Every entrepreneur reaches a breaking point—the moment when ambition meets exhaustion. In this episode, Leslie Perry shares how she went from running a one-woman bridal makeup business to becoming an executive leader at the Professional Beauty Association (PBA).
Leslie’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and redefining what it means to build a business that loves you back.
She opens up about the struggles of being a “team of one,” the lessons learned from burnout, and how community and clarity transformed her career. Whether you’re a salon owner, stylist, or entrepreneur, this conversation will remind you that success isn’t built alone.
💡 In This Episode:
0:00 - Intro
2:05 - Are you owning a company or just a job?
6:30 - Accepting where you started from
10:50 - Lessons from the Data Driven conference
14:20 - Looking ahead to NaHa and the power of symbolism
17:45 - The struggle of being a team of one
22:10 - Focusing on the fundamentals, not the fluff
26:05 - Finding your true audience
30:00 - The danger of divided attention
33:40 - Grit, fitness, and protecting your energy
38:00 - How the PBA supports beauty professionals
41:30 - The power of community and mentorship
45:10 - Final reflections
Key Takeaways:
About Leslie Perry:
Leslie Perry is an executive at the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), helping elevate and connect professionals across the beauty industry. Her journey from solo bridal artist to industry leader embodies what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance.
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