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

Brandon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I grew up in a military household with 7 siblings. My parents raised me to be respectful, inclusive, and responsible at all times. Growing up in a huge family we always had someone in the family dealing with “something.” No matter what- my parents made sure we all were heard, understood, and valued.

I’m my adult life I do my best to mimic those ways I was taught as a child. I am intentional when meeting new people, I have a talent for remembering names, and making outsiders feel welcomed and invited into spaces or conversations they may be timid.

I love people and learning different cultures and backgrounds. I find this helps me be successful in my work life yet helps me create such strong bonds and friendships in my personal life as well.

Brandon, 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?

I was broke and needed a job while I was away in college. I went out shopping with my cousin one day and was asked if we would be interested in a seasonal job for the holidays.

We both applied and were hired a week later! I worked for this beauty retailer for 7 years and fell in love with the industry at this point. Years later I was recruited to work on the vendor side managing multiple locations and driving sales through events, education, and training.

18 years in the industry; I now manage all of Florida along with supporting the East coast of the United States.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe the people- internal staff and your guests are the most important focus in what we do. Sales will come and go but the people are what matter most. Finding a way to connect and make each and every one of them feel valued, accepted, and seen says more about you as a leader than the sales that follow.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growth is getting connected in the community. This past year I have been intentional about learning my community in any way possible to grow as an activist and as a business as well. I’ve been part of my Chamber of Commerce, my local Run Club and I’ve expanded this year by joining our Lions Club, Historical Society!

I’ve gained so many connections and have met so many leaders that have helped me grow personally and professionally in the past year. It’s been phenomenal! 100 percent recommend!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Ou_fancyhuh
• Facebook: Brandon Ka’ai
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-lee-19366783/

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