We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Dunlap recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

When I first started doing wedding hair and makeup, it was just me—fresh out of beauty school, fueled by excitement and the desire to make people feel beautiful. That was 18 years ago. At the time, it was a side passion that began to take shape through word-of-mouth. I would offer to do friends’ hair and makeup for proms and formal events, and soon, their friends were reaching out too. That’s really where it all began—on a foundation of passion and connection.

The true turning point for me, though, was working with Aveda. It was there that I discovered a deeper love for makeup artistry. I’ll never forget meeting Janell Geason during a tryout to become an Aveda Freelance Artist. Out of a room full of incredibly talented artists, I was chosen, along with a few others and from that moment, everything changed. I began representing Aveda at salon events, offering touch-ups, mini-education sessions for stylists and clients—and I absolutely fell in love with the process. My passion started to grow wildly from there. Hair had always been my first love as a cosmetologist, but makeup quickly rose to the same level in my heart.

As my bridal bookings grew—both in size and frequency—I realized I needed help. At the time, I had two young boys and a sweet, reliable nanny Julia, who was studying to become a skincare specialist. One day, I asked if she’d be open to helping with makeup for a larger bridal party—and just like that, we became a team. She’s been by my side ever since, nearly mine years now. She’s my right hand gal and has played a key role in every chapter of the journey.

From there, the growth happened naturally but meaningfully. The timeline and travel expanded, our name started circulating more widely in the industry, and I knew I needed extra hands. That’s when Sam joined us—she jumped in wholeheartedly, helping with hair prep, client communication, bridal boxes, and everything in between. She kept the wheels turning and made sure nothing fell through the cracks.

Soon after, we brought on Madi. She was eager to learn and we dove into hands-on training together. I could tell right away she was a great fit. With her on the team, we were able to take on even larger parties and more weddings. Then came Morgan, who I met at an open house while she was still in cosmetology school. Her energy was magnetic, and she clicked with our team effortlessly. Most recently, we welcomed Gabby—who’s currently studying nursing & helping us on wedding days as a fun spin off of her pageant/dance life (& keeping that part close to her heart!) She’s been the perfect addition, even with the challenges of balancing her studies with her passion for beauty.

Looking back, if I were starting today, I’d remind myself to trust the process and not to be afraid to ask for help sooner. Building a team was one of the best things I ever did. What began as a solo endeavor turned into something so much bigger—a sisterhood. We’re more than just a team; we’re a collective of artists who truly care about one another and the work we do. And as inquiries continue to flow in, our goal remains to grow intentionally—nurturing talent, supporting one another, and maintaining the heart that started it all.

Michelle, 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?

Hi! I’m the owner and lead artist behind Michelle Dunlap Design, a luxury bridal beauty team that specializes in on-site hair and makeup for weddings and special events. While I always had a strong foundation in hair, it wasn’t until I started exploring makeup artistry more deeply that I discovered how much I truly loved the combination of both crafts.

Over time, what started as a solo endeavor gradually grew into something much bigger. Today, I lead a carefully curated team of talented artists who share my commitment to quality, professionalism, and creating a fun, welcoming environment for our clients. We work primarily with brides and bridal parties, but we have been known to do head shot clinics, styled shoots, prom day, galentines events, galas, grooms dinner, maternity shoots, open houses, private events, boudoir & any event that needs or wants hair and makeup services that are personalized, polished, and designed to enhance natural beauty—not mask it.

Our focus is on delivering not only beautiful results but also a stress-free, memorable experience. From our streamlined communication in booking & planning to our on-site service and personalized touches like prep guides and wedding morning timelines, & a perfectly curated BRIDE BOX with all things our brides will need for your special day. We are there to make the entire process smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.

What sets us apart is the deep level of care we bring to each client interaction. We’re not a high-volume team just trying to fill slots—we’re intentional about who we work with and how we work & what dates we work. Every artist on my team has been trained with hands-on support to ensure we’re offering not just great makeup and hair, but a truly elevated experience.

What I’m most proud of is how our business has grown organically through referrals and client trust. I’ve had the privilege of turning passion into a full-fledged brand, and watching it evolve into a supportive, tight-knit team has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

If you’re looking for a team that blends talent with heart, structure with ease, and professionalism with warmth—we’d love to be a part of your day.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my social media presence has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and connection. As a bridal hair and makeup specialist, I’ve learned that it’s not just about posting beautiful photos—it’s about building trust, showcasing your personality, and making potential clients feel like they already know you before they even inquire.

In the beginning, I focused on sharing before-and-after transformations, behind-the-scenes moments, and photos of real brides. I wanted to give people a glimpse into what it’s truly like to work with me and my team—not just the final look, but the energy, the experience, and the little moments that make the wedding morning so special.

My biggest advice for other bridal professionals trying to build their social media is this:
✨ Be consistent, but also human. You don’t need to post every day, but showing up regularly with intention matters more than perfection.
✨ Don’t just sell—serve. Give value. Share tips, answer common questions, show behind the scenes. Be helpful.
✨ Show your face and personality. Clients aren’t just booking your work—they’re booking you. Let them feel your vibe through the screen.
✨ Highlight your clients. Make your brides feel like the stars they are. Tag vendors, share the love, and build community.
✨ Invest in good photography. Quality images go a long way, especially in the bridal industry. When possible, partner with photographers and ask for gallery access.

Social media & the SEO on our website has played a huge role in how my business has grown—not just in bookings, but in visibility, referrals, and industry relationships. It’s a marketing tool that allows you to share your passion with the world. Use it wisely, but also remember: your best work will always speak for itself, so just stay true to your brand, and the right people will find you.

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

One moment that stands out in my journey—and really illustrates my resilience—was when I had to make the tough decision to let a client go because they were crossing boundaries and not respecting our time, policies, or the well-being of my team. It wasn’t an easy choice, especially in an industry where the pressure to “keep everyone happy” can be overwhelming. But I’ve learned that protecting my team and standing firm in our values is non-negotiable.

We’ve built this business with heart, intention, and a clear mission: to provide not only beautiful hair and makeup, but also a peaceful, respectful, and joyful experience for our clients. When that’s disrupted, it’s my responsibility as a leader to step in. In this case, I chose to prioritize my team’s well-being over profit, and I have no regrets. It was a reminder that resilience sometimes looks like saying no—to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.

There are so many amazing clients out there who value what we do and how we do it. I’d rather make space for those clients than compromise our boundaries or allow anyone to take advantage of our kindness. That experience reinforced our commitment to doing business with integrity—and taught me that resilience often shows up in the quiet strength of staying true to what matters most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michelledunlap.design/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelledunlap.design/

Image Credits

@vanessaleephotomn @sageriver_studios @coral.mia @katieleephotographywi