I’m so excited to start this new blog series to share our favorite vendors!! Today we are featuring Carla Pressley Hair and Makeup, a Virginia hair stylist and makeup artist that loves to work with all tones and textures.

I met Carla at a wedding we worked together. I usually don’t spend too much time with the hair stylists and make up artists because they are usually finishing up when I arrive BUT with Carla it was different. She stayed around until the ceremony to make sure the bride didn’t need any touch ups after the first look. She was awesome! 💕. I have to confess I was impressed with Carla’s customer service.

Since I met her, I’ve been following her on Instagram! She’s completely amazing! And I’m constantly in awe of the beautiful styles she creates!

Carla answered some questions to share more about her and her business in this blog post, so I’ll let her take it from here 💕 Keep reading to hear from her, and then be sure to check out her website and follow her on Instagram for more!

Meet Carla of Carla Pressley Hair & Makeup

Q: What is your business name, and what service do you provide for your clients?

A: Carla Pressley Hair & Makeup specializing in natural camera ready looks.

Q: Who does your business serve? Is there a type of client you love working with the most?

A: I feel like I make the most difference in the multicultural community since finding an artist who understands our hair and sometimes skin tone can be a challenge. Any woman with frizzy curls will tell you the same. In the end I’ve stayed busy because I work with all skin tones, all hair textures, all genders, and walks of life so a lot of photographers call on me as well as brides and grooms. 

Q: How did you get started as an entrepreneur? When did you realize you were passionate about beauty?

A: I came home after 2 1/2 years of backpacking, roaming all over the world and knew that I had to maintain my freedom. I worked in retail and salons before that with less flexibility so this was my solution. I knew I was passionate about the wedding industry specifically when I came home one day after being in NYC working on Project Runway, doing NY Fashion Week, and working on sets with clients like Marc Jacobs, that what I was more excited about celebrating weddings, major milestones, and once in a life time moments with my clients here in the DMV. 

Q: Is there a story behind your business name or logo?

A: I wanted my logo to convey that I do both hair and makeup. You’ll notice the tools are some of the smallest tools used in both trades because to me, it’s all about the fine details. My name is also written in my own handwriting. It’s a very personal relationship I form with clients so I thought that was fitting.  

Q: Do you have a team? If so, introduce them – including yourself! If not, share a little bit about you and your favorite things!

A: Erin is the real MVP of my company. I just do as I’m told lol….She is a brilliant organized administrative assistant like no other. She is the engine that runs it all and is always looking out for me. She is a member of the deaf community and has raised a lot of awareness for small business owners and the general public on how to be more inclusive. I love her instagram page for inspiration and you can follow her @mabely_q.

I have several artists that I work with as well but there is only one @sarahstylesz. I’m lucky to have her help as she is also a busy colorist at Pr at Partners in Shirlington, VA. Her strengths are color in the salon and while working with me I can say her strengths are reading the room, knowing where to be as she is such a great team player and consulting with our clients to figure out what really makes them feel beautiful. 

I’m a mixed African American/Korean chick born the year of the DOG in July which makes me a fiercely loyal sentimental Cancer. I also talk to most dogs and have been the proud mother to two Jindo dogs. I laugh EXACTLY like my two brothers, TRY eating vegan most of the time, LOVE yoga, and tear up EVERY time dads see’s the bride for the first time. I was born in Kentucky on a military base. Proud of the US Armed Forces. Black Lives Matter. LGBTQIA ally. I’m very proud of all the progress we are making to be a more united and loving country. 

I began my career in the beauty industry over 15 years ago with PR @ Partners, a Washington D.C area franchise salon and MAC Cosmetics.

I have a background in the fashion Industry as well as in the Salon. I can cut and color hair, although now a days I mainly style hair and do makeup on location. I’m #blessed to work with clients of all colors, cultures, hair types, and complexions. No matter what makes us different, there’s so much more that makes us the SAME.

Past Clients include PROJECT RUNWAY, Macy’s, Tarte, Marc Jacobs, RuPaul, and Martha StewartWeddings amongst others.

I pride myself in HELPING you feel confident from the inside out. People always compliment me for my naturally glam looks and for  creating a calming environment.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you create the look YOU want from the wedding aisle to the runway!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I’m not the biggest fashionista to be honest. I’m really laid back. Often wearing no makeup, tousled hair, loose and comfortable clothing. I used to be a sneaker head when I stood all day at a salon. Now you’ll see me at the grocery store with my crocs on. 

Q: What does a typical workday look like for you?

A: If there is time in the morning  I might hit the trails on foot or my bike. Usually I have what I need for the day packed like my lunch, squeezed juice, brushes cleaned and sanitized and kit ready to go! I already know what I’m doing, how long it takes to get there and if there are any special requests like hair extensions for my appointments. Then it’s time to hit the road usually. I might go multiple places in the DMV. haircut here, wedding consult there, headshots etc. When I get home I prep for the next day before I get too comfortable but once I am comfy at home my phone is usually on silent and I’m totally unwinding.   

Q: How has it changed and evolved over time?

A: I spend so much less time on my computer thanks for Erin, my fabulous assistant. I get fomo all the time. I want to communicate more with my clients but this is the most efficient way to carry my business and take care of myself too. #selfcare

Q: What is your favorite wedding that you have ever worked on?

A: I have so many but the one that just popped into my mind was when I had an amazing connection with the mother of the bride. She had lost a lot of weight. She cried during her consultation. They were tears of joy and relief. She finally felt great in her skin. She knew she would look great on the big nerve wracking day and that she no longer had to worry.  I got photos later of the wedding and she was an absolute animal on the dance floor. lol I love my job!

Q: Where do you see your business in 5 years? What are you most excited about for the future of your business?

A: Expanding! Only so that I can lift my team up. I want them all to have their own team. In my industry, you always pay it forward. I don’t need to be the busiest artist in DC, I measure my success on how happy I am. I am very happy right now with how things are going with my business. Due to the pandemic, It’s been a tough year, but we are making it through and I have a lot of folks to thank for that. 

Q: What is one thing you want people to know about you and/or your business? 

A: We are the nice girls =) we get it..we got you!! no judgement over here. 

Q: What is your biggest piece of wedding planning advice and/or marriage advice?

PLAN..put things in your calendar. When are you getting your nails done before the wedding exactly? When are you working out? stick to your plan because a lot is going on right before the big day. After the wedding, schedule in time with your partner. Left to chance we get busy, marking your calendar and sticking to it makes what you have premeditated a priority. 

Q: Any wedding trends or traditions you love?

I love the influx of new traditions. Like both parents walking you down the aisle or a group walking to you in a circle. We can do whatever we want and I love seeing people do their own thing. Traditionally, I think it’s always important if you’ve had the love and support of your parents or guardians to honor them in some way. 

Q: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Rice..I dont think it’s possible to go without rice. 

Q: Where can people follow you to learn more?

A: On Instagram @carlapressleyhairmakeup

For more featured vendors and venues…

Check out our vendors and venues tag on the blog! We’ll be interviewing more of our favorite vendors soon, so stay tuned, friends! 🤗