Meet Brieann Cassidy | Body Contouring & Postoperative Care Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brieann Cassidy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brieann, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started this business 6 months into my maternity leave with my second child. I was in debt up to my ears and living off employment insurance and very limited savings. My boss at the time was pressing me for an answer, but I really didn’t want to go back to that dreaded desk where I’d likely retire.

I never completed my college course and had zero postsecondary education. However, I’ve always had the ‘gift of gab’ and was able to market myself to employers without relying on diplomas/degrees. That being said, I floated from one entry level, dead end job to the next, wondering if I’d ever have a career I was passionate about…

I’ve always wanted to be part of the beauty industry, but had no formal training. I often dabbled in the idea of going to beauty school, but wanted to do something different and at a higher price point (I wasn’t interested in lashing or skin care). My father is a successful businessman, which also played a part in my decision to leave the corporate world and set out for the unknown (and often terrifying) world of entrepreneurship. He has been a huge source of knowledge and inspiration, and is very much my mentor. At the end of the day, I just wanted to make him proud.

Back to my maternity leave, I took my (6 month old son) to my friend’s house for a visit. She just finished a fast track program in and was talking about opening a home based spa. I honestly can’t recall how the conversation went or where the idea came from, but she said something about body contouring and I kid you not, like something falling from the sky, BODY BY BRIE popped into my head. I literally jumped up, grabbed my son’s car seat and said “I gotta go”. That’s the only part of the convo I can vividly remember, but it’s the only part that matters. From that very moment, the seed was planted.

Fast forward 6 months and the business was born. I rented a tiny studio inside a gym and decorated it to the best of my ability. Grand opening all ready to go but only one problem – I had no clients. Like, none (I guess I didn’t think that far ahead). But I slowly built it from the ground up because one thing my father always told me is if you build it, they will come.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Above all, what sets me apart is my transparency. I have always been big on honesty when it comes to realistic expectations, in terms of the type of results my clients can achieve from non-surgical treatments. When I entered the industry 4+ years ago, there was very little information about body contouring in Canada, and the available training was extremely basic. I paid A LOT of money for lackadaisical training, and was unfortunately left to figure it out on my own (mainly through trial and error which incurred thousands of dollars in additional costs).

The industry has grown exponentially over the past few years, which unfortunately opened the door for providers to jump on the bandwagon without clear morals, ethics and/or experience. We see a lot of people cutting corners and skipping the line, offering half assed services/training just to make a quick buck. As I actively develop my own training course, I hope to help steer the industry in the right direction, and bring back a level of integrity that seems to be missing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had an opportunity to play tour guide for a well needed week off, I’d start with the downtown core. Toronto is a vibrant city with so much culture and diversity. We are a true melting pot with people from all over the world, and there’s always a festival of some sort going on. Yonge-Dundas Square is the main area where you can shop, walk and explore. In the warmer months, they usually have free concerts or pop up events for all ages.

One of my favourite (and underrated) areas is in the west end of the city known as Little Jamaica. Little Italy (College St W) and Greektown (The Danforth) are also up there on my list, but you can’t come to Toronto without visiting the CN Tower. Also, if you’re mobile and up for an adventure, Niagara Falls is about 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, and offers breathtaking views of our unofficial wonder of the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, all praises to the most high. Secondly, my parents who supported and encouraged me, even though they didn’t quite understand the vision at the time. Can’t say I blame them when my “business plan” was roughly written on the back of a menu at our favourite restaurant. But I also have to thank a few fellow boss babes who were there from the very start. To my friend Val who unknowingly inspired my brand, to Desiree who’s been my A1 from day 1. And to Ana for her continued advice and support. I appreciate you ladies more than words can express. Thank you 🙏🏼

Website: www.bodybybrie.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bodybybrie__?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodybybrie1/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCJQTHuNz7jldaq9cRdO6lXQ

Other: Instagram handle: @bodybybrie__