Meet Brandie Gonzalez of B Confident Glamour & Skin in Mont Belvieu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandie Gonzalez.

Brandie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was a freshman in High School, I was constantly bullied by a group of girls. They made fun of the way I did my makeup almost everyday. I struggled with insecurities for a long time because of it. I would go home and practice everyday new makeup techniques.

Then I got a job working at Merle Norman, where I was taught the importance of skincare. I worked for Merle Norman for five years before deciding to become an Esthetician. My business is B Confident Glamour and Skin. I love when clients walk in with a smile because they’re seeing those scars disappear, or that line that they hated suddenly went away. I aim for my clients to feel comfortable in their own skin. I still specialize in makeup, and I think it’s important to help people who struggle with applying makeup as well. Which is why I also do makeup/skincare lessons. I never want anyone to feel insecure about the way their skin looks with or without makeup. I’m currently finishing up my bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston Clear Lake. I’ve always dreamed of opening up my own Spa.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Has it always been easy? No, I have to work for my clients. As a makeup artist you have some seasons are better than others. I’m typically always busy during prom season. But there are so many makeup artist, there’s a lot of competition. As an Esthetician, I’m one of the few in my area, and it’s a lot easier for me to get new facial clients rather than makeup clients. I’m so thankful for each one of my clients. I’ve met so many people working in the beauty industry that have followed me for years.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about B Confident Glamour & Skin – what should we know?
My business was originally called Makeup by B since 2011, but I changed the name last year. B Confident Glamour & Skin isn’t just about makeup it’s about helping women feel beautiful and empowered I have a lot of titles. I’m an Esthetician, a makeup artist, I’m a senior laser hair removal tech, and I do spray tans. Doing facials is my favorite. I do a variety of different facials including microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, microneedling, chemical peels, and relaxing. I want to make sure that my clients feel good after each service. It makes me happy to see my clients posting selfies with no makeup on feeling comfortable in their skin. For me it’s not all about making money, I want to actually help my clients. And I think that’s what sets me apart from a lot of Estheticians. I recommend products that I use on my skin.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom deserves a lot of credit. Growing up, I always wanted to be just like her, and I would watch her put her makeup on everyday. When I was 13 she took me to Merle Norman and that’s when my makeup obsession started. Little did I know that I would work there at 17. My boss at Merle Norman taught me a great deal about this industry. Kathy Young has run her business for over 43 years. She taught me the importance of skincare and taught me about sales and marketing. When I graduated as an Esthetician, I started working for Angela Davis, she was a mentor for me and taught me how to do photofacials, dermaplaning, cellulite treatments, hydro facials and so much more. I’m extremely thankful to have had her teach me so much early on in my career. And again, my clients are amazing, I love what I do because of them.