We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Haynes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

You’re absolutely right that from an outsider’s perspective, it can be easy to assume that the bridal beauty industry is highly profitable. However, there are indeed several factors that make profitability a significant challenge in this industry.

One of the most significant challenges we face in the bridal beauty industry is the highly seasonal nature of the business. Weddings tend to be concentrated during specific times of the year, typically in the spring and summer months. While these peak seasons can be incredibly lucrative, they are often offset by slower periods during the rest of the year. This can create income fluctuations that make it challenging to maintain consistent profitability.

To illustrate this challenge further, let me share a story. Imagine you’re a bridal makeup artist with a thriving business during wedding season. You’ve booked several weddings, and your calendar is full. Your income is at its peak, and it’s easy to assume that this level of profitability can be sustained year-round. However, as the wedding season comes to a close, you find yourself with fewer bookings and a significant drop in income. This sudden downturn can be financially stressful and highlights the seasonal nature of the industry.

Additionally, competition is fierce in the bridal beauty sector. Many talented makeup artists, beauty coaches, and bridal companies are looking for the same clients. This competition can lead to price wars and lower profit margins. As a result, even when you have a steady stream of clients, maintaining profitability can be a challenge due to the pressure to offer competitive prices and attractive packages.

Furthermore, the initial investment required to start and run a bridal beauty business can be substantial. Purchasing high-quality makeup products, equipment, and marketing materials can strain your finances, especially when coupled with the seasonal income fluctuations.

While the bridal beauty industry may appear highly profitable, it presents unique challenges due to its seasonal nature, intense competition, and substantial initial investments. To address these challenges, many professionals in the field have found success in incorporating coaching and training components into their businesses, especially during slower seasons. This approach not only helps nurture emerging talent and create an additional income stream but also fosters industry connections and sets businesses apart by offering a comprehensive service. By adapting to the industry’s highs and lows through coaching, professionals can better navigate the path to profitability in the bridal beauty sector.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As the founder of Courtney K Beauty, I’m thrilled to share my story with you. I’m not just a licensed esthetician; I’m a wife, a mother of four, and a southern girl from Wilkes County, NC, with a dream that evolved into a calling. My journey into the world of beauty began unexpectedly. It all started when I sold Artistry cosmetics, where I discovered my passion for makeup and skincare. This passion led me to my first major gig – a wedding with 12 ladies that truly set the tone for my future. Despite financial constraints, I managed to deliver, and that experience in 2010 marked the beginning of my career.

From there, my path has been filled with growth and learning. I invested in makeup classes, worked at M.A.C, and participated in fashion weeks, all of which honed my skills as a bridal makeup artist. However, life threw challenges my way. Amidst the pandemic, I faced personal struggles, including postpartum depression. But, during this time, I found direction and inspiration through my beauty coach, Tiyanna Robinson, and a chance meeting with Cherise Loren, a successful bridal beauty expert. Their guidance was instrumental in shaping my business.

Today, Courtney K Beauty is more than a company; it’s a reflection of my journey. We specialize in providing timeless, confident, and soft glam looks for brides, focusing on multicultural weddings. Our approach is unique because we understand the stress and overwhelm brides face. We offer comprehensive services that include managing timelines, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring a seamless experience for our brides.

But there’s more. During my toughest times, I created the “I Am” collection, a line of affirmation cards and makeup brushes with scriptures, born from my own healing process. This collection is not just a product; it’s a part of my life story, embodying strength, courage, and the power of positive affirmations.

My mission extends beyond bridal beauty. I coach aspiring makeup artists, sharing my knowledge and experiences to help them build successful careers. This aspect of my work is incredibly fulfilling, as I help others navigate their paths in the beauty industry.

My life is a testament to never giving up. Despite the challenges, I’ve learned the importance of maintaining a balance between my professional aspirations and personal life. I believe in the philosophy of “Beauty is Love.” Showing up authentically, with love and passion, is what drives me and my brand.

To my potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Courtney K Beauty is about empowering you to be your authentic self. We’re here to make your special day unforgettable, helping you shine in your unique way. I’m proud of the resilience I’ve shown, the team I’ve built, and the positive impact we’ve made. At Courtney K Beauty, we offer the “I AM” experience – a journey of self-discovery, confidence, and true beauty.

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

One significant lesson I’ve had to unlearn in my journey is the belief that I needed to do everything myself to save time and money. This mindset led to a particularly challenging experience when I aimed for perfection in every aspect of my business – from the website to the photoshoot, packaging, and offers. In the pursuit of this perfection, I spent countless hours, days, and weeks, ultimately leading to burnout and overwork.

This experience taught me the importance of asking for help and trusting others. I realized that my efforts to handle everything alone were not only counterproductive but also unsustainable. Seeking the guidance of a mentor and coach was a turning point. It helped me understand that efficient delegation and seeking assistance when needed are vital to success. This realization led me to set healthier boundaries, ensuring I don’t fall into the same trap again. By embracing this approach, I’ve learned that collaboration and trust in others can actually save more time and resources, allowing for a more balanced and fulfilling professional journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the defining moments that illustrate my resilience happened during a particularly challenging bridal assignment. The bride, initially sweet and kind, transformed into a bridezilla on her wedding day. Despite the bridal party arriving late and the ensuing chaos, which led to the bride missing some pre-ceremony photos, my team and I stayed professional and completed our job. Unfortunately, the bride left a harsh review, although her wedding party was very satisfied and left positive feedback.

This experience was tough but enlightening. I learned the importance of having a contract in place, including a clause for such situations, and being clear about timings and additional charges for any extra time needed. Instead of letting this incident dishearten me, I used it as a learning opportunity to implement new strategies to prevent such situations. It taught me the necessity of having tough skin in this industry and the value of professionalism and respect in all circumstances. This incident led to significant improvements in our service and processes, ensuring smoother experiences in future events.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.courtneyk-beauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneykbridal/?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneykbeautyllc
• Other: Tik Tik – Courtney K Bridal

Image Credits
Joannasuephotography Photography Chelle Katrina Wize Artography Thewinninglens