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

Hi Nancy, how do you think about risk?
Dreaming is easy, but actually taking the initiative to apply yourself to make your dream a reality is scary. It’s scary due to the thoughts of the unknown outcome. All the risk and sacrifices you have to take in order to get to where you want to be. As a single parent of a young child, leaving a stable job was definitely scary. A lot of what if’s, but how, can I do this, constantly runs through my head. A couple things I know and am confident about is the extreme passion and love for the work that I do and failure is not an option. I definitely made sure I did my research and thought out my plan before taking the leap of faith. It has been challenging in so many ways, but has helped me to continue to grow and push harder. All that hard work, overcoming challenges and difficulties along the way, then seeing my business flourish was all well worth it. It’s rewarding and addicting. Because of that journey, I now take a lot more risks in all aspects of life rather than always wondering what could have been.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been pretty creative and a people person throughout my life. I started out doing hair and eventually ventured into bridal hair and make up. Like any other industry, we have busy months and slow months. During those times, in my early start of my career I didn’t prepare for those slow months. So in result, I took a part time job at the Benefit Brow Bar in Macy’s. Which turned into taking a full time position. I worked my way up into management and a trainer for Benefit Cosmetics. Nine years later, I finally took the risk of going out on my own and building my own business. It’s always been an ultimate dream of mine to work for myself. My son, Bryson was my ultimate push. Being a single parent is hard, not having any family support around to help is even more difficult. Most importantly, having more time and flexibility with my son and a better work life balance. It was not an easy transition. There was a lot of challenges and long work hours. I had to put a tremendous amount of time and efforts into building my business. I was always out consistently networking and reaching out to people to get my name out there. My son has been so amazing with no complaints during the process of building my business. I felt like he sacrificed more than I did. But I knew once I had my business going, I can sit back and relax and have a lot more time with him. Which has paid off. We have a lot more time together and the opportunity to take fun little trips often. I am so grateful for the continuous love and support from my clients. They are the drive of my business that helps my dream stay alive and survive.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
San Diego is such a beautiful place to visit with so much to do. Each day would be dedicated to exploring my favorite parts of San Diego. Starting with brunch at Morning Glory in Little Italy, and then a browse through the Little Italy farmers market. Always gotta hit up Balboa Park in the late afternoons and evenings there when the lights are on. If Panama 66 was open, we would go there and grab a beer and listen to live music. Of course, always a nice hike at Torrey Pines and end it with a beach day either in La Jolla or Pacific Beach. Gaslamp always has the best night life. Dancing, bars, whatever and wherever the night takes us is the best part. I always love starting off at the Nolen for drinks and a beautiful rooftop view. Other must dining places on my list is Al Basha,  Modern Times Brewery, Liberty Station Food Hall, Cloak and Petal, and Harumama! Yum!!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A special shoutout to my awesome son, Bryson and my boyfriend, Davy Cadava. Through all the ups and downs, crazy ideas, and new ventures, the two of them has been my biggest supporter. I am so lucky to have such an amazing son and boyfriend that is patient and flexible during times that are in need with work. To have their love and support is always an instant encouragement and motivator within itself. My boyfriend Davy has definitely been a huge part of my transition to my new salon. Words can’t describe how thankful I am for him, all his hard work on helping my dreams and visions come alive. With a full time job, traveling in and out of town for work, this man has put in many weeknights and weekend hours to build out the salon. The hours, the time, the emotional support through the ups and downs, I just feel absolutely blessed. Thank you to all my friends, family, and clients that have always believed in me and supported me throughout the years. Extremely grateful for each and every one of you! XOXO

Website: www.browsbeautyandbronze.com
Instagram: @brows.beauty.and.bronze
Yelp: Brows Beauty and Bronze

Image Credits
Business photo credits to Ronald Trinh of BFR. Media