Exploring Life & Business with Bri Varnadore of Simply Chic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Varnadore. 

Hi Bri, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I have been in the beauty industry for 10 years ever since I was a little girl sitting in from of my gold glass top vanity curling my own hair, I have always been drawn to the industry. I worked in traditional salon settings as a Nail Technician/ Hairstylist and I always wanted more. To be involved in all parts of a business. When COVID happened and it shut the whole world down I didn’t have a job anymore so I sat at home and made masks for my 3 kiddos and got pretty good at it so I decided to make and sell them I saved all my funds from that. Then one day as I was trying to figure out what to do because things would soon be opening again. I got a notice in the mail for salon suites near me opening soon. So, I decided to email them and see what it was all about. I talk to the owner and went and took a peek then I talked to my husband and kids and they told me to go for it. Even when I am so unsure about something they right there cheering me on. That’s when I created and became the name behind Simply Chic. I am a small independent owned and operated business. I am a Nail Artist/ Hairstylist/Crafter/Entrepreneur. I have since expanded and I now Handcraft Polymer Clay earrings and I make homemade Sugar Scrubs as well that I use in my Signature Spa Manicures and Pedicures. I have since moved out of my old studio and apartment moved into a studio space in my new home, I needed more space as I am slowly expanding my brand and needed more space to be able to bring all that I love into one studio space. I am still redecorating my new space and making it my own which I am having a lot of fun doing. I love to create things and just express myself in the best way I know how. I used to drive my husband crazy with all my little projects. I just have all this creativity bottled up in me and to be able to do what I do now is such a blessing to be able to be creative and make a beautiful set of nails or creating a beautiful pair of earrings. It really lets my artistic side out. I hope to have a little storefront one day. But until then I really am enjoying working out of my home and being a bit closer to my kids. I have done a few Holiday markets this year and love them and I hope to do more soon. So, to anyone who don’t think they can you can because we can do anything! -Bri 

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?
No, it has not I have had some major struggles I had to learn how to do everything. When I first started, I was like where do people buy their items for retail or how do I market myself. I had no clue how to get my brand name out there. I had to rebuild my clientele from almost nothing I had a few client/friends that followed me but it wasn’t enough. I really struggle my first 7 months maybe longer. I am still going through struggles. But that is just the behind-the-scenes struggles that everyone don’t see I work way more than I ever thought I would. I probably put in 12 hours or more each day. I am always thinking of what I can do to continue growing. People think if you own your own business, you are rolling around in the dough ($$) and that is just simply not the case. I am still learning to very carefully budget for my business and to be able to make sure I am making enough to pay my personal bills as well. It can be a challenge but that’s okay because I wouldn’t change it for nothing. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Simply Chic. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As a Nail Artist/ Hair Stylist, I lean and specialize more on the Nails side of the industry. I also only do Natural nails using CND products. I do CND Shellac Manicures and Pedicures. I don’t do acrylics because I am all about using products that are high in quality and non-toxic. I very recently started doing Gel-X to reach out to my clients that do want to add some length to the nails. 

As you may already know I also handcraft Polymer Clay Earrings and Sugar Scrub. I hope to expand this part of my brand soon and add Necklaces to my Jewelry pieces. 

How do you think about luck?
Well, my new studio I would was fate I clean homes as well and I was hired to clean this home to get it ready to get put on the market to rent out. And well I fell in love with it so I ended up becoming the new renter. So, I think that is very lucky my kids got to move into their very first home with a yard and I got to get a bigger studio space and bring my work into my home to be able to grow more. 

Pricing:

• Classic Traditional Manicure $30
• Classic Shellac Manicure $45
• Classic Traditional Pedicure $40
• Classic Shellac Pedicure $55

Contact Info:

• Email: Simplychicbri@gmail.com
• Website: www.simplychicbybri.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplychicbybri/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/SimplyChicbyBri/

Image Credits
Katie Puc Photography