Julie Kaufman, founder of Bronze by Julie and Brooklyn Beauty Lounge, reveals her journey from hands-on spray tan artist to visionary CEO in the heart of Brooklyn’s competitive beauty scene. Julie shares how her businesses are rooted in artistry, authenticity, and a deep commitment to customer care—proving that true beauty and success come from nurturing both self and community. Her story is a testament to balancing passion, entrepreneurship, and family, reminding us that meaningful human connection lies at the heart of every beautiful transformation.
This podcast episode is sponsored by*:
Humanist Beauty - Beauty for your skin & soul, Humanist Beauty is clean, conscious, and cruelty-free. Shop here → https://humanistbeauty.com
Prose - Prose believes that everyone deserves extraordinary haircare & that making things custom is the only way to give everyone their best individual results. Prose is also a certified B Corporation, proving that good business is always sustainable. Shop here → https://prose.ffxwxg.net/thehbm
Kosas - Kosas is makeup for everyone, that celebrates simplicity, looks as good as it feels and is good for you, too. Shop here → https://kosas.7zgd.net/thehbm
Beli - Beli is a modern men's and women's prenatal company. We take pride in researching and producing each product with great care and integrity. All our products are vegan friendly, non GMO, made in the US, and follow the cGMP guidelines. Shop here → https://beli.pxf.io/thehbm
*The Human Beauty Movement may earn commissions from your support
Timestamps:
00:00 - From Spray Tan Gun to Brooklyn Beauty Empire: Julie Kaufman’s Journey
01:14 - Meet Julie Kaufman: Founder, CEO & Mom of Three
01:30 - Why Julie Left Her Day Job to Start Bronze by Julie
03:01 - Spray Tan Side Hustle: Building Confidence and Balance
04:58 - Mobile Spray Tanning: How It Works and Why Clients Love It
07:20 - The Transformative Power of a Professional Spray Tan
08:32 - Bronzed Glow Confidence: Custom Techniques & Client Reactions
10:16 - Revolutionizing Spray Tanning: Formulas, Color & Technique
12:15 - Expanding the Dream: From Bronze by Julie to Brooklyn Beauty Lounge
13:56 - Buying a Salon: The Bold Leap Into Business Expansion
15:20 - What Is a Russian Manicure? Julie Explains the Details
16:36 - Creating an All-in-One Luxury Beauty Destination
16:42 - The Toughest Challenges of Salon Ownership & Leadership
17:46 - Employees, Culture, and Transforming the Client Experience
18:14 - Growing Services: From Nails to Laser Hair and Beyond
20:04 - Building a Luxury Experience: Customer Service Comes First
21:57 - Shaping Beauty Culture: Inside Staff Dynamics & Leadership
23:41 - Beyond Beauty: Human Connections & Client Transformations
24:24 - The Secret to Teamwork & Client Loyalty at Brooklyn Beauty Lounge
26:43 - How Julie Handles Growth, Expansion & Setbacks
27:52 - Learning When to Pause: Saying No to Overexpansion
29:06 - Balancing Ambition and Family Life as a Mompreneur
30:52 - Lessons in Discipline: Parenting and Entrepreneurship
32:47 - The Truth About Sacrifice, Support, and Mom Guilt
34:11 - Why Human Touch & Personal Connection Matter in Beauty
35:20 - Looking Ahead: New Product Lines & Plans for Growth
36:29 - Rapid Fire: Coffee Orders, Celebs, Beauty Faves & More
39:04 - Final Thoughts: Real Beauty Is the Life You Create
Julie's Links:
Websites
https://bronzedbyjulie.com/
https://www.brooklynbeautylounge.com/
Social Handles:
https://www.instagram.com/bronzedbyjulienyc/
https://www.facebook.com/BronzedbyJulieNYC/
https://www.instagram.com/brooklynbeautylounge/
https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynBeautyLounge/
The Human Beauty Movement Links:
Official Website https://thehumanbeautymovement.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thehumanbeautymovement
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thehumanbeautymovement
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehumanbeautymovement
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thehumanbeautymovement
Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehumanbeautymovement
X/Twitter https://twitter.com/The__HBM
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/thehumanbeautymovement
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-human-beauty-movement
Jennifer Norman Links:
Lnk.Bio https://lnk.bio/iamjennnorman
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernorman
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamjennnorman
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjennnorman
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@iamjennnorman
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/iamjennnorman
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/iamjennnorman
X/Twitter https://twitter.com/iamjennnorman
