We recently connected with Rachel Watson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

There are definitely ups and downs to owning a business. I can’t imagine not doing what I do, but sometimes I wonder what Plan B would even look like. Especially during wedding season, when Saturdays are gone for months and I miss out on a lot…my kids’ sports, family events, things that people with weekends off don’t even think twice about. Unless I plan something 8 months in advance, I’m usually booked.

That said, I truly couldn’t go imagine clocking in and out, asking for time off, or working on someone else’s timeline. I love that I control my schedule outside of weddings. I can structure my days in a way that actually works for how I operate best. So while it’s not always easy, the freedom, the flexibility, and the fact that I’m building something of my own makes it 100% worth it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, I’m a creative with ADHD and a type B personality…so naturally, I found my way into the beauty world. I started beauty school in high school, going after classes from 2-5 every day (except Fridays). After graduation, I took a year off, worked in a salon as a coordinator, then moved to Nashville and finished my schooling.

While I was in school, I quickly realized that salon life wasn’t for me, I needed something a little less routine, a little less stationary. I worked my first wedding in 2008 and absolutely loved it. From there, I started booking weddings off Craigslist (yes, really), eventually worked for a bridal beauty company, and then branched out on my own in 2012. That’s when things really took off. It combined creativity, flexibility, and independence. I’ve been in the bridal beauty industry ever since.

At R&Co Bridal Beauty, we provide high-end hair and makeup services for brides who love that soft glam, effortless look. We focus on helping women feel their absolute best on one of the most photographed, emotional, and meaningful days of their lives. What sets us apart is that we truly listen and cater to each bride and their features and preferences. We curate a look that fits their features, their vibe, and the overall feel of their day.

A lot of people think we just work on weekends, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I have to actively build in my own days off (usually Mondays) between trial runs, glam & go appointments, admin work, social media, scheduling, and emails. It’s a full-time job with many hats, but I love it. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built a business where my clients trust me, my team is solid, and I still get to be creative every day.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand, it’s that we’re not for everyone…and that’s intentional. We work best with brides who already love what we do, trust our expertise, and want a calm, elevated experience on their wedding day. Our brides feel like we’re just one of the girlfriends hanging out and glamming them up, and that’s our sweet spot

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Honestly, referrals. I’ve been lucky to build amazing connections with planners, venues, and photographers over the years and I’m so grateful for those relationships. What I love most is that they truly know their brides before I do, so when they refer someone, it’s not just to fill a spot, it’s because they genuinely believe we’ll be a great fit. That kind of trust and alignment is everything.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A big lesson I had to unlearn is that not every client is meant for me—and that’s okay. Just because someone inquires doesn’t mean we’re the right fit. If I ever get the sense that a bride’s vision would be better brought to life by someone whose skill set aligns more with what she’s looking for, I have no problem referring her elsewhere. There’s so much talent in this industry, and many artists have truly honed in on their niche. When a bride only gets one day to feel her best, I want her to have the right person for the job…even if it’s not me.

I used to take it personally if someone didn’t book or if the trial didn’t go exactly as planned. Now, I’m confident in either adjusting expectations (because not every inspo photo translates well to every face) or referring her to someone who specializes in that particular look.

I also used to shy away from suggesting things that could add extra cost, like extensions, Botox, filler, or facials,but I’ve learned that transparency is key. If a look requires more than what I can offer in a chair, I’m going to say that. My goal is to educate and guide, not just apply makeup and send them on their way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.rcobridalbeauty.com
• Instagram: @rcobridalbeautyteam @madeupbyrachel
• Facebook: R&Co Bridal Beauty Team

Image Credits

Rachel Oxford collective
Mary Hannah Harte
Kara Warren photo
Mallory Luster Photography
Shelby Cooke Powell
Samantha Harrell photography
Abbey Garner Photography
Brad and Jen photography