We were lucky to catch up with Megan Hardesty recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

At Blend, we specialize in on-location hair and makeup services, bringing the beauty experience directly to you. Our team is made up of highly skilled, professional artists with years of experience working with brides and clients for every occasion. We are known for our ability to enhance a person’s natural beauty, ensuring they feel confident and like themselves on their special day. What sets us apart is our dedication to creating personalized looks, meticulous scheduling, and flawless execution, all while providing a stress-free, professional experience. We pride ourselves on our ability to make each client feel beautiful, relaxed, and at ease—because beauty is about feeling like you.

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?

My story began at the University of Cincinnati, where I embarked on a creative journey that shaped my passion for beauty, art, and self-expression. After graduation, my path led me to MAC Cosmetics, where I spent many years working as a manager and working with some of the best artists in the industry. It was there that I truly discovered the transformative power of makeup, especially in the world of photography. I learned how makeup can bring out the best in someone’s features while also highlighting their unique beauty.

However, what truly ignited my entrepreneurial spirit was the realization that I could use my skills to create something special—something that combined my love for artistry, my expertise in leadership, and my desire to help others feel confident in their own skin. I decided to take the leap and start my own team, focusing on providing on-location hair and makeup services to clients, especially brides.

For me, weddings represent one of the most intimate and important days in a person’s life. I’ve always felt that makeup should enhance a person’s natural beauty, not mask it. With that in mind, I made it my mission to help brides feel radiant, confident, and most importantly, like themselves on their special day. I’ve worked with countless brides to craft looks that reflect their personalities —without compromising on comfort or authenticity.

Today, as the owner of Blend Artistry, I’m proud to say that we have one of the best teams in the industry going on 12 years in business! My background in fine arts, photography, makeup, and my experience managing a cosmetics brand all come together to create a truly personalized and professional experience for each client. Whether it’s for a wedding, special event, or photo shoot, I’m honored to be a part of making people feel beautiful, and help create an easy and fun experience along the way.

It’s not just about makeup—it’s about empowering others to feel their best, no matter the occasion. And that’s the heart of what we do.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation in the highly competitive bridal market came down to a few key strategies. First, I focused on what would truly set us apart—earning trust through professionalism, consistency, and the highest-quality work. Rather than just offering makeup and hair services, I made it a priority to create a full experience where brides felt completely confident and cared for. That emotional trust was a major driver of word-of-mouth referrals.

Another significant factor was developing strong relationships with top wedding planners, photographers, and venues. These partnerships not only gave us credibility, but also allowed us to collaborate on high-end events that showcased our work in the best possible light. Over time, those consistent results and trusted collaborations helped position us as a go-to team in the market. Our reputation wasn’t built overnight—it came from staying focused on quality, service, and building a strong professional network that amplified our presence.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My biggest advice is to lead with clarity, respect, and consistency. In a fast-paced industry like bridal, where timing and professionalism are everything, it’s essential that every team member feels valued, supported, and aligned with the same standards. I make it a priority to communicate clearly, set expectations early, and recognize great work regularly.

Creating a positive team culture has also been key—one where everyone feels part of something bigger. I try to foster an environment where team members are encouraged to bring their creativity, collaborate, and continuously grow. Whether it’s investing in training, celebrating ​birthdays, or just checking in personally, small things go a long way in making people feel motivated and appreciated.

Ultimately, high morale comes from feeling trusted and inspired. When the team knows they’re contributing to something meaningful and are treated with respect, they naturally give their best—and that shows in the client experience every time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blendartistryohio.com
• Instagram: @blendartistryohio
• Facebook: @blendartistryohio

Image Credits

Kayla Allen Photography
Native Iris Photography
Jessica & Sarah Photography
Bird & Rose Photography
Blysk Photography
Amanda Donaho Photography