We were lucky to catch up with Heather Bunkelman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Yes! I think it is very important to take time away from work to rest and reset. My husband and I love to rustic camp. No cell phones, emails, just walks and nature. It heals the soul. And when I come back to work I am refreshed and inspired!

Heather, 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?

I always knew I wanted to create art. Whenever I was asked as a child what I wanted to be when I grew up, i would always say, an artist! I didn’t know what type of art I would create but I knew I wanted to help people with my art. I became a cosmetologist in 2005, specializing in hair and makeup. I started to combine my love of photography, makeup and hairstyling and started my business, Art Box Creations inc with my husband in 2013. My focus and goal was to provide a safe space for anyone to express their individuality, dress up, play, honor their inner child and celebrate themselves. I am inspired by classic paintings, fantasy, magic and classic literature.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I was in the salon industry full time for over 15 years. Once i started my photography company in 2013 I would work on my days off from the salon doing photos. My husband and I did this for years until finally in 2018 I decided to start up Hair and Makeup by Heather and work exclusively for myself. I then transitioned to doing photography part time on my days off, to doing it full time. I moved my salon and photo studio into my home in 2020 and I honestly couldn’t be happier. I not only have days off now, i get to create in space that allows me to feel safe and inspired. It was exhausting getting to this point but I am so grateful to be here.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth! Building a good rapor with each client. People enjoy coming back to me because they feel safe and comfortable with me and then tell their friends about how much they enjoyed their experience!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/artboxcreationsinc instagram.com/heatherkristinachapman
• Facebook: facebook.com/artboxcreationsinc
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Michelee Rigdon Chelsea Christie Lauren Le Eric Hoshaw Brandi Victoria Dominoincolor Sadie Tate