Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tatiana Li. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tatiana, thanks for joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

When my brides ask me how did I start being a makeup and hair artist I always tell them I had no idea I would be one-never in my life. I have always thought that one of my biggest milestones was getting a corporate job in one of the top companies where I come from and having a successful career there. I loved it at first but after a couple of years it felt like every day I do the same thing and nothing new happens, it was a safe and consistent job but not fulfilling. I quit the company and went to get my second degree abroad (in South Korea while originally I’m from Russia). Through some course of events after graduation I came to US and stayed here permanently. That pushed me to restart, reconsider my career choice and become a bridal hair and makeup artist. When I think what would be the sign back then 11 years ago that my corporate job was only a step but not a goal I’d say: I did what everyone else expected me to do out of college but never explored other options. I always remembered how much I enjoyed working at a Japanese restaurant as a waitress while being a college student and how I loved to interact and bond with customers and we had the best time. That’s what I would have done differently: I would listen to what my guts tell me, and take steps to where it tells me to go. Perhaps, then I’d find myself in the makeup artistry sooner.

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

My name is Tatiana Li and I am a bridal makeup and hair artist. I am also a founder of a bridal beauty company TL Brides, where we have an amazing and fun team of talented makeup artists and hairstylists serving brides in NY, NJ and beyond.
I have been in bridal artistry business for 11 years now and love it to the core. My team and I are on a mission to help brides feel most elevated, comfortable, confident and beautiful version of themselves on their wedding day and we take pride in it.
My corporate background helps me a lot in understanding and managing the admin work that goes along with weddings and helps to maintain an excellent customer service experience as well.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

As someone who is still actively working with the brides as a makeup and hair stylist myself I understand what my team stylists are looking for working in the team.
Setting their expectations, providing good communication, being responsive to their feedback and respectful is the key why we work together so long as one team. I make sure I treat them the way as I would have wanted to be treated at work, keeping myself opened if they have any concerns. With some of my team members we are working for over 7 years now and that makes me feel that I am doing it right.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Last year in April I have exited a company where I worked for 2.5 years as a co founder and started my own.
I felt lost as starting from the very beginning was a challenging and emotional roller coaster. Yet, I had a plan, had my team and knew what I need to do next to start it all, which helped a lot and made the transition smoother within a shorter period of time.
Today, a year later, I know its discipline, intention, consistency and support of my colleagues and family that helped me to move on and I am looking forward for what’s next to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tlhmuartistry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tl_brides/

Image Credits

Bo Shim (boshimphoto), 98weddingco, Maria Lung (photosby.mb), jonnyscotphoto, sarahlockhart photography