Today we’d like to introduce you to Bre Welch.
Bre, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Professionally I started 16 years ago but before that I was supposed to be a professional ballerina and have been doing stage makeup and hair since I was about 11. I totally fell in love with the process and would do all the other ballerinas makeup and hair. When injury ended my ballet career I jumped head first into makeup. I went to esthetic school knowing I would not practice as an esthetician but that it was very important to understand my canvas of skin. I then started working for Stila Cosmetics in North Carolina which back them was an artistry company and had free standing stores and counters. While with them I worked freelance on the side and ended working on my first feature film. From there I ended up moving back to Boston to go to hair school and started working for MAC and was an opening artist for the much awaited MAC store on Newbury Street. I did very well with the company and freelanced on the side. It finally came time for me to take the leap and leave the retail to work full time as a freelance artist. That was about 10 years ago and is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a bumpy road for sure. You never know when the next job will be and have to always put yourself out there. I am very lucky to have a very busy career and the hardest part is managing my calendar. It’s hard to balance the crazy hours and try to be available for everything but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that I can do it all! From the most basic clean makeup and hair to high fashion/Avant guard to bridal to special effects. I am always trying to learn more and be more. I specialize in classic beauty and anything vintage style from 1920-60s. One of my classic looks is what I call the ‘kitten eye” Just a slight winged liner to open up the eye and give a little pizzazz without being the more dramatic cat eye. I think what sets me apart is that I can do it all with makeup and hair and always want to learn more. I also have been told that I have a very calming effect on people whether it be someone going on camera for the first time and helping them feel more comfortable or a bride on her big day that needs a little help. I love being able to not just make people feel beautiful but also make them feel at ease and ready to conquer whatever is in front of them.
One of my most proud moments was getting to be the key artist for my favorite designer Betsey Johnson runway show. I have also had the pleasure of working with Dave Matthews Band, Brit Marlin, Christina Milan, Cindy of the B52″s, Lucius, Andy Cohan and other celebrities. Some of the amazing companies I have worked for are Converse, Louis Vuitton, Bose, Nic and Zoe, Footjoy, reebok, Puma, people magazine and many more
As far as my wedding business we are a one stop shop. We come to you on your big day and provide all your hair and makeup needs in a fun relaxed atmosphere. Only the best of the best are on my team and we can get as many people jazzed up as needed. I love so much being a part of such and amazing day surrounded by so much happiness and love!!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston has it all just on a smaller scale. I have worked in NY LA Miami and Vegas and Boston to me still has all that those more glamorous cities has you just have to bring it out yourself. I create the art and fashion I love. Boston as tons of companies that need advertising and commercial work. Someone just starting out has to put themselves out there. You have to assist an established artist and pay your dues. I didn’t have anyone to help me when I started I had to figure it all out the hard way. Work with someone that can teach you proper set edict and how to connect and communicate with clients. It’s not just about applying makeup and hair there is far more involved. Meet and test with photographer!! You have to build your book, shots of your friends on Instagram is not the same thing. You have to learn to work with a crew.
Contact Info:
- Address: Leather & Lace Artistry Studio
460 B Harrison ave Boston unit b17 02118 - Website: editoral and commercial work BreWelch.com Wedding work LeatherAndLaceArtistry.com
- Phone: (339) 222-0258
- Email: pixxiediva@gmail.com
- Instagram: pixxiediva
Image Credit:
Joel Benjamin photography
Gina Manning photography
Bob Packert photography
Patrick Sporleder photography
Shannon Grant Photogrpahy
Karen Dailey Photography
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