We sit down with the DJ, beauty expert and HBFIT founder to talk business, boys, and Beyoncé
@hannahbronfman | @hbfit | hbfit.com
You were surrounded by music growing up. Who was the most famous musician ever to come to your house?
In the year 2000, my father [former Warner Music Group CEO, Edgar Bronfman Jr.] had a big dinner party and Jay-Z and Beyoncé came. They were so cool and Beyoncé surprised us all and sang with the gospel group who were performing that night.
You’ve talked about becoming a DJ “by accident”, but did the music industry always appeal to you?
The music industry was changing a lot when I was growing up. I worked at Universal Music under Julie Greenwall and then the summer before college, I worked for Warner Music in Paris. Being a part of the PR strategy for artists at the time was very cool and I learned a lot about marketing. DJing was something I was just doing for myself and my friends in college. I guess growing up in a musical family gave me a great base of music knowledge and history. Male DJs outnumber female DJs, for sure.
What’s your advice to women wanting to break into the scene?
There are so many tools available now to enable you to practise at home, from affordable small systems to apps that can be downloaded on an iPad. That takes care of the skill part if you really put in the time… then it’s about getting gigs. Start with your friends – that’s what I did. I asked if I could open for the regular DJ and eventually I got my own slots.
Tell us about HBFIT.
HBFIT started as a hashtag I was using on Instagram to showcase my healthy living habits and it became something that people were really talking about. When I started seeing the conversation evolve from online to offline I knew it could be anything we wanted it to be, so I created a web destination where we could talk about all things health, beauty and fitness.
What’s your favourite workout routine?
I honestly try so many different things and there isn’t much that I don’t like. I love Pilates, weight training, dancing, barre classes, hot yoga and much more. If I can do something different every day, then my body is happy.
What is your favourite workout track? Do you ever make your own?
I love music and it definitely helps motivate me and get me through a workout. At the moment, I have ‘24K Magic’ by Bruno Mars on repeat. I also love to make Genius playlists off a song I’m loving.
Where do you find the motivation to exercise regularly?
My followers have become my main source of inspiration. People are actually expecting me to not only work out, but document it. It’s amazing that people I don’t even know hold me accountable!
You are fashion obsessed like us. What’s something you’re currently coveting?
I was dying for a pair of Gucci fur loafers and my fiancé, Brendan Fallis, just gave me a pair in red for my birthday. I am just obsessed. I’m also loving metallic skirts and velvet boots, lots of layers and leather anything – especially pants.
Tell us about Beautified. What is it and where did the idea come from?
Beautified was one of the first on-demand mobile beauty apps. The idea stemmed from needing a last-minute appointment but not wanting to call around and see who had one open. I am no longer involved with the app, but it was an amazing learning experience.
You got engaged last year – what’s the best thing about Brendan?
I’m so lucky to have met Brendan. I think one of the best things about him is how logical and resourceful he is. He always has the best solution and generally knows how to resolve any situation.
What’s the worst (because boys are annoying sometimes #amiright)?
He is very tidy and I am not!
With multiple businesses, a fiancé and commitments that take you all over the world, how do you make time for your friends?
Group texting is amazing. It keeps me up to date on everything going on with my friends. I try to see my friends once a week. They are all busy, but we are good about being proactive and making plans.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to expand my brand and my businesses and continue to inspire people to live their best life. I would love to develop products to support that goal. I also hope I am a mom and travelling with my family.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The network of people I have cultivated through my work. People I never thought I would be in contact with are my peers – CEOs of companies, people I get to work with day-to-day. Fan-girls I meet are the best and so inspiring to me.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Not comparing myself to others. It’s so easy to do, especially in a world where everyone is trying to stay relevant.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
To never feel stuck. There is room to evolve in every situation and there is power in saying no.
