Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittni Fontleroy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brittni, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

As a kid, I grew up in a tough neighborhood and had to travel to other areas to access resources and opportunities that weren’t available in my community. While my children have had access to programs that cater to their gifts, thanks to our intentional searches, I know it’s not as easy for everyone. It’s still difficult for many kids to find resources to nurture their talents, especially in underfunded areas. This lack of access is why I’m so passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive—whether they’re interested in beauty, the arts, or any other creative field.

If I could change anything about the current education system, it would be to celebrate creative authenticity more. I discovered my artistic abilities at the age of 10—not only in how I saw the world but also in how I approached learning. Unfortunately, I believe the education system has become more rigid and less focused on nurturing the unique talents of each child.

By the age of 12, I had already discovered pathways that offered both money and valuable insights into success. Conversations about performing arts schools were common among my peers—everything from ballet to art production and film. We had the opportunity to take our ideas seriously, and in doing so, we created something special.

Unfortunately, many students in low-income areas don’t have the same access to these creative opportunities. Research shows that students who are involved in the arts, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, are far less likely to drop out of school—only 4% of these students drop out, compared to 22% of their peers who aren’t involved in the arts. Yet, in many schools, especially those in low-income communities, creative subjects like music, art, and drama are often the first to get cut. Without these outlets, kids can miss out on discovering their true potential. In fact, the arts help reduce anxiety and depression, boost self-esteem, and improve emotional well-being.

While technology, including artificial intelligence, is amazing and offers great tools, the current education system can still be limiting for some kids. This is why I’m working toward creating summer training programs for aspiring beauty business creatives. These programs will offer a balance of artistic development, problem-solving, social media training, and stewardship of talents. I truly believe that empowering young people to explore their creative potential can help them find confidence and even reduce mental health struggles like depression and anxiety.

Brittni, 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?

My name is Brittni Fontleroy, and I am the founder and owner of Oh Glow She Didn’t. At Oh Glow She Didn’t, we’re dedicated to empowering aspiring beauty professionals and creative youth to grow their confidence and transform their passions into thriving businesses.

I started this journey during the pandemic in 2020—a time when many beauty professionals had to pause and stay in place. Ironically, just two years earlier, I had decided to pause my own career to focus on my family. That season taught me an invaluable lesson: even the most challenging times can serve as a foundation for something new. Who would have thought that my two-year “training ground” would be the very thing that helped me sell out a product I’d stored up without plans to use—and shift me into my true passion: helping people.

During that time, I had the privilege of helping others launch their own businesses, from developing skincare and haircare products to sourcing, packing, building websites, and running virtual classes. It was the first phase of a journey that became clearer with time.

Eventually, I was invited to network at an event for dreamers within Beyoncé’s Black Parade Small Business Initiative. It was a pivotal moment, one that made me realize how beautifully my love for beauty and my heart for giving back could come together in a meaningful and celebrated way.

Today, I’m more committed than ever to providing a platform for young creatives to thrive. Oh Glow She Didn’t isn’t just about teaching skills; it’s about nurturing the next generation of professionals—equipping them with the confidence, ethics, and tools they need to stand tall in their calling and make an impact.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As an entrepreneur, there have been numerous lessons I’ve had to unlearn in order to stay on course. One of the most significant was the idea that your friends and family won’t support you. When I first started my business in 2009, I spent a lot of time second-guessing myself and receiving unsolicited advice from people who weren’t necessarily dedicated to my vision or future.

The truth is, while your product or service may not be for everyone, I’ve learned that family, friends, and word of mouth have been the pillars of my growth. Their support has been incredible, and they have been there for me every step of the way. Had I believed the idea that no one I personally knew would show up for me, I would’ve missed every opportunity to nurture and benefit from the support I’ve sown into others’ lives. Their belief in me has been a driving force behind my success.

If you’re planning to launch something big but feel unprepared, know that it’s often the perfect time for a breakthrough. There are more people rooting for you than against you, including complete strangers who genuinely want to see you succeed. I’ve learned to adjust my thinking and trust that help will come from the north, south, east, and west—and it hasn’t failed me, even when I’ve stepped away from traditional marketing methods.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

As a person, I deeply care about others. I believe in living with integrity and genuinely wanting the best for those around me. My servant heart has always been a source of support, and I think it’s something that draws people in. I remember, even as a child, having a selfless nature that at times worried my grandmother—haha!

I’ve always had the ability to see potential in everything, which has allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life—across different age groups, both older and younger. As an artist, I am consistent, professional, flexible, and honored to serve. While I sometimes take on more than I can handle alone, I absolutely love being part of the process that brings dreams and visions to life.

This is exactly why Oh Glow She Didn’t holds such a special place in my heart. Through this company, I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring the next generation of artists, helping them build a strong foundation of self-worth, clarity, and confidence. Advocating for their gifts in a safe and empowering environment is truly a dream come true.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://ohglowshedidnt.com/