Hello lovers! I decided to start this Vendor Spotlight Series because one of the hardest things about your wedding day can be the planning! I am so excited to be starting with someone I love & cherish very much – Sheena Rae Beauty! Finding the perfect vendors for everything from hair & makeup, wedding planners, florists, venues, etc, can be very overwhelming & a huge task! So I am here to make it easier for you! I wanted to create a space where you can read a little more about some of the wonderful vendors that I have worked with in the past so that you can get to know them a little better – which in turn will hopefully make your decision a little easier!

This interview is with someone who is very special to me & is an incredibly important person in my ‘tribe’! Sheena & I met over Instagram a few years ago & decided to host a mini session day together. Have you ever had that feeling when you meet someone that you feel as though you’ve known them your whole life? Yeah, that’s totally what happened when Sheena & I met! We have supported each other through so much, always bouncing ideas off one another, and cheering each other on! I decided that from 2020 on, Sheena would be my go to hair & makeup artist so she is now a part of the Seanna Leaf Photography team! Sheena is someone I trust completely & that is so important to me when referring my clients! So, without further ado, please meet my ray of sunshine MUA Sheena!

Tell us a little about yourself & your business!

My name is Sheena I am 23 years old. I am a professional makeup artist and digital creator. I am the owner of Sheena Rae Beauty which was established in 2017. The goal of Sheena Rae Beauty, is to provide professional makeup and hair services to anyone. Bridal, grad, editorial, boudoir, we do it all. I hope to grow Sheena Rae Beauty into more than just services. Special things are coming that I cannot talk about just yet!

What sets you apart from other businesses in your field of work?

I believe what sets me apart from the other businesses in my field, is that I add a mini facial in for my brides. I always ensure to give the skin a good cleansing, followed by amazing skincare. I strive to find the best products for my clients. I love to add hydrogel patches too. They help de-puff the eyes and add a boost of hydration. Another thing that sets me apart is that I strive to have the best relationship with my clients. I want them to leave feeling pampered and smiling.

What is your favorite type of makeup look? & why?

That is a hard one for me! I absolutely love a good classic cat eye with a bright red lip. It is timeless, and I honestly feel like it will never go out of style. I am all about the old Hollywood look. There is something about that era that will never fade. Let’s face it, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, etc are some of the most influential women to this day.

How do you pick a makeup look for a bride?

Every bride is different! I always sit and have a consultation with a bride before I begin. I go through the process of asking what they were thinking of and try to get to know then a little more before I start the application itself. I go through a list of questions. If they never wear makeup I always go on the lighter, more natural side. If they are a constant makeup wearer, I know I can go a little of a heavier hand. I always tell my brides to bring inspiration pictures as well. To me a “smokey eye” might be completely different than what they think it is. Pinterest is a wonderful inspiration place for ALL wedding needs.

What is your favorite product & why?

Do I have to pick just one? I am testing and reviewing products constantly. So with that I am always trying to keep at new things for myself and my clients. But by far, my favorite product would have to be the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. I cannot love without that product. I have jars of it everywhere. I keep one in my kit, my purse, my bathroom, and my office. It is a dry skin savior – and it is not just for your face. I suffer from eczema on my hands and it is the only cream that I found that helps not irritate the itch. I have gotten everyone hooked on it. It will forever be my greatest love I think!

If you could do one celebrities makeup, who would it be?

One celebrity that I would die to do makeup for would be Lady Gaga. She is the most amazing women. She stands her ground and doesn’t let anyone take advantage of who she is. I love what she stands for and how she is not scared to be herself. Those are the kinds of people I want to surround myself with. I have been in love with her ever since she started to rise to fame in 2011.

From all that you have learned as a a business owner, what piece of advice would you give to a fellow entrepreneur?

Ask for help when needed. Or hire out things you do not enjoy doing. I struggled trying to figure everything out for myself, that things took way longer than they should have. I am so thankful to have some amazing mentors that have helped guide me through my business. Honestly without the help, I probably wouldn’t have been able to grow my business as fast as I did. My second piece of advice would be to work hard. Nothing is gonna come easy. If you really want something you HAVE to work hard. It is never gonna come to  you if you don’t. I had to give up multiple events and a social life to be able to build my business – but it was all worth it for me.

How do you achieve, or work towards, a healthy work life balance?

With Instagram and YouTube being my life, this is something I constantly struggle with. I was at the point where I struggled putting my phone down and I was neglecting my family and friends. Now I try to put my phone down by 9pm every night. Sunday’s I try to take to hang out with my family. We get so caught up in the world of social media that its hard to move away from that. I struggled with constantly comparing myself to others and now, I realized people are gonna love you and hate you for anything you do these days. I am lucky to have learned to have that balance sooner than later in my career. Having a strong support system helps majorly as well. People are a lot more understanding that you think.

If you are interested in reading more of my Vendor Spotlight Series, or you are looking for some awesome vendors to add to your big day, click here!

Contact information for Sheena Rae Beauty

Website: www.sheenaraebeauty.com

Email: sheenaraebeauty@gmail.com

Phone: (780) 919-6676

Instagram: @sheenaraebeauty + @sheenaraeclients