We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brittaney Banks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brittaney below.
Brittaney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Prior to 2021 I was working as a fashion stylist assistant/photographer at a company called DRJAYS, in San Diego. I enjoyed working there and I learned a lot about styling. That time spent in quarantine, I realized that I was not fulfilled in the way I use to be when I had first started my journey as a fashion stylist in 2017. I have always loved fashion and as a little kid I swore up and down I was going to be a stylist, even though I had no idea what that was or meant. But fashion was only a small part of what I loved. I also loved learning about human behaviors and mental health especially as I have gotten older and have learned more about how much the mental health industry has developed and grown over the last 20 years. After battling with the idea for a couple of years I decided to go back to school and change my major from business to Psychology. I had no type of mental health background, except my personal experiences being in therapy but that did not stop me. I decided to leave my job after almost 4 years to pursue school full time. I luckily had a background in cosmetology, so that allowed me the ability to start my own business as an eyelash technician so I could support myself and my son while going to school full time. I left my job with no back up plan, enough savings to get me through at least 6 months, and the hopes of eventually becoming a licensed psychologist, helping those who may not come from traditional backgrounds like myself.
Fast forward to 2023, I completed my undergrad is psychology, relocated to Hawaii, got a job as an elementary school counselor, and am starting my masters in mental health counseling. I also plan on pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology. Even though this dream is taking time to fully obtain, I have not once regretted chasing my real dream and have never been more proud of myself for going after what I know I want and deserve. I am so thankful for my friends, family, and my clients for all of the support and love that had shown me the last 2 years while I balanced school, life, and a business. I could not have done it without them.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Prior to switching over to the mental health industry, I was a fashion stylist. I worked as a fashion assistant/photographer for an e-commerce company called DRJAYS in San Diego, from 2017 until early 2021. I decided to pursue a career in psychology as a psychologist, slowly making my way through each academic program.
My goal eventually is to own a private practice and to help those who may be battling with different mental health issues. I would love to stay true to my fashion loving side and find a way teach my clients how to balance the “dress good, feel good” method. I don’t know if this is something everyone believes but I personally feel that if you put on an outfit that makes you feel confident and happy, you are more likely to exude that energy throughout your day.
Mental health isn’t just about processing our feelings and thoughts, it’s also about how we take care of our bodies. So if I can teach people how to dress while also helping them take care of their mental health than I have officially won at life.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I have always believed in networking. Any field I ever worked in I have always made an effort to network, because it is definitely good to know others in your line of work. You can learn so much from others, especially those who are seasoned and have the experience that you are needing. But also nurturing those relationships, nurturing relationships organically not only allows you to learn but it gives you room for people to get to know you on a deeper level than just a face they recognize.
For example, one of my lash clients happened to be a licensed counselor. She was so kind to offer me an internship through her practice, which is something I need in order to obtain my MA and license when I graduate. Not only am I grateful for the opportunity but that is someone who is in the field I am in so I would consider her to be wealth knowledge from me to learn from.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I can recommend two books.
“You can’t hurt me” by David Goggins. David Goggins is definitely not everyones cup of tea. but he is real, raw, and some may even think he’s crazy, but he is a great example of not giving up and unlearning bad habits.
“The body keeps the score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk M.D. This book has helped me on a personal and professional note, it has opened my eyes to so much information about mental health and also has even taught me some history as well.
Both of these books are amazing and I highly recommend them if you are wanting to grow as an individual on all levels.
Image Credits
Bianca Gonzalez https://www.biancagonzalez-photography.com https://www.instagram.com/_biancagonz_/