Hair & Makeup Artist - Carla Kowski
- Business: Alea Beauty
- Location: Columbus & Cleveland, Ohio OH
- Experience: 20+ Years
- Profile: Alea Beauty
- Website: www.aleabeauty.co
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, I'm Carla Kowski, Founder and Principal Artist of Alea Beauty. I have a great passion for helping woman feel their most confident and amazing on their wedding day. I believe in authentic, natural, elevated beauty that highlights each individuals own uniqueness. I don't do cookie cutter brides or bride looks that make you unrecognizable to your friends and family. You want to look amazing, but you also want to look like YOU!
I have been in the beauty industry for over 20 years and have seen trends come and go. I have worked in all aspects of the industry and have learned that the one thing that never goes out of style is authenticity. Be you and be fabulous!
2. What's your experience as a bridal hair & makeup artist? How many brides are in there in your portfolio?
I have been in different aspects of the bridal and beauty biz for over 20 years. I was even a destination and celebrity wedding planner for about 5 years and traveled all over the US, Mexico, and even Bermuda styling and planning weddings. I loved every minute of it, but retired from planning to stay more local with my family. I turned my focus to my two passions; weddings and beauty. I have worked with 1000s of brides and have met some of the most amazing people through my work. Weddings are truly my life!
3. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
We customize every package to fit the needs of each couple. We offer services for everyone: men, women and children. Our services focus on each individual's needs. We love to involve everyone and most of our clients elect to have themselves, their moms, and their bridal parties included in the wedding day fun!
Along with standard hair and makeup we offer various add-ons such as; airbrush makeup, false lashes, skin prep services, non-permanent hair extensions, hair accessories, glam bags, and more!
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 your glam squad and your hype crew! Your getting ready time will not only be super fun, but also stress-free and relaxing. We are a team of trained professionals and we bring everything needed to prep, prime, and pamper you on your big day!
We are a team of 12 talented artists who specialize in weddings! We will assign the appropriate amount of artists to get everyone ready in a reasonable amount of time without taking up your entire day. Most bridal parties require between 2-4 artists.
Although this is rare, we are all human and emergencies may arise. In the event of an emergency we will communicate with you as soon as possible and provide you with another artist of equal skill level who will work off the original artists notes to replicate the desired look. With our large staff and extensive industry connections, no bride will ever be left panicking on her wedding day.
5. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
We are fully mobile and come to you! We can come to your venue, hotel, home or airbnb. There are no travel fees if you are within 25 miles of your artist's locations. If you are outside of the 25 mile radius than a travel fee will apply and is based upon actual travel time to your location. We have artists based out of Columbus, Cleveland and surrounding areas.
We travel all over Ohio and do destination travel as well. Destination travel requires hotel, per diem, and airfare if applicable. We have worked on weddings in Washington, California, Oregon, Hawaii, South Carolina, Mexico, Canada, and Bermuda!
6. Can the bride book a wedding makeup trial appointment and will you also do a trial before the wedding?
We offer full preview sessions prior to the wedding for those who desire to see a complete mock-up of their wedding day look. Due to the high demand of our artists these appointments are specifically reserved for contracted clients. We do offer non-wedding related lifestyle hair and makeup appointments through the "Lifestyle" page of our website for those not in contract who would like to have their hair and/or makeup done.
7. What beauty products do you use and would you be open to the bride using her own make-up?
We hand pick all of our products from pro and luxury lines. We are not exclusive to any one line and do not promote products for commissions or kickbacks. Our product inventory is constantly evolving as we are always evaluating new products and lines that become available. Due to our strict sanitation rules we typically do not use client owned products. If a client has a specific concern, this is something that can be discussed prior to the appointment. We choose our products for their durability, long-wear, and photographic capabilities. In light of that, we can not guarantee our work if other products are used prior to our after our makeup application. Rest assured, we have anything and everything to work with every skin type and tone.
8. How can you make the bride's wedding makeup last and look good in photos?
We are constantly testing products for their ability to hold up on the wedding day and photograph well. We use a variety of skills and tools, from proper skin prep to setting sprays to ensure you look amazing all day long in any weather condition. We also use waterproof mascara to withstand any tears. One of the most common things we hear from our brides after their wedding day is how blown away they were by how everything held up. You will look flawless all day!
9. How long will makeup take on the day and how long will you be staying for on the day?
Makeup application takes between 40 minutes to an hour depending on what each client wants. We stay until everyone is complete and will do a final check before we leave. Standby and touch-up service is generally not needed unless there will be a wardrobe change, as our makeup is meant to last all day. We only use the highest quality products and choose them for their long-wear and ability to hold up throughout the entire event. A typical wedding party takes between 3-4 hours for hair and makeup to be completed on everyone.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
We require a 25% non-refundable retainer due at booking. The remaining balances are split up into 2 additional payments. Payments made are non-refundable, but in light of the COVID-19 pandemic we are offering one date postponement, without penalty, for our couples.
We make the booking process as easy as possible and do all contracts and payments online. We know our clients have busy lives and respect their time with timely communication. Professionalism is hugely important to us and every client is treated with respect and kindness. Please reach out if you have any questions. We'd love to have you as an Alea Beauty Bride!
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