We had the good fortune of connecting with Lily Braidich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lily, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Hi! Lily Braidich here, excited to chat about my mother and I’s future business endeavors within the beauty industry.

With that being said, I mainly think outsiders are unaware of the impact the beauty industry has on us women! It is not solely about our looks, but about how we feel after receiving a service. Whether it’s instant gratification like getting our nails or hair done, or self care such as facial treatments or hair removal; it’s ALL a universal language us women share worldwide. It’s almost indescribable. When you have a self care appointment, it’s a small time period of your day that you are choosing to put yourself first. Even if it’s only 30 minutes of your time, I truly believe that time itself is crucial in improving your mental health! I saw a quote once that read; “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” (Anne Lamott) As an esthetician, I’ve serviced many clients who have been dealing with hard situations and continue to make it to their appointments because they know it will put them in a better mood. I know I can speak on behalf of all service providers when I say we are always working on ways to create a safe space for our clients. No matter what storms or sunshines our clients turned friends may be going through, there is space and time for everybody.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love being an esthetician because I get to do what I love every single day, while touching women’s lives. After several months of schooling and studying, getting licensed was my greatest victory. I know people struggle with their jobs on the daily, and that’s why I feel so blessed to be able to work in a salon with coworkers who are just as motivated and industry hungry as me! I never want to stop doing what I do, I want to learn and perfect it all! Continuing my education and brainstorming ideas for my own future business is what keeps me going every single day. I can sit here and talk about money making, or the talent in my craft all day long, but what truly fulfills me is how I plan to use my career to create a community of helping others. I learned from the best; she is a beautiful and very talented woman that continues to motivate me and inspire others around her since she is in the beauty industry herself; let’s hear from my mother!

Hi everyone, Melissa Braidich here! I was blessed enough to begin cosmetology school in 2014 and I just celebrated my 10th anniversary of being behind the chair – it was not an easy journey because I was 38, established in my corporate America career, raising four daughters while my husband ran his company for 10-12 hour days. We lived on one income so I could pay for my education on my salary without incurring debt or a bank loan. At the time our oldest was in college so it was daunting to have to think about finances! Fast forward to now and I can humbly say, looking back and being present in the industry currently, I do not regret a thing! It was all supposed to happen in God’s timing and I’m so grateful I listened to my heart instead of a head full of doubt and took action! Being a hair stylist or hair artist, as I sometimes refer to us stylists as, is the most rewarding career. I’ve worked several jobs while raising our family and nothing gives me more professional fulfillment then helping others feel better about themselves-when you feel good on the outside it builds a growing confidence and helps you shine your light from within. I know this first hand- and was blessed to have other stylists in my life both growing up and as an adult who were so inspiring to me! Building a clientele can be difficult yet very rewarding on the same token; it’s led me to avenues I’ve never dreamed of which eventually inspired me to want to really make a difference helping others, no matter what their budget may look like. Working with Beauty Bridge Foundation, and being the executive director of our soon to be Nashville branch, has been the most fulfilling experience I’ve had to date. To be able to gift beauty services to those in need, and connecting to woman of all ages and walks of life is what gets me out of bed every morning. When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I thank God for speaking to my heart and showing me this path. With him all things are possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Where do I start? Here in Nashville, there’s never a lack of fun. If I’m not working, you will probably find me at a local coffee shop, or indulging in some retail therapy!

My favorite coffee shop has to be Elevate coffee; it may be a little tiny home drive thru outside of Nashville, but don’t let it’s size stop you! The cars line up around the street just for their incredible coffee.

Working in East Nashville, I love the vibe of inclusivity and diversity. The Fatherland District is a great spot for cute small businesses containing handmade goods and gifts. International Tea & Coffee is another go-to of mine; besides their delicious iced coffee, they have a wall of tea that you can purchase, along with tea kettles and other steeping accessories. It’s hard not to spend all my money on the lovely herbs. The Turnip Truck has got to be my favorite market; they have a hot food bar, a salad bar, and a juice bar. It’s great for a nice pick me up to nourish your body!

As for shopping, Green Hills and Franklin Square have my heart if I’m in the mood to go for a nice stroll. The Cosmetic Market and SkinTheory RX are great places to buy skincare!

Oh, and I cannot forget my favorite Pilates studio called Forme Fitness. It’s cozy and inviting with the vibey lighting and welcoming staff. I was super nervous when trying my first class, but it was the least intimidating experience I’ve had at a fitness establishment, and now I’m there every week!

I hope one day we will be able to do collaborations when it comes to Beauty Bridge Foundation and local businesses. My mom and I are all about community, giving back, and connecting with other strong women to be inspired.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is an amazing organization I am working with and am here to shout out; Beauty Bridge Foundation ! The nonprofit yet hybrid salon concept was piloted during the Covid-19 quarantine, when women bonded over being forced to give up our beauty treatments mid pandemic! The purpose of Beauty Bridge is to provide no-cost beauty services to women who are struggling, performed by skillful volunteer licensed cosmetologists. The vision is to create a safe space to everyone who walks in the door in terms of beauty and personal care, removing the traditional obstacles of cost and access. This foundation is focused on community building by striving to work with other human service organizations in each urban location to provide resources to women as they rebuild their lives. Our current locations are Sarasota, FL, and Hartford, CT! Nashville, TN, is NEXT!

Website: https://beautybridge.org/home

Instagram: @beautybridgefoundation , @beautybridgenashville , @beatbylilyb , @beyoutifulbymelissa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautybridgefoundation/

Image Credits
Saasha Plefka and DeDe Caldwell of the Beauty Bridge Foundation of Sarasota. (Photos of them by Lesley Dwyer)

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