Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Holly Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Holly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
While I was attending Esthetic school I got a call from my Dr. that all the lymph nodes in my lungs were enlarged to an alarming size. They had seen the lymph nodes on a routine MRI I had because in 2000 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After having a surgical biopsy, I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis and because I now had 2 autoimmune diseases my form of treatment was changing. The Dr’s decided that I would benefit greatly from infusions of Rituxan which was a form of chemotherapy. Having to juggle my new and old health issues along with starting a new career was risk #1. After having my first few infusion I developed a terrible rash and when I informed my Drs, they looked at me with blank stares and offered no advice. There had to be a better way. I found out about a new training for Estheticians to treat Oncology skin side effects and took the class. Still to this day I don’t know why, having no experience with nonprofits and knowing nothing about how they ran etc, I decided to start a nonprofit. Risk #2. Well I started Looking & Feeling FAB, Inc. 9 years ago, not having a clue what to do and we have managed to become sought out experts in the field of treating skin side effects from cancer treatment. We have managed to start locations 4 in Massachusetts, 1 in Rhode Island, 1 in Beverly Hills, CA and others in the works in a few states. We work in partnership with a number of different hospitals in the areas and have a number of programs that are offered to the clients at no cost. We have helped hundreds who would of otherwise suffered in silence. I also created a 4-hr course to train estheticians how to safely treat those with or having a history of cancer – risk #3. I have managed to train a large number of estheticians in the Massachusetts, rhode island, Connecticut area and going to offer trainings in Arizona and California. Every risk I have taken was well worth it and I love what I do.
Holly, 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?
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have had to pivot a few times in life. The first time was at the age of 25 when I was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At a time when my friends were getting married and starting to have children, I was faced with the reality of would I become cripple, or would I even die? I remember that I would obsess about people finding out that I had MS. I was always afraid I would fall or something debilitating would happen. I always wanted to be a police officer. I knew once I got the diagnosis that would not happen. Then I got a job as a State Police Dispatcher and that had to end because of the long hours and stress of the job. I was so lost in my 20s and 30s afraid to pursue anything at the thought I could become disabled at any time. I think it was after COVID and my doctors warning me about the fatal consequences that would result if I got it and then having survived it 3 times, as well as realizing how successful the charity had become I finally realized, I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. So I really started living life. I went back to school and will graduate with my Bachelors in Business with concentration in Nonprofit Management in April 2024. I am looking forward to what more I can overcome and accomplish in the future.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
I think the other things that are helpful is first and foremost believing in yourself. There is nothing you can’t accomplish. I think that the second thing is to surround yourself with people who are supportive and uplifting. People that will tell you the truth but never turn their back on you. I also think its helpful to attend events and shows to meet the best in the business and get to know people who may have the same struggles as you do. Everyone has a story so I think that its important to be human and interact with people and learn from people. Those are the best lessons, not ones you can read in a book or study for. Also I think its important to instill in others positivity and encouragement. Cheer others in your circle or field on and let them know you are there to embellish in their success. Randomly send someone you hardly know a nice message. We all add something to our field and we all add something to society and we are so much more successful when we work together. Another one would be stay the course. Don’t get distracted by others ideas. Stay focused and accomplish what you want to accomplish. Also don’t always assume something or about someone. Get to know each person before believing what others are saying. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or support. You will succeed more in the end.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lookfeelfab.org
- Instagram: @lookfeelfaborg
- Facebook: lookfeelingfab
- Linkedin: Holly Brown
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lookingandfeelingfabinc.6768