Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Strattan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Anastasia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got started in the beauty industry in 2008 with a company called TC Makeup. I had been freelancing with photographers and knew I wanted to get more experience with other sides of the hair and makeup field. TC Makeup taught me the art of airbrushing, bridal work and how to customize a look perfect for each person who sat in my chair. I branched off from TC Makeup in 2013 and created Concepts by Anastasia to further my career as a hair and makeup artist. I attend Paul Mitchell the School in Norman, OK and received my cosmetology license to go hand in hand with my already blossoming freelance career. I felt that I needed to know everything I could possibly know about the amazing industry I was a part of in order to stay current, relevant and continue to grow and educate myself. I currently continue to do freelance hair and makeup, cut and color two days a week, educate at CMC Makeup School as well as have my own education classes ranging from updos to braids to how to hold a curling iron! I have found my passion in educating the next generation of stylists so that I may pass on valuable information to help increase the standard of the beauty industry. I feel that I got where I am today due to my constant perseverance in the face of dire odds, meeting absolutely amazing people and artists in the industry I am in who took and continue to take a chance on me, and my continual hunger to further educate myself to be able to educate others. I am grateful to live in a thriving community such as Dallas and so thankful to those who have helped put me and my business on the map.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would say it has been a fairly bumpy road to get to where I am today. I was once told that when you are first beginning a journey into self-employment, you say yes to everything and figure out the details later. I took that advice very literally and it has paid off tremendously. I have an almost 7 year old daughter and I did not even start cosmetology school until she was 9 months old. So, on top of being a mother, I was a part-time student doing night classes at Paul Mitchell and a nanny in order to be able to be with my daughter and not have to put her in daycare. I feel immensely blessed when I think about the journey thus far and how strong it has made me. When I came to Dallas, I had very little intention of doing cut and color but when the industry demanded I do it, I listened! I also had hardly any contacts at all for the hair and makeup industry when I moved back so I went to every industry event I could make and introduced myself to everyone I could! That has also paid off, resulting in fantastic ongoing relationships with photographers, wedding planners, catering executives, fellow hair and makeup artists, creating an immense network I am glad to call my second family. I am lucky to have people who believe in me both doing hair and makeup and my behind the chair work. I am glad for the struggles that got me where I am today and can hope to have more hurdles that will continue to strengthen me and my business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Concepts by Anastasia is a hair and makeup artistry company that specializes in airbrush makeup application, bridal work, and continued education. I, Anastasia, am the lead artist and owner of Concepts. I specifically specialize in continued hairstylist education for special events, bridal, commercial, editorial and cosmetology. I have a small team of girls whom I have had chosen and hand trained in both hair and specific Concepts makeup techniques. My company is known for its commitment to excellence and professionalism, standard of technique and forward focused techniques, and the comfort and ease we allow our guests to feel no matter what occasion the hair and makeup is for! I am truly proud of the level of expertise my company brings to the beauty industry. I am heavily focused on continued education for myself and the entire team. I feel that continued education is something I can offer to other teams and salons not only in the DFW area, but state and even worldwide eventually. My company has severely loyal clients and team members alike, and I think that is a testament to the continued growth of Concepts by Anastasia.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel that the DFW area is an unbelievably great place to have a business in the beauty industry. I have heard from artists around the globe that “Dallas women just do it differently. They are dressed and beautified to go to the grocery store, the mall, a date or anywhere the day takes them!” This statement could not be more true! I think that Dallas offers one of the most lucrative and thriving wedding industries allowing for hair and makeup artists to be booking work continually and consistently. I believe Dallas’ economy also allows for freelance artists, in particular, to be successful by allowing so many opportunities to join large bridal teams in the area. Joining a team that has multiple artists and books multiple weddings not only per weekend but per day of each weekend, allows for growth, capital gain and experience under a seasoned artist. I would absolutely, and currently do, advise anybody starting out in the hair and makeup industry or cosmetology industry to begin a career in Dallas. There is a plethora of phenomenal teams and salons here that allow for all freelance, booth rent, or commission artists to thrive and have fruitful careers. My number one recommendation to anyone starting out is educate yourself. Do not go into the industry thinking that because you can paint a face or do an updo you can start your own business. Know every aspect of owning a business before jumping in. Join and team and learn through their expertise how the business works. Network and create a beautiful circle of like-minded people who want to help each other and see each other succeed. Dallas is full of all of these opportunities, one just has to seek them out!
Pricing:
- Average bridal hair and makeup services for DFW range from $350-700 for a trial and day of
- Average bridal party hair and makeup services for DFW range from $150-250/attendant
Contact Info:
- Address: 5639 Dyer Street Suite 7
Dallas, TX 75206 - Website: www.anastasiastrattan.com
- Phone: 806-789-9795
- Email: info@anastasiastrattan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasia_stylist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Concepts-by-Anastasia-496514093719053/
- Other: www.conceptsbyanastasia.com
Image Credit:
Bradford Martins, Rebecca Ellison Photography, Stephanie Brazzle, The Mamones, Rachel Liane Photography
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