We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lily Braidich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lily, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Hi everyone! My name is Lily Braidich, Licensed Esthetician and Freelance Makeup Artist. Being a creative definitely has its pros and cons! In the beauty industry, you definitely pick and choose how you decide to keep it exciting. For example, I personally like to be well rounded in every aspect of esthetics from skincare to hair removal to my art that comes out in makeup, in order to avoid that mundane work feeling. In my field of work, I enjoy learning new techniques and artistic outlets to keep me on my toes and hungry to learn more. I absolutely love collaborating with people to bounce off of each others ideas and personal talents. I’ve attended makeup shows, classes, online skincare webinars, one on one hair removal training, etc., so I am able to fully grasp concepts, never stop learning, and open up my mind to infinite ideas for the future. My goal is to always love what I do so showing up to work never feels like a job, but a hobby instead! Being creative has many personal definitions, and in one way I like to express mine via social media; we all know what better way to showcase your portfolio than having it at your fingertips on your phone! With that being said, it definitely takes us creatives time to isolate and recharge so we can continuously show up to be the best we can be for our audience, clients, and most importantly ourself. Yoga, exercise, and nature really help me put things into perspective and let my mind reset to feed my brain with new ideas when I ever feel struck in a creative rut.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I currently work full time as a wax artist here at Wax Nashville in East Nashville! Since becoming licensed in the esthetics industry, it’s taken me time to decide what to put first in order to enjoy my everyday craft while also making a living. Between the ups and downs with finding what is right for me, building relationships with my clients is something I wont ever take for granted in the midst of it all. I may only see each individual for a short period of time in my day, but the lasting impact I leave on them is what is super important to me. I want everybody to feel comfortable since esthetics services can feel vulnerable at times; you never know what each individual is going through, so I make it a point that the short time with them is all about their self care and how I can improve their experience and future. I love helping others and am excited to preview how I will be working with a non-profit in the near future, so stay tuned!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that stick out to me most is education, practice, and dedication. When I say education, I always emphasize how continuing to learn after you graduate which ever program it is that you’re in, is so important. You may be in a school or program for weeks, months, or years, but it is when you really apply yourself in the real world where you gain the most experience. You can only learn so much via computer or desk. That brings us into my point of practice; progression over perfection ALWAYS! When I first started out doing makeup, facials, waxing, lashes & brows services, etc., I was not the worlds greatest esthetician for sure. I would be super hard on myself as if I needed to wake up one day and have all these skills under my belt in order to be accepted. You cannot perfect your craft without practicing and learning technique. It sounds so simple, but all it takes is the mindset of never giving up to keep you going! Dedication is the only way to success! Once thing I always tell myself; if you feel like you’re in a storm, why would you stop in the middle of it? KEEP GOING. With the right resources, training, and mindset, I truly believe anybody can conquer anything.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I really like this question. I’ve always heard the quote; “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but often better than a master of one.” I think in whichever field you’re in, it’s best it focus on your strengths first, but once you master those I don’t see anything wrong with picking up new skills. I say this because I personally do not like to be confined in one box since that’s how I lose creativity and momentum. What keeps me going is knowing once I improve where I’m at currently, I can gain more knowledge and skill in the next craft which is adding to my current talents. I don’t think anybody should ever get too comfortable with anything in life; relationships, jobs, or your self growth. That’s not to say don’t live in the moment, but definitely don’t become accustomed to complacency. We were not created to just be mediocre. There is a mission within every one of us, and that’s why we often feel unsatisfied because we think a specific destination is what makes us happy. Growth is not linear; it’s okay to learn a whole new skill at any point in your life. It’s okay to switch degrees or careers halfway through school. It is okay to follow whatever your heart desires instead of conforming to societal timelines and structures. BE YOU.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/lilybraidich
- Instagram: @beatbylilyb
- Facebook: Beat by Lily B
