We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Repcaru. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.

Laura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am at my happiest when I’m given the freedom to be creative. When my clients sit in my chair and say “I trust you”, that’s when I know I’m reaching my full potential and creating my best work. Deep down, I’ve always known I could never have a traditional job.
As a bridal makeup artist in the U.S, I’ve learned to navigate the slower business months – December, January, February, March, July and August. Those periods challenge me to put things in perspective, reflect and rethink how I approach my business.

Having a background in commercial and editorial work, cosmetic sales, and teaching clients at the beauty counter allows me to offer services beyond bridal- especially during the slower months.
Makeup lessons are in high demand. Even with endless tutorials on line, makeup is personal; personalized lessons give anyone a fantastic experience to learn which looks best enhances their features and how to adapt those looks for different occasions.
I’m fortunate to leverage more than 20 years’s experience across several niches of the makeup industry.

Makeup artistry is highly versatile and lets me generate income from multiple streams. I tailor my services to the nice I am pursuing : I use Google to promote makeup lessons, Instagram as my primary source of bridal clients, and partnerships with headshot photographers to create an additional revenue stream.

Consistently promoting my additional services is essential – it forms the foundation of a successful business. That attention creates satisfied clients and generates more referrals.

Consistency is the key!

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

With a degree in fashion, I redirected my creativity towards beauty upon moving to the U.S. I began with a three-month makeup course in L.A., focusing on beauty and special effects, but realized the movie industry wasn’t my calling. After that, I moved to New York and immersed myself in beauty work, primarily collaborating with photographers. To ensure a steady income, I joined a department store, working for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. This role proved to be a pivotal moment, transforming from a side job into a path-defining experience. I found immense satisfaction in working with women, assisting them in discovering what suits them best and empowering them. This led to bridal work, with clients seeking my makeup services and recommending me to others. My makeup expertise and fashion background seamlessly intertwine, shaping my career today.

I developed my expertise in natural makeup while working with Bobbi Brown, and it has since become my signature style. Even during the early 2000s—when full-coverage, heavily contoured looks dominated the beauty industry and social media—I remained steadfast in my approach. I have always believed, and continue to believe, that most women seek to look like the best version of themselves through makeup, no matter the prevailing trends or circumstances.

In addition to working with my wonderful brides on their wedding days—as well as for trials, bridal portraits, and rehearsal dinners—I also offer personalized makeup lessons for individuals and small groups. Whether I am teaching a woman how to achieve a polished, professional look or guiding a mother and daughter through creating everyday styles, I truly enjoy connecting with my clients and sharing the knowledge I’ve cultivated over the past 20 years.

I truly love what I do, and I’m always excited to meet and work with my next client. My passion is the driving force behind my career, and even when challenges arise, it inspires me to keep going and continue learning.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I relocated to North Carolina in 2022, I knew I would be starting over from the ground up. With determination, strategic planning, and perseverance, I spent over a year building the foundation of my new business. I actively reached out to local wedding vendors—photographers, planners, and venues—to introduce myself and share my bridal beauty philosophy. Along the way, I was fortunate to meet some truly supportive people who helped me expand my network, and little by little, my business began to grow. I credit both perseverance and a consistent presence on social media as key factors in establishing my name within the local wedding market.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had taken greater advantage of social media as a business tool when it first began to emerge as such a powerful influence. As a result, I later had to re-evaluate and adapt my business model to align with the evolving landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupincharlotte.com
• Instagram: @laurarartistry
• Facebook: Laura R. Artistry

Image Credits

Alyssa Lizarraga Photography
Avonne Photography