Partnership Series | Working with Hair & Makeup Stylists
This week, as part of our continuing Vendor Partnership Series, I'm sharing this little interview with Jennifer Buenviaje, one of the co-founders of Makeup For Your Day. With offices in Raleigh and coastal North Carolina, as well as Nashville, Tennessee, Jennifer and her business partner (also named Jennifer!) lead a super talented team of stylists that provide hair and makeup services for weddings and special occasions all over the Southeast and beyond.
How did you get into this industry and how did your background uniquely prepare you for this?
Emily March Photography
Jennifer: Each one of our artists and stylists has a unique backstory. We have a lot of professional "9-5ers" that left the corporate world for a more artistic and fashion-forward industry and some that knew all along that this was the path for them. Jennifer and I met in the cosmetics world while one of us was still in college pursuing a biology/chemistry degree and the other had just finished up her degree in fashion marketing. Neither of us thought after degrees were completed and we both were settled securely in the corporate worlds of banking and property management that we'd end up owning three hair and makeup studios...but here we are! Melding the beauty world and our backgrounds in retail and corporate practices we have found that our clients love the balance and enjoy our stability, professionalism and boutique service culture.
You have a team of incredibly talented stylists and you make our clients look and feel absolutely stunning. Sometimes brides and bridal party members waiver about whether or not they should have their hair and makeup done by a professional. What would you say to them about why it's so important?
Jennifer: We love to pamper our clients! Part of the joy on a wedding day is getting ready with your closest friends and family and relishing in the moment of being "beautified" by a professional. Personal makeup and hair talent aside, it's so important to leave beauty services to a professional on your wedding day as there has been such an investment in professional photography and videography that you want someone (or a team in our case) that has a background working in the mediums you've invested in. After all, your photos and video are all that's left after the party is long over. You want a team that is trained in artistry and styling to deliver a timeless look for your entire party that transfers the way you envision it onto film, HD, 4K, etc.
Not to mention, you want a cohesive look for your bridal party that each individual is both comfortable with and proud of. There is a balance to be achieved with makeup and hair styling that converts not only to photography and video but also to real life. You will be greeting, hugging and interacting all day with your guests and you want to be assured that your look not only lasts (who has time to leave the party of the century to touch up?!), but is also comfortable and you're confident close up.
Lucy Cuneo Photography
What do you wish every bride (and bridesmaid!) knew about wedding hair and makeup, and/or about you and your team before sitting down in your chair to be styled?
Jennifer: That we have no egos and we're FUN! Hair and makeup for your big day is so special and we're here to lend our talents and expertise. We have worked with planners, photographers, videographers, etc. for over a decade exclusively and we want nothing more than each and every client to have a pleasant and lovely experience with our team. We want them to feel beautiful, comfortable and know that they can count on us to deliver. Our ongoing training and networking with the best in the industry prepares us to go above and beyond our client's expectations time and time again.