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!