Meet Melissa!

I met Melissa last January because she did the hair and makeup for wedding that I shot… and did a phenominal job! Thought I would share some info on her as she recently opened her own little studio within a Salon in Parkville. Her space within the salon is located at: Changes Hair and Body, 2306 E Joppa Road, Parkville, MD 21234

If you are looking for a new place to get your hair done, you definitely have to check her out! Call 410.668.4682

She not only works out of her space, but will travel to clients for hair and makeup for weddings.

And here is a little bit about Melissa and her business……

1. How long have you been in business?

I have been a licensed makeup artist for 12 years and a hair stylist for about 6 years.

2. How did you get interested in hair/makeup?

My mom is a hairstylist so I’ve been around the business all of my life. I first developed a passion for doing makeup because I have some skin issues that I wanted to be able to cover up naturally. Once I learned to do that I knew I could help other people as well. It’s amazing how much better you can make someone feel about themselves just with a little bit of makeup. Then I got accepted to Carver for Cosmetology, but didn’t end up going because I didn’t want to leave my twin sister for high school so I put it off. After graduating from college and working for two years, I still couldn’t let go of that dream so I quit my job and went to hair school and the rest is history:)

3. Tell us a little bit about your process. What should I expect if I work with you for my wedding?

I like to be a calming part of a bride’s day. Once she and her bridal party are sitting in my chair the rest of the details are usually taken care of so I want them to be able to just relax and enjoy that moment. We have a trial so there are no worries about what we’re going to do the day of, but with that being said, if there are changes to be made that is no problem either. I just want the bride to be happy. That is my ultimate goal.

4. Where do you find your inspiration/creativity?

I love going through all of the bridal magazines and even watching the Oscars and other celebrity events. I also just like to come up with something new together with my brides. It’s generally a collaboration of their ideas with mine.

5. Any advice for brides or a client planning an event?

Try to enjoy it and not get too stressed out. Have fun with it. Having been a bride just last year, I know how quickly the day goes by. I see so many brides get caught up with little details and the day of that stuff really doesn’t matter very much.

6. What sets you apart from other hair/makeup artists in our industry?

What sets me apart is my desire for the relationship with my brides. I want them to feel very comfortable with me and to enjoy our time together. I feel it is a very special thing to be asked to be a part of the most important day in someone’s life and I take that seriously. It’s not just about a paycheck for me. I’ve developed friendships with lots of my brides.

7. What do you love most about your job?

I love working with people. I love having a part in making them feel confident and beautiful for their special day.

So, meet Melissa….

And here are some photos of her space…

You might remember Amie + Nathan’s wedding a the Baltimore zoo from a few weeks ago….  It is up on Paper Possibilities… You can check it out here.

They are based out of Chicago but did an amazing job with all of Amie’s wedding stationary design. Check them out!

A huge thank you to all of my brides! I have been chosen for The Knot Best of Weddings 2010. This is such an honor and wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t have the most amazing clients ever! You all are the best and I am so grateful! What a wonderful surprise! Thank you past brides who have nominated/voted… I am truly blessed this season because of you!

The publication of The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 will kick off on January 22, 2010…. I will be listed in the magazine…get to use this nice logo below, and will receive a plaque for my office (and future studio!!)

I can’t wait for all of the amazing weddings to come this year and to get to know all of my new brides…. and make current processes better for future clients!

m.e.