We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lucy Beato a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lucy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

One of the biggest risks I ever took was leaving a ten-year career in education to step into the completely unknown world of entrepreneurship.

At the time, I was a teacher. I had stability, a clear path, and a profession that I genuinely loved because education is ultimately about empowering others. But deep down I felt a pull to grow beyond the classroom. When the opportunity came to acquire and run a salon business, I remember thinking, This makes no sense on paper. I had no experience in the beauty industry and absolutely no background in running a business.

What I did have was curiosity, determination, and a strong desire to learn.

So I took the leap.

I moved to Miami and spent the next fifteen years building and managing Peter of London. Those years became my real-life business school. I learned about leadership, finances, customer relationships, team building, and resilience, often through trial and error. Entrepreneurship has a way of humbling you, but it also forces you to grow in ways you never imagined.

Looking back, that decision shaped the woman I am today. It taught me that growth rarely happens in comfortable places. That leap of faith eventually led me to the work I do now, helping women develop confidence, leadership, and the courage to pursue their own path.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is trust your ability to learn along the way and take the step anyway.

Lucy , 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?

I’m a leadership and business coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and author passionate about helping women recognize their potential and take action on their ideas. I’m also a mother, which has shaped a lot of how I see leadership, responsibility, and growth. I’ve always believed that leadership doesn’t just happen in boardrooms, it begins with the way we show up in our own lives and the courage we have to evolve.

My professional journey has taken a few unexpected turns. Over the years I’ve worked in education, entrepreneurship, and now coaching and leadership development. Each stage of that journey taught me something different about resilience, reinvention, and the importance of trusting your ability to learn and grow.

Today my work focuses on helping women build confidence, develop leadership skills, and move from ideas to action. Many of the women I work with have incredible potential but often feel unsure of themselves or overwhelmed by where to start. Through coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements, I help them gain clarity, strengthen their mindset, and take practical steps toward building the life or business they envision.

What sets my work apart is that it comes from lived experience. I’ve navigated career transitions, built and managed businesses, faced moments that required reinvention, and learned that growth rarely happens in perfect conditions. Because of that, the women I work with know they are receiving guidance from someone who understands both the challenges and the possibilities that come with stepping into something new.

I’m also the author of I Had Killer Boobs, a book inspired by my personal journey through adversity and resilience. Writing that book allowed me to share a message of hope, humor, and determination with others who may be facing difficult seasons in their own lives.

One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to take everything I’ve learned along the way and use it to support other women as they grow into leadership in their own lives and businesses. Seeing someone move from doubt to clarity and confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of the work I do.

At the end of the day, my mission is simple, to help women trust themselves, recognize their strengths, and realize that they are capable of far more than they often give themselves credit for.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

Yes, I spent more than fifteen years managing and operating salon businesses in Miami, including Peter of London. When I first stepped into that venture, I acquired an established business even though I had very little experience in the beauty industry and no formal background in running a salon. What I did have was determination, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

Over the years, those businesses became more than just workplaces. They were where I learned the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience. Running a salon means managing people, finances, client relationships, and constant change. Some days everything flows beautifully, and other days you’re solving problems you never imagined you would have to face. It teaches you quickly that entrepreneurship requires adaptability and a strong mindset.

Eventually there came a time when I knew it was the right moment to step into a new chapter and transition away from that business. Letting go of something you’ve managed and nurtured for many years is not easy. It’s emotional because it holds so many memories, lessons, and personal investment. But I also believe that growth often requires recognizing when it’s time to evolve.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that building a business is not only about financial success, it’s about building something meaningful while developing yourself along the way. If someone hopes to sell their business one day, my advice would be to build with intention from the beginning. Keep your systems organized, develop strong relationships with clients and your team, and treat your reputation as one of your most valuable assets.

Today, the lessons I learned during those years continue to influence the work I do. They shaped my understanding of leadership and entrepreneurship and ultimately led me to the work I now do helping other women grow their confidence, leadership, and businesses.

Looking back, that chapter was one of the most formative experiences of my life. It showed me that entrepreneurship is not just about building a business, it’s also about building the person you become in the process.

That experience is what now informs the way I guide and support other women as they step into leadership, entrepreneurship, and their own reinvention.

Any advice for managing a team?

One of the most important lessons I learned while managing salon teams over the years is that people don’t just work for a paycheck, they work in environments where they feel respected, valued, and heard.

In the beauty industry especially, you’re working with creative professionals who bring their personalities and talents into the workplace. That means leadership is less about control and more about communication, trust, and setting the tone for the culture you want to build.

For me, maintaining morale always started with being present and approachable. I tried to create an environment where my team felt comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, or challenges. When people feel like their voice matters, they naturally become more invested in the success of the business.

Another important piece is recognizing that everyone is motivated by different things. Some people value flexibility, others want growth opportunities, and others simply want acknowledgment for their work. Taking the time to understand what motivates each person makes a huge difference in how they show up every day.

And of course, leadership also requires accountability. High morale doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations. It means addressing issues with respect, fairness, and clarity so the team knows the standards that support a healthy workplace.

Looking back, managing teams taught me that leadership is really about people. When you create an environment built on respect, communication, and shared purpose, people don’t just come to work, they feel proud to be part of what you’re building.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.Lucybeato.com
• Instagram: Lucybeatocoach
• Linkedin: Lucy Beato

Image Credits

Eddy Photography
Camila photography