Anne Barretto is set to make aesthetic procedures for all with her brand, Hey Pretty.
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Relief from the stresses of the world is something we can all resonate with. For some it’s binge watching K-Drama and for others it’s exercising. For many women looking to indulge, it is all about visiting their favorite aesthetic clinic for a much needed R&R and looking good right after. For Anne Barretto, founder of Hey Pretty Aesthetics, it was that same reason that made her launch her own clinic. “Even before I started Hey Pretty, I’ve always been a frequent client of several aesthetic clinics. I consider it as my way of my relaxation and true enough, it never fails to relieve my stress. That’s why even before I’ve always told myself that this is the field that I wish to pursue. So when the opportunity arose, I grabbed it,” she shares.
A self confessed kikay, she always found time to appreciate beauty whether it be in clothes or makeup, starting at a very young age. Her penchant for beauty and wellness stuck even when she grew older and realized that, more than just appreciation, it was a dream she eventually pursued into reality. Hey Pretty, for Barretto was her dream come true. It was back in 2018 when she established her first clinic in Tomas Morato, leaving a lucrative job to pursue this passion. “It was a relatively small clinic with two rooms. I rented a small space. It has two rooms and I started with two staff members. Those were the humble beginnings of Hey Pretty. That’s where it all started,” she fondly remembers.
As a leader, Barretto describes herself as very hands- on present in every decision-making process of her brand. “Most of the time, you’ll see me in my office or in a meeting with my staff. I am very much hands-on with my business ever since I started it in 2018. I always like to think of new ways to improve my business be it new marketing strategies or planning or new designs and whatnot. Often times, you’ll also see me brainstorming with my team about innovations we can apply to the clinic,” she says. That’s why when the pandemic came, it was hard to adjust in the beginning. For someone who likes to dive deep into ideation and going around the city to check on all branches, Barretto found herself stuck at home. Thankfully, Barretto is not afraid of change and soon enough she was back to the grind via Zoom calls.
“I was able to adapt to the circumstance and the pandemic helped me to realize that I can still be proactive and hands-on with my business even if I can’t do the things that I am used to.”
ANNE BARRETTO
Now with fifteen branches all over the country it seemed like the only trajectory for Hey Pretty is going up all things considering. And through Barretto’s leadership and business acumen, one is sure to easily pave a way to success that is all about beauty and feeling good.
Style Talks
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST FASHION MEMORY?
I’ve been a minimalist as far I can remember. I’ve been attracted to simple yet elegant designs for anything related to fashion. I remember finding myself looking at fashion and home and design magazines and appreciating simple yet striking design. I’m really happy more and more people are embracing the same fashion philosophy.
WHO WAS YOUR FASHION ROLE MODEL WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?
I’ve been a huge fan of Heart Evangelista. I just love the way she carries herself and the way she dresses. Even the way she speaks. I often watch her vlogs and it makes me feel so excited. She’s just very classy. She’s proof that even married women can be successful with the things that they are passionate about and should continue to take care of themselves while taking care of their home.
WHAT IS YOUR FASHION PHILOSOPHY?
I’m a huge fanof minimalism. You can see that with the way I design my clinics and even with the way I dress. I believe that there is elegance in simplicity.
WHAT ABOUT FASHION INSPIRES YOU?
Fashion is an expression of one’s self. There is no right or wrong when it comes to it. We are all canvasses of ourselves and through it we get to express our emotions, dreams, aspirations and who we really are. Thinking about it makes me appreciate it more and it inspires me to be true to myself and help others to be the same.
ARE YOU A SHOE OR BAG LOVER? OR BOTH? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS FOR BOTH?
I have several shoes which I love but I am really more into designer bags. Bags are my guilty pleasure. I already have a couple and I’m hoping to get some more eventually. I also consider them as investments anyway so not only do I get to have some gratification from it, I can also sell them for a good price along the way if I want to. So that’s a win-win situation right there.
DO YOU ALSO LOVE TO ACCESSORIZE? WHICH DESIGNERS/BRANDS DO YOU GO TO FOR THAT STATEMENT ACCESSORY?
When it comes to accessories, another guilty pleasure of mine is wearing jewelry particularly gold rings that I try to design with my local goldsmith. I like to complement my designed rings with my gel nail extensions. I love playing mix and match with them.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS, BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL?
Huge, huge fan of Chanel! As a matter of fact, most of my designer bags are Chanel. I just love the variety of designs and the elegance. Very fancy and stylish.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON TODAY’S FASHION?
I’m really happy that we are more accepting and open to new ways of dressing. A lot more people are given opportunities to excel in this industry. A lot more people can now freely express themselves without being judged or discriminated upon. I hope that we continue in this direction.
This MEGAWoman feature on Anne Barretto is as seen on MEGA October issue now available in Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photography KIERAN PUNAY of STUDIO 100
Art direction NICOLE ALMERO
Makeup PATRICK ALCOBER
Hair JA FELICIANO
Styling BEA GUERRERO assisted by BRYAN LAROZA (TEAM RYUJI SHIOMITSU)
