Today we’d like to introduce you to Trei Helms.
Hi Trei, 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?
Discovering my artistic side was never a journey, it’s always been evident, even as a child. My grandmother and great-grandmother would pick me up from elementary school and we would spend the afternoon at the kitchen table using many mediums to explore art. It could be learning watercolor today, and acrylic paints tomorrow.
My great-grandmother was a pillar in helping me discover my artistic talents. At this kitchen table, I learned techniques, products, artistry, and grew my creativity. Once my grandmother saw that I was taking art seriously, she enrolled me in art school that I would go to a couple of times a week to grow my creativity and love for the craft. As I got older, social media became popular and I would see runway shows advertised on Instagram from fashion week. I was obsessed with makeup, specifically graphic liner, and it made me interested in the editorial side of makeup.
One day, I picked up my aunt’s makeup brushes and recreated a 90s graphic liner from a Versace runway show. In retrospect, I didn’t do a great job but it was definitely a catalyst for my future career that was never planned. From then on, I discovered other makeup artists in the community, became friends with them, and eventually found myself surrounded by creatives with beautiful energy. It was in this space that I grew myself and my artistry exponentially. In the South, bridal makeup is generally the only thing that makeup artists can do full-time without having to have another job.
Branding shoots, commercials, events, and runway shows are not as prevalent here, so in order to work, we all choose bridal at some point. I’m so happy I did! The amount of love in a hair and makeup room before a bride walks down the aisle is just plain magic! After freelancing at weddings for friends and events, in 2016, I decided to open a company in Greenville, South Carolina, where I grew up and was living at the time. After working there and making connections, After running the business in Greenville from 2016-2020, I made the move to Myrtle Beach to be closer with my family. During COVID, I took the opportunity to relax and take a break from weddings. I could only stay away for three months!
In December of 2020, I opened Myrtle Beach Hair and Makeup and our business blew up from the beginning. In our eight months, we booked over 60 weddings for the current year with our spring 2022 being almost full. The wedding community and vendors have been so gracious, welcoming, and genuine here. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to transfer to and begin doing what I love again!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Myrtle Beach Hair & Makeup has been a fun road, growing at the rate we are is not a struggle, but absolutely a challenge! The true struggle and nature of this business is how much time it takes away from your family.
My artists and stylists, including myself, miss birthdays, vacations, dinners, concerts, and quality time with the people that mean the most. Yes, we have the luxury of creating our own schedules, but we are a service-based business and always end up taking care of the next bride that walks through our door because we love it so much. When a bride says, “I saw this picture on Instagram and want this specific artist because this just looks so good!” It makes you feel like a million bucks.
Artists spend a lot of time being their own worst critics, so when someone loves your work and wants to intentionally book you because of your work, it’s exhilarating. This is why we give up our weekends and personal life, it’s definitely finding the balance that’s vital to longevity in this field.
We’ve been impressed with Myrtle Beach Hair & Makeup, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Myrtle Beach Hair & Makeup specializes in Bridal Hair and Bridal Makeup for on-location weddings! We also do hair and makeup for photoshoots, branding shoots, businesses (i.e. headshots, portfolio, product placement) or, commercial, film, television, but our concentration is on bridal because that’s the largest need in our area.
Our service sets us apart from others. Our brides remember us as attentive and talented with exceptional client service. Emails, phone calls, and texts are responded to promptly, and we have a “wedding planner” attitude. Anything our brides want, they get!
What does success mean to you?
I would define success as contention. I don’t believe there’s a dollar figure, client, or achievement that personally defines success for me. Once you’re content, anything extra is just more icing on the cake. I have a wonderful life with my partner, (Josh), Great Dane (Stassi), Siamese Cat (Chanel), and doing what I love. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Pricing:
- Bridal Hair $125
- Bridal Makeup $125
- Bridesmaid Hair $85
- Bridesmaid Makeup $85
Contact Info:
- Email: myrtlebeachhairandmakeup@gmail.com
- Website: www.myrtlebeachhairandmakeup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrtlebeachhairandmakeup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myrtlebeachhairandmakeup
Image Credits
WNC Photography, Sarah Beach Photography, and Hosanna Wilmont
