Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Keppers.
Hi Nicole , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a licensed cosmetologist who got my start in a Aveda Salon as an employee performing cuts, colors, waxing, and bridal hair and makeup. I knew long before I became a stylist, that my passion would be hair and makeup artistry. After 6 years at the salon my boss told us she was retiring and selling the salon. I was pregnant with my third daughter and didn’t know what I would be doing after she was born.
I did have a few months of panic not knowing what my options were as I really didn’t want to start fresh at a new salon with demanding hours.
It was my wonderfully supportive husband that sat me down and said “you do weddings, why don’t you just do that?”
Since I have young children, I knew I wanted to peruse something on my own and be in charge of how many hours a week I’m working. Family is very important to me and raising my young girls is my biggest blessing. I wanted the stay at home mom life as well as the blooming beauty career.
My Business allows for both of those endeavors to be possible.
In the Fall of 2021 my business was born. I started with just a few bookings and styled shoots. My goal for my first year was 20 bookings and I believe I had around 25. Now I’m booking 45-50 brides per year. This year I am expecting more as I already have 44 brides booked.
I really couldn’t have dreamed of all the
opportunities and amazing people I have met as a small business owner who started out from posting my work on Instagram using hashtags like #duluthhairandmakeupartist.
As I’ve grown, so have the opportunities. Now I’m booked for work other than weddings. In the last 5 years I am so proud to say I have been published in two issues of Minnesota bride as a hair and makeup artist, one issue of North Magazine, HMU on 5 film productions, and two commercials. This February I have been hired to do Glam for a country music singer performing in Duluth. With a very grateful heart, starting my business has been a dream come true that I hadn’t known existed. I truly love my job, this is my passion and I’ve taken my new role as business owner very seriously. I am always training, continuing my education and learning new techniques to keep up with new trends and styles.
I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings for Up North Beauty LLC
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started, I didn’t know the first thing about starting my business. I remember reaching out to other industry professionals who had established themselves in the bridal industry. I also reached out to other vendors in the area and worked a lot of styled shoots to get my name and work showcased.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in bridal soft glam. I do both hairstyling and makeup applications. . I am known for creating beautiful glam waves and flawless airbrush makeup.
I am so proud of every opportunity that comes my way. From working with brides on their big day to being published in magazines and seeing my name role in the credits on movies streaming on Netflix.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am constantly scrolling hairstyles on Instagram and Pinterest. I don’t just watch the videos though, I have a mannequin at home that I work on when learning new techniques.
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