Abbigayle Freeman, 22

Occupation: Owner/Operator of Peachy Keen Beauty Lounge, Leesburg

What I do: I oversee all daily operations, which includes cleaning, marketing, branding, tracking profits and maintaining operating costs. I also nurture a talented team of beauty professionals. 

Unlikely inspiration: In 2019, I took a semester away from college to finish beauty school and planned to go back immediately after to finish my bachelor’s in accounting. Once I was licensed, I started taking clients and realized I could achieve everything I wanted and more without even going back to college. 

Why beauty is my passion: I am passionate about my career as a beauty professional because I get to learn and work alongside the most talented and like-minded women and men and make my clients feel beautiful and confident. 

Notable achievement: The continuous growth my business has reflected in the past few years and the connections I’ve made with people as a result of that.

Words of wisdom: It’s important to take advantage of your village and always seek wise counsel. If you have a question, ask it. If you need help with something, find it. Whether it’s your mom, dad, family friend or an acquaintance, anyone can help you; you just need to seek them out. 

Outside the Lounge: I love to spend quality time with the people I love.

 Life after 40: In 15 to 20 years, I could honestly see myself doing something completely different. I’ve considered starting a nonprofit in the future, getting into a career in finance/investing or maybe even teaching at a beauty school.