Today we’d like to introduce you to Christa Ponzio.
Christa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I went to college for fashion and did a lot of makeup for fashion shows etc. and loved it, so on my summers, I would do makeup for weddings for friends and family. I decided to open up a spa and there I was doing a lot of makeup as well. Then, I decided in 1998 to open up a hair and makeup business for weddings. 19 years later, I have a team of sixteen artists and do over 300 weddings a year.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
At the beginning there were challenges to get started just like any other business but I overcame them and now the struggles are just day to day stuff like keeping up with social media because when I started we were an answering machine and ads in the local phone book lol. Times have changed but it allows avenues of exposure that weren’t available years ago.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Total Image Hair & Airbrush Makeup – what should we know?
We specialize in on location hair and makeup. I was one of the first companies in Chicago to offer on location hair and makeup. I have a large team of artists to accommodate any size wedding party. My artists are extremely talented and can customize any look a bride wants for her special day. We have over 16 awards in the industry and I am in The Knot Hall of Fame for my category. We also do hair and makeup for commercial shoots and covers of Wedding Guide Magazine. I have come a long way and I can finally say I am successful even though I will always strive to become greater. My goal is a team of 25 artists and each year my growth is steady.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My team. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Pricing:
- Average price is $150 a head for hair and makeup
Contact Info:
- Website: totalimagebridal.com
- Phone: 630-963-2442
- Email: christap@totalimagebridal.com
Image Credit:
Timothy Whaley Photography
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