Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Alexander.
Emily, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’d say my journey into the bridal and fashion world started when I was young and very much revolved around magazines. I loved flipping through the pages and seeing the fashion and styled photoshoots, all the fun hair and makeup trends, etc. When I was a junior in high school everyone was starting to look into colleges to go to and deciding what they wanted to major in and I felt quite lost, I knew a traditional college route was definitely not what I wanted. I thought about art school, not sure what I would want to focus in but I definitely lacked the confidence to think I could even get in.
My mom was the one who suggested cosmetology school to me, she knew I was into the beauty world and licensing only takes about a year so if I didn’t love it, I could always work with my license and do something else. I definitely learned early on in beauty school that styling was what I wanted to do, coloring and cutting felt like a chore right away and I immediately felt like working in a salon would have the same effect as working a 9-5 for me. I worked at a blowdry bar for about a year after I graduated and that is where I meant Theresa of Hair By Theresa. She had recently started her bridal styling business and had me assist her by curling and prepping the bridal parties hair, through her I was able to learn more about styling and that was the first step into the bridal business for me.
Since then, I’ve worked with companies and assisting other stylists and now have been able to have my own business and I’m so lucky to be in the position I’m in and loving it! Over the last few years, I have also worked on my other passion of photography, mainly doing fashion and portraits and that has also been such an exciting and fun part of my life.
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?
Definitely not! While still in cosmetology school, my entire class got expelled! It only lasted for a day and was more just for show from the school to scare other students, but that one day of not knowing what was to be of my future was terrifying. (Feel free to ask me what happened – I have no issue talking about the whole fiasco!) I worked for a bridal styling company for a few years that started off great then took a turn for the worst, the last year and a half working with them had been really draining and made me question if I even wanted to be in this industry anymore. Thankfully, it made me learn to stand up for myself and my worth and the angst I was feeling reignited my love for what I do. Of course, there has been other obstacles along the way, both in the industry and in my personal life but if it’s made me into who I am today, then I’m thankful to be where I’m at and my past experiences.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a hairstylist, I specialize in styling, mainly bridal but I do styling for anything really, I love photoshoots, prom, bridal showers, etc. I’d say I’m most known for my curls ( wands over curling irons always!!!) and what I would consider my signature undone style, a super sleek chignon bun honestly pains me! I love a little bit of a tousled look, some hair to face frame or leave out of a bun, so I wouldn’t say I lean too much toward sleek or super boho, I’m kind of right in the middle on my personal preferences in styling.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve definitely always been the creative type, adventurous and love to travel, and even though I was more shy growing up, I loved making friends. My birthday is in December and growing up in Minnesota meant all of my birthday parties had to be inside even though I wanted an outside pool party or to go to an amusement park so badly! But I did have quite a few bowling or movie theater birthdays which I honestly still enjoy today. I’d say the thing I would be most proud of my younger self for would be my kindness, even growing up I didn’t want other kids to feel left out or uncomfortable, I definitely was the one inviting the “weird” kid to sit at the lunch table while also being the weird kid myself!
Pricing:
- updos + half ups $75
- downstyle $65
- brides $250 (includes deposit, partial travel fee, trial and day of)
- photoshoots starting at $200
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.emilyalexanderartistry.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilyalexanderartistry
Image Credits
Samantha Sickels
Peach + Honey
Carly Mac Photography
Laura Banken Photography
Hannah Kristine Photography
