Meet Bre Aunna Cheeseman | Certified Esthetician & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bre Aunna Cheeseman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bre Aunna, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Initially, I started my career path at PIMA Medical Institute, perusing a career in the dental field. A career in the medical field was the safe option for me, job security and great benefits. Growing up in a single parent home, my mom’s approval was important to me. Being one of the first out of six kids to graduate college was a milestone I was set on reaching.

I competed the necessary courses to become a certified dental assistant. Within the following year, I decided to further my education, becoming an EDDA (Expanded Duty Dental Assistant).

Improving patients’ lives was undoubtedly a rewarding experience. However, I soon realized that I was not passionate in my day to day. Within three years of working in the dental field, I had reached a point to where my potential was capped. There was little to no room for upward mobility, and I felt stuck. I wanted to wake up excited to go to work every day and If I was being honest with myself, I was not fulfilled in this position.

At this point, I had two choices. Remain in a “safe” career and settle or risk stability in the pursuit of happiness. I wanted a career that would evolve with me. A space of my own where I could have full creative control. I chose a career in the beauty industry, becoming a certified esthetician. As of today, I am co-owner of “Build-A-Baddie”. I get to empower others while using my creative abilities on the daily. The journey has just begun, I’m excited for what the future holds!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being an esthetician, I get the privilege of empowering others by helping them to feel confident in their skin. From first-hand experience, I understand how detrimental a poor self-image can be. My testimony is what sets me apart from many. Authenticity is what you can expect from me. Build-A-Baddie is a safe space, a judge free zone where clients can trust that we are taking a transformative journey together.

I struggled with cystic acne for much of my life. This caused me to be extremely self-conscious and zapped my self-esteem. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself for fear of judgement, a prisoner in my own mind. Such an isolating feeling. This is what sparked my interest in the beauty industry. I saw it as a way out.

“Look good, feel good.” is a quote that comes to mind when I first considered a career as an esthetician. When I looked good, I was able to be present in the moment. I was a completely different person, liberated, moving freely. I felt good and knew that this is how I was meant to exist. If I could gain control of my skin, I could help others do the same…but how? I truly believe that if you set your mind to something, anything is possible, but it takes discipline.

There was no shortcut to get to where I am today. I had to buckle down and strategically prioritize my time and energy, I had to plan. I was working full time as an extended duty dental assistant when I decided to make a bold career change. Becoming an Esthetician meant going to beauty school full time while continuing to balance my work and personal life. I had to set firm boundaries on who I allowed in. If you weren’t adding to my fire, you were putting it out. My social life took a toll, but my true supporters understood why I was on this journey. I discovered my passion and decided not to let anything get in the way.
I now get to do what I love every day, helping others to reach their full potential has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

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?
When I think of Colorado I think of Red Rocks Amphitheater. Catching a show here is a non-negotiable on the itinerary. I can picture it now, the sound waves surround you as the bass pulses through your feet and carry up the stands. As the sun begins to set, the twinkle of Denver’s city lights emerge through the open spaces of rock. The vibes here create such a unifying experience for all that attend. Magic.

Switching gears to a more down-tempo activity, my friend and I would take a leisurely cruise through the winding hills at Garden of the Gods. One of my favorite places to catch a view of Pikes Peak. After sightseeing, we would catch a tasty breakfast at Urban Egg eatery; avocado toast and pineapple mimosa to set the tone. As the evening approached, we would make our way to Palmer Park. We would each set up a hammock in the trees and lounge, enjoying the view of Colorado Springs and catching up on lost time. After the park, we would head to downtown Colorado Springs for fresh shrimp tacos at Westside Cantina. Honestly, you can’t really miss anywhere on the menu, the food here is made with love. Not to mention, my good friend Keli who serves at Westside Cantina, and she’s just an amazing person to be around.

For a taste of the local native life, I would want a day dedicated to exploring the town of Manitou Springs. We would grab a glass of wine or draft beer for a cozy hangout at “Swirl”. Everything here is made from scratch, so good. One of the most unique things about Manitou is the drum circles that go down in the park. The locals get together and have a bit of an impromptu jam session. If you are lucky enough, you may get to join in on the fun and hop on an open drum. There’s no real direction or order on how to play, but everyone seems to find their rhythm and groove through the night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my little sister, Cameil. Though I’m fortunate to have many rooting for me, Cameil deserves special recognition. Throughout our childhood Cameil was my best friend and biggest cheerleader. She taught me how to be tough, how to persevere. Cameil has remained by my side through the highs and the lows, she is my rock.

Growing up we didn’t really have role models to look up to. So this drove me to be the big sister that could lead by example, showing her If I could do it, she could too. Just knowing that she’s looking up to me has given me the strength to keep going when I would have given up otherwise. I hope she understands the impact she has on the person that I am today.

Instagram: @bre.build.a.baddie.719

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