Booked and Busy: What It Takes To Be Repped As A Beauty Pro

At the recent BBR Summit with Meta, we had the privilege of hearing from some of the beauty industry’s top insiders - Humberto Petit, Naeemah Lafond, and Sir John. These powerhouses have not only shaped trends but have also worked on some of the biggest projects in beauty and fashion.

Humberto Petit, from WME Fashion, manages the careers of top-tier talents. Naeemah Lafond, a celebrated editorial hairstylist, recently won the prestigious AHA Award, often dubbed the Oscars of the beauty world. And, of course, Sir John, who needs no introduction, has worked his magic on iconic faces like Beyoncé and served as a trusted advisor on global beauty campaigns.

In this panel titled Getting Booked and Busy, (presented by WME Fashion) they shared invaluable insights on how they’ve navigated and dominated the beauty industry. If you're aiming to take your career to the next level, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Watch the full video below to dive into these inspiring stories. For those short on time, we’ve summarized the key takeaways just below the video.

Key Takeaways: How To Grow As A Beauty Pro

Whether you're a makeup artist or hairstylist here are some highlights to grow your career:

1. Representation: More Than Just a Name on a Roster

“Having an agent isn’t just about getting booked—it’s about having someone who believes in your vision and fights for your worth,” shared Naeemah Lafond. After attending a seminar by industry legend Crystal Wright, Naeemah realized the true power of having someone advocate for her. For beauty pros, representation isn’t just a career milestone; it’s a partnership that can elevate your work to new heights.

2. The Portfolio: Your Ticket to the Big Leagues

Remember the days when portfolios were leather-bound and each photo cost a small fortune to print? Naeemah does. “Losing my portfolio on the bus was devastating, but it taught me to rebuild smarter and focus on quality over quantity,” she reflected. Today, your portfolio—whether digital or physical—remains your most powerful tool. It’s not about how much you showcase, but how well you curate your best work.

3. Timing is Everything: Knowing When to Seek Representation

Naeemah and Sir John both emphasized the importance of timing in seeking representation. “I knew I needed an agent when I realized I couldn’t get into the rooms I wanted by myself,” Sir John explained. The takeaway? Don’t rush into representation. Make sure your portfolio is strong, your brand is clear, and you’re ready for the next level.

4. The Agent’s Role: Beyond the Business

“An agent’s job isn’t just to send invoices—it’s to advocate for your value,” said Humberto Petit. He highlighted the importance of having someone in your corner who understands your worth and can communicate it effectively to clients. In a world where clients may try to undervalue your work, a good agent ensures you’re getting what you deserve.

5. Authenticity: The Secret Ingredient

In a world of trends, authenticity remains king. “Clients are looking for artists who bring something real to the table,” the panel agreed. Whether it’s in your style, your brand partnerships, or your interactions, staying true to yourself will set you apart and attract the right opportunities.

6. Personality Matters: Not Just Your Skills

“Your personality is as important as your technical skills,” said Naeemah. The panelists agreed that being personable, professional, and able to articulate your vision on set can make all the difference. After all, clients want to work with people they like and trust.

7. The Art of Letting Go: Knowing When It’s Time to Move On

Humberto shared a candid story about having to let go of a client. “It’s always hard, but sometimes it’s necessary for both parties to grow,” he noted. The lesson here? Don’t be afraid to reassess relationships—whether it’s with an agent, a client, or even a project—if they’re not contributing to your growth.

These nuggets of wisdom are just the tip of the iceberg. For the full stories, in-depth advice, and more, watch the complete panel discussion. Trust us—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.