Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Shelton
Brittany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a small-town Texas girl who made the leap to Austin in 2008 after graduating from Tarleton State University. I started my career as an exercise physiologist with Austin Heart cardiology group, but after three years, I realized I was searching for something more fulfilling. Around this time, my sister was completing cosmetology training and suggested I explore esthetics since I’d always been passionate about skincare and beauty.
I initially pursued my esthetics license with the intention of working in medical esthetics, but I discovered lash extensions during my training and fell in love with the intricate artistry they required. After graduating, I mentored under a local lash artist and business owner, which awakened my entrepreneurial spirit. In 2012, I rented a small room in the back of a hair salon and started building my clientele.
A few years later, I came across an ad for a space inside Hush Hush Tan on West 6th Street and was determined to rent it. The owner, Izabel Wicker, saw my drive and gave me a chance, challenging me to grow my business enough to eventually take on more space. Her mentorship was pivotal, and in 2017, At Hello was born.
As my business grew, I moved into a new location in 2019, but the pandemic hit shortly after and brought everything to a standstill. I lost my space, my employees, and nearly my entire clientele. With no other income and nowhere else to turn, I went back to renting a single room and slowly began rebuilding from scratch. It was one of the hardest times of my life, and at one point I even entertained leaving it all behind to start fresh in Costa Rica! Ha!
But something inside me kept pushing forward. In a twist of fate, I learned that Brooke Nichols, the owner of Saving Face, wasn’t renewing her lease at a dreamy location I’d always admired. I took a leap of faith, reached out to her, and in 2022, I moved into what is now my dream space. Rebuilding At Hello in this location has been a journey of resilience and determination, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the path that led me here.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been far from a smooth road. Beyond the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the past year has been particularly difficult on a personal level, which has deeply impacted me professionally. I started dating someone from Switzerland in early 2022, and he became my biggest cheerleader. His support gave me the courage to move into my current location, hire staff, bring on a business consultant, and dream bigger than I ever had before.
But in an unexpected turn, he was required to return to Switzerland on just two weeks’ notice. It was devastating. I felt like I had just regained my footing when heartbreak hit, and I found myself battling depression. At the same time, I had more responsibilities than ever—a team depending on me and significant investments in my business. The weight of it all made me question if I had the strength to keep going.
In those moments, I had to lean entirely on my faith. A small voice within urged me to surrender my fears and trust the process, and that’s exactly what I did. This season has given me a new perspective and purpose as a business owner. My mission now is to create a supportive workspace for women who need a chance—just like I once did. I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge, helping others build long-lasting careers in a sometimes unpredictable industry, and continuing to challenge myself to grow, no matter what obstacles come my way.
As you know, we’re big fans of At Hello Lash + Brow Bar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At ‘At Hello Lash and Brow Bar’, our mission is about so much more than lashes and brows—it’s about creating a space where people feel beautiful, confident, and cared for. I wanted to build a salon that reflects my passion for beauty, connection, and quality, and At Hello is exactly that.
We specialize in lash lifts, lash extensions, brow shaping and tints, and brow laminations, but what makes us unique isn’t just our services—it’s the heart behind them. I’ve spent years training in the latest techniques and researching the highest-quality products to ensure we offer results that are not only beautiful but safe and long-lasting. I pour everything I’ve learned into my team so that each client receives consistent, exceptional care.
What I’m most proud of is how much our clients trust us—not just for the quality of our work but for the experience we create. At Hello is a luxury boho boutique salon that feels warm and welcoming, where every detail is designed to make you feel at home. To me, customer service isn’t just a priority—it’s a way to show our clients how much they mean to us.
When someone walks into our space, I want them to feel special from the moment they say “hello.” This business is my vision come to life: a place where artistry meets connection, and beauty meets heart.
We’d love to welcome you to At Hello— where it’s not just about how you look, but how you feel when you leave.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you’re just starting out, my biggest advice is to *bet on yourself*. Invest in your growth, master your craft, and don’t shy away from putting in the hard work. It’s not always going to feel easy, but practice really does make all the difference. And don’t be afraid to ask for advice or guidance—some of the best lessons I’ve learned came from people who were willing to share their experiences with me.
One thing I wish I had known is that you’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s perfectly fine. Focus on the people who appreciate what YOU bring to the table. You’ll make mistakes (trust me, I’ve made plenty), but every mistake is a chance to learn. If something isn’t working, don’t hesitate to pivot and try something new.
There will be moments where the road feels tough, and you’ll question everything. But if you stay the course, keep believing in yourself, and embrace the twists and turns, it can lead to something truly amazing. The journey won’t look like anyone else’s, and that’s the beauty of it—it’s yours.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.athellolashstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athelloaustin/
Image Credits
Max Keliehor
