TGIF, Cowes!
Today, we beam light on the skin and beauty expert of Toronto, Stephanie Gee. Read on for instant #inspo.
Give us your “quick n dirty” — tell us a bit about yourself. We want to know what you’re all about.
I’m Stephanie Gee, one of four women behind Gee Beauty, a multi-generational beauty brand. I’m currently based in Toronto and frequently travel to Miami, which is where one of our studios and half of my family is located. I’m a total extrovert, beauty expert, wellness obsessor and entrepreneur who is always trying to do my very best, with a sense of humour.
#LocalLove is all about showing love to bad-ass bosses like yourself. Can you share with us what you do for work and how you make an impact?
My career is focused on people and the human connection. As Gee Beauty’s Social Director, I am responsible for building a supportive online and in person community, constant engagement and content creation for our social channels and team management. I work with clients one on one to create their best beauty regimen, produce lifestyle driven content on my own personal channels (Youtube and Instagram) and immerse myself in as much learning as possible to be a well rounded, experienced and knowledgeable expert. My goal is to make beauty, skincare, makeup and wellness understandable, exciting and simple so it can be easily incorporated in your life.
How did you get into this line of work?
Born and raised! I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and Gee Beauty was founded at my kitchen table. My mother, Miriam, two sisters, Natalie and Celene, my father, Alan, breaded the brand in 2005 and I came into the business quickly thereafter. I attempted university but after the first 6 months, I had an intuitive feeling that I needed to be in the workforce full time. Over the last 14 years, I have been committed to learning, experimenting, and growing to be the best at what I do.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given (career or otherwise)?
Time is your best friend. My mother, Miriam Gee always reminds me of this. From all that I have experienced so far in my life, time has allowed me to make thoughtful decisions, witness what the universe is providing and teaching me and to evolve into a newer versions of myself year over year.
How about the worst?
While I’m sure I could share it, I’d rather not because if it didn’t serve me well, I worked on myself to forget it so it can no longer clutter my mind.
If you could paint your ideal life, what would that look like in 5-10 years from now?
I’m a little intimidated by those who know what the next 5-10 years will look like. To be honest, I am best at visualizing the next 3-6 months at max, which works for me. With that, I am manifesting a life filled with a great love, a home filled with people I cherish, more Gee Beauty studios in new cities, my growing family and new skills I can bring into the business.
What are your favourite resources that you’ve come across over the years (e.g., email extensions, design apps etc.)
I personally love Instagram. I know it can be a challenging space/platforms at times, but it has brought me a wealth of opportunity – to connect, to share, and to be inspired. I think podcasting is an incredible form of communication to tell a story, to speak more freely, and to learn. I have been a guest on 7 podcasts so far, and each time I feel honoured and excited to be asked to share my story. I love apps like Planoly, which allows me to plan out Gee Beauty’s social for months at a time and Asana, which took me a while to get used to, but is now a necessity for constant business communication.
Who are 3 of your favourite Canadian entrepreneurs that our readers should absolutely be in the know about?
Aside from my partners, @miriamgeebeauty, @natgeebeauty and @celenegeebeauty (who I would suggest following for more beauty and lifestyle content), I would absolutely say: Catriona Smart who is forever inspiring me to hustle and love with everything I’ve got. Michelle Levine of 6 By Gee Beauty, for always teaching me how to create effortless style, and Sasha Exeter, for her amazing workout content and daughter Max – the cutest and funniest little girl on IG!
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xx
The Cowe