Happy Friday, Cowes!
Today, we shine light on the beautiful Hayley Bogaert of Haley Bogaert Face.
Give us your “quick n dirty” — tell us a bit about yourself. We want to know what you’re all about.
Well, I was a Sarnia native and began working in the beauty industry right after moving out on my own, at 15 years old. I did a part-time co-op at Caryl Baker Visage where I focused on brows and make-up. I loved what I was doing and being the “best in sales” at this location just came with it.
I was determined to succeed on my own terms which motivated my move to Toronto where I spent a year and a half attending school for special effects and makeup, while working three jobs to continue afford living on my own. I spent three years at Toronto’s well-known and fabulous Gee Beauty, where I gained the most significant experience and met some of my most loyal clients who have followed me everywhere since. I felt so excited and passionate under Gee’s roof, it was very rewarding for me to make women feel good about themselves and begin building genuine relationships with these lovely ladies.
A few years into my time at Gee Beauty, I tragically lost both my brother and mother within six months of each other which really affected my headspace and energy. I attempted jumping back into my work but unfortunately at the tender age of 22, I felt as though I had lost absolutely everything and felt no choice but to resign shortly after. After mourning, I felt more driven to succeed and accomplish something for myself, on my own terms. I was consistently manifesting positive energy and felt that it was suddenly possible to create and build something of my own, then it happened, Haley Bogaert Face was born.
#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?
By tapping into my education, real-life experience, years of working in the industry and desire to help women discover their inner glow, I began seeing clients out of my apartment and selling my own line of products via an online shop- all while attending business school at night. A kismet partnership I put together with two influencers resulted in a $37,000 CAD sales day and my Instagram presence and following quickly took off. Within a year, I had rented a studio in midtown Toronto, hiring two staff to help with the demand – the Haley Bogaert Face business was officially beginning to flourish.
Eight short months following my move to the studio space, HB Face moved into its’ flagship retail storefront on Toronto’s Eglington Avenue. The business currently employs nine staff and has over 4,000 clients in our system. In addition to brows, threading and make-up services, HB Face will soon offer facials as well. But I am far from finished. My goal is to continue to grow with additional storefront locations and build out the brand’s eponymous skincare line and make-up products.
In a short time, I have really felt my vision transform into my reality. I am so passionate about supporting and lifting up my peers and female entrepreneurs. Owning my own biz has not only facilitated the creative freedom I have always desired but building something of my own has been one of the most powerful forms of healing.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given (career or otherwise)?
Goal set for yourself, be organized and set deadlines, so that you can really stay on track and prosper.
How about the worst?
The worst advice I’ve ever been given is to move quicker than I ever have. I’ve always moved at a slow and steady pace to ensure everything is on track rather than moving too fast and not making sure everything is perfect and organized.
If you could paint your ideal life, what would that look like in 5-10 years from now?
In 5-10 years I’d love to have expanded into the U.S with multiple stores in New York and L.A to start. I see myself hopefully and eventually living in New York.
What are your favourite resources that you’ve come across over the years (e.g., email extensions, design apps etc.)
My favourite resources over the years have been beauty industry platforms where I research and learn more and more about the industry every day. WWD being one of them as well as Forbes. I am always educating myself on business, by reading books on entrepreneurship.
Who is your favourite entrepreneur, that our readers should absolutely be in the know about?
One of the main people I look up to is Sophia Amoruso, founder of Girl Boss.
Check out more on our IG, here.
xx
The Cowe