Meet Amanda Bravender

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Bravender. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Amanda , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, starting with my great-grandmother, who became a beautician after her husband passed away. My grandfather was a successful business owner, and I grew up watching my dad work two jobs to provide for our family. This legacy instilled in me a strong work ethic, and with a large family to care for, I’ve never had a choice but to work hard. But more than that, I’m driven by a deep love for what I do, which makes the effort all the more rewarding.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a multifaceted entrepreneur with a deep passion for creativity and community. As an award-winning makeup artist, I help people look and feel their best for any occasion. I also manage a successful bee farm where I rescue and relocate bees, produce honey, and offer educational experiences for children and adults. I’m currently in the process of rebranding my honey line, and I’m also working on a book that reflects my love for both beauty and agriculture. Additionally, as a local influencer in New Orleans, I share insights on beauty, lifestyle, and sustainable living through my social media platforms. Whether I’m creating stunning looks, fostering a connection to nature, or developing new projects, my work is all about blending artistry with education and community engagement.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back at the beginning of my careers in both beauty and agriculture, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: resilience, courage, and adaptability.

1. Resilience: My journey started with people telling me I wasn’t good enough and that I didn’t belong. Rather than letting those words define me, I used them as fuel to prove them wrong. This resilience was crucial in pushing through the challenges and setbacks I faced.

2. Courage to Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Like many others, I struggled with imposter syndrome. But I learned to push through it by saying ‘yes’ more often than ‘no,’ even when I didn’t feel fully qualified. Taking on opportunities, even when they scared me, was key to my growth.

3. Adaptability: Success often requires being willing to step outside your comfort zone. For me, that meant trying new things and learning as I went, whether it was in makeup artistry or beekeeping.

My advice to anyone early in their journey is simple: don’t wait for the perfect moment or for someone to hand you an opportunity—ask for it. Some of the most pivotal moments in my career happened when I simply asked to be at the table. Don’t be afraid to take that first step, even if it feels intimidating. The confidence and experience you gain from just trying will be invaluable.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My friends and family have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and build the essential skills I needed to succeed. Their support has been a constant source of strength and encouragement. Additionally, surrounding myself with other successful businesswomen has been invaluable. These relationships have provided me with mentorship, inspiration, and the practical knowledge needed to scale my businesses. Learning from their experiences and being part of a community of driven individuals has greatly contributed to my growth and success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Candra George -pink suit
Nancy Miller – black floral dress

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