Pretti Beast: Beauty Boss Elle Pridgen Shares the Importance of Knowing Your Lane and Having a Strong Support System

I thought it was kind of cool when Elle Pridgen reached out to me via email after reading a blog post back in 2019. When I had lunch with her and her partner, it instantly became clear that she possesses a hunger and creative drive to make whatever she thinks of reality. That was two years ago. Since then, the way she has blossomed as an entrepreneur is the very definition of what a Pretti Beast is- growing two very different yet complementary beauty brands: By the Ounce and The Strip Club. I recently sat down with Elle to discuss the journey that bought her here, how she went about naming her brands, and the importance of staying in your lane.

What drove you to a career in beauty?

Art is in my blood. It runs in my family. I’ve always been creative and I grew up with an “I’ll figure it out myself” mentality. From building my dollhouses because I couldn’t get the Barbie dreamhouse, to learning how to braid cornrows on my big head Bratz doll because I wanted to walk into school with a new hairstyle every Monday. I’d figure out how to make or achieve what I wanted. That went all the way into high school, I got into a great art school. When I wasn’t creating pieces like paintings or sculptures, I was helping my girls do their makeup in the bathroom. The creative side of beauty was easy. Fast forward to finally being able to go to cosmetology school. I’ve confirmed my artist outlet. People became my canvases, and I've been in this field ever since.

Both of your companies have such dope names. Do you mind explaining the inspiration behind them to our readers?

So By The Ounce is the body care line. It’s a “maintenance” brand. Bar soaps, moisturizers, exfoliators. Simple, Minimal but gets the job done! By The Ounce is an oxymoron because I’ve honed in on the fragrance-free niche in the body care realm which coincidentally makes my products great for everyone because there are no specific artificial scents. You can use my products in a multitude of ways.

Now, the StripClubb is a play on words. I started this brand with “strip lashes”. The name alone is catchy and when you go on Instagram the first line is “Meet your new house mom” so I’m trying to give you a full vibe as soon as you're introduced to the brand. When strippers are in the back of the club getting ready and they need something they forgot at home, they go straight to the house mom. When my customers need lashes, gloss, etc. they know exactly where to come.

You put a heavy emphasis on brand feel and consistency, what is a lesson you wish you’d learned sooner?

Ok, I’m about to drop a real gem here: Consumers don't just want a product. We want an experience. I say “we” because I am a consumer as well as a business owner and I have to look on both sides constantly, which has helped me with my businesses. I’ve revamped both of my brands a few times. There was always something that I wasn't getting from my brands that I was when I saw other brands. It was the feeling, the emotion. I was just trying to sell sell sell in the beginning and that's not how you keep or even get customers. No one wants something pushed at them. BUT when you give an experience they like they’ll come back and shop.

When you’re whipping up your products, what's playing in the background?

I can set the mood for either of my brands with the playlist I made for them. When I'm ready to get into restock and/or create mode I just go to the Apple or Spotify playlist linked on the website.

As many of my readers, you are momming and raising 2 businesses. How do you make sure you have time for yourself?

Time for myself?? What's that? Just kidding. Luckily I have a great support system that helps me with both my son and my businesses. A village if you would. If I need a break, it’s never a problem.

As a business owner and mom, how important is it that you teach your child entrepreneurship?

I think it is very important to show him that there are more options than just working a 9-5. If he wants to work for himself and he’s got the drive then by all means. Even if he wants to be a part-time entrepreneur and have a day job, that’s fine too. However, I’d never push him into it if he’s fine with having a regular job. It’s not for everybody.

What is the best business advice you’ve received so far? How would you advise a young woman coming up behind you to apply that to her career?

STAY IN YOUR LANE! Don’t compete or compare. Just because someone is doing something and it seems like they are very successful. You don't know how they got there or how long it took. Take your time. Sometimes it is a front for the gram, no shade. Take your time and be authentic.

If you could shoot a commercial for both of your brands with any model past or present who would it be?

Hmmm, That’s hard. I don’t know. I’ve never thought of one person for both brands. I think I'd rather keep them separate.