Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Analisa Hastings. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Analisa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Being a hair and makeup team means that you are in an ever changing and growing demand. Styles shift, products change and develop, you skills grow, you experiment, there are just never ending possibilities. Staying ahead of the game is always key and essential to being relevant in such a saturated market.

One of the very best investments I’ve made for my business is in education! When I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to own my own business, but what that looked like, I wasn’t really sure. My parents encouraged me to go to a university and earn a 4 year degree. While at the time I had hesitations as my 18 year old self. I wanted to just learn beauty and though that was all I needed. Man was I wrong, and how thankful I am my parents knew better!

I earned a 4 year degree in business administration and it really gave me background to start my own business and grow from there. I went on to work for Clinique at Macy’s to pursue the beauty side of my passion. I learned sales and customer service and so glad for that investment.

A year later I started working for a company like my own and learned so many vital pieces to running my own business, but I knew I wanted more!

I decided to put myself through esthetics school so that I could get to know skin and how to treat it better. I already had gained a lot of hands on experience doing hair and makeup, but knew I needed the professional background! Another amazing investment that I still use today. It plays a vital role to helping my clients look their absolute best for their wedding day.

I have since taken countless education classes and the best ones are usually the most expensive. I’ve learned that it’s not really about the financial investment, but the investment of my time to better myself and my skills. No matter what I’m learning, the best investment I can and do make is to invest myself fully into whatever it is and apply it! If I don’t apply the knowledge, it’s wasted.

The investment will always bring return if you apply yourself and always push yourself to be better each and every step of the way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started doing hair and playing with makeup around the age of 13! I had older sisters who would braid my hair and I guess you could say, that piqued my interest. From then on, I was hooked! I knew I would do hair and makeup when I grew up.

After dabbling in the makeup world at Clinique after graduating from a 4 year business school, I quickly discovered the world of bridal hair + makeup! I had never dreamed I could actually focus on just styling and makeup for events. It was literally my dream job, and I am living that dream every single day.

Me and my team of 6 amazing ladies specialize in doing a very natural look. It’s not just about this being what we’re good at, it’s what we believe in! Each and every client that walks through our door is stunningly beautiful! Focusing in on a natural look gives us the ability to take what we see and show that to our clients in a way that they still look like themselves, but they see the beauty too!

We specialize in re-creating looks that you might not imagine possible. Airbrush makeup is our specialty and when I tell you it is the ONLY choice, it’s because it’s what we do, and we know that will give the best, lasting results that still give that natural look, only better!

We believe in building relationships with our clients and serving to the fullest. We are here to bring beauty, yes, but it’s so much more! We get the opportunity to be part of one of the most important days in someone’s life. Because that is such a privilege, we want to make sure we are the support system our brides need! From first interaction till our bride walks down the aisle, we alleviate stress and help her to be the very best version of herself and feel so good about herself while doing it!

To say we love what we do is an understatement! We live for this job and the opportunity to make a huge impact on someone’s life in a way many wouldn’t dream of!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding is when you take your client, your canvas, and create a masterpiece. It’s not that I’m changing anything, but really just bringing out that beauty! When the client picks up that mirror and her face lights up with confidence, there’s nothing better!

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

The biggest thing I’ve had to unlearn is my approach to my business. Having gone to a school for business, I thought I had all the pieces of the puzzle, but I wasn’t taught practical application for working in a non-corporate world. Not having the industry related approach to my business took me unlearning a lot of the “professional” aspects and humanizing them. It has truly been a struggle to come away from “corporate America” where it’s all about being a certain way and fitting in a box! I’ve had to unlearn so many of those practices to humanize my business and really connect with my ideal clientele! I am still learning how to run a successful and professional business, but not fit inside that “corporate” box!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.analisahastings.com
• Instagram: analisahastingshairandmakeup
• Facebook: analisahastings
• Other: Tiktok: @analisahastingsmuah

Image Credits
Shannon Reece Jones Photography Lezu Photography Courtney Tate Photography