Daily Inspiration: Meet Jen Briel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Briel.

Hi Jen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Southern California and have always had a passion for all things makeup and tattoos. While in California, I was very fortunate to be able to work for some AMAZING companies in the action sports and music industry but there was always some passion missing from my career. The last six years that I worked in California, I was able to have a job that allowed me enough freedom to go to a well-known makeup academy, where I soon realized I had even more passion for makeup and skin than I ever thought. Fast forward about a year later or so, when I met my now-husband and moved across the country to Raleigh, North Carolina and this is when things got real! Now I had the opportunity to really dive into my passion for makeup and skin and I decided to look into going to Esthetics School, but I ran into a few roadblocks my first few years in Raleigh.

In 2016, my best friend decided to get her brows down and I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. As a child of the ’90s, I definitely overplucked my brows and didn’t have much left. She talked them up so much and also how she was going to take a class to learn Permanent Makeup and I was like well, count me in!

I took my introduction class in 2017 and since then have taken over 12 courses and traveled as far as London to learn techniques. I have moved my studio three times from a 100 sq ft studio to a now 1200 sq ft storefront. I feel so honored and privileged to be able to do something I have so much passion and drive for.

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?
I don’t think any new career is a smooth road. For the first 2.5 years, my business was opened, I was working a full-time, 9 to 5 job. I would work every night and weekend at the studio building up my clientele and my reputation. I was never home, tired all the time and I am surprised my husband didn’t call missing persons on me. It was really hard for me to juggle everything and give everyone the time they deserved.

In 2020, I went full-time at the studio and have not looked back and am now busier than I ever have been, I still work like a madwoman but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner and Lead Artist at Altered Aesthetics Cosmetic Tattoo Studio. We are located in North Raleigh in the Falls Village Shopping Center where the best TJ Maxx and Home Goods in Raleigh is!

My studio specializes in Cosmetic Tattooing which includes Microblading, Ombre Powder Brows, Combination Brows, Nano Brows, Lash Line Enhancement, Shaded Eyeliner, and Lip Blush. You can find details about our services by visiting our website: https://www.alteredaesthetics.com/services.

I am well known for my natural, clean, and manicured brows and am booked anywhere from 2-3 months out. I am most proud that I am able to create lasting relationships with my clients. Whether it’s talking about the good things in life or the bad, I feel that I have made some amazing friends along this journey who have supported and believed in my business from day one. Without my amazing clients, I would not be where I am today.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my desire to keep learning. I was not a one and done type girl when it came to the classes I took and am constantly learning and striving to offer my clients the best there is.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was probably my first concert ever when I was about 5 or 5. I went with my mom and her sister to see Kenny Loggins (you know the Caddyshack and Footloose songs). Anyways, we were having a blast and the Caddyshack song came on and my aunt put me on her shoulders and we went down to the front part of the stage and just danced to the entire song. It was such a great memory that I will always remember.

Pricing:

• Microblading $650
• Ombre Powder Brows $675
• Combination Brows $700
• Nano Brows $900
• Lip Blush $450

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.alteredaesthetics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altered_aesthetics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alteredaestheticsnc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/altrdaesthetic

Image Credits
Kathleen Nolis Photography