Interview with MUA Heather Michele
We had the pleasure to pick the brain of the very talented MUA Heather Michele. Local business of Huntsville AL we have had the chance to personally work with her & because of her talent, attention to detail & kind heart we thought she’d be the perfect candidate to start off our interview series! Learn everything from trial tips, inspiration guides, product knowledge and so much more with the following 12 questions.
1. Can you tell us a little about you, your business and how it started?
“My name is Heather Busch and I am a bridal makeup artist here in Huntsville. I relocated here from New York about a year ago with my husband, and it was such an amazing decision! We now have the most beautiful baby girl. I started doing makeup when I was a senior in high school, and haven't stopped since. Right out of high school I attended the New York Institute of Beauty where I received my esthetics license, which then led me to working at MAC Cosmetics. I worked at MAC for four years, becoming a manager as well as making the impact team. MAC made my love for makeup flourish, taught me everything that I know, and made me fall in love with the bridal business. I promised myself that once I moved to Alabama, I would put all of my focus into bridal, and that is exactly what I am doing!”
Photo by Amandalyn Photography
2.How would you describe your brand vision/pillars/values/aesthetic?
“I would describe my brand vision/pillars/values/aesthetic as a luxury bridal experience, making everyone that I do makeup for feel beautiful just the way that they are. I want everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin, looking like an "enhanced" version of themselves. I never want anyone to feel as though they don't look or feel like themselves when they leave my chair. It is so important to feel like you are being pampered on your wedding day, all the while feeling completely in love with your look.”
3.Where do you get your inspiration from?
“I get my inspiration from all of the amazing beauty professionals around me. I look to all of my friends/teachers in the industry for continuing education, new trends, and new techniques that I may not have thought to use before. I am surrounded by the most talented women, and they inspire me each and everyday with their drive and skill.”
Photo by Danielle Hickman Photography
4. What advice do you have for couples in the process of finding their ideal makeup artist?
“Advice that I would give to couples in the process of finding their ideal makeup artist is to always find an artist that you feel a connection with. Your makeup artist is the person that you are spending your entire wedding morning with as well as the last person you see before you walk down the aisle, so it is important that you feel a connection with them from the very beginning. It is also important that you check the artists portfolio and be sure that their style fits yours as well. Every artist is different and it is so crucial your styles click.”
5. Are there red flags they should be on the lookout for?
“Red flags that someone should be on the lookout for is definitely cleanliness. It is so important that you are using an artist that is clean and sanitary. It is also essential that an artist uses a contract, so that you are protected. Punctuality is key! If an artist is late to your trial, you will have an idea how things will go on your wedding day.”
Photo by Amandalyn Photography
6. When it comes to a trial how should an individual prepare? ( photos, skin, etc)
“When it comes to your trial, an individual should always come prepared with photo inspiration. It is important to note that every artist has a different style, so it won't look exactly like the photo, but it is good to use it for inspiration. Every individual should also be seeing an esthetician regularly, with a consistent skin care routine.”
7. What advice do you have for figuring out your "dream" look?
“Look at inspiration photos of those that have similar coloring to you, face shapes and style of makeup that you love. This will ensure that you look exactly how you envision on your wedding day, without any surprises.”
8. Can you explain the important roles product choice & skincare play into a final look? ( quality, custom etc)
“ Skincare and product choice are extremely important when it comes to your final look. Products are chosen based on skin type, as well as the look you are going for. For example, if you have a dry skin type it is important a makeup artist is using a hydrating foundation rather than matte to prevent you from looking even more dry. Product knowledge is key when it comes to a long lasting, flawless makeup application. I use higher end products in my kit to be sure I am only using the best ingredients for my clients. “
Photo by Madison Martin Photography
9. Pros/cons of airbrush vs hand application?
“The advantage to using airbrush makeup over regular makeup is that it is waterproof, sweat proof, a 12+ hour wear, and has a very natural look to it. However, a makeup artist must always prepare the skin correctly to prevent airbrush from looking cakey based on the formulation. “
10. What makes services with you so unique/special? (licensed, custom, etc)
“Services with me are unique and special because I am a licensed esthetician. Knowing about skin allows me to pick the best products for my clients individually. I am also trained by some incredible artists in New York, which taught me everything that I know about trends, the different ways to use products, as well as technique.”
Photo by Morgan Lee Photography
11. Any other advice for those planning a wedding regarding makeup services?
“Some other advice I have for those planning wedding services is to stay authentic to who you are. It becomes so easy for a wedding to become all about other people, the money you spend, and all of the stuff you have. Always remember why you are getting married in the first place, and do not ever let anyone else alter the vision for you and your partner's day.”
12. Anything else you want to add?
“I am so passionate about what I do, and it makes me feel so honored when someone trusts me with their makeup on the most important day of their lives! “