TEAMBUILDING TUESDAY: BLOG EDITION – VOLUME 3
Happy spring, everyone! And welcome to another month’s Teambuilding Tuesday: Blog Edition.
This month we’re talking all things hair and makeup with the lovely Brenda Beltran from Vibrant Beauty. A veteran on the Southern Ontario wedding scene, Brenda has been making bridal (and non-bridal!) clients feel beautiful for years. Brenda and I have worked together on a number of projects over the years, from weddings to editorial shoots to my very own anniversary photoshoot with my husband last year! She always brings her A-game.
How did you get started in hair and makeup artistry? Did it start out as a hobby for you, or did you always know you wanted to go into this line of work?
From the age of eight my parents enrolled me in an art school. Being artistic was something I always loved, and drawing and painting came very natural as reading really wasn’t my favourite thing to do. I started wearing makeup in highschool and always arriving to class with different hairstyles, and before long I was known to classmates and friends as the hair queen. I was that friend you would call to get your makeup and hair done for formal and dance parties. I loved the hands-on creative aspect of makeup and hair, and when I enrolled in cosmetology class I felt it was my calling! It did take me some time to find my niche but once I started working in weddings I realized bridal makeup and hair is my passion!
How many artists are on your team? Do each of you specialize in hair or makeup, or does everyone do everything?
I normally work as a solo artist for small bridal bookings and I will have one or two amazing assisting artists working with me for larger bookings. I specialize in both makeup and hair and my assisting artists specialize in traditional and airbrush makeup.
Would you say you have a signature style? How would you describe it?
I would describe my style to be versatile although I would most describe it to be editorial for the modern bride. I like keeping on top of trends because it pushes me to be more creative!
Do you have a specific brand of hair or makeup products that you like to use?
I am constantly experimenting with new products, but some hair products such as Schwarzkopf Osis and Colour Wow never leave my kit.
How do you determine how many artists you’ll need for a wedding day? Is there a magic formula you like to use for scheduling your wedding parties?
The client’s timeline plays a role in preparing an itinerary and artist scheduling. Normally we are able to do makeup and hair on a bridal group of four or six with just two artists.
I’m always asked this question, and I’m just dying to have a pro put the controversy to rest for me… generally speaking, would you say that airbrush makeup is a good or bad idea for a bride on her wedding day?
I like offering airbrush makeup for oily skin types and during the hot summer months because it is water resistant and requires little to no touching up. In all honesty, both traditional makeup and airbrush makeup are formulated for all-day wear, so when used in conjunction with a primer, setting powder, and setting spray, traditional makeup can last just as long as airbrush makeup.
Would you recommend that every bride schedule a hair and makeup trial before her big day?
Yes, yes, YES! I highly recommend scheduling a trial before the wedding. It is the perfect opportunity to meet and get to know each other, work out the details and timings for the day, and play around with potential looks. This is also a great way to test the durability of the look and make adjustments if needed.
Aside from weddings, what other types of projects do you work on?
Aside from weddings, I have paired up with a few photographers in the city and offer makeup and hair services for their clients. I like to work on styled photoshoots and collaborate with other vendors and get to learn other artists’ perspectives as well. I also work with local musician Raquel Kiaraa on her looks for her music videos!
What would you say is your favourite part of your work?
My favourite part of my work would have to be the connections I build with my clients. Waking up with the mindset that my work is going to help my clients be the most confident and beautiful version of themselves is just so incredibly rewarding! I absolutely love what I do, and I’m lucky to be able to make a living at it.
Last but not least… when you’re not busy making everyone look and feel gorgeous, how do you like to spend your free time?
I love speciality coffee! And visiting local shops on my spare time. I also like to optimize time with my son. We love arts and crafts and watching never ending disney movies!
Vibrant Beauty specializes in professional makeup and hairstyling services for brides for their special day. Brenda has garnered a reputation for being a talented professional with innovative ideas, techniques, and an all-around great attitude, making her a favourite for repeat clients in Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara, and the GTA. Brenda is extremely knowledgeable in working with different skin tones, textures and ethnicities. Her makeup and hairstyling services also include consultations, trials, the option for multiple stylists, in-studio as well as mobile services. Don’t forget to follow Vibrant Beauty on Instagram, where Brenda regularly posts tutorials for glam and everyday hair and makeup looks!
Loving our #TeambuildingTuesday blog series?
Meet our last featured pro: Monach Design Co
And don’t forget to check out Hamilton musician Raquel Kiaraa as well!
