Monday, September 3, 2012

Congrats to Our Summer 2012 Brides!

Summer 2012 turned out to be such an amazing wedding season for MAWBeauty Hair & Makeup Studio! From having only 2 lonely little weddings booked in March for the month of May, we ended up securing 15 amazing weddings, and working with some of the BEST brides around!! We at MAWBeauty Hair & Makeup Studio just wanted to send out a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to our summer brides who were married between the months of May, 2012 - August, 2012!!!

May
Melissa Keyser           Married: May 12, 2012
Melissa Detri              Married: May 26, 2012

June
Marlene Salama         Married: June 2, 2012
Michelle Almeida       Married: June 2, 2012
Wendy Aleman          Married: June 16, 2012
Amber Sharples         Married: June 22, 2012
Joyce Sanchez           Married: June 23, 2012
Kate Horne               Married: June 30, 2012

July
Leslie Barahona        Married: July 14, 2012
Kyla Sullivan             Married: July 20, 2012
Kiley Gosselin           Married: July 28, 2012

August
Marissa Houle          Married: August 11, 2012
Malissa White           Married: August 18, 2012
Allison Horne            Married: August 25, 2012
Jill Bianchi                Married: August 25, 2012


Once again, HUGE CONGRATS to all of our Summer 2012 brides!!!

Wedding Season 2012

I feel like its been such a long time since I've posted anything on this blog. My last post was sometime in May, but that is all with good reason though. I've written about it in a previous post so many already know, but last November, I opened MAWBeauty Hair & Makeup Studio and went full time in March. These past few months, I've been totally hectic having an amazing wedding season.

In March, when I quit my full time job, I literally only had 2 weddings booked for the month of May. I was totally winging it and taking a huge leap of faith by quitting my job to create my dream. Today, on September 3, 2012, I am glad to say that I'm so happy that I trusted myself and God, and went full force with my business.

In the grand scheme of Bridal Hair and Makeup Artistry, it seems to me that many people do multiple weddings in one day, let alone one weekend. That wasnt totally the case for me this year, however, I can say that I'm super proud of where my business is at. Since March, when I only had those 2 weddings booked, I've been able to secure a current total of 24 weddings for the year. I've also been managed to book 2 weddings for June, 2013...one of them being a DESTINATION WEDDING in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!!! I have to say that, while my goal is actually to do 50 weddings during my first year, I do feel very blessed that I've been able to book as many as I have. I'm half way to my goal!

I think its crazy how, when you put what you want out there, the univers will answer...as long as you're working for it and not just expecting it to come to you. While I'm incredibly proud of what I've done so far, I cant take total credit for it. Through the process of booking and building my business, I put together a very talented team of hair and makeup artists who have helped to make what I've done so far, and what I will do in the future, possible. Some girls came on board, but ended up jumping ship to work with more established businesses, while others waited the course and are still with me today. I'm thankful for each and every artist that I've had the opportunity to work with...because whether they are with me now or not, my business wouldnt be where its at now without that experience.

So, between in-studio clients, bridal trials, weddings every weekend, periodic bridal expos, fashion shows, photoshoots, and such, I've managed to stay quite busy this past summer, and I've managed to have what I'm considering to be quite a successful 1st bridal season!

...and to continue reaching for my goal of 50 weddings for my first year in business, I will just put it out there that IF YOU ARE A BRIDE, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS GETTING MARRIED, BE SURE TO CALL MAWBeauty Hair & Makeup Studio to handle all of your bridal beauty needs!! We love our brides and are so thankful for those who have already chosen and trusted in us to provide hair and makeup services for them and their bridal parties for such an important day in their lives!!

To inquire about availability for your date, or for pricing, please contact:

Melissa Wilson, Owner/Principle Artist
melissa@mawbeautystudio.com
401.678.0179


Here's to a super successful 2012 wedding season!!! Cant wait for 2013!!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday beautiful people! I know its Monday, and lots of people have a bad case of the "Monday's". You know, the time of the week where you dread waking up, getting dressed, and spending the rest of your day at the job you dont like, with people you dont like. We've all been there!

Well, its Monday for me too. My day consists of other tasks such as getting my hair blown out and styled by a possible new freelance Beauty Angel for my team, styling a client on my "off" day, running errands, and picking up things for my studio. I have to say that even though I wish I could just hang at home and relax all day, I do feel blessed that I'm able to wake up, drink my coffee, take my time and write this blog to you, do a load of laundry, and then go to "work" on this Monday at a place that I love with people I enjoy being around.

So, while I dont have a full out "new" blog post for you today, I wanted to leave you guys with this little bit of food for though from a previous blog post that I created about a month or so ago. I think its very fitting for a Monday morning. Food For Though..

I'll be working on some new blog posts for you guys, and they will be up very soon. I hope that everyone has an amazing day, and if by chance I dont get a chance to blog again this week, I wish you an amazing week as well!

Peace, love, and beauty <3

Melissa

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Let Me Update You!

Hello Beauties!! Its been a while since I've posted, but with very good reason! Let me update you on the past month or so...

When I began this blog, and also when I opened my hair and makeup studio, I was stuck working a full time job. Actually, I was working a full time job, teaching zumba, doing hair and makeup "whenever", and working my Arbonne business. My life was nothing but hectic. I was all over the place, and I was totally unhappy, and truly worn out. Just plain exhausted. I took a look at everything that I was doing and realized this: I LOVE hair and makeup artistry, I LOVE Arbonne, and I LOVE zumba. What I hated was my full time job. I hated the fact that I answered to a "boss". I hated that there was no advancement opportunities (unless I advanced into a position that I knew I would be fully unhappy in). I hated that someone else decided what my time and efforts were worth. I hated the fact that I spent my days couped up in a store with four walls while there was LIFE happening outside. I hated the fact that I got no help whatsoever with projects within my department, while any other project in my store had 2 or more people on it. I also hated the fact that while I was out of my department for the weekend, I would come back to a disaster because no one cared to help look after it while I was gone. Nothing would get done in my absence, and work would pile up...creating more work, more stress, and less time for me.

On March 18th, I turned 27 years old. I looked back at the first 6 years of my twenties. From age 19-23, I was in a long-term relationship, and really kind of lost sight of who "Melissa" was. I became who I was in my relationship. I didnt do a lot of the things that I loved to do, and I also listened to a lot of what other people had to say and took their advice on how my life should be. From age 21-23, I lived in New Jersey with my ex-boyfriend. During this time, I basically became a real "adult". We had rent to pay, so I did what I had to do to earn a paycheck...I worked in an office for a period of time, then worked in retail. I left my passion and creativity behind because I knew we had responsibilities. I moved home to Rhode Island a few months after my 23rd birthday, and from 23-26, I worked the full time job that I just left. I was really unclear on where my life was going, and what I really wanted for my future. I found myself entering the last 3 years of my twenties, and while I dont in any type of way look at the first 6 years as a waste, I decided that the last 3 would be on MY terms.

I gave my full time job my 2 weeks notice on March 16, 2012...two days before I turned 27. That was truly the scaries thing that I've done in a long time, but it was the BEST feeling. I remembered how it felt when I left Rhode Island to move to New Jersey with maybe $250 in my bank account (that got blown through REAL quick!!) and a load of bills and credit card debt. I was so scared, but I KNEW it was what I was supposed to be doing at the time. That is exactly what I felt walking into my manager's office to tell him that I was leaving the company I had been with for the past 3 1/2 years...the company that paid me every week and gave me health and medical benefits.

I left my full time job, and have gone to work on my dreams. M.A.W.Beauty Hair & Makeup Studio is my passion now. I love working with my team of freelance artists, whom I have named the Beauty Angels, and providing our beauty services using Arbonne's luxury products. We specialize in hair and makeup artistry for bridal, photography, and fashion...and I'm LOVING every minute of it. I am now able to focus on educating people about products that I am passionate about, and offer people a little piece of hope through telling them about the Arbonne Opportunity. I'm also able to offer my Beauty Angels the opportunity to expand their artistry, as well as their personal business with the Arbonne Opportunity (if they decide they want it). I feel blessed. I realized today that I no longer complain about money. I no longer complain about time (well, sometimes I dont have enough time...growing two businesses takes a lot of it!!), and I no longer complain about hatine my job. THAT is how I woke up feeling today, and that was the BEST feeling I've felt in a long time. I still teach zumba because I enjoy it and I love the women who come to my class. Leaving my full time job, and having the faith to pursue my passion was the best decision I've made yet.

I cant wait to see where my life is heading. I'm positive that its going in a direction that I couldnt even imaging...I'm going to heights that I cant even fathom. All because I stepped out on faith.

So, that is my update for you!! And on that note, I encourage you to step out on your own faith! If there is something you've been dying to do, but you were scared or nervous that it wouldnt work out...JUST DO IT!!! You may fail, but guess what...life is not over. I think failing is when you dont even try. You owe it to yourself to try your best! During the month of May, I will be doing my best to blog a little more. I love to write, so I WILL be writing on a more consistent basis. I'll keep you updated on all of my adventures!!

That being said, LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE beauties!!

Peace, love, and beauty <3

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Food For Thought...

...If time and money were no factor in your life, what would you do and who would you spend your time with??

thinkaboutit...

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

My Philosophy On Beauty

I believe that every woman wants to look and feel like the best version of herself. She wants to put her best face forward for the world to see. It is so easy for women to look in a magazine and see images of models and celebrities, and feel as though they must do their best to look like they just stepped out of that magazine too. But lets be totally real and honest; most ordinary women dont have the time, energy, or training to make themselves look that way. But it is a fact that every woman just wants to look beautiful, feminine, put together, and confident.

I have seen other makeup artists literally make women look like drag queens on their wedding day, using heavy foundation or eye makeup or severe lip liner. In my opinion, most women just want to look like themselves...especially on their wedding day. I have seen hair stylists create a look that they think will be perfect for their client, however, the look is totally un-managable for the client to maintain or impossible to re-create at home. All women want is to look and feel fabulous, without having to use tons of products, time, or major skill to achieve the look.

I believe very strongly in simplicity. But I also believe in glamour. Basically, I believe a woman should be simply glamourous. When a woman steps out of my hair or makeup styling chair, they should feel that the look they are walking away with makes them look efforlessly glamourous. They should feel like the world is looking at them for all the right reasons. They should feel confident that the look that was created for them enhances all of their best features, and brings out their natural beauty. They should feel confident that they can maintain their hairstyle at home, even if it doesnt look exactly how I, as a stylist, did it. They should feel that the makeup application that they received made them look like it was just them, only enhanced. And, they should feel like they have taken away a few new tips and skills that will allow for them to make themselves look and feel the same way in between salon visits.

Beauty is not about looking perfect. Beauty is about being you. Because nobody is perfect, yet there is still beauty within everybody. And if I can help to bring that beauty out, whether it be for your wedding day, photography session, special event, or even just a regular salon visit to pamper yourself and make you feel fabulous, then I feel like I am doing my part within the Professional Industry of Beauty, and really conveying the message about what "Beauty" TRULY is.

That is my take on beauty. That is what I believe women want. How do I know? Because I am a woman. And even though I love providing hair and makeup services on others as well as myself, I'm also a very low maintenance girl. I understand that women dont have time for a full face of makeup and to style their hair up. Because I sometimes dont have time myself. I understand that a woman just wants to look and feel like herself, because I want to feel the same way. I get that most women dont really even have the skill or training to create the look that I create for them. Because at one point, I didnt have it either...I just had the interest and passion in order to learn.


:)

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Bridal Photoshoot

Hey guys and girls! I have to tell you about how much fun I had yesterday! I've been dying to just style someone up and take some bridal inspired photos just for the fun of it. So when Lydia, one of the girls on my Beauty Angels Hair and Makeup Squad, told me that she had a wedding gown, I was all over it! I immediately contacted my good photographer friend Kevin Auger and set up a photoshoot.

The shoot took place at my studio, M.A.W.Beauty Hair & Makeup Studio. Lydia arrived early that morning and we got right to work. She showed me her gown and veil, and we decided to keep her looking very classic. Lydia is absolutely gorgeous, and has somewhat of a vintage and innocent vibe to her, so I wanted the photos reflect that. Lydia is also in her early 20's, so I wanted the pictures to also reflect the fact that she is still young. So we went to work!

We had about four or five different looks. We had lots of different accessories to play with, from hair combs, to clips, to earrings, and her GORGEOUS veil. (SIDEBAR: Lydia's veil made me want to go out and buy a veil just to wear on a daily basis...it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!) Some of the looks we did included having Lydia's hair out with loose curls, then pinned into a low bun, then out and wild, and then up in a high, carefree top bun. The makeup didnt really change much throughout the shoot. We did a natural, slightly smoky eye, and for the lips, we went from a coral to a light pink, to a brighter pink, to a red lip.

This shoot was so much fun for me because my studio was in such dissaray, there were people all over the place (one of my other Beauty Angels, Samantha F. was there, and my friend Nora stopped by as well), and we got pretty creative with just the few decorative items that I had around the studio! This just goes to show how you can create such beauty with just a little creativity.

I haven't seen all of the pictures yet, but Kevin posted a few of them online and I snatched them up really quick! I'm so excited to see the rest of the pictures, and as soon as I get them, I will be posting! But until then, here are three shots that I am totally in love with! Hope you enjoy!!





Friday, February 24, 2012

Are Bridal Hair and Makeup Trials REALLY Important?

When planning a wedding, brides usually make sure to schedule all of the important things like cake and food tasting, viewing of your venue, meeting your photographer, and things of that nature. For some reason, though, it sometimes seems like hair and makeup are overlooked. In addition to scheduling all of the other important activities when planning your wedding, its also super important for a bride to schedule a hair and makeup trial with her stylist prior to the wedding date.

Why is it so important? Well, the purpose of a trial is to work out all of the details of how you will look on your wedding day. Trials make things easier for both the bride and the stylist because everything is totally spelled out. Trials for the stylist allow us to determine exactly what products we will be using for your look, how much or how little we need, and also we figure out exactly what look you are hoping to achieve, and work with you to create your vision. For the bride, trials are important because they allow you to rest assured that you will look exactly how you imagined on your wedding day.

Generally, for a hair trial, I like for my clients to arrive with clean, dry hair. This way, the hair isnt too oily, and if I need to add product to make the hair a little more "dirty", I can do that without worrying about product buildup. It is also important that when having a hair trial done, the bride should bring any hair accessories such as a veil, tiara, clips, or pins. This will give you a clearer idea of what your hair will look like on the day of your wedding. Also, if you have any pictures that will help you describe your dream hair-do, bring those along too.

For your makeup trial, it is always necessary to start with a clean face. You should also bring pictures that may help you best describe how you'd like your makeup to look, then your makeup artist will offer advice and opinions on what might be best for you. During your makeup trial, you can determine whether or not traditional foundation or airbrush foundation is right for you. Also, colors will be chosen that will compliment your skin tone and makeup you look your absolute best.

Trials are also SOOO important because not only do they show you how you will look on your wedding day, but you are also able to find out how long your look will last. You will figure out any hair and makeup weaks that need to be made, and also find out the staying power of your look. So, do you see the importance of having a trial? Bridal beauty trials are nothing to be skipped!! Remeber, a photo can last forever! Now that we are in the digital age, your entire wedding album may end up on FaceBook, and can be shared through the internet for years to come. So its important to make sure that your look is on point for your big day. By booking a trial, you will save yourself a lot of stress on your wedding day!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Get Your Glow On

One of my favorite beauty trends for the upcoming Spring season is gorgeous glowing skin. I'm really loving this trend because it is just a natural, simple look that is so easy to get. Here are a few tips and products that will help you achieve the look of fabulous, fresh, glowing skin!

TIP #1: Exfoliate. In order for your skin to shine through, it is necessary to remove any dead skin cells that may be causing your skin to look dull. When you expose new skin cells, your skin LOOKS renewed and it will glow. I love Arbonne's FC5 Exfoliating New Cell Scrub, which gently exfoliates dead skin in order to produce a more radiant, youthful glow. Another product that I love, also from Arbonne, is the RE9 Cellular Renewal Masque. This product is genious. Enzymes help this product to provide an immediate, radiant glow, and also improve your skin tone, help with any discoloration, and create a poreless surface on the skin. This trend is wonderful, and these products are holy grail.

TIP #2: Moisturize. Just do it dog gone it! After all this exfoliation, and even without it, its so important to replace moisture into your skin. My favorite way to hydrate right now is with Arbonne's RE9 Advanced Intensive Renewal Serum and RE9 Advanced Restorative Day Creme. These products keep your skin hydrated, contain ingredients that make your skin very radiant and glowing, and are lightweight so that you dont feel like you have layers on your skin.

TIP #3: Highlight. My personal favorite highlighter is Arbonne's Sheer Glow Highlighter. This creamy liquid highlighter is wonderful because it can be used alone, or mixed into your moisturizer or foundation for an all over glow. By using it this way, your entire face will have a beautiful, healthy glow. You can also just use it in targeted areas of the face, such as cheekbones, browbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow. Either way, whether using a powder highlighter or a liquid, make sure that you're using one! Your skin will look fabulous!

Bridal Beauty Trends

This bridal season, there are quite a few fabulous beauty trends that I'm excited to see. When it comes to bridal, I have a very classic and natural style, however, I also love the vintage 1950's look as well. I'm so happy to see that both of my favorite styles are becoming more popular and will be seen on brides all season!

Here are my top 3 bridal trends for the upcoming 2012 Bridal Season:

1. Bold Lips.
I think this may be my favorite. Brides will be wearing more of a "stand-out" lip this season, which is think is great. Faces will be kept very natural and dewy looking, but the lip will be more of a "pop" color. Tangerine, corals, pinks, plums, and reds will be seen, however, even with a bolder lip, the total look will still look natural, classy, and put together.

2. Buns.
Messy buns. Structured buns. Top buns. Low buns. Side buns. Do you get it?? Actually, THIS may be my favorite trend of the season! I'm such a low maintenance girl, and I can very often be found with my hair in a bun. Any variation of a bun is something I love. Buns are classic, classy, and simply gorgeous. You can create so many different looks with a bun, and you can dress it up in so many different ways. I cant express my love for hair that is in a bun, so I'm extremely excited to see all the brides this season with a bun of their own!

3. Metallics and Peaches.
So, I combined 2 trends into one because I love both of them so much. This season, beautiful golds and bronzes are going to be seen a lot. Accents of these colors in your makeup will bring your skin a beautiful, warm glow. Golden bronzers and eyeshadows will be very popular, and peachy, coral colored, glossy lips will be all the rage. I'm super excited for this trend because I love golden and peach colors! Something about them just screams SUMMER to me! They bring a beautiful warmth to the skin, show off blue eyes, and make you feel and looks glamourously natural!


I cant wait to see (and do!!) all of these trends this year! What are some of your favorite bridal trends for 2012?!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Interview With Melissa Wilson

Hey guys! I know a lot of people may wonder who I am, and what qualifies me to provide hair and makeup services for them. So, I thought I'd do a quick self interview for you all! Hopefully, this will help you to get to know me a little better, and will answer some of your questions about me prior to booking or requesting more information about me and my services! Enjoy!

How long have you been doing hair and makeup, and how did you get started?
I've always loved hair and makeup, but never considered it as a career. Then in 2004, after crying to my sister about how much I disliked the classes I was taking at the local community college, she suggested that I go to school to do hair. I attended Arthur Angelo School of Cosmetology in 2004, and have been a licensed cosmetologist since 2005. I've worked in salons throughout the Providence area and have gained expertise in all hair types, specializing in ethnic hair care. I have been professionally been doing makeup since 2007. I have experiece with all different product lines ranging from French department store brands, mass drugstore brands, and ultra premium Swiss skincare and cosmetics. I have done work not only in the salon environment, but also as a cosmetic counter makeup artist as well as freelance. I've worked fashion shows, photoshoots, and weddings. My specialty falls within bridal, as my passion is makeup artistry and updo's. I continue my education by constantly practicing, attending classes, seminars, and workshops, and reading industry books and publications. Although I have been in the industry for 7 years, I feel that this is just the beginning of my career!

What do you love most about hair and makeup artistry?
As far as makeup artistry, I love to enhance my client's natural appearance. I love to show people how to make their favorite features stand out, and even how to downplay the features that they aren't as comfortable with. I love working with different colors and textures, and working on a wide variety of skin tones. I believe that beautiful skin is the foundation for beautiful makeup, and I love being able to help clients and educate them about their specific skin types and concerns, ultimately helping them find solutions to their issues. And as far as hair artistry, I love being able to create the perfect hair style to fit someone's personality, lifestyle, and features. I love having the ability to enhance someone's self confidence by creating a style that makes them feel like a million bucks. I love hair and makeup artistry because not only is it creative and fun, but it is truly rewarding.

What sets you apart from other hair and makeup artists?
I'm different from other artists because of my diverse background. I've worked in a varitey of salons ranging from a mostly caucasian clientele to an all ethnic client base. I've been trained on techniques that enable me to service any client that sits in my chair. Kinky hair doesn't scare me, and neither does fine, straight hair. In addition, while I'm trained to provide hair color and chemical services, my focus in on blowouts, special occasion hair styling, and makeup artistry. If you have an event to go to where you'd like a sleek blowout or and updo, I'm your girl. If you are a bride, in a wedding, or going someplace where you need a fabulous, professional makeup application, you should call me for that as well. I dont claim to be a "Jill of all trades". I simply do what I'm best at, and what I'm passionate at.
In addition, my services are fully mobile. If you are crunched for time, and would like a makeup application or style where you are at, I will come to you prepared to provide whatever service you request.
Lastly, I love to write and host events. I am working to turn that passion into something that I can share with my clients by blogging more about beauty topics that may be of interest to them. I love teaching, so blogging and hosting in-studio and in-home beauty classes allows me to do so.

Who do you work best with?
I love working with fun, energetic individuals who are not afraid express what they are looking for. I love working with people who are creative, and have a unique personality and style. My ideal hair and/or makeup client, whether in-studio or for bridal, would be:
-someone who wants to look like the best version of themselves.
-someone who actually wants to enjoy their wedding day or special event, or wants to take time to relax and get pampered, and doesnt want to have to worry about how they are going to make time for themselves.
-someone who needs to look their best for photography, and wants to make the most out of their investment in their photography or videography.
-someone who is unsure of how to appoach their hair or makeup, and is looking for someone who can teach them basic skills to use for daily styling and maintenance.
-someone who is environmentally conscious, and appreciates "clean", toxin free products, as well as products of luxury.

Where do you primarily work, and how far are you willing to travel?
I'm the Owner and Principle Artist at M.A.W.Beauty Hair & Makeup Studio, which is based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Generally, for most salon services, I work out of the studio. Clients can visit the studio location for color and chemicals, hair cuts, blowouts, makeup applications and lessons, manicures, and waxing. If you are a bridal client, I usually will preform your hair and makeup trial at my studio location, but for the day of your wedding, I will come to wherever you are. I'm extremely mobile! I am willing to travel wherever I need to go to get the job done, and make your wedding day as easy for you as possible. I travel all thoughout New England, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and even parts of D.C. and Maryland. Bottom line is this: If you need me, I will go! And if you need more of me, I will bring my team of artists!

Do you offer trials and consultations?
I sure do! Consultations are complimentary. I generally require a consultation prior to any bridal service. This allows myself and the bride to sit down and work out any detail of her wedding that I need to know. I'm able to find out about the needs of your bridal party as well. I also require a consultation prior to any chemical service including relaxers, color, and highlights. I dont stock a lot of color in my studio, and prefer to sit with my client beforehand, and determine exactly what look we will be achieving (and also determine if your hair is in the proper condition to receive the service), and then follow up with another appointment to do the actual service. As I said, consultations are complimentary, and I charge a very affordable rate for bridal trials, which can be found on my website: http://www.mawbeautystudio.com

Are you able to provide on-location touch-ups for weddings and other speical events?
Absolutely! I charge an hourly rate for bridal ceremony and reception touch-ups. For photography, I will stay for the duration of your shoot!

What kind of hair and makeup products do you use?
I use professional quality hair and makeup products. Most of what I use is vegan friendly, gluten free, dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, botanically based, free of mineral oil, chemical dyes and fragrances. Using products with these standards allows me to service a wide variety of clients with all different needs and requirements. I also provide airbrush makeup services. All of my tools are kept sanitary, disinfected, and ready for each client!

Do you apply false eyelashes?
Sure do! I prefer individual lashes because they look so natural, however, I also offer strip lashes as well. False lashes are available for an additional fee.

My schedule wont allow for me to have your professional hair and makeup service on the day of my event. Are you able to teach me how to style my own hair and apply my own makeup?
You bet! I love teaching people how to style themselves up. I would be honored to share my knowledge with you. Please view my lesson rates online at my website: http://www.mawbeautystudio.com/studio_services.cfm?serviceid=1

Will you work with my other vendors?
Of course! I play well with others, plus I love getting to know other industry professionals. I will work with your other vendors in order to ensure that scheduling is where it should be, and that my services are provided in a timely manner, in agreement with the services that they will be providing.

What happens if you get sick, and cant preform in-studio hair and makeup services, or for my wedding or special event?
If you hire me to provide services, you can be assured that they will be provided for you. In the very rare, extreme occasion that I, myself, cannot physically preform your services, I do have a team of licensed, professional, in-house trained artists that I work with who will be able to accomodate you. I hope that there is never an occasion where I have to take backup measures, but just in case, they are in place!

Your work is great, and the services sound great too! BUT--this also sounds a bit expensive! What are your rates?
I understand your concerns about price! This economy is tough, and I know that people are strongly considering where they are directing their money. I can assure you though, that my rates are incredibly competative with what other industry professionals are charging. I am confident in my rates, and stand by them because I provide you with a top quality service, using nothing but top quality products. But, just in case you were wondering, you can view my in-studio and bridal rates right at my website! http://www.mawbeautystudio.com

How do I book in advance for an in-studio service, wedding, special event, or party?
To book for an in-studio service, simply contact me via email or cell. We will work together to schedule a mutually beneficial time and date for you to come to the studio for your service. For weddings and other special events, after conducting our initial complimentary consultation, a signed contract and $75 retainer will secure your requested time and date. I do recommend that brides book well in advance (3-6 months), as I work on a first come, first serve basis.

Will you be blogging about my wedding or posting pictures on your website or social media sights?
I love to share my work with other clients and potential clients. However, if you are not comfortable and wish for me not to share any details or pictures, you can be assured that I will totally respect that. It is 110% voluntary. Just say the word ;)

I still have a few more questions. Can we set up a time to talk?
Of course! Just shoot me and email at melissa@mawbeautystudio.com and let me know your availability so that we can either set up a phone consultation, or a time for you to stop by my studio!




I really hope that this self interview was thorough for you guys! I hope that this may have answered any questions that you may have been wondering. If there was something that I didnt touch upon, feel free to ask away!

I'm looking forward to servicing those of you who are interested, and providing you with an amazing service and experience!

Rob Roy Academy Makeup Demo

Hey there beauties.


As you know, I've been in the beauty industry since 2005 ( 7 years going strong! ), and my experience is very diverse. I've worked in salons, behind the department store makeup counter, for pro beauty suppliers, drugstore cosmetics sales, direct sales with a cosmetics company, and as the owner of my own salon. Over the years, I've acquired quite a bit of knowledge about hair care, skin care, and makeup artistry. One of the things that I love to do most is share my knowledge with others. Thats why I was so excited to be able to go in to the Rob Roy Academy in Woonsocket, RI and do a makeup demo for the cosmetology and esthetics student.


I was invited to do the demo by one of my interns who is a cosmetology student at the school. I've been working with her to teach her more about makeup artistry, so she asked if I would be interested in doing a demonstration for the students in her class. So, on February 1st, I was invited to do my demo. What really made me happy about this was that the students actually got a chance to ask questions and get them answered. I've found over the years that so many cosmetology students go through their program, and are only equipped with basic knowlege of hair care. Even though cosmetology is the study of hair, skin, and nails, the focus in on hair, and students leave school without ever having done a makeup application, or having their questions about makeup artistry answered. I was so happy to be able to offer them the opportunity to ask and get those answers.


My Intern, Lisa, was my model (since she gets private training from me at any given time). On Lisa, I showed the students how I prep my clients by using the proper skin care on them, and by askin clients questions about their skin and the look that they want to achieve. Then I went into a basic makeup application for them. I showed them a very simple daytime makeup look that could easily be translated into an evening look. I taught the students basics about contouring, highlighlighting, and face shapes. I gave them an overview about different types of makeup from traditional liquid foundation to tinted moisturizer to minerals, and also taught them how to choose which one based on occasion, coverage, and skin type. Lastly, I gave them a very quick airbrush tutorial.


I was so happy to do the demo for this group of students. I really hope that I was able to inspire some of them to explore makeup artistry a little more! Now ladies, I dont only do this for students! If you'd like your very own makeup demo/lesson, let me know!

Check out some of the pics from the class:






You can view the rest of the pictures on my facebook: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.342164715814154.82183.142997905730837&type=3


Hope you guys enjoy! And remember, if you'd like a personalized makeup class, let me know! I'd love to share my knowledge with you.









Saturday, February 11, 2012

M.A.W.Beauty Hair &Makeup Studio In the Providence American

Hey there guys and girls! I'm so excited to share this with you! I was aware that there would be a write-up about my new salon, M.A.W.Beauty Hair & Makeup Studio, in the Providence American Newspaper, but it was such an amazing thing to acutally SEE the write-up.

I was in a nail salon close by the studio, waiting for my mani/pedi, when I noticed a stack of the free publication sitting on the window sill next to me! I quickly grabbed a copy and turned through the pages until I found the article that I had been looking for! It was such a great write up! You get to learn a little bit about myself and my experience as a stylist, and also my vision for the salon. I feel so blessed that you guys get to know me in a little way through this.

Please check out the article for yourself! Its online at the Providence American website!

http://www.theprovidenceamerican.com/article_detail.cfm?article_id=910


Hope you all enjoy! Thanks for reading!!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

NEW SEGMENT: Just My Opinion

Hey there beauties!! So while I was in the salon today (in case you didnt know, I opened a salon back in November! More about that later!), I was thinking about all the products that I like and have tried, and decided that I should tell you all more about them. This simple thought sparked a fabulous idea in my head! I'm going to start a new blog/vlog segment called "Just My Opinion"! I'm really excited about this segment, and I'm not sure why I didnt think of it sooner!

In "Just My Opinion", I will quickly tell you about a product that I've tried, and simply give you my opinion on it. I'll tell you if I love it or hate it, and I'll tell you what I like or dont like about it. I'll tell you if I feel that the price point is fair for the quality or amount of product purchased. I'll just give my personal feedback! I'm really excited because I've had a youtube account for some time now, but hadn't really been inspired to use it. But today, I finally found a reason :)

So, what you can expect from me and my new "Just My Opinion" segment is an honest review...my opinion, of course. You will see written reviews, as well as video reviews. And I promise they wont bore you to sleep. I cant wait to get the first one up! Alright good people, I must go and work on getting the first review up now! I'll post when its done!

Stay fabulous!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Lia Sophia Jewelry Fashion Show

As a lot of you may already know, in addition to being a hair and makeup artist, I'm also a certified Zumba Instructor. A few months back, while subbing another instructor's class, I met a woman named Pam. Right from the beginning, Pam and I clicked. She had such a friendly, kind-hearted personality. As I got to know Pam, she told me about the non-profit organization called On Common Ground that she had started, and also about her business as a Lia Sophia Jewelry Consultant. Not long ago, Pam came to me and told me that she was organizing a jewelry showcase that would combine both her non-profit and Lia Sophia businesses. When she asked if I would be so kind as to provide makeup services for the models, right away, I was in.

The event was held at the South Attleboro Elks Club. It was a super hectic night, but I honestly must say that Pam and her team did a fantastic job organizing the event. The venue was set up beautifully, and the staff at the Elks Club did a great job as well.

Unfortunately, at this time, I don't have any pictures of the models. We were working within such a short time frame that I honestly didnt have a chance to snap any photos, but I am working on getting some ASAP! For hair and makeup, we went for a classic glamour look. Each model's hair was styled in a simple bun. Although each girl's bun was different, the overall theme was classic glam...very sleek and put together. I'm in love with buns as it is, so this was right in my element.

For makeup, I stayed right in line with the classic glamour look. I kept each model's makeup very clean and natural. Since the show was about the jewelry, I didnt want anyone's makeup to be too overpowering, so I kept things very neutral. My color palette for eyes for the evening was golds, bronzes, taupes, and black. Cheeks were highly contoured (just the way I like!), and given a splash of color to make the skin look as though it were blushing. Lips were also kept nude, but a colorful nude. Shades of bronze, mauve, and berry were used in order to give the lips that "just bitten" look.

Honestly, I'm kicking myself for not having time to get pictures! The girls looked absolutely stunning tonight! Like I said, I will be working to get a few pictures from the even to share with you guys.

Over all, this event was great. Pam put lots of hard work into organizing this evening, and it truly paid off. Guests were given a chance to browse through the catalog and receive a discount off of whatever they chose to order, and 100% of the proceeds were donated to On Common Ground. I couldnt have been more proud of my friend for this event. Unfortuately, I had to leave before the end (no sleep + early morning tomorrow = hell!), but I cant imagine that it ended anything less than fabulous! Cant wait to get my hands on some pictures to share with you all!!

Have a great night my beauties!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Catching Up

Its been months since I've posted here. I'm so sorry! So many things have been going on and I've been super busy! I have so much to catch everyone up on. Its pretty late right now, so there will be no catching up tonight! But, I will most certainly fill you all in on these past few months over the next week or two, and I'll also let you all know about some fabulous things that I have coming up in the near future.

All I can say is that I'm super excited about things, and that even more than being excited, I'm blessed :)

Have a fab night beauties...we'll catch up oh so soon!