Meet Brittni Fontleroy aka B.Rich of B.RichTalksBeauty in Inglewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittni Fontleroy aka B.Rich.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Believe it or not, my start in this business began with music! I spent the majority of my time learning the industry as a lead background vocalist. It started with gigs at night clubs and studio sessions which led to some pretty huge production events I’m sure I was too young to attend (haha) thanks to my mentor and god pops the late, great Abraham McDonald.

I really didn’t get serious about operating myself as a brand until I was honored the opportunity to travel with the amazing Grammy Nominated Singer/Song Writer Kelly Price. Being on the road with her for 4+ years Is where I began to see other ways you could position your intellectual property for finances. I never thought about transitioning into a full-time makeup artist; So at the beginning, it was just a talent I used to get stage ready. Its kinda wild seeing how much opportunity God has created for me using makeup and the best part is I know its only the beginning.

Great, 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?
I think like most creatives anytime you go against the grain of what people say is a real career you’re gearing up for some tough identity/proving moments. I had lingering reservations about how long I could survive doing something that didn’t feel like work. At eighteen, I skipped college and started a job immediately. For a long time, I carried this weight on my shoulder from trying to commit to what looked like stability at a traditional nine to five as to not disappoint those who sacrificed for me to have those early fun musical experiences.

I worked a “good job” for a long time but after a while you learn even those who do well can be replaced. I lost my job in one of the toughest personal times of my life; A new mom trying to balance full-time work and the full-time care for my grandma who had recently broken her hip after a grueling fight with cancer. I just knew then I had decisions to make. I could give my time and effort to another company or create for myself using the same structures and knowledge I learned to help their companies thrive. It was scary even with all the mentoring and examples I had of it working for other people. Looking back today, I believe it was God’s way of getting me in position of purpose.

B.RichTalksBeauty – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I currently work as owner and traveling, freelance MUA of B.RichTalksBeauty at the time I wanted a name that would cover a few areas of what I do and where I was headed; As I grow, I feel intrigued to change it because my experiences have birth something so much bigger than the makeup piece. Aside from my hands-on applications; I work with makeup artist who are frustrated with their business. I create custom strategies to help them generate income through product launches and business blueprints to attract more clientele. Yes, even in small “oversaturated” areas people say you can’t make money.

I think what sets me apart from other MUA’s might be my knowledge of production inside and out; its definitely an advantage to understand what’s important to such a variety of platforms. I’m pretty efficient and my working reputation has been consistent. “Easy to work with and produces amazing final looks.”

My actual artist approach would fall between luxury glam and naturally radiant. Musician Lalah Hathaway calls my makeup “sweet beats” which I love! It’s a glowing from the inside approach with emphasis on flawless, not cakey skin. I think it’s perfect for dolls who want to slay their events and still look like themselves.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’m really proud of so many things in this journey because I know the risk and mental shifts I had to make to get here. I’m proud that as a self-taught makeup artist and business owner, I have the opportunity to be featured in an LA staple magazine especially since I love my city.

Launching my first branded cosmetic line the “B.Rich Collection” in 2015 was also huge moment for me. I started that idea from ground zero after just giving birth to my second child. I didn’t want to miss spending time with him or my oldest daughter aka my mini me and thankfully had genuine support of my husband to figure it out; I knew it needed to be quick since bills kept coming lol.

Prior to my research, I was shocked to find so many artists hadn’t been able to crack that code and that fueled me even more. My first time presenting my line was hosted at a live event inside the L.A Convention Center. I sold out with lines of people waiting to support me. I tell people now, “if you’ve ever have an idea that won’t leave you alone do it now”. It’s because of those ideas that I’ve been able to be hands-on with my kids and support my husband in any way possible to go after his own dreams too. Thats the epitome of proud.

Pricing:

• Special Event Makeup start at $150 onsite travel available upon request with up charge
• Makeup Strategy Coaching starts at $997.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brichtalksbeauty.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamb_rich/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/B.richtalksbeauty/

Image Credit:
BriJorae Productions, Steven G photography, Jefferson Donald Photography, Tavarus Saul with W4edigital

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