Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Coke.
Hi Brittney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Jamaica. I currently live in Florida. I am an Entrepreneur, Fashion/Shoe Designer, Stylist, Beautician, Pageant Girl, and Influencer. I am the owner of Classify Beauty (a one stop to fashion and beauty through products, services, and insight) and Cab Firm (a career and business firm offering a variety of career and business consulting and coaching services).
I am a Human Resource Professional by day and a Fashion and Beauty Babe by way. I am a former Educator. I have a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management from Florida International University, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Indian River State College.
Fashion, style, and beauty for me have always been a huge part of my growing up. When I got to high school that passion grew. As any high school student going through the motions of trying to figure out what career I wanted to pursue, the only interest was fashion designer and entrepreneur. After getting accepted to the Miami International University also known as Art Institute to study fashion design, I decided to attend Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University shortly after to study business. I made this decision with hopes that I could land a great day job, in addition to still pursue my career in fashion and beauty.
I remember when I used to go to parties and I always looked forward to what outfit I was going to wear and how I wanted my hair. I would take pictures and post them on MySpace and Facebook where I got great feedback. That’s when I first toyed with the idea of starting a blog. I thought well, I am going out, getting dressed, taking pictures. Why not? Why not use this as a stepping stone to becoming a fashion designer as well as building my brand. While in both high school and college, I worked part-time as a freelance hairstylist. Shortly after, I started to get into makeup application.
In 2015, while sitting in my office at work, one day I decided to start my blog. I wanted to highlight fashion, style, and beauty. My husband was already a graphic designer, photographer, and web designer that ran his own company. I had all the resources, the only thing left to do was just to go for it. So, there you have it, Classify Beauty was born.
Classify Beauty was originally a blog created by myself (@iambrittneycc). I am an all-around style, fashion, and beauty lover. Fashion, style, and beauty is a way for me to express myself in an artistic manner. Classify Beauty has since experienced a huge growth. It has developed into a brand as I celebrate the launch of Classify Beauty Lab (offering hairstyling, makeup application, and fashion styling services), Classify Beauty Crown (custom wig units), Classify Beauty Closet (shoe and clothing collection), Classify Beauty Claws (press on nails), Classify Beauty Cosmetics (makeup line), and Classify Beauty Merch (branded merchandise.) This growth has been well overdue as I share my talents, passion, and insight with the world.
Since I got started as a blogger, I have found such a sense of fulfillment in my own life. I was selected as an official delegate for the 2019 Miss Florida USA pageant. I am the Ms. Treasure Coast 2019 Title holder and I competed in the Ms. Florida 2019 pageant. Most recently, I was selected to compete in the Ms. World Pageant as the Ms. Petite Florida contestant.
I’ve been able to secure brand deals. I have collaborated with a host of style influencers and bloggers. I have a variety of press features as well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road considering the many hats that I wear. Being a mom of two, a career-oriented individual, an entrepreneur, a blogger, an influencer, and a pageant girl, one of the hardest things has been finding a balance and middle ground. I embarked on a new career and with everything going on with the pandemic. It gets discouraging sometimes, but I am not a quitter and anything I do, I put 100% into it.
Another struggle for me has been putting myself out there. I am reserved, shy, and at times a bit anti-social so being vulnerable and opening up has always been hard for me. This platform that I have created forces me to put myself out there a bit and tear down some of those walls I have up. I continue to overcome these challenges by focusing on quality over quantity, staying current, staying relevant, remaining true to myself, investing in myself, and constantly finding ways to maximize my brand.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Classify Beauty is a one stop to fashion and beauty through products, services, and insight). What sets us apart is the variety of products and services we offer to our customers and clients. All products sold are designed, handcrafted, or hand-selected by me. I am involved in every aspect of my brand from designing my own website to sometimes taking my own product and content photos when my husband is not available, to inventory and shipping, to customers services, and so much more.
Classify Beauty was originally a blog. Classify Beauty has since experienced a huge growth. It has developed into a brand as I celebrate the launch of Classify Beauty Lab (offering hairstyling, makeup application, and fashion styling services), Classify Beauty Crown (custom wig units), Classify Beauty Closet (shoe and clothing collection), Classify Beauty Claws (press on nails), Classify Beauty Cosmetics (makeup line), and Classify Beauty Merch (branded merchandise.)
Classify Beauty’s Blog is dedicated to bringing any and everything fashion and beauty to your fingertips. The latest fashion, hair, and makeup trends along with my personal style are highlighted on a regular basis. It is designed to empower women (like myself) of diversity who are classy, confident, and comfortable in their own skin; women who inspire others, and women who are beautiful inside and out.
Cab Firm is a career and business firm offering a variety of career, business, and hr consulting and coaching services). We will be launching our website very soon. Be on the lookout.
What sets me apart from the rest is that I am true to myself. It is important to be unique in the fashion industry. I try to tap into the not so ordinary. I don’t conform to the norm. I am raw and authentic and a little rough around the edges. I know exactly who I am and I am content with who I’ve grown to become and who I will be in the near future. I see the good in everything. I share positivity, my experiences, and much more with my audience.
I am most proud of my brand’s growth and development throughout the years. I am also proud of how far this platform I’ve created has taken me. From countless brand deals to collaborating with other bloggers/influencers, to press features, to sponsoring beauty pageants, to participating in pageants, I am beyond blessed and thankful for my experiences as well as my lessons learned. I am humbled by it all.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to be my authentic self and to remain consistent and to just trust the process. Everyone’s journey and success looks different. Don’t get distracted with what everyone around you is doing. Focus on what you bring to the table. Be supportive of others in whatever way you are able to. I also learned that it is important to show gratitude and appreciation to your support system (my family and friends).
Contact Info:
- Email: becoke92@icloud.com
- Website: classifybeauty.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/iambrittneycc
- Facebook: Facebook.com/iambrittneycc
- Twitter: Twitter.com/iambrittneycc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCw-Ks0qWTW0nknVA3R4NRaQ
- Other: https://www.clubhouse.com/@iambrittneycc
Image Credits
Shadow Designz shadowdesignz.com
