from and want to be inspired from. Because think about how many brands out there today have a dynamic founder. And I can't even tell you how many retailers that when I talk to them about Bea, are like, well, we're really looking for dynamic, influential founders, aka founders with an influence, right. In a following. So I think that it just going to be natural that founders people in general, like, if you want to sell something and want truly a career, it's like, you're going to have a career, but you're also going to have the social media aspect very deeply weaved into that, like, strategy for your business or for your brand. |
| Jodi Katz | So this makes me wonder about, like, how you actually, like, organize your time. Because there's, we're talking about two businesses, right? Products and services, so very different from each other. |
| Brittany Lo | Very different, yeah. Ah. |
| Jodi Katz | With different audiences. Like, I'm sure there's overlap, but there's specificity in Butini that doesn't exist in bay. Then there's the, we'll call it thought leadership style of influencing that you're doing. So, you know, to run one business, it's a full time job. So we're really talking about three paths. How do you, like, decide where you're gonna invest your time? |
| Brittany Lo | So I so part of what I like to do is really look at my schedule holistically. So, like, every month at the end, I look. So there's a book called Fraction, and it's talking about the EOS model. If you are a business owner, highly recommend it. Stop. You have it. Do you love it? I do. |
| Jodi Katz | And we run our company on EOS, which is entrepreneurial system, that the book sells. That's out. Yeah, it's great. |
| Brittany Lo | Yes. So basically, it forces you. So, like, you know how every January, you might be like, okay, these are my goals. I want to be healthy. I want to do XYZ. I want to go to the gym five times a week, and then come February, you forget about them. Well, this book, like, the EOS model, essentially talks to you like, okay, what's your ten year plan? Great. What's your three year plan? Okay, what's your one year plan of, end of 2024? What do you want to accomplish? And then it forces you to break it down by quarters. Right? So it's called, like, a 90 day rocked. So every quarter, you have very specific goals on what you want to achieve. And then from that, you break down into a weekly pulse meeting with your team on checking in. Oh, my God, I love this. Okay, so see, if you are a business, we both recommend this model, but it really just allows you to be top of mind on, like, what your priorities are. So I also adapted that with, like, you know, I have it for both businesses, but also me personally, and be like, okay, what do I want to get out of life at large this year? And then based on those priorities, like, I'll audit my schedule to be like, okay, what am I making more time for? Or what am I going to have to say no more to? And something that I really had to force myself to say no to more is, like, networking events. So, like, I used to go to, like, before the pandemic, like, 20 events a week, which is crazy, but I was like, oh, I need to go to these events for work, for weddings, for influencing, like, all important. But then I wasn't working on my business because I was so much speaking so much out there. So I'd say that I'm really, really, tight with how I budget my time. And each week, I spend my Sundays really looking through my weeks. I look at my month at large, and I'm like, okay, what's coming up? So, like, tomorrow we launch a new product for Bea. so I knew that this whole week was, like, press desk sides and interviews. It was all about Bea. Meaning, that I've stacked a ton of, butini meetings for the following week and so, and I know that like, wedding season usually is may through October, and so I have to, like, make sure I'm planning ahead of time that my team's super organized with wedding season because I know it's also a busy time for Bea. And so it's never like, I'm sure you also know, running all your businesses and the podcast is that, like, it's never going to be this cookie cutter structure. But I think that just understanding and checking in with yourself, look at your calendar. Like, are you spending time where you said you want to, or is how you're allocating your time? Is that going to get you to your sales goals? Are you doing enough sales calls for butini to get enough in the pipeline to hit your sales goals? so I just think I just spent a lot of time working through my calendar. so that way I am, giving enough love. But also team is everything as well. So having the right team where they can be very self sufficient and feel supported, has really helped too. |
| Jodi Katz | Angie's asking for the name of the book. I'm gonna put it up here, Angie. It's called traction. The author's name is Gina Wickman. it's a really easy read and it has like, kind of worksheets in the middle somewhere. I can't find them right now, but, it's definitely worth reading. And then the supplement to it. This is what, so I read traction and everyone on my team read what the heck is eos, which is a management, style of running a business, in an entrepreneurial way to make sure, as Britney said, everyone's on track to those key goals. So the what the heck is EOs? Is sort of like the, Cliff notes version of like, how to actually operate in the system. And, you know, we could just have a whole conversation about all the books on the shelf right now because there's, this one's a really good one too. I feel like I was ready for it now. I wouldn't have been ready to read this book a few years ago, but this one made a lot of sense to me now and I'm reading radical candor now and then. |
| Brittany Lo | What else is on my shelf next to it? Two x? Ten x? Or like the amount of energy that takes two x. Oh, my God. Yeah. Ten x. Easier than two x. Yes. |
| Jodi Katz | I actually haven't read this one yet. I don't remember. |
| Brittany Lo | I just opened it. |
| Jodi Katz | I'll put it on my. My list. |
| Brittany Lo | It's a really. I think that's, like, the whole idea is, like, as you grow, and honestly, if you're listening to this and you don't have, like, this big team, like, the EOS model might not, like, fully make sense, but, like, I would say, like, find another entrepreneurial friend and do it together. I think it's really nice to be able to brainstorm and be like, okay, well, if I'm gonna hire, ideally, hopefully by end of this year, what should I even hire them for? Like, what do I need to do to be able to afford to hire someone? So I think whether you are a solo entrepreneur or have a team, like, doing the book exercises with someone is super helpful. |
| Jodi Katz | I will share one other book with the listeners. This one was really interesting. It's called built to sell. And the whole premise of it is how to build your business so that, you don't have to sell it, but that you're creating efficiencies and structure in the business so that basically it can run without you, which is, you know, should be your goal. You, can't. You don't want to be swamped with the minutiae every day. So, that's the pile of books I have here. There might be one more. |
| Brittany Lo | Oh, I haven't read this one yet either. |
| Jodi Katz | The trusted advisor was recommended to me, so, that's on my list. I mean, this is a 20 year old book, so we'll still love it. So, angie, I hope that was helpful. And this one is called built to sell, which I think is, like, this was. So, first of all, it's a fun read. It's like a. They make up a company and they give you, like, a fiction scenario of a person who's running their business and growing their business and how, like, they need to learn how to get out of the minutiae in the everyday so that the business can thrive even if they're not. They don't have their hands in every single thing, so, really valuable. |
| Brittany Lo | I have that book, but I have never read it, so now I need to. Oh, yeah. |
| Jodi Katz | Like, the built to sell you will read, like, next time you hop on a flight to, like, la, you'll be done with it by the time you get there. But it's a really. It's actually fun. It's not like a, it's not all stats. It's like real world scenario, kind of fictionalized, but really great advice. |
| Brittany Lo | Okay, so lots of bucks. We have attraction. Ten x is easier than two. |
| Jodi Katz | Yes |
| Brittany Lo | Built to sell. Trusted advisor. I feel like there's a few more. |
| Jodi Katz | And good to great. Good to great. Yeah. |
| Brittany Lo | So all those I have either, yeah, read them or I own them and need to read them. |
| Jodi Katz | yeah, I mean, some of these I'm reading radical candor right now. I'm love the premise of it, but I'm like, just not inspired to keep reading. So I'll switch to a different one and then I'll come back to it. |
| Brittany Lo | Same. |
| Jodi Katz | You kind of have to be in the mood, right? |
| Brittany Lo | Yeah, I agree. And sometimes, like, you want something light and heavy, and other times you're like, tell me everything. I started reading Andy Dunn's, book, the founder of bonobos, and, like, that was, like, interesting. But like, I. Sometimes you don't really resonate or, the ride of a lifetime. I loved Bob, I loved that book of building Disney. So sometimes just keep reading until you feel, like, connected to it, because I do feel like if you're just forcing yourself to read a certain book, it's not gonna, like, you're not gonna pull all the juice out of it. But if you can really read traction, I think if you get into that, you're going to really love it and help you think about, like, how are you gonna grow your business? How are you gonna reach the goals? Like, do you have the right team? And when you are hiring, like, what should you really look for based on your business needs? |
| Jodi Katz | I'll give our listeners one more book. It's called hangry. It was written by one of the co founders of one of those, like, food delivery services. I can't remember which one. It is so great, because everybody can relate to this. We all order, right? We all order delivery. So to hear, like, the behind the scenes wild ride of, building that companies. |
| Brittany Lo | Awesome. |
| Jodi Katz | And the title is incredible. |
| Brittany Lo | Oh, me. Okay, I just wrote that one down. |
| Jodi Katz | Let's talk about, I guess, my perspective of, burnout as an influencer, as an influencing is through my eyes, it's. I lived a life where, like, I had some multitask a lot, and it's so exhausting. So when I look at the influencer world, I feel like, oh, my God, you are. Oh. Even when you're on vacation, you're thinking about content, capturing content. Right? So, I'm living this life now when my kids are much older, they're older teenagers where I can actually, like, be like, I'm not thinking about work all the time. I'm not multitasking all the time and trying to slow down, but when I look at, you know, a career like yours, I'm like, oh, my God. I just feel like you always have to be. You're always feeling pressured to be putting content out and be planning content. So tell me about what, like, the mindset is and are you able to actually, like, turn off a switch? |
| Brittany Lo | Yeah, I mean, I think even I went away to Miami this weekend, and, and like I said, one, I think I hire a. I just recently hired a new social media manager. And it's great because part of, like, you know, like, I love creating content when I want to, right? But consistency is everything, especially when you want to grow. And I feel like about a month ago, I hired a new social media manager to really get me consistent and, like, double down on social media. And so she had, like, this whole list of what we were going to do. And I think at one point, like, it's having someone to keep you accountable. Like we talked about in the beginning, where if you can have someone help you, and just, like, even if it's an accountability buddy to begin with, I do think, I know I need someone to come over to my apartment once a week and help me, like, batch content or else, like, I just don't have the time running to the businesses to also be filming and also be editing. Like, it just isn't, like, it's just not, really an option. But when I do go away, I think that the key is just, like, with business, right? If you found this idea where you're like, oh, I think there's such a need for this kitchen appliance that's going to help everyone when they're cooking. If you hate to cook, no matter how good the idea is, it's really about execution. One, if you don't have the passion, your burnout is going to hit and you're going to be like, I'm out. I don't even like this bra. And I think that's the same thing that goes with content, right? Like, it doesn't mean, like, when we think about content, this doesn't mean, like, you have to have a million followers, but you are talking about influence. And I do think that when you're authentically passionate about what you're doing or even the video, right. If you see a trend, you're like, ugh. like, I do not resonate. Then don't do it. If you're like, wow, this is interesting. This is really exciting. I'm excited to do this video. Then you're going to be more willing to not feel as burnt out out because you're excited to create that content. And I do think if you go on a trip or you go somewhere and you upset deliverables of, like, okay, this weekend I had three videos I was gonna film, and that's it. Then you put your phone away, and that is, like, you're done. You have it. Let's not, like, turn into your whole life, because at the same time, like, your partner or friends, like, not everyone might love to create content as much as you do. And it really does take away from you being in the moment as well. So I think it just being, like, have clear deliverables, which. Which also reflects your boundaries. Have someone help you be accountable so you at least are consistent. And once you check off those deliverables, like, put the phone down. And it doesn't mean, like, you have to show everything in your life. Like, there's so many founders where you have no idea who they're dating. You have no idea, like, so much of it, because they are beauty and fashion, lifestyle, and they give you what they want to give you, and we love it. And doesn't mean you have to talk through all these intimate details that maybe your partner would not feel comfortable with you even sharing or you're, you know, going through iv, you're going through stuff together. Doesn't mean it always has to live online. But being mindful of what you share, being authentic with how you share it, I do think are, like, the key, pieces, right? |
| Jodi Katz | So it sounds like you build guardrails for yourself. Like, this. This is where I'm. Where I'm willing to go and what I'm willing to do, and everything else is just for somebody else. Not my cup of tea. |
| Brittany Lo | Yeah. And that's like, the same thing with, like, a business or your friends. Like, everyone has, like, some people, like, love wearing a bunch of makeup. That's fine. Others want minimal makeup, and that is fine. Like, it's just like, knowing what you like and not like, being. Feeling desperately. You have to post your entire life, because sometimes too much is not good for anyone either. |
| Jodi Katz | Okay, last question. In the, interview portion of our show, it's not an easy one to answer, but from the influencing side, yes. What does success look like for you? Like, what? You know, if you blink and it's a year or two years later from now, what do you want it to achieve? |
| Brittany Lo | So I do think building a community that really trusts my recommendations and is inspired to go off and create, you know, like, achieve their dreams. Because as we talked about, I had this idea since second grade, and I was able to make it a reality. And my hope is, by following me specifically, is by seeing my hustle, seeing what I do, you could be like, oh, if she can do it, so can I. So I think that having that sense, for people to feel that and feel inspired to do that would be my number one. And from a brand perspective, I know working with Amex last year was a huge opportunity to not only showcase what I've done, but also, like, my business and, like, really aligned with my true identity. Like, not as a beauty influencer, but Brittany, who is a beauty expert and has a business. And so I think finding some really amazing partnerships that fully embrace my true identity would be, like, a personal goal of mine as well. |
| Jodi Katz | Love that. Well, before we end this conversation, are you allowed to tell us what the product is that you're launching this week? |
| Brittany Lo | Yes, we did officially launch it. This is our bikini and body scrub. So the idea was, a lot of our customers were saying, like, razor burn, body blemishes, ingrown hairs are like, especially during summer when you're on the beach, or even like, during your intimate moments, they're painful and uncomfortable and sometimes make you feel a little self conscious. So this has, like, pumice and rice powder. So it's abrasive enough to get your arms, legs, kp, but also gentle enough for the underarms bikini without any fragrance, and also glycolic acid to really address those concerns in a very gentle way. |
| Jodi Katz | Okay, I'm gonna pick one up because that's, that has my name all over it. |
| Brittany Lo | No, I know. I'll send it to you. |
| Jodi Katz | No, I want to support you. No, I'm gonna buy it. |
| Brittany Lo | Thank you. Well, it's live tomorrow at 09:00 a.m. If you have any questions, please dm me. This is Julia. You're so sweet. Please. yeah, feel free to check out, bea. Ah, if you have any questions or if I can help at all, definitely reach out. |
| Jodi Katz | Well, this wraps up our interview segment of the show. Thank you to Britney for your honest answers and wisdom. okay, this was so fun. We have maybe, like, time for two or three fan questions. Oh, okay. This is personal, so somebody's m really going there. Feel free to say no. Thank you. Do you have your own future wedding fully planned already? |
| Brittany Lo | Oh, that's funny. So I always grew up, like, honestly, I think I know, like, friends who I'd want to do my wedding, but, like, where or what? Mine. My top thing is, like, it has to be, like, in New York, so it's accessible for family, and I want it to be like a weekend. But what that looks like, I honestly try not to think about it too much because clients budget is enormous and I need to keep it realistic. So hopefully I'll be thinking about that soon enough, but I don't know what mine would be quite yet. |
| Jodi Katz | Ah, this is a really good question. We could probably talk for hours on this. Do you read the comments section and how does it impact your mental health? |
| Brittany Lo | So I would say that, like, there's. I have friends who, like, have gone on, like, the bachelor and ones where it's, like, very polarizing and there are some nasty comments. Like, overall, I feel like more TikTok can get a little crazy versus, like, instagram. but I try not, you know, I try to engage, but if it. If it doesn't make sense, I always remind myself that's a reflection on that person. Person and they're going through something and I feel sorry for them versus it having anything to do with me. But naturally, like, that's never, like, a nice thing to experience. |
| Jodi Katz | Right. I can't imagine it's easy. Even if you. Even if you're talking to yourself in your head and rationalizing what is. Right. Okay, let's make one time for one more question. This is a really good one. How do you actually make time for things away from work? Right. You have these essentially three different businesses. What is, like, where do you carve that out and how do you actually shut off the work mind? |
| Brittany Lo | Yeah, I mean, like, last night, like, I, you know, I started working at, ah, like, 07:00 a.m. And m. I closed my computer at midnight and I worked through. So it's, you know, some days are just. There is. It is work, and that's why you have to love what you do. But honestly, how I bucket personal time is by adding to the calendar, right? Like, if you have a meeting on the calendar, you know you're going to plan around it. So again, going back to, like, what's important to you for that quarter, for that year is, like, block it off on your calendar. Like, I know I want to go on a date with my boyfriend and, like, we want to spend quality time. I'm going to put it on my calendar and not just hope it happens, because we're both very busy. Like, we. You have to prioritize personal and treat that as, like, not a business, but you got to, like, just sectioned off and so I think I've been able to have a really good balance because I plan ahead and I time block. |
| Jodi Katz | That's very good advice. Brittany, I want to thank you. This was our 255th episode. It was so fun to have you as a guest on the show. |
| Brittany Lo | Thank you so much for having me. I love talking to you. I could talk to you for hours. If anyone has any other questions, definitely message me. Any book recommendations? I'm definitely gonna have to get more from you as well, but this is. |
| Jodi Katz | So much fun and thank you for everyone for listening. If you like this episode, please rate and review. And as always, make sure you're following us on your favorite podcast platform and Instagram to stay up to date on our upcoming episodes and all the fun we have along the way. |
| Brittany Lo | Thank you so much. Bye. |
| Jodi Katz | Bye. Thank you. |
| Announcer | Thanks for listening to WHERE BRAINS MEET BEAUTY™ with Jodi Katz. Tune in again for more authentic conversations with beauty leaders. |
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