Bridal makeup artist books $4,200 for one day using bridal boss academy systems!

My name is Samantha Keith. I go by Sam. I'm in the San Francisco Bay area, and I've been a makeup artist on and off for, like, 18 years. And I'm just now exploring the idea of hair within, like, this year.

Okay. Okay. So, yeah, you said 18 years.

Yeah, I've been doing it for so long. I mean, technically, I've been doing makeup even longer than that. It's just since I started working at bare minerals, like 18 years ago. I feel like I've never stopped, like, working on doing clients ever since, so. Oh, yeah.

Wow, that's such a long time. So how did you. How did you move over into bridal?

So, yeah, you know, I've always. Let's see. You know, I never thought I would get into bridal. Honestly, I was always so intimidated. I grew up. Up doing dance, and I. I just. I guess that's what, like, me into makeup in general, just because I had to wear the false lashes, the full theater makeup, and my mom would do my makeup, and I hated the way she did my makeup. It was horrible. So I'm like, let me do it. And then before I knew it, I was doing, like, you know, my other friends makeups, and always that girl that got everyone ready and the last one to get ready for school dances. And I was just like, this is so fun. I would love to do some. I mean, it would be cool as an idea, but, like, I. My parents were like, no, you can't do this as a career. So I always was like, yeah, in their eyes, you know, back then, they're like, oh, you need to do something, like, with job security that can make money. And I have, you know, Asian parents. They're just like, yeah, you got to go to some kind of get some education in and all that. And so through that, I started working at Bare Minerals in college. And just because I've heard it's super fun to work there, they give you some, like, a bunch of free products. And I was like, oh, let's just. Why not do it as a side job? Get paid, you know, for doing makeup. So I love it anyways. And, you know, through that, I just. I just fell in love with this so much. And people in my chair would be like, could you. Can you do my makeup for this or that? Or would you do it for my wedding? And as soon as I say wedding, I immediately was like, no, sorry, I don't do weddings. Like, I got to cut there. I'm too afraid of, like, being in charge. Yeah, no, I was too nerve Wracking, like, I, yeah, I can't be in charge of your face. I'm sorry. That's so, it seems so stressful to me and I just, yeah, you could choose someone else. But it wasn't until like, you know, I started getting the age where your friends would start getting married. And then I'm like, well, I'll just do your makeup because I've always been doing your makeup since like school dances and whatnot. And so then I was like, I still did the whole like, I went to Berkeley, studied statistics, did all that kind of stuff and was so, like, just not happy and I would make up on the side. And it wasn't until I had kids and then, you know, doing makeup from numerous friends, different weddings, I was like, you know what I hear? From what I hear people say, like, weddings are good. It's a good industry to be able to like, I can make money on the side and still be home with my kids and have flexible schedule and be my own boss. So I moved up to Napa area and that's where I didn't realize, like, it's like the Mecca for all weddings. And I was getting so much business, like I. And I just fell in love with it. It was just, it's just so fun. And I've been doing it my own business now for like eight years maybe. So. Yeah, that's kind of like my journey.

Wow, I love that. And I'm. Thank you so much for sharing all of that because I feel like so many people can relate to so many pieces of your journey, especially specifically, like your parents wanting you to get like, you know, you said you went to Berkeley but like, you didn't feel fulfilled there. And like, that just makes me so happy that you went with your heart and where you saw yourself and like what made you happy and like fulfilled you, you know, inside and made you happy and going into makeup and it is such a career that like, I think it can be really beneficial like work wise when you do have kids. Do you find now, like, because you do work so many weddings, you are able to kind of balance the work and family life doing wedding makeup.

Yeah, I feel like it's forever a struggle of what that balance is as my kids get older and really involved with sports. And I think that's the hardest part is now that they're into football and all these things that happen on the weekends and I work on the weekends. So there's this like conflict. Right. So I think since taking your course, I knew in eventually I'd want to, like, scale back even more, but make more, but do less, if that makes sense. Yeah.

So, yeah, it sounds like you, because you are in kind of a mecca for weddings. Like, you literally, you kind of hit the jackpot being in Napa. I mean, you couldn't have picked a better location for weddings.

So.

So it sounds like you were already had, like, a really successful business prior to joining Bridal Boss Academy. Does that sound right?

Yeah.

So what made you walk me through, like, where were you at prior to joining that you were like, you know what? I think I'm going to give this a try. I think I'm going to do business education.

Yeah. You know, I never thought about it until Rachel Lesk posted about your course. And this was literally within, like, I think I signed up, like, the day. The last day I heard, like, two days before. I was like, oh, going back and forth. Like, I've never invested in education ever and let alone, you know, it. Yeah, it's. I've been, like, just figuring it out on my own, just trying to, like, you know, learn from lessons and whatnot. And so I was like. I remember, like, I finished a wedding and I saw Rachel's post, and I was like, calling my husband, like, hey, I'm thinking about doing this course. It is a big chunk of money, but I think it would be worth it because that's the. I think what drove me into it is, like, I wanted to be able to work less but make more than what I'm making, if somehow that's like a balance of that. And so, yeah, and I just wanted to know, like, how can I add more value to my services? How can I? I don't know. I'm just. I'm not a business background. I did statistics. Like, I have no background in marketing business, any of that. So I figured, well, that might, wouldn't, couldn't hurt. And the things that you were like, laying out that you go through are all things I've just never thought about before. And it sounded, like, really helpful to me, and I'm so glad I did it. Yeah. So now my husband, like, oh, it was worth every penny. Like, so it's cool that even he's like, you know, on board with it. And it's really helped so much.

We love a supportive partner. Like, that is. That is another, like, amazing thing, because if your partner isn't supportive, that's not beneficial for us. So I'm so glad that he is. Right.

Yeah. Yeah.

I've been lucky enough to see, like, your successes and You've been really successful. I feel like with your. Not only, like, your social media, like, I didn't really get to see you prior, but I just. I love how you show up on socials. Like, I could just, like, feel your energy. I love your looks. I love your whole esthetic. I think you do that, like, so, so beautifully. And you had some incredible wins inside of the program. Like, I'll never forget. I feel like it was like a couple weeks in or like, maybe when you first did the packages or something, you hit, like, one of your highest packages, which was like, I still have, like, a Screenshot of like, 3300 for a day. And that just, like, blew my mind. I was like, this girl is putting in the work.

Thank you. Oh, it's. That's so true. Yes. Yeah, I've even hit than that. This. This weekend's biggest one Just for makeup alone. The bride book for, I think 4, 200 just for makeup. She has a big party. And so I'm just like, every time I hit these numbers, I'm like, oh, my gosh. Like, to my hubby, like, I can't believe this is insane.

And that's just for bridal makeup. So I was. I wanted to know, Like, I mean, I feel like you just told me there. Do you feel like with the program, because you said it was your goal to work less but earn more. And I feel like I saw those successes, like, little wins throughout the program. Do you feel you were able to do that and what do you feel like was your biggest win with the program?

Yeah, for sure. I think, honestly, like, the pricing package, like, the structure, that course that you did, the lesson of packages was like, blew my mind, like, in the psychology of, like, marketing yourself and your prices, I feel like I love having that control over how much, like, a bride books me for, especially since, you know, being a mom and I'm limited and I really don't want to be, like, away working so many times. Like, I'd rather work fewer weddings but make bigger, like, a larger amount of money doing those fewer weddings and. Yeah, sorry, wait, what was your question again?

What was your biggest win with the program?

Okay. Yeah. Yeah, I think. Okay. So that's what I was going to go with that. So, like, with it, I love to how you also focus on, like, the bridal experience. And I feel like I've grown a lot in really. Like, I remember you said in one of the lessons, like, if you, you know, put that number on your package, like, to make it worth that much, like, what would you feel basically? What else, other perks would you put with it to make your value like that much higher? And I feel like the newsletters have been super helpful. The automations like everything of just like, yeah, I'm like all about it. Just creating that experience of like to me I'm starting to call instead of makeup services, I'm starting to call it makeup experience because it really is not just like the day of. It's everything that goes along from you book me like you were saying like all the way through the wedding day and even after. So I just feel like so much more confident in the way I'm able to market myself and just being really selective on weddings that I do. And I feel like that's actually biggest win is knowing like, yes, I have brides that are booking me now for like over three grand, like for a booking and knowing like I'm worth it, you know, like this is. I have full confidence that you're going to enjoy your experience with me and I will take care of you like throughout the entire journey from booking to like wedding day. Yes.

I love, I just love that you call them experiences instead of services because that's so true. It is an experience. And like just the way that you talk about your services online, like I truly get that feel from you. Like the value is just like so present in your communication and that makes me so happy to that like you feel confident in that because can I ask you if you don't, you don't have to share if you don't want to. What were your prices higher or lower or like around the same as to what you're charging now? Like what was the mindset? Because I feel like a lot of people struggle with like charging, you know, 4200 for one day because that mindset will get you of like, oh, just like kind of how you were saying. Now you feel confident knowing that you have the value there because you do.

Yeah. I feel like, okay, so before I did do a la carte but I always put like a four person minimum and I felt kind of tacky to be like nickel and diming like to make sure you meet this minimum. And I just love the psychology of like this is an all inclusive package. Even my minimum one is everything that you could possibly need because I do similar to what you do of like the bride plus four. It could either be for people or like touch ups. And so a lot of brides have really liked that. Who normally would be like, well you're, you have like a four person minimum. Now they can book me and just I can invest in just that and sell out touch ups. So I feel like I just have more control and it actually increases my value like psychologically just because I feel like I put more into like a package than like you just get in their mind. They're like, oh, it's just a day of that. I'm just paying for a bride's makeup and like three people or four people's makeup. But no, like a package includes like newsletters and like check ins and more of an experience than you're just paying for like five people headcount, if that makes sense. Yeah, yeah.

We're making that headcount irrelevant because it is.

Exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But I would say because of that I am making more in my bookings because I feel like I'm really trying to like communicate my value. And brides are more likely to like book a higher package and add in more things because for the experience versus like if I start by nickel and diming and then you have to work from there to get a bigger package, if that makes sense. So it kind of falls more organically look more with the way my like pricing structure is. Yeah, that's what I've been. Yeah.

So how did your 2024 go? Because you joined like this time last year, right?

Yeah, yeah. I'm really curious now. I know because I feel like I booked maybe like a quarter of my brides before the course or the academy. So I'm curious to see how it will look like actually in the year out. But I feel so much more confident with the way I'm booking. Like I'm not. I'm. I like, I know you keep saying like, you know, if my prices are right, I shouldn't be getting. What is it? The conversion rate should be much lower. Is that. Or something like that I've been getting. Yeah. So I feel like that tells me like I'm in a good place because I. That way I get the brides who know my worth and value and are willing to like pay for that. So I'm feeling more confident with my booking even though I'm booking less, which is my goal anyways. But at least I'm less. But making more.

Exactly. At least you're making more. And do you feel like the people that you are attracting, like the bridal parties you are attracting are people that you like genuinely want to work with, like ideal bride type?

Yeah, yeah, I'd say so. I think I. Okay. So this year I've been Working on, like, really making the bridal experience more like, like, like really honing in on that. And I think now, like, when my wedding season phase, I'm pretty much finished this month, but from here on out, I really want to focus on niching down my bride. I feel like I still need to do that part a little bit more, so I'll stay tuned. And I've been, like, rewatching your. Your course and, like, the different lessons. And so I think I wanted that will be my next step as I now that I got this experience. These are the prize that I think we will, like, really work well together with. So.

Yes, I love that you're, like, taking it a piece at a time because I feel like just based off of seeing, like, things that you do, I feel like you really, like, implement. Like, you really kind of, like, implement and test things out and see how it's working for you. Was there anything in the course that you were like, I could have did without this? Or anything in the course that you're like, if you took this piece out, I will come for your throat, Marissa.

Okay, so both ends. You're taking both ends. One that I didn't need and then one that I like. Neat. Like, restricting. Okay. Yeah. So. Well, I know for me, like, I know how to do reels and stuff, like, how to make reels. So I feel like. But I totally understand. Like, I think it's so good that you thoroughly went through that for people who have never made reels or, you know, I've never been there or how to post, so I don't do that. But I think. But on the other hand, I loved, like, your guidance with how to address, like, in the captions or in the writing, like, the problem and the solution and, like, get. Yeah. Like, what would make this savable or shareable? Like, I just never thought to put that in my mind and. And then also tie that in. Who, like, the different buyer types. I realized that I had been really attracting, like, because I do a lot of before and afters. Before I was doing, I was getting a lot of the. What is it? Shoot. Of course you would know the name.

Analytical.

Yes. Yeah. Yes, exactly. And so that's why I'm like, oh, that's so brilliant, Russell. Like, put myself in it and, like, the experience and like, the relational aspect and really getting those brides that find me who really want me to be there with them on the wedding day, not just, like, a look that I can achieve and do. So that has been really, really helpful, I think. And then also I would say, like, the pricing structuring as well is, like, was huge for me. Like this, like. Like I was saying earlier, the psychology, like, the marketing and how you, like, showcase yourself and your services and your rates and your value.

That is so helpful for me. Oh, sorry.

Oh, no. And the experience as well. Like, to make your client experience so much better.

Yes. Which is super important. But I'm so glad you said that. That is so helpful because, you know, I know you're in bridalpreneur socials, because I did speak split the programs, and I feel like that was a little validation for me because I was like, I know a lot of people did love the social media, but I'm glad. I feel like they were two separate things. Right? Like.

Yeah, yeah. It was a lot to put in. Yeah.

I was like, here you go.

Here's everything I've ever learned for me. Yes. But it was so good. Thank you.

So before we got on here, now I want to chat about it. You have some destination weddings coming up.

Yes. Yeah, actually. Okay. So that's where I've been. I want to do more soul searching when this season is over because I want to really hone in on, like, do I want to do more destinations or do I really want to just hone in on more local weddings here? Like, I definitely do want to do more destinations. I'm doing one in Italy, and then I'll be working with Maddie Moore in Italy as well. But it's been really cool getting just, like, being able to communicate more destination. I have been getting more stories of, like, destination weddings, so that's been amazing. Like, at least I'm reaching more brides that are, like, see that I will be willing to travel, so. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I. I will say stay tuned for this. After this, like, off season, I will have more, like, in my head of where I want to go with my vision and my. My, like, signature or my. My niche, my bridal.

Well, it's so nice that you're able to branch out and, you know, go destination if you want to. Do you know what I mean? Like, you are able to get yourself booked there, because I feel like that is kind of like a dream for a lot of people, specifically with weddings themselves, because we do travel anywhere. So a lot of people see, like, the destination weddings as, like, the big goal. Have you won any destination weddings yet or will these be your first ones?

I did one last summer in Croatia that was amazing. I think that's what kind of got me thinking, like, I get. You know, I totally. I totally am worth it, right? So I think we all struggle with. I'm like, why would somebody want to pay for my flights, hotels, like, all that just for, like, makeup? But, like, no, there's. It's like, literally, I create the experience for them, like, give them peace of mind, like, in a whole different country. Because that's what my bride last year had. Like, you know, she couldn't find anyone that was, like, me in Croatia. And so just like, putting that in perspective. So. And that's why I got into hair for a little bit or just trying it out, because I'm like, well, I feel like that would make myself more marketable to just focus on an experience for the bride only and be able to carry hair, do hair and makeup, like, destination, like, internationally. And that's been really helpful, and I think brides have been really intrigued, but I could do both, so. Yes.

Especially for definitions, too. I feel like that would be really helpful for you market wise, because you're right. If somebody is bringing you over, that is, like, an additional experience. How have you been liking the hair part of it?

Oh, my gosh. It's been. It's been insane. I. I've been taking different courses. I'm taking your course as well, and people have explained it. Makeup is more like art, right? You just. Your palette, but hair is like engineering, like, structural engineering, like, make this hold. And it's just been, like, it's been really challenging, but, you know, fun at the same time when I have little moments of, like, oh, my gosh, like, I can't believe I did that or it. Like, I worked in my head and it came out like, it's just. Yeah, it's. It's been a roller coaster for sure, but it's been totally worth. And I'm. I'm excited to see, like, my confidence build more in that. And it's fun to be a part of a look that I'm 100% did not like splitting. Like, I just did the makeup, and then someone else said, hair, like, it's great to, like, really hone in. And that's why I want to do more my niche for my. My bride of the type of look that I think that I really enjoy doing the most. So, yeah, I'm good.

I love how you said that makeup is such an art. It really is. Like, my brain just doesn't do what your brain does when it comes to makeup. Like, I can't. I like the str. Because makeup, I feel like, tell me if I'm wrong. I feel like makeup is very, like. You feel it?

Yes.

I'm like, no, give me the structure. Let me play in the line. I can't.

I don't want to. It. Yeah, yeah. It's so different. It's so interesting. I thought it'd be the same, like, oh, you just make, you know, your hair look pretty and there you go. But now there's so much behind it that I was, like, not aware of. Like, wow, this is quite a thing. But it's. It's been good.

Quite quite a thing. I. I talk to a lot of people inside the community, and I was saying to you before we hopped on, a lot of people tell me how much they enj you in the community and how much, like, you reach out to them. And I even saw that you had met up with one of the Tiffany.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

You guys had met up. You guys live close to each other.

Yeah, yeah. It's awesome. Yeah. We live, like, literally a few towns over from each other, so it's been really cool, actually. I'm telling a lot of people about your course, and then also I'm getting some other people, like, really thinking about it too. And it's been fun to, like, talk about it together because it's really good to process with other people. I feel like I would not be able to do this the amount I'm able to do, like, myself. Like, it's just so nice to bounce ideas off of, like, someone else. I'm. I love the community.

I know. And, like, you're one of the only. You're someone whose name keeps coming up. And I was like, she is collectively keeping the community together. And I just need to say, oh, really? How grateful I am for you. You are amazing. And I just. I think that's so sweet. I feel like that has been like a little baby dream of mine of, like, people getting together, like, meeting inside of the academy, but, like, meeting up side. So, like, when I saw that, literally, I got a little email. I just thought it was so fun because. Tell me if I'm wrong. Do you feel like sometimes it can be a little isolating because we are, you know, solopreneurs. We don't really, unless we're working, we're not really talking about, like, the business side, you know?

Absolutely, yes. And I love. That's why I'm, like, telling other artists about your course is because, like, a lot of problems that they'll have, like, or they'll, like, vent about. I totally understand. And Marissa's course Addresses how it can help you, like, how you can, you know, make it so much better for you. And I just. I just love spreading the word. And it's just fun to get together, an excuse to get together the artists, but also, like, just kind of like, wrestle with things together and grow as business owners. And it's been really fun.

Definitely.

Yeah.

Well, I'm curious, if somebody was on the fence of joining Bridal Boss Academy, what's something you would tell them?

Like I said, it's worth every penny. And it's so funny because listening to the other. The other women that you're interviewing me also the same thing. Like, it really is, like, I feel like I've grown so much as a business owner in everything, even, like, down, like, you know, you talk about, like, your banks and, like, just like, even how to, like, save your income and things like that. Just, like, all these details. I just never, like, had time to like, or even nowhere to go with my thoughts of how to make this better. And I feel like every time I rewatch your lessons, like, I get more motivated, like, in my business to do what I do. And it also, like, just more clarity. And it's been easy to implement. Like you're saying. I know you've noticed I've. Implementing it's easy because you make it very easy to implement. And I love, like, the worksheets and everything. That's just very, like, hey, got the lesson now let's go. And like, here's how I can make this happen. So, yes, I. I can't, like, I can't say enough, like, good things about your course. It's just like, yeah, it's. It's been amazing.

You are the sweetest angel I ever did meet. Like, literally so grateful that I literally somehow attracted you into my business. I thank you to Rachel Lusk. Thank you to.

Yes. Yeah. And, you know, I was also. What? I was also very, like, apprehensive. I was. It was like a lot of hairstylists. I know you're a hairstylist, like, talking a lot of hair stuff. But I love that it was so applicable even as a makeup artist, because it's basically like, when it comes down to the business part, it's all the same.

So thank you so much for saying that because that was another reason I wanted to chat with you. And I love that you are dabbling in hair. But I was like, she's a full time makeup artist, and that's the number one question I get, is I'm a makeup artist. Will this work? For me. And, like, you are a go getter. You're an action taker. Let's be for real. And you were able to use the course and customize it for makeup. Do you know what I mean? But I. Would you say, like, verbiage wise, was it easy to implement for a makeup business?

Yeah, it's literally the same exact thing. Because even when you talk about, like, niching down your dream bride, like, okay. I mean, even if you talk about hair, you can still talk about makeup and niching down your dream bride. Or even, like, how I run my business or even the reels, like, I'm. You know, you have a really good template that goes over, like, hair stylists and makeup artists, like, say this. I feel like it all. It all translates to the same thing. Even with pricing structure, it doesn't matter if you do hair and makeup. It's all the same. So I highly recommend. Yes.

Last question. I would love to know, was it a goal of yours to hit six figures? And have you been able to hit six figures inside of your business using Bridal Wallace Academy or get close to it?

Yes, I. Another artist asked me this, actually. So I feel like this season, this year, my goal has been, like, making my experience even, like, really honing down on my experience of my services so that I can charge and that I can work and eventually make six figures would be amazing. I don't think that was necessarily my goal this year, but it's got me thinking, like, I feel like now that I will have a complete year of going through your program and really working on you, really, about, like, engagement season, like, being really active on social media and things like that. Like, I really want to hone in on that so that I could make that. Wanted to. And I feel like it's. I feel like it's definitely achievable. Like, the way you have it, like, laid out in the way I can implement it. Like, I'm already, like, on my way there. The thing is, I'm really trying not to do that many weddings, so it's been an interesting challenge for me, but I have been able to still make more by doing less.

So I love that.

Yes.

I love your honesty. I love that. You know, right now, it wasn't the season, but, hey, when the season comes around, you'll have it in your toolbox.

Yeah, exactly. Yeah. I think it's hard with three kids and, like, working as many weddings that people will say, like, this many weddings, I'm like, oh, my gosh, I cannot. But that's why I want to take a course, because I'm like, how can I make more by working less? And I don't have to be like, gone every weekend to make the six figures happen.

So, yeah, 2025 is gonna be big things for you.

Yeah, I think so. I think so. I mean, honestly, there's so much, like a fire hose of information from your course. Like, I literally have to, like, take section by section, work on a theme going, and then work on the next themes. There's just so much to dive in and grow as a business. So I have. I have confidence about 2025. Yes, me too. Me too.

So where can we find you? What's your Instagram?

So my Instagram is mua.samanthak. you find me on there and then did you ask another way to find me or that was any other way?

Where do you find out?

I can't remember if you asked my website. My website's. Well, my website is a mouthful because my last name is, like, so long. It's Samantha Keyfaber.com, but the spelling is insane. You can just find me on Instagram.

I'll find you on Instagram. We'll hang out over there.

Yeah, hang out there. Absolutely.

Well, thank you so much for your time. Seriously, I so appreciate you. Thank you for being such a great leader inside of the community. Literally rounding us all up, bringing everybody together. You're doing amazing. I can't wait.

Like, literally, it's been amazing. Like, my motivation for my business has been so much, like, so up there compared to all the years prior. So it's easy to, like, get people together and start talking about it and implementing it. It's been really fun.

I love that. And I can't wait to see you grow even more.