We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alissa Whitaker And Yvette Maniak. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alissa Whitaker and Yvette Maniak below.

Alissa Whitaker and Yvette Maniak , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

“we are incredibly happy as a business owners. There’s a sense of fulfillment in building something from the ground up and watching it grow. That said, being business owners is not without its challenges. There are moments when the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming, and in those moments, we do sometimes think about what it would be like to have a regular job—something with clear boundaries, a predictable paycheck, and less emotional investment.

One time, we were up late working on a project after a long day in the salon, and caught ourselves daydreaming about a simpler scenario: clocking out at 5 p.m., leaving work at work, and spending the evening unwinding without worry. It was tempting to imagine that freedom. But then remembered why we chose this path—the ability to create something meaningful, the flexibility to define our vision, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. While the thought crosses our mind occasionally, it never stays long, because we know this journey is worth it.”

Alissa Whitaker and Yvette Maniak , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

We are Alissa and Yvette, best friends and the proud owners of a bridal hair and makeup team! We specialize in creating stunning looks for brides and their bridal parties, offering full-face makeup (including eyelashes) and beautiful hairstyles tailored to your vision. Our services are available for brides, bridesmaids, flower girls, and mothers of the bride or groom.

What makes us unique is the fun yet professional atmosphere we create. As best friends, we love bringing positive energy and making the process enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved. Our mission is to help you and your bridal party feel confident, radiant, and picture-perfect on your big day. Our target audience is female brides and their bridal parties who want a flawless look and a memorable experience.”

How’d you meet your business partner?

Yvette and Alissa met through Alissa’s husband, who was Yvette’s coworker at the time. What started as casual introductions quickly turned into meaningful conversations when we discovered our shared passion for the beauty industry—and even realized we had attended the same school!

At the time, Alissa was already doing makeup as a side gig for weddings, and after seeing Yvette’s talent with hair, we knew we’d make the perfect team. Alissa convinced Yvette to join her, and together we realized we had the ideal combination of skills and personalities to create something truly special.

Yvette is a perfectionist when it comes to hair, crafting styles that are elegant and timeless. Alissa always been passionate about flawless makeup that brings out a bride’s natural beauty. Together, we’re able to make our brides and their bridal parties feel stunning, confident, and ready for their big day—all while bringing a fun and supportive atmosphere to the process!”

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Our most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals and leveraging social media. Weddings are such personal and special occasions, so our brides often recommend us to their friends and family after experiencing our services. We focus on creating a positive and memorable experience for every client, which naturally leads to glowing referrals.

Social media has also been a game-changer for us. Platforms like Instagram allow us to showcase our work—whether it’s a flawless makeup look or an elegant hairstyle—and give potential clients a sense of our style and expertise. We share before-and-after transformations, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our process. This not only helps us reach new audiences but also builds trust and excitement with brides-to-be.

Lastly, maintaining strong relationships with wedding planners, photographers, and venues has been invaluable. These partnerships have connected us with more brides and allowed us to grow within the wedding industry.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.platinumbondsalon.com/ & https://www.truetoyouartistry.com/
• Instagram: Truyou_Makeupartistry & Platinumbondsalon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlatinumBondSalon & https://www.facebook.com/truetoyouartistry

Image Credits

Vicki Matteo Photography, Blu Photography and Design and Tara Draper Photography