We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany McCorkell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I’m absolutely happier as a business owner.

From the very beginning, I was all in—no doubts, no backups, no plan B.
I am forever grateful how deeply my clients and my business would support me through some of the hardest losses and seasons of my life.
my career in the beauty industry and being a creator, an entrepreneur grounded me when everything else felt unsteady.
The freedom gave me space to heal, the purpose kept me moving forward, and the people I serve gave me a sense of stability I built with my own hands.
my businesses have been my strength, my growth, and my lifeline.

Brittany, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Brittany McCorkell — Building Beauty, Purpose, and Second Chances

I’m Brittany McCorkell, Co-founder of Brazilian Wax Bar and Image Nation Group, and my journey has always been about transformation — both personal and for those I serve.

Growing up in the inner city, life was never easy. I faced challenges that tested me in ways most people can’t imagine: loss, struggle, and moments where the path forward wasn’t clear. My story includes trials with incarceration, periods of doubt, and seasons where I had to rebuild myself from the ground up. But through every obstacle, I discovered a truth: resilience, purpose, and community can carry you farther than fear ever will.

I was all in from the very beginning — no plan B. I became a licensed master cosmetologist and threw myself into my craft, believing that beauty and self-care could be a lifeline — not just for clients, but for me. That belief became the foundation for Brazilian Wax Bar, a luxury waxing and skincare studio where every client is treated like a star.
From Brazilian waxes to vajacials and post-care treatments, we provide more than services — we provide care, confidence, and a sanctuary for people to feel good in their own skin.

But my vision didn’t stop there. I wanted to create spaces where people who have faced barriers, like I once did, could find opportunities to rebuild. That’s why I Co-founded Image Nation Group — a company dedicated to leadership, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. Through coaching, salon bootcamps, and personal development programs, we not only help aspiring beauty professionals — including those reentering society after incarceration — gain the skills, confidence, and support they need to transform their lives.

What sets my brands apart is heart, experience, and authenticity. My clients and students aren’t just customers or participants — they’re part of a community where growth, self-worth, and healing are central. My own experiences with adversity allow me to guide them with empathy, practical tools, and real-world insight.

What I’m most proud of is seeing lives change. From a first-time client leaving Brazilian Wax Bar feeling empowered, to a bootcamp graduate starting their own business, I’ve built platforms that create tangible results, opportunities, and hope.

At the core of everything I do is a simple truth: beauty and business are more than what meets the eye — they are tools for transformation, empowerment, and second chances. My mission is to inspire people to look good, feel good, and rebuild boldly, no matter the obstacles they’ve faced. This element is what I am most proud of.

I want people to know this: your past does not define your future. Resilience, vision, and a strong community can carry you beyond anything you thought possible. That’s the story of my life, and that’s the story I help others write every day through Brazilian Wax Bar and Image Nation Group.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met Coach Tyrone Hartman in my home state of New Jersey.
We started dating and very quickly took the leap into entrepreneurship.
We decided to move to Atlanta, Ga area and open up our first Brazilian Wax Bar, formerly know as In the City Wax Boutiques.
We were partners through all the many ups and downs in Business.
Coming to work early staying late and making sure we solidified our luxury client based motto.
We designed a plan to move into Salon Suite business in our future.
Unfortunately, Coach Tyrone Hartman transitioned to become an ancestor in 2023 and I work diligently to continue down this path of Success and I am fired up more than ever before. I have turned pain into purpose before and I am truly grateful for the 10 years we spent together. I will take all the knowledge I gained from him and our journey together to assist as many individuals in building businesses.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

All I can say is COVID. Being a business owner during Covid was a very, very scary time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://citywaxbar.com/ https://image-nationgroup.com/ ( I have two websites)
• Instagram: @bwaxbar @image_nationgroup @whereimfrompodcast ( I have 3 IG)
• Facebook: 1. Brittany McCorkell/2. Brazilian Wax Bar/3.Where I’m From Podcast (I have 3 facebooks)
• Linkedin: Brittany McCorkell
• Twitter: @bwaxbar
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whereimfrom-podcast
• Yelp: Brazilian Wax Bar Smyrna, Ga
• Other: Thank you !!!

Image Credits

Image Credit Bilal @gratevision