We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brensha “Shay” Searcy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brensha “Shay” below.
Shay, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from a lot of factors. I believe that my ability to adapt has been a major part. Throughout my life, I was put in many situations that required me to cope with stress and trauma. I had to learn to adapt. I had to change my mindset. I believe that resilience is a quality that can be learned and requires a combination of behaviors, thoughts and actions.
Resilience is about being adaptable and flexible. Change and uncertainty are a part of life. I always try to maintain a sense of perspective and calmness in every situation. For example, I’ll ask myself, “is this really a big deal?” Majority of the time, it is not!
Another way I built up my resilience was by recognizing that some things are outside of my control. All I can do is control how I react. I have full control to react to changes or issues with a positive attitude.
Taking action also helps me with being resilient. I avoid dwelling on things that I can’t change and instead focus on possible solutions.
Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc)
My brand is committed to providing the highest quality PMU education for new technicians entering the field of Permanent Cosmetics. I take pride in ensuring that new artists are leaving the school competent and prepared by requiring apprenticeships for successful program completion. My brand is committed to raising awareness about the lack of PMU training regulations and ensuring that students leave foundational training with basic levels of competency. Currently, there are no training regulations or competency requirements for new artists entering the field in many states across the U.S. – which is a dangerous combination for new students and consumers.
Exciting News:
BBE Academy is now the 1st & only Permanent Makeup School recognized by the state of Ohio as an institution of higher learning. Currently, I offer 2 certificate programs approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges & Schools. I am so excited about this accomplishment and the advancement in PMU education for the state of Ohio.
The academy has grown so much in the last year that I will be moving to a larger space in the next few months to accommodate more students and the apprenticeship programs. In the future, I plan to expand program offerings, furthering my commitment to improve educational standards in the field of permanent makeup.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, the 3 skills that were the most valuable were:
1) Interpersonal skills (e.g., listening skills, patience, empathy, flexibility, etc.),
2) Attention to detail/Artistic Skill
3) Marketing
Advice to New Artists:
Building a successful PMU career involves more than just having great technical skills. You need to build strong client relationships which require good communication skills and being proactive. Seek mentorship or training from successful and experienced PMU artists that can help you develop your skills. Lastly, learn as much as you can about marketing and sales. You can have amazing work, but if no one knows you exist it will be challenging.
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?
Improving our weaknesses is of course important. However, I believe that when we focus on our strengths we are happier, more engaged and perform better. I believe it is better to focus majority of your energy on your strengths and work with people who can complement other areas which you may not be as strong in. I don’t believe that you necessarily have to turn a weakness into a strength – only obtain a basic level of competence which can help make you more well rounded. In my business, I’ve always focused on my strengths. Focusing my energy on my strengths has helped me to build a successful business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bebrowedetc.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bebrowedetc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bebrowedetc
- Other: https://msha.ke/bebrowedetc
