We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brooke Bangart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brooke, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you ever experienced a times when your entire field felt like it was taking a U-Turn?
Industry U-turns might be my middle name. Cosmetic Laser Reps actually named me the “rough rider” of the laser industry here in Phoenix. Here are a few reasons. My first was a divorce that lead me from Utah to Az back in 2007. I had actually allowed my professional lic to lapse while in Wa and Utah as I somehow was asked to help out for a few weeks at Nordstrom and ended up managing the mens division in Bellevue Wa for 10years not 2 weeks. This was actually a blessing as I was able to work closely with the Nordstrom family which has brought me the courage and knowledge in running my business today.
Upon arriving in Az I knew managing at Nordstrom had served its purpose for me. I was ready to get back into the Cosmetology and Aesthetic business. I actually was googling to find a salon to get my hair done and wound up down a rabbit hole and reinstated my full cosmetology lic where I could start working with skin which then took me to getting my Lic in Az to get my Cosmetic Laser Lic through the Radiology board here in Az. Shortly after I was offered a position teaching medical grade chemical peel course. One thing lead to another and the instructors at a training facility refused to do overflow treatments at no charge for hourly rate so the owner asked me if I would take it on. This was probably the biggest boost in my career because I was able to work 12hr days and 7 days a week taking laser clients all day long. I treated so many in every different laser modality for 2 years that I was able to teach every single Laser modality. Because of that I was offered more teaching days. That opened up the door to building a clientele as well. When I was able to teach in every modality I was able to build a personal clientele without having to refer clients out to anyone else.
After 10 years at that facility which I was grateful for… The owner decided I was making too much money and decided to cut my commissions by a substantial amount. So I was given a choice to stay or go and I went. The unfortunate part of this is that I had signed a contract and held my end of the bargain to not treat any of my clients for the next 2 years. This is where I started building over again from zero. I tried working for 3 other companies and realized not many business owners think in the way Blake Nordstrom and the Nordstrom family do business. The Nordstrom way of business was engraved in me and I couldn’t find a home…. So I found 2 business partners one Dr that would work in the practice with me and the other that trusted us financially and opened a Medspa/ Wellness Center of my own.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Oh Dear, I believe I may have shared some of this on the first page and went overboard. Well, My name is Brooke Bangart, I have been a Cosmetic Laser Technician in Phoenix Az for 17years and have owned Ageless Anatomy Medical Spa for 6 years. The business I am in is very rewarding in the way that I am able to assist our clients to feel more confident and healthy in their daily lives.
I treat the skin of clients from age 9 to 99. I am very passionate about Skin Resurfacing with Lasers. Clients that seek out skin resurfacing come to me with Surgical scars, trauma scars from auto injury accidents, dog bites (dog bites are a big one, I read a statistic that over 200,000 in the US lose their lives by dogs) , domestic violence cases lacerations, gun shot wounds , removed port wine stains, treated all types of acne scars, and what everyone gets to which is good old living life that blesses us with orange peel texture, wrinkles, sun damage and spots and the good old saggy skin whether it be from aging or weightless. Skin Resurfacing is an art, many laser techs never get to the resurfacing part of it, I feel blessed that it comes naturally for me. The biophysics of lasers fascinate me. I love to layer treatments for better outcomes, I treat all ethnic backgrounds and skin types which many don’t ever feel comfortable with the resurfacing of skin so I do get a lot of referrals from other techs in the valley as well as other states and countries. I just love people in general and truly care for their well being and their feelings. It is easy for me to connect with anyone and everyone.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?
My business was funded by a friend of mine. We have known each other for 35 years. I actually had him look at some funding/ business offers and he said ” Brooke I have known you for a long time through all different businesses, I know how hard you work and are successful. These offers are all one sided and not for you. I will give you what you need, Im not in this for the money I just want to help you…. Under one condition, don’t sign anymore contracts before I read them please.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I have in this business long enough where I have signed all sorts legal agreements, non compete and non disclosure agreements. I always signed without having legal counsel look them over and put myself into positions where I have had to completely start over every time. Some that stated I couldn’t even work on my own mother for a. year, two years etc without being sued. Ive been followed by private investigators which was very mentally and emotionally taxing on my health just being followed literally everywhere even to the gym, home, work. I have worked very hard and held always help up my side of the commitments I made. Legal letters mailed to me with threats when I wasn’t doing anything against contracts. The industry just kept me busy learning more everyday and leveling up when all of this was going on around me. It was easy to stay focused and not give up because I love the clients I am blessed to be able to treat and change lives everyday. It has definitely been a long journey but worth it all to stick with it.
Contact Info:
- Website: agelessanatomy.com
- Instagram: Ageless Anatomy
- Facebook: Ageless Anatomy
- Youtube: Ageless Anatomy
Image Credits
Matt Ehnes- professional photos.