From Dirt Roads to Day Jobs: Trades, Mentorship & Choosing Your Path

From Dirt Roads to Day Jobs: Trades, Mentorship & Choosing Your Path

In this episode a local mentor and project manager, Sarah Pitre, shares her journey from a difficult childhood to guiding students and adults into trade careers—explaining apprenticeships, certificate programs, co-ops, and real-world steps to test a vocation before investing. They discuss the flexibility trades can offer parents and creatives (like makeup artists), how to overcome stigma around non-university paths, and encourage listeners to pursue practical, fulfilling careers without settling.

From Cloud to Crown: Dr. Meena Ravi’s Trailblazing Rise

Dr. Meenakshi Ravi recounts her unexpected journey from working as a cloud program manager to becoming Mrs. Universe, emphasizing openness, coaching, and relentless preparation. She founded Trailblazer Queen Productions to honor veterans and give back through shows like Start for Salute and Dream Big, producing innovative fashion events across five continents. Dr. Meenakshi Ravi shares lessons on mentorship, travel, creativity, and practical advice for dreamers: gain clarity, take the first step, and use positive affirmations to keep moving forward. Instagram: @Trailblazer_queen_productions, @Meenakshiravi_2010 Website: www.TrailBlazerQueen.com

From Supercuts to Bridal Bliss: Myra’s Beauty Business Story

In this episode Myra of Simple Beauty Artistry shares her journey from cosmetology and cutting men’s hair to building a bridal studio, launching a product line, and creating Simple Beauty Academy. She discusses ongoing training, pricing strategy, marketing shifts from word-of-mouth to social media and Google, and the realities of running a busy beauty business. Myra also tells candid stories about difficult clients, COVID-era changes, on-the-job surprises (yes, even lice), and how she enforces boundaries. She closes with practical advice for newcomers: keep learning, know your numbers, protect your worth, and don’t give up.

From Fine Dining to ‘Notably Yours’: A Planner’s Rise

Keri traces her journey from fine dining and country-club events to running Notably Yours, sharing lessons learned while building a trusted vendor community.   She offers practical advice for beauty teams and planners: build clear timelines with buffers, communicate early and often, do trials, set boundaries, and prioritize the bride’s experience.   For new vendors: invest in education, network with industry professionals, be authentic, and remember that strong partnerships make events run smoothly and reduce stress for everyone.

From Skincare School to Fashion Week: Brittany Johnson's Makeup Journey

In this episode we welcome Brittany Johnson, a makeup artist who shares her path from aesthetics school and skincare to retail, MAC, and high-pressure production work like Fashion Week. She talks about the challenges of school closures, switching focus after COVID, and building a career that prioritizes natural, skin-focused makeup and team support on weddings and sets. Brittany also gives practical advice for aspiring artists—take fast-paced retail jobs to learn brands, keep investing in education, and stay purpose-driven. The conversation highlights continual learning, industry realities, and the importance of community and mentorship in the beauty business.