American Belle: 10 Questions with Kelli Toal

Hair & Makeup Artist - Kelli Toal

Business: American Belle
Location: Austin, Texas TX
Experience: 22 Years
Profile: American Belle
Website: www.americanbellebrides.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

I am Kelli Toal, Owner of American Belle. We specialize in wedding hairstyling and makeup. In February 2009, I took the opportunity to move to Austin. I began freelance work throughout central Texas with some of Austin's most known photographers and wedding professionals, adding elegant hair and airbrush makeup for photo shoots and weddings. As demand grew to style more weddings I knew I had to expand. In 2015, I started American Belle and grew a team of Austin’s most talented Hair and Makeup Artists. The team is truly what gives the company the success in growth we have had. We now have the opportunity to style larger and multiple events in one day. We are honored to be voted #1 for wedding hair and makeup in Austin but what makes me smile most, is seeing a few of the other solo stylists winners on your list that also do work for us sometimes.

2. What's your experience as a bridal hair & makeup artist? How many brides are in there in your portfolio?

My love for Hairstyling and Makeup Artistry started in 1997, when I began studying cosmetology. Within 6 months, I earned 1st place at a hair show competition in the Philadelphia region. After 5 years of professional success and recognition in Philadelphia, my passion to learn more about the beauty industry led me to New York City, where I trained and worked at Vidal Sassoon Salon on 5th Avenue. In New York, I enhanced my skills as a stylist working under some of our industry's master icons, including the opportunity to style hair at the world renowned New York Fashion Week.
Since the opening of American Belle in 2015, we now have over 1000 brides and bridesmaids in our portfolio.

3. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

We offer traditional or airbrush makeup application. Airbrush makeup is a niche we offer that is very popular.
The price for the bride is the same as the bridesmaids so the bride is not up-charged. We do offer a combo discount if the the person is getting both hair and makeup done.

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?

Depending on the size of the event, we typically have 2 or more stylists on location working a wedding.

With American Belle having a team of multiple Hairstylists and Makeup Artists we offer the security of having coverage for the wedding day if one of the stylists has an emergency and can not make it.

5. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

We charge a travel fee for any events outside of Austin, TX. The price depends on the distance. Most of the events we style are in Central Texas although we have traveled as far as Colorado and even Costa Rica!

6. Can the bride book a wedding makeup trial appointment and will you also do a trial before the wedding?

The bride has the option to schedule a hair and makeup trial anytime before the wedding date. This a good time to try a couple of different hair and makeup looks if you aren’t sure what style to do. Our stylists can give recommendations such as, what hairstyle will work well with the wedding dress or what lipstick color looks best with their tones.

7. What beauty products do you use and would you be open to the bride using her own make-up?

I like to use the Kevin Murphy styling products for hair. We have had so much interest in the products from the bridal parties, we now sell them on our website.
For makeup, I like Mac and Tarte. However, each stylist on our team has their favorite products.

We are open to using any brand the bride wants to use. We ask the clients beforehand to let us know of any skin allergies they might have.

8. How can you make the bride's wedding makeup last and look good in photos?

Airbrush makeup is a niche we offer that is very popular that some other companies might not. It gives flawless coverage, is lightweight and lasts longer than traditional makeup. Longer wear is important for extended events like weddings. Our Makeup Artists are trained to work with the white light of the cameras to ensure the makeup looks good in photos.

9. How long will makeup take on the day and how long will you be staying for on the day?

Makeup application per person varies depending on the look being achieved. A typical application takes about 30 minutes. Our Makeup Artists usually stay until the bride dressed to see if she needs any touch ups before walking down the aisle. Brides can add to their package to have the Makeup Artists stay longer for touch ups during the whole event for an hourly rate.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

We request any cancellations be submitted at least 30 days before the event to not incur any charges. We do take a booking fee to reserve the date as we have to schedule the stylists time.