All Episodes 150: Bri Haug | Ink, Integrity, and Inner Strength
150: Bri Haug | Ink, Integrity, and Inner Strength
What does it take to build a life where business, family, and mental health all matter — and actually find balance in the middle of it?
In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris Beane welcomes his friend Bri Haug — a mom, wife, and business owner who runs her own tattoo shop. Bri opens up about her journey of building a business with integrity, navigating equality in the industry, and prioritizing self-care in the face of life’s challenges.
Together, Chris and Bri discuss the importance of mental health, how to manage time as both a leader and parent, and why setting goals with intention helps keep both personal and professional life aligned. This candid conversation shines a light on resilience, creativity, and the real work of living with balance.
Website: www.electricladytattoo.com
Email: brihaugtattoo@gmail.com
Instagram: @brihaug and @electricladylounge
Creating Balance Through Authenticity: My Conversation with Bri Haug on Business, Boundaries, and Being Human
On this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, I had the privilege of sitting down with Bri Haug — an artist, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and the owner of the award-winning Electric Lady Lounge Tattoo Studio.
From the outside, it’s easy to look at Bri’s success and think she’s figured it all out — running a thriving creative business, leading a talented team, and building a strong brand that people genuinely love. But as she and I discussed, success isn’t a straight line. It’s not about never struggling — it’s about learning how to lead yourself through the struggle with grace, consistency, and authenticity.
This conversation with Bri was one of those powerful reminders that leadership and entrepreneurship are not about hustle and chaos — they’re about intentional living.
The Story Behind Electric Lady Lounge
When I asked Bri about the journey behind her tattoo studio, her answer wasn’t about business strategy or metrics — it was about people.
She built the Electric Lady Lounge not just as a place for art, but as a space for belonging. “I wanted it to feel like more than a tattoo shop,” she said. “I wanted people to walk in and feel safe — seen, understood, and respected.”
That mission has clearly shaped everything about the business. From the moment you walk in, you can sense that the environment has been created with purpose. It’s not about ego or competition — it’s about connection and care.
What really struck me was how Bri’s vision for her studio extends far beyond the tattoo chair. She’s building a community, not just a client base.
“Art is important, but people are what matter most. When you focus on people, the business takes care of itself.”
That perspective is something every leader — in any industry — can learn from.
Balancing Business and Family
One of the most honest parts of our conversation came when we started talking about balance. Bri is not just a business owner; she’s also a wife and mother. And like so many entrepreneurs, she’s had to figure out how to balance ambition with presence.
She admitted that it hasn’t always been easy. “There was a time when I said yes to everything,” she told me. “Every client, every project, every opportunity. But eventually, that kind of schedule takes its toll.”
What I loved about Bri’s approach is that she doesn’t romanticize “balance.” She doesn’t pretend that every day is perfectly structured or stress-free. Instead, she focuses on alignment — making sure her actions match her priorities.
“Some days the business wins. Some days family wins. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s awareness.”
That’s such a powerful perspective, and it resonated deeply with me. It’s not about doing everything at once; it’s about knowing what matters most in each season of your life.
Boundaries as a Form of Self-Respect
Bri and I talked a lot about boundaries — something every high-performing person eventually has to learn, often the hard way.
In the creative industry, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of overextension. You want to serve your clients, grow your brand, and deliver your best work — but if you don’t protect your time and energy, burnout will find you.
Bri put it perfectly:
“You can’t pour into your clients, your family, or your community if you’re running on empty.”
That’s one of those quotes that hits you right in the chest. Because it’s true — and it applies to everyone, not just business owners. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for sustainability.
She talked about how learning to say “no” became an act of leadership. “I used to feel guilty about turning people away,” she said. “But now I realize that saying no is how I make sure I can keep saying yes — to my team, my family, and my health.”
That’s real wisdom.
The Role of Mental Health in Entrepreneurship
As the conversation unfolded, we dove deeper into the emotional and mental side of running a business — something that doesn’t get discussed enough.
Entrepreneurship can be lonely. There’s a lot of pressure, a lot of uncertainty, and a lot of noise from the outside world telling you how you “should” be doing it.
Bri shared openly about her own experiences with mental health and the importance of self-awareness. She explained how she checks in with herself regularly — whether it’s through journaling, therapy, or simply quiet reflection — to make sure she’s not losing sight of who she is in the middle of everything she’s doing.
“Your mental health is part of your business strategy,” she said. “If you’re not okay, nothing you build will be okay either.”
That line really stuck with me. It’s the kind of truth that every leader needs to internalize. Your mindset, your energy, your emotional health — they’re not optional. They’re the foundation.
Leadership Through Empowerment
One of the most inspiring parts of Bri’s story is how she leads her team. She doesn’t lead through fear or authority — she leads through empowerment.
She told me about the pride she takes in seeing her artists grow, not just as professionals, but as people. “I want everyone who works with me to feel like they can succeed beyond me,” she said. “If they outgrow this space, that’s not a loss — that’s a win.”
That kind of abundance mindset is rare, and it’s exactly what creates strong, lasting culture. Bri’s leadership style is rooted in trust, empathy, and collaboration.
It reminded me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about creating a space where others can find their own voice.
Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage
Throughout our conversation, one theme kept coming up over and over again: authenticity.
In a world full of curated feeds and filtered success stories, Bri’s approach is refreshingly real. She doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. She doesn’t chase trends. She just stays true to who she is — and that’s exactly why her business thrives.
“People can feel authenticity,” she said. “You don’t have to shout it. Just live it.”
That authenticity doesn’t just attract clients — it creates loyalty. Her customers aren’t just buying a service; they’re buying trust, connection, and shared values.
And that’s something every business can learn from. In a noisy world, being real is your biggest differentiator.
Lessons for Creatives and Entrepreneurs
By the end of our conversation, I walked away with a list of lessons that I think apply far beyond the tattoo industry:
✅ Your energy is your currency. Protect it like you would your money.
✅ Boundaries are not walls — they’re guideposts. They help you serve better.
✅ Mental health is part of your business plan. Don’t build on a shaky foundation.
✅ Authenticity wins long-term. People remember how you made them feel.
✅ Leadership is service. The goal is to help others grow, not to be the hero.
These takeaways are the kind that don’t just make you think — they make you reflect.
Closing Thoughts
My conversation with Bri Haug reminded me why I love hosting The Prestigious Initiative. It’s conversations like this that reveal what success really looks like behind the scenes.
Bri’s journey isn’t about hustle or hype. It’s about creating something meaningful — a business that supports life, not the other way around.
She’s proof that you can lead with compassion, protect your peace, and still build something extraordinary.
If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or anyone who’s trying to juggle passion, purpose, and personal life, this episode is a must-listen. Bri’s story is a roadmap for sustainable success — one built on boundaries, authenticity, and heart.
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www.susannebiro.com
Get her book here: www.susannebiro.com/book
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