Exploring Life & Business with Ethel Reddy of E The Look

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethel Reddy.

Hi Ethel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I was born and raised in San Francisco. At a very tender age I started playing hairs on Barbie Dolls and got hooked on all things to do with Beauty. I started my banking career with Bank of America at the age of 16 as an Intern and officially started working for the bank at the age of 18. While I grew within the bank over the years, I invested myself with my cosmetology license and beauty academies throughout my early years while working at the bank. I started my own company called E The Look to run my dream job, All Things Beauty! 

Now having worked for Bank of America for 40 years this March, I look back to how I complimented my life around the Bank and my World of Beauty! I worked in the beauty industry every chance I got after work. People always ask me how I have time to do so many things, and my answer is always that “Beauty is my passion, and it drives me to see so many smiles on my clients and contestants after their MUAH & are ready to meet the night head on or to compete to take that crown!” 

I started volunteering as a MUAH with the Miss Asian Global (MAG) Pageant in SF, and from that work credits, I was invited to do various fashion shows over the years. MAG saw my passion and dedication, so they offered me to be the Director of Make Up & Hair in 2012. Since then, I now sit on the board of Asian America Foundation, a non-profit that runs MAG, Imagine Talks, and empowers so many young women to be successful in their lives. My other pageants that I have worked with are Miss Sing Tao, Miss Chinatown, Miss Chinatown Teen, Japanese Queen Program, and many more. 

Around 2015, the Lash Industry caught my eye, and I got drawn into the world of lashes. I now sit on the board of directors for The National Association of Lash Artists (NALA), I work as an event coordinator for Lash Trade Shows. 

In 2023 I started quite a few interesting projects. I started a Beauty Apprenticeship Program called “International Glam Institute” along with my partner Michele P Alameda so that we could give back to the industry we love by nurturing young minds. Collaborated and opened a non-profit called ” Catwalk for Charitable Causes” to promote fashion and to raise money for charitable causes dear to our hearts. Finally, to honor our four babies, I started a dog pageant called “LePrecious Pageant,” and this year, the pageant will be presented to my MAG to raise money for other pet-oriented non-profits. 

So many more things to add, but will end by saying my company motto – “Committed In Making You Look & Feel Beautiful.” 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Paying for my cosmetology license, beauty academies and other classes while earning minimum wage in the 1980s, as my parents were struggling themselves as immigrants from China and supported me whenever they could. 

Applying for my business license with very little knowledge & help. 

As someone that exudes positivity and a smile, the peer jealousy with negative comments/slander behind the scenes just to advance themselves. 

Learning, constant learning to keep pace with the industry. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about E The Look?
E The Look – offering Eyelash Extensions, Bridal, Make Up, Hair, Updo’s, Photoshoot Consultant. 

Director of Makeup & Hair, Miss Asian Global Pageant 

President, Asian America Foundation, 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to promoting the diversity, strength, and resilience of extraordinary Asian women. 

Treasurer, Catwalk for Charitable Causes, 501c3 Non-Profit, raising money for organizations in need through fashion. 

Co-Founder, International Glam Institute, apprenticeship program for young minds. 

Co-Founder, Le Precious Pageant, presented by Asian America Foundation to raise awareness and money towards other organizations catering to pets. 

Special Advisor, Past-VP, Past Treasurer, California Cosmetology Association 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentorship is my middle name, no actually it is Měilì, having been a mente for so many associates at Bank of America and then throughout my beauty career led me to start IGI – International Glam Institute to mentor, nurture young up and coming artists. 

Contact Info:

• Website: ethelook.com
• Instagram: e.the.look
• Facebook: ethelook
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethelook/
• Twitter: ethelook
• Other: internationalglaminstitute.com

Image Credit:
EUGENE POLYAK