Today we’d like to introduce you to Becca Young.
Hi Becca, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hello, I’m Becca, the founder of The Sultry Bar. I am a master artist specializing in natural brow results, offering services in both Powder Brows and Hybrid Combo Brows.
Here, I blend the artistry of permanent makeup with empowering confidence. Brow design, for me, is not just a service; it’s an experience that unleashes your sultry side by enhancing your natural features. My journey has always been a blend of two passions: helping others become the best versions of themselves and navigating the complexities of healthcare management. With a Bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and a cosmetology license, I gained formal experience in both worlds—the aesthetics industry and healthcare operations. These experiences allowed me to provide something of value to others.
During my time managing an addiction medicine clinic, I witnessed the transformative impact that my authenticity had on patients striving for sobriety. I’ve always known the importance of boldly embracing my true self to create a safe space for others to do the same. This insight empowered me to reshape cultures and operations in healthcare facilities for the better by advocating fiercely for both patients and staff. However, I struggled with the systemic challenges deep-rooted in the industry, where revenue overshadowed genuine care.
Simultaneously, my background as a hairstylist allowed me to be part of empowering confidence through physical transformations. I loved having the ability to offer quality consultations, cultivating a safe space for clients to be themselves, and helping clients regain confidence. However, the pressure to upsell products or services I did not believe in clashed with my authenticity and honesty. This internal struggle led to the creation of The Sultry Bar— a brand where I set my standards, blending my healthcare expertise with the artistry of aesthetics. Here, my artistic eye combines with quality sanitation, creating an atmosphere where empowerment and confidence naturally thrive.
In my studio, I contribute a piece to a bigger story. It’s more than just brow services; it’s about giving clients a significant part of their life back. Instead of struggling to make their brows symmetrical every morning, they regain valuable time – time they might otherwise spend running late. For busy moms, it’s a chance to start the day with a bit more ease, ensuring they can focus on what truly matters. It’s not just about enhancing features; it’s about restoring confidence, one perfectly shaped brow at a time. It’s truly meaningful that my art gets to be a part of client’s everyday lives.
What makes The Sultry Bar unique is the emphasis we place on understanding the individuality of each client. Every session starts with a detailed consultation—an open conversation where brow desires, expectations, and fears are discussed. I carefully consider factors like facial features, brow growth patterns, asymmetry, muscle pull, and skin tones to craft the perfect brow design that enhances the client’s natural features.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a business in the PMU industry presents many challenges. It demands not only passion and dedication but also a substantial financial investment to refine your skillset. In Minnesota, to obtain a tattoo license, a 200-hour apprenticeship is required. This is both a significant commitment of time and money. Continuous improvement is vital, often achieved through private training, adding to the ongoing investment.
The complexities of marketing and analytics caught me off guard. Particularly, the financial strain of marketing and paid ads. At the start of my brow artist journey, I opted for an expensive PMU marketing agency, hoping for a smoother experience. Reflecting on it, I wish I had dedicated my time to mastering marketing analytics instead of financially straining myself.
Another challenge lies in working to eliminate negative perceptions that cosmetic tattoos can’t create natural results. Overcoming this stigma adds a layer of complexity to the journey. Throughout this endeavor, maintaining authenticity has been a non-negotiable for me. However, navigating open discussions about your pricing and upholding your policies can be tough. It requires a delicate balance between transparency and sensitivity.
In full transparency, I’ve cried a lot working to build my brand the way I envision it. The consistent dedication of my ride-or-die clientele has been the driving force behind my ongoing motivation in business. They put their full trust in me (a stranger from the internet) to give them a face tattoo. They never fail to share my brand or recommend me. Knowing how much they adore their brows motivates me to tackle all the behind-the-scenes tasks I may not necessarily enjoy.
Their satisfaction and confidence in the work I do at the studio serve as a powerful reminder of the positive impact I make in their lives, driving me forward on even the most challenging days.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The Sultry Bar is a permanent makeup studio specializing in natural brow results. Services include ombre powder brows and hybrid combo brows.
The powder brow technique is a gradient soft shading technique. The hybrid combo brow technique is a gorgeous blend of hair-like strokes at the head of the brow that seamlessly transition into soft shading.
This technique creates a hyper-realistic result.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I set exceptionally high standards for myself, so when obstacles arise, giving myself grace is hard. It can be difficult to accept that there were moments when I didn’t handle certain back-office aspects of my business, like paying a marketing agency high fees, differently, leading to feelings of wasted resources before gaining valuable insights. You have to be adaptable and resilient in the pursuit of your why.
Giving yourself permission to step back, relax, and focus on self-care can provide the clarity and energy needed to find effective solutions to challenges. It’s important to remind yourself that self-care is a necessity, allowing you to approach obstacles with a refreshed perspective.
I’ve learned there is power in collaboration. Surround yourself with supportive entrepreneurs. Collaborating to provide one another encouragement, share experiences, and offer insights helps to navigate challenges more effectively, leading to mutual growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesultrybar.com
- Instagram: @thesultrybar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSultryBarLLC
