Hair & Makeup Artist - Leah Gilbertson
- Business: Dreamcatcher Artistry
- Location: San Francisco, California CA
- Experience: 12 Years
- Profile: Dreamcatcher Artistry
- Website: www.dreamcatcherartistry.com
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hey there, I am Leah Gilbertson founder and stylist at Dreamcatcher Artistry! I fell in love with the beauty world young, waking up early everyday before school to play around with my own makeup and hair, while also helping others for special events. I followed that with moving to LA at 18 and receiving my AA in Beauty Merchandising and Marketing from FIDM. Quickly after that I attended MUD (Makeup Designory) to receive my certification in Beauty Makeup, Character Makeup and Hairstyling. My goal at the time was to get into the Film/Print world. I enjoyed a few years working on some feature films, music videos and many photoshoots, while always keeping my hand in weddings.
As things progressed, I knew one day I'd like a family and to explore living in other cities. This is when I made the move back to my hometown Santa Barbara and began working weddings more regularly as they offered more flexibility for my life. As I got busier I really fell in love with all the elements of running a bridal beauty business. At that time, I went back to school to earn my cosmetology licenses to better support me as a business owner. Towards to end of school is when Dreamcatcher Artistry was officially born!
Though the company gained traction quickly, I wasn't ready to settle down yet, so I uprooted to San Francisco while continuing to keep our Santa Barbara artists working. In San Francisco, I had the opportunity to teach at a local makeup school, Blush School of Makeup, which was an incredible asset to helping me train and hire artists to help grow my SF branch. About 5 years later our SF branch was booming and my husband and I decided it was time to start a family. We moved down to the Pismo Beach area to buy a home and get closer to our parents. I continued to keep my Santa Barbara and San Francisco artists working and have since opened a third branch of Dreamcatcher in the San Luis Obispo County.
I am so grateful for this opportunity to provide jobs to talented artists, while also cultivating these incredibly special relationships with our brides. To be apart of someones once in a lifetime celebration of love is truly humbling!
2. What's your experience as a bridal hair & makeup artist? How many brides are in there in your portfolio?
Dreamcatcher Artistry is coming into its 12th year of business and are currently booking over 200 weddings a year!
3. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
We offer all of our services in an a la carte fashion, so you are only paying for the services you secure. All of our makeup services include complementary airbrush foundation and faux lashes, and our hair services include the application of any clip in extensions and/or hair accessories!
4. Do you have a team of assistants or will you be the only artist that day? What will happen if you're sick or have an emergency on the wedding day?
We are a team of artists, your lead artist will be the same one as who you've been paired with for your preview session. We take notes and photos at your preview should an emergency happen and we need to pass those along to another artists!
5. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
We LOVE to travel! Fees are based on distances outside of San Francisco, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Anything over a 2 hour drive will require hotel accommodations nearby for the night before. Any destinations requiring flights, travel, etc. are individually discussed/quoted!
6. Can the bride book a wedding makeup trial appointment and will you also do a trial before the wedding?
Yes, we provide trials (though we call them previews, as to 'preview' your wedding day look!) And yes, we pair the same artist with the trial and wedding day!
7. What beauty products do you use and would you be open to the bride using her own make-up?
Each of our artists carry their favorite professional beauty products in their kit. We bring everything needed for a full look. Should a bride want to use their own makeup, we are always open to discussing! We just want to ensure we can use things in a sanitary way.
8. How can you make the bride's wedding makeup last and look good in photos?
Great professional products and perfecting application techniques are our trick to keeping our brides makeup looking great and long-lasting!
9. How long will makeup take on the day and how long will you be staying for on the day?
We book each of our brides service at 1 hour each. Hair and makeup would be a 2 hour booking. Wedding party services are booked at 45-60 minutes per service. We also offer the ability to keep your artist for touchups on an hourly basis once your services are complete!
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
To book and secure your day we require a signed agreement and 50% retainer of the full invoice. Your retainer is non-refundable and holds your wedding day. Your final balance is due 2 weeks prior to the wedding day. Should you cancel more than 90 days from your wedding day, you are not liable for the second portion of your invoice. Should you cancel within 90 days of your wedding day, the full balance is still owing and due 2 weeks prior to the date. Please inquire for details on COVID/Force Majeure policies.
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