Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Johnson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kate. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I started doing bridal makeup for my own company it was just me. I was introduced to another artist Liz who asked if she could assist and learn how to be a professional makeup artist. She started helping me and within a couple months she had proved her talent and ability to communicate with clients was wonderful! I brought her on as a second artist. At that time we had been doing a lot of fashion shows in downtown Chicago with several designers. In doing that we met Darlene who ran the hair team for this company. The hair team’s skills were unbelievable and the three of us just hit it off. Darlene expressed that she wanted to do more bridal outside of the salon she had been at for 15 years. So I started offering it as a service and…. We were a team! Over the next year I just met so many incredible artists that expressed to me that they would prefer someone else to run the business side of things and we grew! So then 7 years later we are team of 12! Some, like Liz have moved but we seem to have a great ebb and flow of talent that love working with brides and making their day the best possible.
I feel so grateful to have this incredible group representing the brand. They are so unique and talented. They each bring something beautiful to the table. People ask me all the time, ” But you’re the owner, you must be the one I want to book” And I always laugh, because I think most of my team has more artistic talent that I do and I’m fortunate to be able to work alongside them. We bring something beautiful to each wedding.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think owning your own business is never a smooth road. You are constantly trying to learn the ever changing market, how you can better your company and yourself to best serve the client. And most importantly make sure that your team is happy and excited to represent the company.
It’s a juggling act and some years are harder than others. But it’s in that partnership with planners, photographers, florists, designers etc that the best years are made. Those friendships are the cornerstone to a great business and in my opinion bring the best out in everyone. We trust each other and really want what’s best for the bride and her family and when that is energy is flowing the most memorable weddings take place.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bridal Team by Kate Johnson Artistry – what should we know?
So from a services perspective we do: Mobile Bridal or Special Occasion Makeup and Hair, Lash Extensions, Hair services such as cut/ color and placement of extensions, Skin Care Services, Organic Spray Tanning and beauty lessons of all kinds.
Over the years what I hear most is that people trust us to be not only professional with great products but that we aren’t a “Cookie Cutter” type of beauty team. We really do our best to listen to what people want, come up with a plan that works best for them and help them create the atmosphere they are looking for.
With several of our backgrounds in theatre it’s important for us to know what the rest of the wedding day is going to look like. By helping our bride to create the look she most desires we are setting the final piece of the puzzle to this world that they have spent so much love creating.
While we are happy to do full dark Smokey glam for a rustic farm wedding (if that’s what’s requested) we would rather get to know about the story she has created. Then from there. Create a look that places her perfectly into that vision and is unique to her.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
As you can tell I’m a big fan of the artists on my team but I am also grateful for the other beauty teams out there. We come together to support each other and create a beautiful business here in Chicago.
From a business perspective I’ve been mentored by some of the best in industry. Crystal Wright and Erica Carr are both artists/business owners that have really shaped my vision and helped guide me over the years.
Other wedding vendors that have taken the time to get to know me and the team, sat over a meal or drinks so we can figure out the best way to create an unforgettable day for our clients. It’s these people that make me excited each season.
This business is all about people so I could go on and on each relationship no matter how brief leaves an imprint.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2258 West Huron # D
Chicago IL 60612 - Website: www.KateJohnsonArtistryBrides.com
- Phone: 847-401-7765
- Email: info@katejohnsonartistry.com
- Instagram: KJohnArtistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateJohnsonArtistry/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kate-johnson-artistry-chicago
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.
