We were lucky to catch up with Kristen Payton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

When I first embarked on this journey I named this establishment Italia. My vision was to create an environment that felt luxurious and cozy. As if you were visiting your grandparents house on the coast of Italy in Manarola. Mediterranean blue walls, ornate mirrors with marble floors, a cute little terrace equipped with bistro set and seasonal flowers. Free flowing wine and fresh espresso. My goal was to create an escape, a little quaint beauty oasis that is a reflection of the beautiful coastal towns in the Mediterranean. Halfway though renovations I discovered that I am a decent of King Phillip III of France. Upon learning this I was soo excited because the decor already resembled the French Baroque style, it was very easy to transition to a Royal French theme which birthed the new name Broussard’s House of Beauty.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

At 15 years old I began helping my friends and family with their beauty rituals. Everything from nails to plucking eyebrows, silk presses and even installing hair extensions. My first serious job was working as a Safety Tech for the Chevron refinery located in El Segundo. Although the pay was great I felt very uninspired. Once my refinery safety overview license expired I took that as an opportunity to change career paths and I enrolled into the AVED Institute of Los Angeles in 2009. I Learned much more than I anticipated. From product knowledge to some of the most advanced coloring techniques that are still popular today. Upon graduating and becoming licensed I completed an eyelash extension certification. This transition changed my life. Lashes became so popular this skill catapulted my success beyond imagination.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During my scholastic journey I lost access to a motor vehicle. I grew up very sheltered never taking a train or a bus for more that ten minutes. At the time I had already had four cars and I was out of options. I was unable to purchase or find a replacement vehicle, my only option was to travel 4 hours a day to and from school. This was especially hard because it was so tiring to travel that much in full glam whilst arriving to school to be punctual and spunky with a high energy attitude which is required in the beauty industry.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After 10 years licensed and established the 2020 Covid Pandemic took place and rocked my world. At the time I was completely lost. The world was in shambles my mom fell ill and my aunt was diagnosed with cancer. Everything seemed so dark and depressing. Out of survival I obtained a job working for AMAZON. I didnt think things couldn’t any worse and then I injured my dominant shoulder. No longer able to do hair or lashes I pivoted from trying to establish my career to facilitating an environment for others beauty professionals to launch their own career.

Contact Info:

• Website: Broussardshouseofbeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broussards.house.of.beauty?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/broussard-s-house-of-beauty-long-beach?uid=nj_oiaEUgEjCsJJpD0V14A&utm_source=ishare