LGBTQ supplier

LGBTQ supplier

LGBTQ supplier

As my ( almost! ) 6 year old daughter would tell you ‘’Love is love’’, and I couldn’t put it any better myself!  During lockdown I’ve been doing what I can to ensure that I stay learning and educating myself about all sorts of topics – not just those directly related to hair services or make up. It’s important for me to stay productive and have something to focus on and work towards.

A couple of weeks back I found the LGTBQ awareness course by the Wedding Business School.

It’s a really interesting short course designed to educate those within the wedding industry in regard to inclusivity. It’s made up of short videos and light reading and I found it really informative.  If you’re in the wedding industry, or even if you’re just interested to know more and educate yourself then be sure to head over and take a look. It really gets you thinking.

‘’Inclusivity and diversity does not begin and end with a course. It is an on-going effort to continue building your knowledge and staying up to date with current affairs.’’

Here’s what the course creators had to say….

‘’This course was created out of a need for change in the wedding industry. A lack of LGBTQ inclusivity within the industry that results in excluding LGBTQ couples still exists. Sometimes it isn’t even a matter of intentional exclusivity, it can be a lack of not knowing how to be inclusive. Or knowing the right thing to say or language to use to ensure that it is appropriate. ‘’

I’ve always been LGBTQ friendly… and now I have the badge to prove it!  My business is centered around making people feel good about themselves regardless of any other aspect, whatever that may be. I really believe that if you can make someone happy and feel good that’s a superpower in itself! I love that my job allows me to give people that feeling and I’m really proud that I’m able to do that. And just as my ( very nearly ) 6 year old will tell you ‘’Love is love’’, and it’s as simple as that!

A return to work

A return to work

A return to work

The last few months have been strange to say the least, what would normally be a busy wedding season for me, looks a little different! Most of my 2020 brides have made the decision to reschedule their wedding dates so whilst I’m enjoying a quieter summer season now – next year is looking pretty busy already!

For those of you that have booked with me and moved your date then I wanted to take an opportunity to thank you.  Not only for supporting my business and booking me but also for your patience while I rearranged everything and got myself organized! I’m honestly really excited to join you at your wedding day and it will be so worth the wait! 

The government recently announced that hair dressers can return to work as of July 4th.  As yet, we have no official guidance as to when beauty and make up will be allowed to return. This means that while I could offer hair only, I’m unable to offer to make up services at this time. As soon as anything changes and I can resume wedding hair and make up preview sessions and trials I will be in touch with everyone to let them know and book them in! I have really missed meeting with my brides, hearing about their wedding plans and getting excited with you all! I’ve missed creating beautiful hair styles and I’ve really really missed creating your wedding make up looks, helping to transform you from your everyday self into the most beautiful brides!

Based on the guidelines given things are going to look a little different. I don’t have the same job I had four months ago and will be taking extra care to ensure that I can keep both myself, and my clients safe. This might look something like this:

I’ll be wearing a visor –

This is a government requirement. I will be wearing a plastic visor covering my face.  I may also be wearing a mask, please bring your own mask to the appointment.

I may wear gloves –

Most of you are more than familiar with me wearing gloves for hair colour but should I need to then I may wear gloves for other services now too.

Sanitise –

I will sanitise my hands often, and I may ask you to do the same upon arrival and upon leaving our appointment. You will also notice that there will be regular cleaning of surfaces, products, and tools. This is mandatory for every service and every client so please do not be concerned if you see me cleaning more regularly than usual.

Cancellation –

Please let me know if you feel unwell at all before your appointment. I will be happy to reschedule your session at no additional cost. If you have a temperature please do not attend your appointment.

Timing –

It’s even more important than ever I keep to the timings of my appointment so that I have enough time to clean and sanitise correctly between clients.  Please take note of your appointment time and arrive on time. If you are coming to my studio then please wait in the car until your allocated start time and I will come out to collect you as there are no waiting facilities.

Drinks –

Usually I would offer you a drink however I am unable to do this at present. Please feel free to bring your own bottle of water with you.

Group bookings –

At the moment I am only able to offer one appointment at a time, to one person at a time. I know that often Brides love to come with other members of the bridal party but currently, in order to adhere to safety guidelines this is not possible. I am however more than happy to take videos/photos etc for you to send to everyone and they are more than welcome to join in virtually should they wish!

If you have any questions or you’d like to chat about how these new rules affect you then please do give me a call. I’m still taking booking for 2021 weddings so make sure you get in early if you have a specific date in mind – the diary is filling fast!

Choosing your bridal prep venue

Choosing your bridal prep venue

Choosing your bridal prep venue

As a bride, your wedding venue is one of the most important choices for your big day. There are so many things to consider – location, style, indoors or outdoors. As a wedding hair and make up artist I get to see some of the most beautiful wedding venues in Kent , everything from historic castles to quirky beachside homes.

Whilst many brides might fall in love with a venue to have their wedding day at , a lot of brides struggle when it comes to choosing where to get ready. Here are some important factors to consider when looking for your bridal prep venue and some things that you might not have even thought about…..

At your venue

By far the easiest and most simple of all the options is to get ready at your venue. A lot of venues have a private space for the bridal party to get ready and some can even offer you the option to stay with them the night before hand. Cooling Castle Barn offers you an entire large and spacious room , exclusive for you and your bridal party on the morning of the wedding. It means that you have the perfect backdrop for those all important bridal prep shots and enough space for everyone to relax and enjoy the morning with you. They even provide breakfast and are always on hand should you need anything.

Another great thing to consider about getting ready at your venue is that you don’t have to travel. There’s no need to allow any additional time for getting from one place to the next and no risk of getting stuck in traffic. Goodnestone Park offer their couples exclusive use of their fabulous venue and grounds meaning that not only can you stay on site, but your guests can too.

Local hotel or accommodation

Some brides choose to stay at a hotel the night before their big day. Hotels such as Hempstead House  mean that you can include spa options for a real relaxing treat the night before the big day. This is an ideal option if you want a chilled out evening with your bridesmaids and a bit of a pamper!

One of my favorite ‘hotel’ type options is the fabulous Green Farm House, this boutique B & B is filled with the most welcoming, warm, and attentive staff.  Its also home to some of the coolest looking chickens too! Nothing is too much trouble and the grounds and garden are perfect for your pre-ceremony photo opportunities.

Air B & B

I have been to some of the most beautiful hidden gems across Kent in the form of Air B & B rentals. Private hire means that often you can rent a house for an entire weekend. A great way to get the family together and perfect if you want to settle somewhere for more than just one night.

At home

If you’re a traditional at heart then maybe you want to leave from your parent’s house on your wedding morning, or even your own home. There’s certainly something special about being at the place where you grew up or the home that you love on the morning of your wedding day. For lots of brides being in their own surroundings help to relieve any stress and makes everything a little less overwhelming. Just remember to organise yourself with some breakfast so you’re fully prepared!

When it comes to your wedding hair and make up I can set up pretty much anywhere but the more space the better, and the more comfortable you’ll be. If you’re in a hotel then make sure you ask for a larger or family room so there’s plenty of space. If you’re getting ready for me to arrive at home then it’s ideal for me to be able to sit near a window so I have lots of natural light.

If you’re getting married in Kent and want some advice on finding the perfect venue to get ready at then let me know and I can happily offer some suggestions!