For a few years, Hey Pretty held its place as one of the active game players in the beauty and aesthetics industry. It did the work — got celebrity endorsers, held grand events, and had a strong presence both online and on-ground. At the center of it all was Anne Barretto, a young CEO whose energy and ambition fueled the brand’s quick rise.
But what most people didn’t see was the weight of the success she was carrying behind the scenes. And in 2024, that weight nearly broke her.
Anne doesn’t hide this chapter. In fact, she talks about it with clarity, humility, and a sense of conviction that comes only from surviving something difficult and choosing to grow from it.
Today, she is making a comeback. And she’s doing it with sharper focus, deeper purpose, and a renewed commitment to what she does best — running her beauty clinics.
The Struggle Behind the Spotlight
“Last year medyo nag-struggle po talaga ako sa business. Meron po akong skincare at meron din po akong clinic, and as a sole proprietor, nahirapan po akong i-manage ang dalawang negosyo. Dumating ako sa punto na na-frustrate na po ako,” Anne opened up. Handling two industries, skincare product distribution and running beauty clinics, wasn’t just a logistical challenge but it took an emotional toll.
2024 promotional cover photo on Facebook
“Narealize ko po na ang clinic talaga ang forte ko, dito po ako nagsimula at dito po ako nakilala. Mas gusto ko po siyang ipakilala ngayong darating na 2026,” Anne said. While the skincare brand gained traction and recognition, the returns weren’t what she hoped for. “Naglabas po ako ng investment, may endorsers, may marketing. Naipakilala ko naman ang brand, pero hindi ganun kalaki ang bumalik na ROI,” she humbly admitted.
At the same time, focusing on skincare meant her clinics received less attention. “Dahil sobrang nag-focus po ako sa skincare, medyo napabayaan ko ‘yung clinic,” she shared.
Her breaking point came not only from business pressures, but also from her health. “Dumaan po ako sa medyo maraming struggle last year. Nagkaroon ako ng minor depressive episode. At noong August last year, na-stroke po ako. Mild stroke. Doon ko talaga sinabi sa sarili ko, ‘Pause muna,’ Anne related. That pause would become her turning point.
Clarity After the Breakdown
Anne took nearly two years away from being fully active online. “Inayos ko muna ang sarili ko. Tinanong ko kung kaya ko pa ba. Almost 1–2 years akong hindi active,” she said.
During this quiet period, she watched her industry shift, and she watched herself shift with it. She saw which people stayed, and which simply disappeared. “Dito ko rin talaga nakilala kung sino ‘yung quality people na nand’yan sa akin sa panahon na meron ka, at kung sino ‘yung mawawala kapag wala ka na,” the businesswoman opened up. Yet through the emotional and financial losses, one truth became clear:
“Kaya ngayon, mas gusto ko po talagang i-focus at palakasin ang clinics pagdating ng 2026. Ito po talaga ang para sa akin,” Anne said. Her clinics had always been her foundation and she finally chose to honor that.
Choosing Herself, Choosing Her Business
One of the most powerful realizations Anne shares is that success requires self-awareness. She said, “Para matulungan ang business, kailangan tulungan mo muna ang sarili mo.”
Her inspiration? “Ang pamilya ko, lalo na ang dalawang anak ko, at ang staff ko na naniwala sa akin,” Anne said.
Even when Anne nearly lost everything financially, she still remains hopeful. “Halos na-zero ako pero nakabawi ako. Possible pala ‘yung akala kong imposible,” she emotionally admitted. And despite the setback, she is grateful. “Thankful ako kasi at age of 30, napagdaanan ko na. At least bata pa ako para mabawi lahat ng loss,” she added.
Anne’s story is not focused on falling but on learning exactly where to stand back up.
A Leader Who Leads With Heart
Anne is also reshaping the way she manages her team and turns her struggles into leadership philosophy.
“Kapag naramdaman ng staff na ang negosyo ay hindi lang negosyo, na may care at love ka talaga, nagiging iba rin ang care nila para sa brand,” she shared her realization about being an effective boss.
Anne gives generously, not because she has to, but because she believes loyalty and discipline grow from sincere connection. “Kahit ngayong taon na wala akong Christmas party, sinigurado kong maibigay ang incentives nila. Very generous ako sa kanila,” she said.
And she listens. “Kailangan marunong makinig sa suggestions nila, marunong makibagay. Dapat may puso, may tamang hawak, pero may puso pa rin,” Anne shared when asked for tips for other entrepreneurs.
When a CEO leads this way, discipline becomes natural, not forced. “Kapag ganun ang bonding niyo, mamahalin din nila ang brand. Mararamdaman nila na kailangan nila ang business,” Anne said.
Preparing for a Stronger 2026
As she rebuilds, the upcoming years are crystal clear for Anne. “Mas nag-align na ako sa industry. Inaaral ko nang mas malalim ang aesthetic field para makasabay sa mga bago,” she said. Her clinics are already constructing new branches, quietly but steadily.
“At least kahit paano naka-move na kami,” Anne said, sounding positive and filled with hope.
And for 2026, she is launching elevated, in-demand services. “Ito po ‘yung mga bagong services na i-ooffer namin as we relaunch and grow stronger in 2026,” she introduced. These are:
• GLP-1 program
• Non-surgical nose lift
• Lip fillers
• Botox
• And more innovations that align with global aesthetic trends
Her Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
From everything she’s experienced, Anne carries a message for aspiring business owners. “Maging ready sa possible outcomes. Hindi lahat ng business laging growing. Puwedeng bumagsak, puwedeng umangat ulit,” she said from the heart.
The key? “Consistency,” she said. “Kapag nasa peak ka, akala mo steady na, kaya napapabayaan mo ang negosyo. Pero dahil sa competition, puwedeng mawala ulit ‘yan.” And when you hit rock bottom? “Kapag nasa bottom ka na, wala ka nang ibang pupuntahan kundi pataas,” she shared her optimism.
A Comeback with a Purpose
Anne’s comeback isn’t loud or bound by the old formula of celebrity-led glamour. This time, it’s deeper, intentional, and grounded.
It’s built on the clarity that comes only from surviving setbacks and choosing to rise with focus and integrity.
Anne knows when to pivot. She knows when to pause. And most importantly, she knows how to rebuild a business the right way. That is with heart, vision, and discipline.
In an industry where resilience is hardly acknowledged and vulnerability is concealed, Anne’s story stands out.
In 2026, Hey Pretty returns with improved focus and clarity.
For more updates, visit Hey Pretty Aesthetic Center’s official Facebook page.
