Vendor Spotlight - Carrie Kacen
Carrie Kacen is a talented hair and makeup artist that has been creating stunning looks since 2002! She has created looks for fashion weeks in LA, Paris and Malta, NFL Network broadcasting teams and many brides to be! Check out our interview with her below and learn how she got to where she is now!
Carrie with her dog, Lula
How long have you been in the industry?
“I started in high school working in a salon, and have been doing hair and makeup for weddings since 2002! I was always marketing and networking for other business when I had an “ah-ha moment” of why am I not doing this myself? So, in 2013 I started own company and moved out West to Sedona! Since it is a destination location for so many couples it was a natural transition.”
Tell us about your company and how you work with clients?
“I specialize in event styling and makeup. I am definitely an artist on the more natural side of things. My brand is ‘soft beauty with bold integrity’. When I am on site for anything from an elopement to a large wedding party I want to create a look that looks good in person, and on photo and video. As an artist you have to think of all the different platforms your look is going to be seen. I encourage trials before your big day (but not always!) to make sure we are on the same page for the look you want. It is a great chance to take advantage of hair and makeup for engagement photos or rehearsal dinner too!”
What makes you stand out from other artist?
“Definitely my education and the different platforms that I work in. I was an understudy to the Top Session Stylist Sam McKnight at the International Mastered:Hair which was completed in 2016. Because of that, I have had the opportunity to get connected with the fashion industry and worldwide artists. On top of that, I completed a 12 week program with Sharon Blain who is the top beauty educator based out of London. I frequently provide my services for fashion week, studio photoshoots and TV personalities. I don’t just do weddings! I love it because it allows me to create various styles that keep me current and creative and to expand my craft. Since 2016 I have also been doing hair and makeup for the NFL Network! That means I get to go to the Superbowl in Atlanta with the broadcasting team!”
Carrie with the NFL Network in LA
What is one of your most memorable moments of your career so far?
“Malta Fashion week-I had the opportunity to work with worldwide models and have my name announced as a part of the hair and makeup team! It was so amazing! Another favorite has been growing my business with my brides over the last 5 years and being a part of the best day of their lives. I love being able to personalize their look and bond with my brides to give them an intimate fun experience before they start the next chapter in their life.”
Malta Spring Fashion Week swimsuit show
What is your favorite moment of the wedding day?
“When I finish the bride's look and I get to put the veil on. I always get the chills and start to tear up in the moment with them. It is such an honor to be chosen to be a part of their special day. When a bride chooses me I don't take it lightly - they are allowing me to be a part of the best day of their life. You want to feel like yourself, confident and beautiful and when they choose me I know that I can make them feel that way and it is just so special. I want everyone’s response to be “WOW I look so great but still looks like myself.”
What is your most important accessory?
“My two cases full of supplies!! My hair kit and my makeup kit because you never know what you are going to need! I always want to make sure I am overprepared.”
Who is your dream client?
“Reese Witherspoon!(she is who I wish I could be!) or Gwen Stefani (she is my alter ego).”
What is your favorite travel spot?
“My favorite place to travel is Italy - it is just so full of love! The love of food, romance, art, fashion - it is a passionate country with so much beauty in the culture!”
Calibri, Italy
What are the top 3 things you can’t live without?
“My dog Lula, yoga, art and of course family and friends!”
What is your favorite movie/book/show?
"The Vogue Wedding Edition because it has the history of famous brides and designers and I love to use it as inspiration!”
What advice do you have for brides or couples getting married?
“Enjoy your engagement, and enjoy your planning because it goes by so fast and the day of is so fast! The day will be perfect in your own eyes and in your heart the way you felt it! As long as you are focusing on joining your lives together that is the most important and everything else will fall into place.”
To see Carrie Kacen’s work or to book an appointment with her you can do so by visiting her website.