We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Krupp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, how do you think about risk?
I have been a makeup artist for 25 years, freelancing for different bridal companies in Chicago and California. I relocated to Asheville, North Carolina in 2017 and decided to take a risk and start my own bridal makeup and hair company. I didn’t know a single person when I relocated so I wasn’t sure where to begin looking for contractors. At the time I moved here I started an Esthetics company as well which consisted of only myself. One of my clients for skincare happened to be a hairstylist so I offered her the position. My company began with she and I. I believe you must put the risk of money into a business to create growth, I advertise on the Wedding Wire and The Knot and built a website. Through experience, I learned to search for contractors through Indeed. I slowly began adding artists to my team, this too is a risk, trusting in one’s abilities and punctuality. There were moments when I felt it was never going to work and wanted to give up. Here I am 6 years later and my company has 8 employees and every year my business is growing rapidly. My first year in business we completed the year with approximately 35 weddings, in 2022 we completed 165 weddings.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my career as a makeup artist in 1998 working at the MAC counter as a makeup artist. This experience was phenomenal for me. I learned so much about product and mastered the art of applying makeup. After years of working with MAC, I decided to take a leap and become a freelance makeup artist for wedding companies in Chicago, I was involved in many fashion shows, hair shows and assisting photographers. Through working with different people on various gigs, my name began to spread and before I knew it, I was connected with so many referrals. In addition to working with a bridal company, I also had my own clients. My passion for makeup art and people shines through. I relocated to California where I worked as a freelance makeup artist for a few different bridal companies, again because of my passion for makeup art and I am great with people, I began receiving referrals and built my own clientele. I was chosen to do makeup for styled shoots, wedding magazines and was connected with a phenomenal photographer and assisted her in several photo shoots. My next goal is to extend my business to Arizona as I will be relocating to the area at some point soon. I will be focusing on building a team in Arizona and targeting the area with advertising and developing relationships with the local wedding vendors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently reside in Asheville, North Carolina. If I had a friend come to visit, I would take her on some beautiful hikes, tubing on the river, take her to music venues in the area to experience some great music and experience great craft beers from one of our many local breweries. I would take her to downtown Asheville where there are several eclectic restaurants, wine bars, shopping and night clubs. I would make sure to take her to The Grove Park Inn, a lovely historical resort with stunning views of the mountains and sunset, live music, drinks and great food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shout out to all of the local wedding planners int the area. Throughout my 6 years of business I have developed a working relationship with them. My company has received so much recognition from them as well as referrals for upcoming weddings. I am truly grateful for each one of them and the success they have provided!

Website: https://www.bellabridalartistry.com

Instagram: @bella_bridalartistry

Facebook: Bella Bridal Artistry

Image Credits
Gabrielle Von Heyking Photography Overlook Barn, Banner Elk, NC The Stewarts Roam Photography Allegory and Elm Photography

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