Hair & Makeup Artist - Sierra Sturgis
- Business: Sierra Jane Studios
- Location: Fresno, California CA
- Experience: 5 Years
- Profile: Sierra Jane Studios
- Website: www.instagram.com
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, I'm Sierra! My parents always called me Sierra Jane, mostly when I was making a mess with my creations consisting of mud pies and barbies. "Sierra Jane" quickly became associated with my creative side, thus Sierra Jane Studios was born!
Makeup and hair started for me all the way back in middle school- I became obsessed with the show "What Not To Wear." Something about the transformation at the end was so fascinating; not only was the before and after mind-blowing, but the person being transformed just seemed so genuinely happy. I knew I wanted to be able to do that in some way.
After doing many prom makeup application and hairstyles all throughout high school, I went to a 4 year University for Business because that was what was expected of me. After one semester, I dropped out and went to beauty school to pursue what I really wanted.
After graduating and becoming licensed in 2016, I immediately got thrown into the professional world. I began working at Benefit Cosmetics as an expert brow waxer, with some makeup applications here and there. Knowing I wanted to do more makeup, I ended up quitting after 6 months and went rogue and started my business.
5 years later, and I'm now one of the top-rated hair and makeup artists in the Central Valley, appeared on TV, and have successfully worked on set as a lead makeup/hair/special fx artist on 2 local films. I have recently just opened my own studio at the end of September 2021.
Sierra Jane Studios is one of my greatest passions, and it all comes down to one thing- people. Something about self-expression and creativity seems to bring us together and unite us no matter what backgrounds, beliefs or religions we have. Many of my brides have become lifelong friends and loyal clients, and that's exactly why I have chosen this career with no regrets. Sierra Jane Studios is a symbol for exceptional customer service, humble servanthood, freedom of expression, and most of all, love and acceptance.
2. What's your experience as a bridal hair & makeup artist? How many brides are in there in your portfolio?
I have been in the industry for over 5 years servicing brides. I started with doing about 3-5 weddings a year in the earlier years, and it quickly grew to 10-20 a year. I will admit, I am not the best at taking photos of my work- I seem to get in the zone when I'm servicing clients and I enjoy being present with them, therefore my portfolio of pictures isn't as big as I would like it to be. I am working on growing my portfolio for brides to be able to see the versatility of my work. I tend to services a lot of natural brides, and specialize in it. However, I am also very capable of doing the more extravagant looks.
3. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
By far, my most popular package is the Time to Shine package. I created this package for brides to truly feel like a princess on their big day. It includes wedding day makeup, wedding day hair, and an all-day touch up service. My touch up service is one of the things I am highly known for- I would say 80% of my brides purchase this package. I work personally with your photographer for your big day, ensuring each photo comes out perfect. I typically touch up makeup after the ceremony, during the main photos, and during reception events. No crying eyes, dripping mascara, weared-off lipstick or oily forehead stands a chance with the package!
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?
I am the lead artist on the big day- I'm very accustomed to doing large wedding parties on my own! However, if i feel it's too much of a load to produce a perfect service, I have a list of trusted, local artists on call for assistance or emergencies.
5. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
I have done weddings all over the Central Valley and even some on the coast- I love traveling! I am always ready for it as long as the travel fees are paid; I charge $1 per mile roundtrip, and flights must be covered if it is necessary.
6. Can the bride book a wedding makeup trial appointment and will you also do a trial before the wedding?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. I rarely do makeup without a trial- and you can purchase as many trials as you'd like if you're interested in trying multiple looks! I always advise my brides to choose event days to do their trials (such as a bridal shower, engagement party, bachelorette, etc.) so they can get an idea of how it looks with pictures, and you get to be pampered on a day that's about you!
7. What beauty products do you use and would you be open to the bride using her own make-up?
I use a wide mixture of brands. A few of my top favorites would be: Tarte, NYX, Urban Decay, Benefit, RCMA, and many more. I am open to a bride using her own products if she has an allergy, or have a very specific preference for something (such as a lip color.)
8. How can you make the bride's wedding makeup last and look good in photos?
One of my most popular services I provide is my touch up service. Although my makeup application is durable and long-lasting, things happen and it's expected! Food wears off lipstick, tears streak the face, oils peaks through the T-zone, you name it. I ensure to work with your photographer and make sure that every single photo is timeless, that way when you look back and see your photos, you're not caught thinking: "Darn, I wish I powdered my nose!"
9. How long will makeup take on the day and how long will you be staying for on the day?
The timing really depends on the depth of the makeup requested, but I tend to spend around 1 hour on a bridal application and around 45mins each on bridal party members. I tend to stay until just before the first look/aisle walk, unless the touch up service is purchased.
With the touch up service, I usually stay until after all the big photo opportunities at the reception (cake cutting, first dances, etc.)
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
I require a contract signing and $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve your wedding date. This $100 goes toward your wedding day services and is deducted from your total.
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