Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaci Free.
Hi Kaci, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started Braided Bride back in 2015. Growing up, I’m not sure anyone would have ever thought I would end up in the wedding industry. Especially providing hair and makeup. Although I was in dance and drill team up to my high school years, I played sports up through college and this was never a thought as a career path, and to be honest, I hadn’t touched much makeup outside of a gray and black eyeshadow pallet, and red lipstick that my drill team director taught me to apply for performance.
In my early twenties, I had a few friends ask me to do their hair or makeup for events, and from there I learned it was something I enjoyed doing. I always got compliments on my makeup but never thought much about it. About a year later, a hobby became a business and supported me through college. I’ve been working as an HMUA on the weekends while working as a teacher and coach full-time up until this school year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This industry is competitive, and you learn things the hard way sometimes. There have been some hiccups for sure, but you just learn from them and use them to grow. Fortunately, I have had some great mentors as I’ve grown in the industry that has been a great resource in those times. Britt from The Wildlife Wedding is one of those.
From sharing favorite products to ideas for running our businesses to REAL life struggles… she has been a big cheerleader of mine. My husband and I, as well as our newborn, were in a bad car accident last August and I was unable to work for about 3 months and Britt took on my clients during that time without question. Having people like her in your corner when you hit those bumps in your path, is what keeps you going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Braided Bride provides hair and makeup services for weddings, special events, and more. I’m known for boho styles, updos, braids, and natural, soft glam makeup. I’m approachable, which sets me apart from others. I take pride in my work, but I’m not too prideful to accept criticism and feedback. Communication is so important in this business and that is something I encourage my clients to do.
It not only makes working together easier, but it also provides opportunities for me to grow and meet their needs in the desired look. I consider myself very blessed when clients choose me for a special event, especially when that event is a wedding. Many brides have dreamt of their wedding day a lot of their lives, others maybe not, but either way, it means so much to me to have the opportunity to make a client feel beautiful and confident on their wedding day.
But my favorite part of what I do is seeing clients through other parts of their life. I’ve had the opportunity to do hair and makeup for multiple occasions for many: their engagements, bridals, wedding day, maternity photos, and newborn photos. So, you kind of get to watch this story unfold for them, and I get to be part of that.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
When I wake up and see that I get to be here one more day to love my son, husband, and family, and do things that I love. I think as I’ve gotten older, I’ve just never wanted to take anything for granted. What I have today could be gone tomorrow and when life gets busy or hard, and messy, we sometimes forget that or can’t see through the fog to be reminded. So, I’ve become very intentional in how I use my time and am focusing on being present.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Braided_Bride
