We were lucky to catch up with BIANCA FESTEJO recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi BIANCA, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?

My journey in the beauty industry began in 2015 when I established my first salon, which quickly expanded to six branches. While it was a thriving venture, the pandemic dealt a severe blow, and I found myself facing bankruptcy. This challenging period led me through a phase of mild depression, but I soon realized that dwelling on self-pity wouldn’t improve my situation. I knew I had to reinvent myself.

During that time, I had been offering tattooing services to camouflage stretch marks and scars using skin tone tattoo ink, matching it to the individual’s skin. Interestingly, people from all over the world started inquiring if I provided training in this unique technique. Recognizing an untapped opportunity, I decided to venture into teaching, as there weren’t many educators in this particular field.

However, I wanted my new business to stand out and be successful. After careful consideration, I identified the major challenge in the industry – matching the skin tone accurately. To address this, I collaborated with an app developer who agreed to work on an installment basis, and together, we created a groundbreaking skin tone reader. This innovative product enables tattoo artists to determine the precise pigment colors to use for their clients, ensuring superior results.

Additionally, I noticed another issue with the existing ink products – none of them were designed to mimic the natural skin tone effectively. So, I took it upon myself to create my own custom ink, tailored for this specific purpose. This decision further set my business apart, as we were now equipped with an exclusive ink product that delivered exceptional results.

Though it took some time to gain momentum, our efforts began to pay off. We gained traction in the industry and eventually introduced the first-ever medical-grade serum, capable of treating stretch marks and scars without the need for traditional ink. This breakthrough not only elevated our status but also revolutionized the industry itself.

Today, we proudly boast two pioneering products that have become game-changers – the innovative skin tone reader and the unique medical-grade serum. Through perseverance and ingenuity, I turned adversity into success, redefining my career in the beauty industry and leaving a lasting impact on the field.

BIANCA, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

rewrite i came from a very humble beginnings. My dad was American, mom is Filipina. I did not have my dad when I was growing up so my mom had to leave me at my grand parents care so that she could work in the city and provide for me. My grandparents were farmers and fisherman. We lived in an island in the Philippines without any electricity, no toiletry and we had to walk a few kilometers to fetch water by the well. In college, my dad found his way back to us but poverty led me to work and become a bread winner while also supporting my studies. But even at a young age, I already had big dreams. I would often watch and read anything about sefl-help trying to figure out how i can be rich and provide a better life for my family. I managed to finish college and even made it to master’s degree while also working and hustling. When I finally graduated, i went on to work my first corporate job and realized that the idea i always had “finish school so you can get a good paying job” was a scam. I was earning more in college when i was hustling than when i was wearing my office attire. That is when i knew i needed a change. I did buy and of beauty products to save enough to start a business. I would say the hardest part then was not saving for the business but actually deciding what business to start. Because of the influence of my best friend, I decided to jump into farming, buying a fish pen. I later realized that it was not a good idea to start a business that I have no knowledge or control over. So I sold the business and used the money to start a salon business. I also did not have any idea how to operate a salon. I did not know how to cut hair, how to manage people but I was good in marketing. That salon became a big success and 3 months after, i found myself looking for the next location.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

When I was in college, during the time that I was struggling and barely have money to pay my tuition fee. I was focused on the thought that there must be a better way for me to get out of poverty. That is when a video popped up when I was watching YouTube videos.

In the video, the man was explaining about how our thoughts, self talk and feelings affects our reality. I found it very fascinating.

One day, I was walking on the street outside my university with my classmate and we passed through a small street vendor selling books. For some reason one book called my attention. I have never seen it before for I felt like it was calling me. I then stepped back to the store and held the book up and my classmate told me “that is a good read” surprised that he has already read it.

I then asked if it was a book about how to attract anything you want and he said yes. The book was The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.

It was worth $10 which was a lot of money for me but for some reason I felt I needed that book. So I bought it. That was the beginning of things changing in my life for the better.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I went bankrupt back in 2020, I thought it was the end of my career and everything I worked for. I lost all my business, my car got repossessed, and found myself in more than $100,000 depth. At the time, I was already thinking of what remote job I could apply for.

But, I realized that if I did it once, I can do it again. I decided to talk myself out of feeling sorry for myself and instead focus on the things that matter like my whole family being healthy. I also realized that it will be faster for me to get back up again compared to when I first started because I already have the knowledge, determination and skill it takes to become success. If I did it once, I can do it again, and again, and again. Because circumstances can take away my money but it can never take away my knowledge and resilience.

Today, I realized that my failure in my salon business was not really a failure, it was just the universe redirecting me to bigger and better things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nueconceal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeywithbianca/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nueconceal/
• Linkedin: https://ph.linkedin.com/in/bianca-festejo-1b382972
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa9O-kbZnG46Mphov7qE18A

Image Credits
I own the photos.