Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia DeFrancesco.
Sophia, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Growing up the daughter of a beautician, makeup artistry seemed to come naturally to me. At age six, my mother gifted me with my first complete make-up kit. I remember being in awe of the colors and textures. My mom sat me down and taught me how to apply eyeliner – and in an instant, my passion was discovered. But I didn’t dive right into the beauty industry when I became of working age. I spent 12 years of my career in healthcare, with my last position being a Supervisor of Case Management for Illinois Medicaid.
I met my husband, Joe, in 2009. It just so happened that Joe was a part-time wedding photographer. He would come home with wedding images, and I couldn’t wait to download the files and analyze the bride’s hair and makeup. My thoughts went from “I want that job” to “I will do that job!” So, in 2015, I enrolled at the London Eyes Institute in Oakbrook. It was there that I met my mentor and artistic director, Laura Franco. Laura took me on my first job, and from that moment on, I knew this was my calling.
In 2016, I took a leap of faith by leaving my full-time healthcare career. Shortly after, I enrolled in Cosmetology school at Tricoci University of Beauty culture. My time at Tricoci was spent specializing in formal hair-styling and hair color. As a Licensed Cosmetologist, I am able to provide complete bridal services for a fully customized wedding day look. My Cosmetology license has opened the door to limitless opportunities–and I truly want it all!
Sophia Bella Bridal was founded in October 2015 and has grown exponentially from 1 solo freelancer to a tight-knit team of 7 specialized bridal artists. Our onsite bridal studio services bride’s & their parties in all of Chicago-land and surrounding suburbs. In 2015 Sophia Bella provided beauty for 35 weddings. As a team in 2018, that number sky rocketed to 95 weddings—while always maintaining our mission to provide bridal perfection & lasting impressions. We take our careers seriously, and each Sophia Bella artist is known to state that our work is our “dream job.”
Can you give our readers some background on your work?
I am a bridal hair and makeup artist, and well… I am also a perfectionist. But I aim to go deeper than just providing beauty services. I want to really know my brides and foster a connection that is more personalized. Learning who my bride is inspires me to create and continues to renew my passion. Catering to others fulfills me.
Any advice for aspiring or new make up artists and hairstylists?
Network. Support others. And most importantly, lead with kindness.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can stop by our website:
www.sophiabellabridal.com
The Knot:
https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/sophia-bella-woodridge-il-1048931
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sophiabellabridal/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sophiabellabridal/
Drop us a line… we would love to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sophiabellabridal.com
- Email: sophiabellabridal@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiabellabridal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiabellabridal/
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/sophia-bella-woodridge-il-1048931
Image Credit:
Team Image: Photo: Joseph DeFrancesco, Florals: Stemming From Love, Antiques: R Pickers, Photo by: Inspired Eye Photography and J.D Designs and Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
