From 9–5 to Fully Booked: How Lauryn Replaced Her Income

I'm here chatting with Lauren, so I would love to know where you're from, the services you offer, and what brought you into the wedding industry.

So I do just makeup. I'm in Midwest. I'm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ish. And I honestly, super organically. So I started doing makeup when I was younger, but I was kind of a nerdy kid growing up. I don't have any sisters. My mom was a nurse, didn't wear makeup. So I was really just like, first salon job in high school. I was just fascinated with how glamorous all the girls there seemed, which sounds crazy probably, but I was just like, I had, like, unibrow and bad perm, and I was just like, oh, my gosh, they look so glamorous. I want to be like that. And they all had their Mac compacts that I would see them touching up in the break room. And so it went from blue frosted covergirl compacts to the Mac counter really quick. And I'm so grateful. There was no social media back then. There's no proof on the Internet of these days. Definitely went through some trial and error, but I've always been interested in it. I think it's just like, for me how much better I feel when I have a full face of makeup on compared to not. Not that I feel horrible about myself without it, but it's. There's a process to that, I think. But I just love the transformation. And I'm somebody with an addictive personality. When I get hooked on something, I really get hooked on something. And I was reading books because this was pre YouTube days and dived into Kevin Aquan and the Cindy Crawford books back in the day and was just, like, spending money on Mac makeup and practicing on myself. And then went to beauty school because I wanted to do hair. I thought I wanted to do hair. And so I had a great experience in school, but I just didn't love the salon life. It wasn't for me. I didn't get it. Super excited about doing hair. I really didn't get excited about doing updos. I was so stressed about it anytime I had to do a bridal style, just because I never felt like I knew what I was doing, and I just was laying in it most of the time. But makeup was something I got so excited to do every time somebody would book the stylist that I worked with with, it kind of worked out. Wanted to all do the hair and never wanted to do the makeup where I was the opposite. So I would do the makeup for the whole Bridal party. And then they would split up the updos and stuff. So that was where I was really introduced to bridal. This was when the trend was to go to a salon and the salon would do bagels and mimosas and that was every Friday and Saturday. And that was the thing. Freelancing was not a thing. It was just not something that people did as much. And I'm a realist. We're in the Midwest, I know we're a little bit behind the times over here. But I had met a girl friend of a friend and she was freelancing for. She had a full clientele behind the chair, but sometimes her brides would want her to come on site. And so that's where I was really introduced to the freelancing side of things. And I just loved it. Got so excited every time she would need help with a wedding party. And then I finally had this moment of like, I could do this, I think I could do it. So finally pulled the trigger and I had stepped away from being in the salon. There was kind of a gap where I actually left and got a corporate job. Yeah, what were you doing? So I started out working in admissions at a beauty school and then ended up becoming the director at that beauty school.

Oh, hey, that's really cool.

It was never in a million years thought I would have a desk job, but there I was, so I laughed. All my connections behind and people move on. So I didn't know where else to start. So honestly, I put myself on the knot because everybody's heard of the knot and I didn't know it was paid advertising, which sounds dumb now, but I signed a one year contract with them and I thought, I'll give this a year and I have my salary for my job job if it doesn't work out. And it worked out even with the pandemic, because that was like I put myself on July of 2019 and then a few months later, Covid hit. But it was just like a. You think having that corporate background, like a lot with like business side of things, like knowing like connections with your brides and like who they know or the vendors and things like that. So even though Covid was a crazy time, of course, especially in the early stages of it, it was just an opportunity for me to really make sure I was getting reviews from all those clients, making sure that they were referring me to and that I was posting my work and everything online and all that. And so thankfully two years ago, I was able to leave the corporate job behind and do this full time. So, yeah, so much better on this side of things, for sure.

And that way better.

Yes. And I dropped doing hair as soon as I possibly could. Like, I thought maybe I would need to offer it because I really thought in the very beginning that I would need to do both or people wouldn't want to book me. Like, I really was like, well, that would be so much harder to, like, and find another vendor because I was so used to having to do both and just got so stressed about updos. I was like, no, I need to focus on what I really get excited about. And so I very early on, cut out doing hair and makeup, and I would never go back to doing both. Like, wow. I think, okay, specializing is the way to go. And I've talked to so many brides that agree. They're like, yeah, I want somebody who specializes in that. Like, I want. Not just like, okay, I'm. I'm okay at both things. No, I want somebody who's great at just that one thing, so.

Exactly. And that is something that holds so many people back. So the fact that you cut that out so early is like, wow. You're, like. You're like, boss. Energy was, like, there very early on.

It honestly, just. It was the stress that really was like, this is not worth it. Like, yeah, the stress of, like, leading up to it, having to carry all that extra stuff around, and then honestly just never feeling great about my work. Like, I just never felt great about it. You know what I mean? Like, I didn't get excited to do it, but I also did get excited after it was over. Like, that looks so good. It wasn't just me. Like, I'm really great at this thing, but I just don't think I am. No. Like, I was very, like, average at best about doing wedding hair. And so I was nervous. But again, I was fortunate enough that I had that corporate salary in case it didn't work out. But I just was like, I don't want the stress of this. I'm gonna give it a shot. Maybe. I'm sure I really was nervous that I was, like, myself in the foot by doing that. Not at all.

It's never been so. Okay, so it's never been. I was curious, like, how many weddings did you do both hair and makeup? And then what did it look like when you stopped? Like, your bookings increase. Decrease? I feel like that's the biggest fear for people.

Didn't change. It really didn't change. Like, I probably did. I would say less than 10. Where I was doing Both.

Yeah.

I literally would like to a friend and be like, hey, you want to come to this wedding with me? And I would make her do all the hair because I just didn't like doing it. I just never felt great about it. But yeah, it did not hinder me at all. I thought, like, I would be getting brides that were like, oh, I want somebody who can do an all in one. Like, I want to have to look for another vendor. Like, that's just all me in my head. Yeah. Anything that anybody had said to me, it was just like that fear of, well, I'm going to get so much left, less business if I'm really like down.

Yeah.

Didn't change at all. Like, it didn't stop anybody because I still do get inquiries from people that are like, oh, hair and makeup. And I'm like, oh, I don't do hair services. But if you're interested in makeup, like, happy to share pricing. And they always come back and say, oh, yeah, definitely interested. Like, we know what your pricing is for just makeup. It's never, ever been a problem, ever.

Okay. I'm curious because a lot of people will say, oh, well, everyone else in my area does it. Like, do a lot of people in your area do both? I'm just curious in your.

No, I would say like 50. I think specializing has become more popular thankfully. Right. Like so much affirmation in your courses about specializing in. In a pro in us. I have worked alongside people that do both and obviously I'm there doing the makeup and they're there doing the hair, but I know they offer both. And it's hard not to see that as like, you're just doing whatever you do because you want the money and not necessarily because you want to feel great about this or you're investing your time and energy into being the best at this thing. So maybe you could raise your prices and not be doing both. But I do, I want to say it's like 50. 50. So it's not uncommon for people to still be doing both. Would say in 2019, it was way less common for people to only be doing hair or makeup. Yes. I didn't really have any. Like, I didn't have a. You. I didn't have anybody that I like looked up to that was only doing one or the other. I. That I had stepped away from the industry for I think six years at that point. So I was really just kind of like jumping in blind. Like, let's just see what happens here. And it was just like, I don't enjoy this, so why am I doing it?

I love that you listen to yourself there, that you were able to be like, oh, I actually don't enjoy this, and I don't need to do both because a lot of people will stay doing both again, just for the money piece. Do you know what?

Yeah, that is. I'm lucky that I was able to take that route. I know I am, and I'm glad I did it that way. I do have moments where I'm like, oh, I wish I would have started this so much long ago, like, waiting, you know, those years after I left the salon to, like, my business. I just really was kind of nobody's freelancing. So, like, I don't know if I can do that.

And, yeah, the mindset will hold us back for so long. Do you know what I mean? You started your wedding makeup business, you stopped offering hair, and you kind of COVID times. So what was going on in your makeup business when you found out about the academy, like, made you decide? Was there any, like, where you were? Like, you know what? I think I need more business education or specific things you were looking for to learn.

Honestly, one of your students, your first, first set of Bridal Boss Academy, wasn't following a lot of bridal stylists because I don't do bridal hair. That nobody that wasn't local. I'll just put it that way. And so there is a girl who, not necessarily in my area, she's more in, like, Chicagoland, who I had met a couple times. She has a pretty big following, our social media, and we did a wedding together. And I really liked her. I was like, oh, my gosh, like, feel like if we live closer, we would be friends, like, very similar. Like, like, obviously very successful, but also very good at what she did. And I remember it was. I think it was right around the time that I had either left my job or was about to be leaving my job. I think I might have had left already, like, really on. So I was terrified of that transition. Yeah, loss of income. I was so happy to be leaving it behind. Truly. She seemed like she really was, like, serious about the industry and what she did and, like, took it super seriously. Like, that was the vibe I had gotten from her. And, like, when I started following her, I could see on her social media that she took it very seriously. It wasn't just like, oh, I do this sometimes, and, you know, I'm kind of good at it. It was like, no, this is like a real business for me. And, yeah, I Met up with her and picked her brain. I was just like, hey, like, do you mind if we, like, coffee? I just want to ask you some questions, like, about. You do. Because, like, the vanity metrics, I wanted the big following and, like, feel like people assume that because you have a big following, that means you're super busy with bookings all the time. That was definitely what I thought. And she is very busy. It's not like that wasn't true. I just found that that's not always the case. But she told me all. She, like, sung your praises. She was like, program was amazing. And, like, she learned so much from being in it. And she was like, it was worth every penny. I forget what she had said. She paid, but whatever that number was, I was like, ooh, that's a lot. I don't know if I'm ready to spend it. And I didn't know who and being completely transparent and so. But I definitely, like, this was somebody whose opinion I valued. And she was just like. Like, was great. I learned a lot, you know, and she went through a couple things. Not from your program, but just things that she, like, in her business. And, like, she's kept referring back to Bridal Boss Academy and like that. So then I started following you, and then I think not long after that, you were advertising, like, Black Friday specials. So I joined the hair. Not the one that's gone, the Bridal Hair Society, but the other two. Like, right on Black Friday. I was, like, waiting for that to go live. I could join fast enough. So. And I'm right. Like, she. I grateful for that because, like, 100. Absolutely. Like, it's so much better than even I could have imagined. Especially because you're not a makeup artist anymore. I don't mean that. Mainly, like, I just thank God. Is this gonna be weird? Because I'm not a makeup artist. Like, I don't know how to do hair. Like, I don't care. Like, is this apply to me? But I just like, following you for a little bit and seeing it. And then again, just really trusting her judgment. I was like, no, I'm gonna do it. Like. Like, if this dark out, I won't do it again. But. And especially the social media side of things.

Like, I know you doing so well in bridalpreneur socials and the Academy, but amazing programs. Who do I have to thank? I feel like, is it Jamie?

No, her name. How to pronounce her name is Kim. I don't. She has a very complicated last name. Like, I do Herbert. I do Hair by Kimberly May. I do hair by Kim K. May.

Oh, she's amazing. She is.

Yeah.

I'm gonna have to thank her. She's really.

Yeah, she's that I found you so nice.

That is so nice. I love that, that she.

Yeah.

Was able to refer you, but, like, it was loving little nudge that you were like, you know what? I'm gonna do that. And then when you got in, what was your first. Because you didn't know me. Right. Like, you like myself, but, like, I love you even though you're a makeup artist. And I did do hair and makeup at one point, but thank God I just stuck with it. I think I was way better in that avenue. But as somebody with a makeup artist lens, how did you feel going through the program? Like, what was your first favorite lesson or like, aha moment when you went in?

Oh, that's a good question. I feel like right off the bat, I mean, like, it was slow season, so perfect timing to join, I think, because it's so much information and like, I wanted to be on all the calls, which that didn't last very long, but it was like, just like. Like the energy that comes from that. Because I feel like you even talked about this. Like, it is slow season. It's easy to kind of fall into a rut of, like, it's slow so we can kind of lag because weddings aren't as busy and so we're not like, in that, like, work, work. Feel like there is no, like, better time right now. Like, peak, peak season. And it can be easy to say, well, I'm so overwhelmed with weddings, I don't have time to work on my business. But I've actually found, like, jumping into your classes again lately as like, a refresher really helped me stay more motivated. Like I said, I was binging your YouTube videos, but I. You talked about, like, there are so many things you could do to get kind of like, it only takes a day. Like the spreadsheets that have and like the scripts, like the stories, all the Canva templates. Like, I downloaded kind of your email list immediately when she told me about you. And I was like, getting all the freebies that I possibly. Sorry. My dogs are right underneath me being annoying. Yeah, it's like, okay, this is a lot, but it's going to be something that I need to like. I'll be honest, I wasn't tracking any of my stuff. So like the KPI tracker, I was like, holy shit. Like, I've been all of this information and mind blowing Isn't it? Yeah. Like, that. That was definitely a big eye opener for me. That. That KPI tracker was one of the first things that I was like, oh, why am I not tracking this? Like I should be. And having the information has been so incredibly valuable that it said. It seems dumb that I. I wasn't doing it before the program. And I think, especially, like, for me, I. I love your mindset of ideal bride. That was a big thing that, like, clicked right away, was like. So I. I'm in Wisconsin. We have barn venues all over the place. And I hate a barn venue. I'm not gonna lie. I just. If I never to do a barn wedding, I'd be so happy.

Right.

Whereas I think that was a big shift for me is like, knowing my brides are coming from, where are they getting married? You know, because my inquiry form was very basic. It was just like, what's your wedding date? What's your name? You know, here's a little spot for you to. Yeah. Tell me a little bit. If you want to. If you don't want to, that's okay too. It was just like, if I have the date available, sure, I'll take you. Like, if you're willing to book. And it was that mindset shift of like, well, no, you. You don't have to be for everybody. And I. I don't. I. It's hard, I think, being surrounded like that. More rustic. But we have plenty of beautiful ven too, that are more, like, elegant. And a lot of people come up from Chicago because it's so much cheaper in Wisconsin just to have a wedding. So I do a lot of Illinois brides, but I think that has been huge, like, going back through even my social media and, like, archiving a bunch of stuff from, like, places I didn't necessarily want to be, getting future bookings at or. This is a first for me, turning brides away that just didn't feel like the right fit and not feeling, like, the guilt about that. Yeah, that has been huge. Like, a year ago, I would never have guessed that that would be a thing. And, I mean, I keep track of that stuff. And it's not like a huge number, but it's definitely more than I would have ever thought. And it's like, no, that's not a venue I enjoy. There's no temperature control or it's like a really. That's a basement bridal suite. Or, you know, this bride is just kind of looking for a vibe of, like, a type of look that I don't do or you know, stuff like that. And so that has been the most, I think, important thing that I'm always now, like. Like keeping in the back of my mind is like, you don't have to just take whatever comes your way. Even if you're looking for a bride that's not doing the more like, barn rusticky thing, like, there is still plenty of business and plenty of brides that will find you. And now, like, that post that I made in bridal newer socials, like, that's huge to see that. Like, that's such a good feeling to, like, know that brides are actually looking at it that way. Not just, like, I don't enjoy working with brides. And I feel like I have had this in the past that I feel like. Like they're just checking off a checklist. Like, it's just a box they had to check out. Like, somebody told them they should book a makeup artist, so they booked a makeup artist. They don't really care, you know, who I am, what I do, what type of looks I do. It's just I value that relationship with my brides and having that connection. And, like, they're actually excited to work with me. And now it's like such a. I can. Now that I'm paying attention to it. It's such a difference. It just is such. It's so much more rewarding to be working with people that are excited and like. Like when they start sending their friends to you and stuff like that. Like, that I think has been the big. Those two things, like the KPI tracker and then just like, really finding what is your ideal bride and how do you get more of that kind of a thing?

Can you talk a little bit about the post that you made? I was gonna bring that up about what the bride said and, like, what was it like before you realized, like, who your ideal bride was versus, like, the kind of brides you're seeing now. Like, what's the energy like in your inbox compared to before?

Yeah, well, I changed. I definitely updated my inquiry so that it's just a few more questions on there. It's not like, you know, they have to enter a life story, but definitely more like, what is your venue? Like, that's a big one for me. Like, who is the hairstylist that you have booked those? Just a few more pieces of information. Because, of course, you find people that you like working with and that, like, kind of match your vibe a little bit. Before, it was literally just like, maybe they would provide some information or maybe they would leave it blank. And I would still be like, okay, here's my pricing, you know, whatever. It was very just like, laissez faire. I'll say. Yeah, yeah. And now I, I have. I've gotten a lot of inquiries that are very similar to the one that I posted. Like, you just seem like you're such a vibe. I feel like you'd be so much fun to have around, you know, on my morning of my wedding. And, you know, even if you're not available, I just had to tell you, you. Your, you know, your work is so great, and I just love like, all your energy and stuff in your videos and stuff. So it's, It's. It's cool to see that, like, the work that you're putting in is actually being seen and noticed by people. It obviously is a bummer when it's like, oh, crap, I want to work with this person, but I'm already booked. Like the one that I posted, oh, that would be such a dream to work with her. But, you know, it's. It's still cool to see that because that's. While that one, I think is like, just the way that she said it. I was like, this literally feels like it came out of the. This class. I've gotten some other ones, you know, over since joining that are a little bit more like that, that are more like, no, I actually did my research. I paid attention. I have been following and I've been looking at your stuff and like, you do great work, but also just you as a person or somebody that I want to be around or I want to be there on the morning of my wedding because of what I've read about you, what I see about you, those types of things, and like, like just more of me, as opposed to me just posting photos of my brides or my bridesmaids, you know, type of a thing. And that was something I was definitely not doing nearly as much of before.

Yeah.

Like, probably most of the people in the classes, I. Just being on camera is not the most comfortable thing in the world, I don't think, for most of us, but it does. It's. It's the stuff that I get the most positive feedback on. Yes.

So I feel your energy.

Yeah. Yeah. So it's like you gotta do.

You gotta do it. The way that you probably were showing up before versus now is probably like night and day. And your brides are able to like, feel that energy, and that's such validation. And they inquire like that saying, like, I love how you're showing Up. And I want that on my way. Like, I want you. Like.

Yeah.

Not comparing you to anybody else. And that's how you stop competing with everybody else, showing up authentically how you are.

So that.

That's the big win. I'm so excited that you've been able to get those kinds of brides in your inbox that are dying to work with you.

Yes. Yeah, that's. That's huge, I think. And it's. It's like. Can't believe I didn't think about this before, but I would never have thought about that before.

The foundations. I'm big on the foundations.

Yeah. But it works. Like, it. It works. You know what I mean? Like, that's the best part of it, is, like, you know exactly what you're talking about. And like, you. I think you sharing your story so much is also so helpful because people are. She's done it. And that was a big thing, too. When I was meeting with Kim and she was talking about your program and stuff. And then when I started following and just, like, seeing, like, obviously we had some differences in our past, but, like, knowing, like, you used to do both services and you did have the corporate job and, like, you know, that type of a thing, it's just so relatable. But also, like, this is something that you've done. You've done the work, you've been there, and, like, this is what you've learned, and now you're sharing that knowledge with us. Us. Yeah. I think that that's huge, too. And that. That was also why I was like, I need to do this, just because I feel like she's. She's doing what I want to be doing. Yeah.

I'm not somebody who teaches what I've never done. If I've never done it, you won't see it in the program.

Yeah. Yeah.

So when it comes to the academy, what would you say has been one of your biggest wins when it comes to, like, like, packages, pricing, bookings? Have you been. Would you say you were able to increase your rates? Were you a la carte before? Are you.

Yes, I was. I was all a cart before. Never, never would have thought about doing packages. Like, there, I think, was one girl I knew of in this area doing packages, and I only know that. Stop. Sorry. Because a bride of mine had shown me her pricing, and I remember looking at the number going, oh, my God. But I didn't actually sit down and, like, look at what's all in that number. So, like, it was. I was terrified. I definitely waited for A little while after joining the program to do the packages thing, because I was like, I feel like people are gonna have sticker shock. Like, I don't, you know, I, I do know generally kind of what other area people in my area are offering price wise. And like, like, I've gradually, very slowly raised my rates over time, but it's like been very nominal to the point where I've had like other vendors, like our stylists who are friends of mine just through the industry that are like, you really need to be charging more. And so when I finally did it, I was so nervous and it was like, crickets. I was like, crickets for a little while. It probably wasn't even that long in the grand scheme of things, but it felt like it was so long, you know, and now I'm, why did I not do this before? Like, this is much easier. Can you stop? And yeah, I definitely did the math and like, that's how I came up with my numbers is like, if I want to be charging this amount per bride or per bridesmaid, and then what can I feature that's all included at that number. That's not just like the services. And I just know, like, so for 2026 is when that starts for me is like the packages thing as opposed to the a la carte. And I'm just like, I should have done this so much sooner. Like, I was, it was kind of like, like cutting hair out. Like, I was so, so, so nervous. Even though I had you and all the other people in the class saying, like, it works, it works, it works. I was like, I don't know because I think there's maybe, maybe one other person from my area in your program. So I was like, I don't even know if people are gonna like, freak out about this. I didn't have anybody else, like, because I know I've seen some people that are like, we're all in the same area. It's like we're all posting the same stuff. And don't get me wrong, I'm glad, I'm glad I don't have that. But I like, like that I love that you do is like, templates are invaluable. Like, those are huge. Like, you don't. It's not like a copy paste situation. You can definitely take them and make them your own. But like, they're beautiful, they're so well done. And like, like, if you're already using Canva, like mine is, and I've got so many compliments on my PDF, like, It's. I definitely use your template and obviously, like, adjusted it to match my own stuff, but people love it.

It's so nice. It's just, like, an easy way to, like, you don't have to worry about the design, and then your bride is probably seeing the same ones over and over. So when she gets to yours, she's like, wow.

Yeah. Yeah. No, that's. That's probably been one of my favorite parts is like. And there are so many templates that you provide. I can't even imagine the amount of time that you spend.

More are coming.

More are coming. But those. That. That is. This is literally done for us. This is amazing. And so, yeah, switching to Putin, switching from a la carte to packages was absolutely terrifying, but so glad I did it. And I definitely bumped up my prices, and I really was like, this is gonna scare people away. And it hasn't. No.

So when. So are you packages for 2026 brides? How many brides do we have booked for 2026?

That's a great question. I think somewhere between 40 and 50 last time I looked.

No way. You're basically, like, booked out. God, yeah.

Oh, my God. I know. So I think you were talking about, like, maybe it was the call you had earlier today about, like, weightless. So I haven't had a chance because I had a client this morning during the call. But that. Is that what you guys talked about on today's call?

We talked about seasonal booking. We talked about waitlist a little bit at the end. You should definitely do one for 2027.

So. Yeah, so I only have a couple for 2027, but I. So I wanted to be on that call so bad, because I don't know any. I know one person in this area that does a wait list. Literally, one person.

Better. Even better. Because I want you to be one of the only people doing it.

Yeah. Okay. And that's.

I.

That's another. That's, like, my next thing where I'm, like, terrified to do it because I'm, like, afraid I'm gonna lose people booking. And, like, the. The one person I know that does it. She's much newer to the industry than I am. And, like, she's. She's great. Like, we've collabed together a couple times, but she. She did admit, like, she's had people. She's. She's lost some people that way. And, like, what I mean by that is she'll. So she does it exactly one calendar year to the day. Okay. Tells people when that. Like, when they Inquire for. Let's just say September 9th of 2026 opens tomorrow morning. And she basically like does first come, first serve. So if you email her at 4am and you're ready to book, you get that booking. But then if somebody emails at 12pm, like at noon, it's a. Too bad, so sad. And she's like, a couple people have gotten pissed at me because that kind of a thing. And I'm like, like, okay, so I was toying with the idea because it is so frustrating to get so many amazing leads in my booking in my inbox like that when I posted. But to say I'm already booked, not saying the person has me booked, is like a trash can lead at all. But like, I think to have a little more control is really. Because I. It's a I'm a woman show. I don't have a team, I don't want a team. And that is like, you just get some people that you're like, oh, you would be so amazing to work with. So that's. That to me is the biggest appeal. And not that it's ever going to be a perfect system with having a wait list is like she. And she did say she's like, I love doing this because I know that the people that do book me are so excited to work with me.

Yes. And that is one of the best perks. And we're doing. So I'm going to do a whole waitlist workshop. We can literally build it out together, like, like step by step, cover all of that. But start. It starts November 4th, the 1st. The first month.

Okay, that must be what I'm thinking of.

Yeah. But the best thing when you have a wait list is it builds that demand for you so you can walk into your year. But it also you're able to curate who you want to work with. So that way it's like, even if you do get people who are for the same date, do you know what I mean? You can still have the ability to say no to one or the other if they're both like kind of competing for the same date. Do you know what I mean? It's a way for you to. In 2026, you can walk, you can stop worrying about 2027 because you're already booked out. And if you're already in September, book it booked like 50 weddings for next year. I highly recommend a wait list for you. I really do. I really do. Because I feel like with that would come even more demand for you and positioning you as already the expert but even more.

Okay.

Highly recommend. Highly recommend. I'm so excited for you.

Yeah, I think that's. Like I said, that's the. Been, like the. The data tracking and keeping track of, like, where my leads are coming from. Like, airtable. I never even heard at airtable before your program. And like, like, there's so many things that, like, even having, like, I forget what you call it, but it's like where you have an airtable chart for your 20, 25 rides, 26 brides, you have your timeline, your trial notes, all your stuff right there. Yeah, that, like, is a game changer. But also, like, even tracking my inquiries. Like, I think I updated my stories template that last. Was it last week or the week before? And I have turned away 128 people for 20, 25, 26 already. So that's like, really eye opening for me.

Massive.

Yeah. It's insane.

Your demand is there. That's crazy.

Yeah, that's where, like, I needed to see this because that helps me overcome that fear of, like, well, I'm gonna lose business.

Yeah, you're definitely not. Definitely not. Okay. If you're seeing that much. And like, what would you say since you're using the KPI tracker, Do you see your conversion rate in there? What's your conversion rate sitting at?

I'm not gonna lie. I haven't been as diligent about that as much lately. I want to say it was like 30%.

Lauren, I fear this is lovingly pushing you. We need to increase those rates again because we're booking out. We're turning away hundreds of brides.

We're.

We're. Our. Our conversion rate is at 30%.

Yeah. Yeah. I need to update my conversion rate because I know it's. It's weird how it's slowed down, but now it's starting to pick up again with, like, bookings and stuff. But that's. I wasn't doing any of that before the program. Like, I wasn't tracking any of that or keeping any of that information. And I. Another thing that I changed was I put my prices on my website and I didn't. I was very, very nervous to do that as well. I don't know why, but I think that's helped a lot too. Just like, weird out, weed out, you know, the people that are just price shopping.

Oh, yeah, A thousand percent. So when it comes to bookings, what would you say has been your biggest booking win? Have you booked somebody where you were like, oh, my God, I never would have thought that I could make this in My bridal business, I think.

So I. My packages, I only have. I mean, I would. I thought I went back and forth about how to do three packages because I only do the one thing. And like, I do have a minimum. And so my minimum package is obviously one. And I looked at a lot of other like, people in the course, like, how they were doing theirs, but I felt like it was a lot of either people in different countries or hairstylists. And I was like, well, I don't. That's just different. Or they had a team and I don't. And I don't want one. So I have a package for a minimum. I have my package for like the maximum that I'll do on my own before I bring in an assistant. And then my last, like, package is really just let's customize this to whatever you want. Whether it's like a bride only on a Thursday or something like that. Or if it's like, like, no. I have such a huge number of people. I not only need like the bigger package, but I need like the add on of like five other people. I had one girl, she has 14 bridesmaids. I need to bring in two assistants. And she was like, she like, would not stop emailing me. Like, I couldn't get back to her fast enough kind of a thing. And she's like, I'll give you an extra 400 over the price just for like the inconvenience. And I was like, what is happening right now?

You're like, okay.

I mean, I was like, sure, yeah. I'm not gonna say no to that. Like, if you're offering to give me money just because, like, why would I say no to that? So, like, that I think was the biggest. Like, because I thought for sure with a bridal party that size and like needing to bring on two extra people to help me. And like, when she said like, obviously she understood, like, this is a lot of work for you. Just like to coordinate all this, you know. But like, not only is the cost of the service and like the package, like, I would say high, but then like to say, I'll give you an extra, extra $400. Just because I think that was. Well, that was like my biggest. Like, what? Okay, like, cool, thanks. Like, kind of. That is definitely I again, going back to like, the fear of like doing packages and then raising my price. Yes. No, those two things combined because I did it. I did it at the same time. I didn't like, switch to packages and then raise my price because I'm like, if I'm updating all this, making a PDF. I don't want to do it multiple times. Like, I just want it to be streamlined.

Right.

Not. Maybe I didn't increase them enough. I don't know.

Well, I'm curious. Would you mind sharing how much your prices were prior to joining for bridal makeup?

So for bridal makeup, it was 175. And I used to. I used to do trial optional. I don't. I don't do trial optional anymore. I had a really bad experience last year, and, like, she was fine and lent me a very nice text the next day. But I know she wasn't happy. I'll just put it that way. And I had tried hard to get her to do a trial, and I either didn't try hard enough or I wasn't strict enough about it. And it was just not a good experience. And so now I do require a trial. So technically it's 350. And then this is before the program. And then bridesmaids, we're all gonna laugh at this. I literally raised my reads from 2024 to 2025 by $5. Bridesmaid. Because I just. I don't know. Like, I just. I know I'm way too in my head about stuff. Like, about, like, people are not gonna want to. So for 2026 or since joining your program, my bride price for Both trial and dab is 500. And my bride bridesmaid price per person is 125 for 2026. Yeah.

We could probably even increase that bridesmaid rate because your demand just feels like it's at the right spot.

Yeah. Yeah.

And that's, like, by maybe, like, $40, not five.

Life. I know. It's so, like, oh, why did I do that? Why was I, like, so afraid? I even had a friend, like, say, like, if I was in a wedding and the price was like, an extra 20 bucks, I wouldn't blink twice at that. Like, what are you doing?

Not for your work. Like, your work is so talented. I've seen it. So talented.

Yeah. Yeah, we could. And it would be nice. Do less weddings. Yes.

So then you can work less. But honestly, I'm so proud of you for increasing your rate and moving over to packages, because I know the mindset. You shifts there major. So when it comes to program, what would. If I was going to delete one of the modules, what would you be like? Oh, my God. No, this one has to set just one.

Oh, my gosh. I don't even know if I know. Well, I'll be honest, I haven't. I don't think I've gone through the entire thing. I definitely was. I. Hopefully this is not just me, but, like, in the beginning, very gung ho. And like, like watching all the videos and doing everything and downloading everything and I have so many things. But then I definitely fell off as, like, season started to pick up and get busier. And so that's also why I've been jump. Trying to jump back into it a little bit more because I just need to, like, get away from, like, the God. I'm too busy to do any of this, but it's also been, like, really motivating. Yeah. During the busiest time of the year, so I don't know. I really haven't had any things. Like, I. I don't have a good answer for that. I'm sorry, but I'm like, oh, this was a waste of my time. I didn't really take anything from this. Like, like, that's fine.

What if somebody came to you, like you went to Kim and was like, I'm a little bit on the fence of joining Bridal Boss Academy. What would you tell them?

Everything she told me, like, this is. It has completely changed the way that I look at my business and the confidence that I feel in my business too. Like, I feel like that's huge. Like, being able to say no to brides. Never, never would have thought that that would be a thing I would do. Just because, like, it's. You're not my ideal bride. I don't. That's not something that I feel good about or I don't want to. You know, that's not the type of bride I want to be doing, I think, really. And, like, the fear of burnout is also always in the back of my mind because I see wedding vendors drop out of the industry all the time because I know they burn out. And, like, it's either they're doing too much or they don't know how to run their business properly, so they don't feel stressed out all the time. And I don't. Especially because I'm only two years into just having this as my only thing. I don't. Like, I. I'm in it for the long ha. I want it to be something that is sustainable for me. And I think a lot of the stuff that you talk about in this program has made me feel so much better about that. Like, this is feasible. This is not just, like, something that you do. Stop it. I'm sorry. For fun or like, on the side this is like a real business. And I think that has, like, that just those mindset shifts of, like, you can make more, you don't have to be afraid of charging more, you don't have to be afraid of doing packages. You don't have to be afraid of. Of niching down and offering if it's. If you're doing both or whatever. I think that, like, unless you have somebody that can tell you, like, I've done this and it works, all of us are just out here, like, freaked out by the idea of trying to do that. And then we're like, well, it's not going to be successful because unfortunately, I mean, I don't know everybody's story, but, like, I know I didn't come from a family of people that were like, yeah, you can do that. My family is very conservative. Like, like, go to college, you know, do the corporate job thing. And so when I presented the idea of leaving my, you know, leadership title and my salary and all these things to go do makeup, they were like, what the is wrong with you? Like, say that. Of course. Like, it's not like they're not supportive, but I'm sure they were like, this is not a good idea. Like, this isn't serious. You're not going to do this. And I feel like, oh, yeah, that's been a real eye opener for them too. Like, even the people around me. So it's like that messaging that you're getting, like, I do feel like I needed to hear that from another person because I don't necessarily have people immediately surrounding me that are like, giving me that, like, hey, this is a real business. You're taking this seriously. You should run it like a real business, not just like a hobby. Because I unfortunately do see a lot of people around this area. Wedding vendors in this area, beauty vendors, I should say. They're a met. They're a mess.

Yeah, it's like a side hustle. Yes, side hustle.

It was a. Yeah, it was a side hustle for me for, you know, for four years when I first started. But I also took it super seriously, even though it wasn't hustle, because I wanted it to not be where I see, like, people showing up late or like, there's no communication or even, like, the interactions on wedding day where I'm like, oh, you're a mess. You're a mess. Like, I don't know how you run a business that way. Or like, they're posting on their Instagram, like, how hungover they are in the bridal suite. That morning, and I'm like. Like, this is so.

Oh, no, wait. Now I'm curious. Only because I can so relate to you going from corporate to your makeup career and, like, your family being nervous for you in a sense of, like, they just want you to succeed, and that's because they love so much. But I'm curious, have you been able to replace your salary income with your makeup business? Like, do you earn more or less or similar?

I would say it's probably without having that. So I had two incomes, basically. Yeah. I would say I'm kind of at the point where it's like, I'm even with. No, I don't need to work two jobs, but I still have the same amount coming in. Do you know what I mean?

So you've replaced it. You've replaced your corporate salary income. That is actually phenomenal.

Have you.

You should go back and tell your family, like, I actually replaced it.

Yeah, that's. That's. I think it's so hard for. I. Like I said, I. I don't have, like, I don't have, like, the glam girl family or, you know, kind of. That's just not who they are. And so just to give you an idea of how, like, what I'm dealing with or what I was in the beginning, like, my mom is baffled that people would even pay to have their makeup done for a wedding.

Oh, God.

Yeah. Like, literally cannot wrap her head around it because she didn't. Yeah, she only wore makeup on her wedding day. Like. Yeah, you know, like, that. That's where I'm. So. This is all very confusing. Like, where did you come from? Like, kind of a thing.

Like, what is this? And you're like, oh, it's my career now. They just, like, yeah. Side and tanned a little bit. That was.

Yeah. So that's been huge. And, like, I have my first destination wedding in January, and I'm not doing anything for free. And, like, she's paying for me to, like, do that. And, like, that, I think, was also a really big moment for her, like, to really understand, like. Like, this is a real thing. And, like, people really are happy to pay you for.

Where are you going on your destination?

Cancun. Yes. So I've never. I'm. I will be terrified, I'm sure, the closer that it gets. But I. I've had people ask, and I know people do do destination for, like, they won't charge for travel or expenses or whatever. And I just. I'm not one of the people that has a huge desire to Do a lot of destination. Yeah.

You have to charge for that stuff though. It's your time.

But yeah, I. 100. I'm. The idea of not charging for it, I thought was so bizarre. But I've talked to even photographers who are like, yeah, I. I've done some for free because I want to do more of them. And so I just want something to promote and. And I get it. No shade. Like, yeah, I'm not trying to go on somebody else's vacation. Like, I'm. Yeah. Like I've had people ask and as soon as I tell them, like, we have to pay for my travel and you have to pay for my hotel, like, like minimum on top of expenses, like service expenses, like, that's usually the end of the conversation. So when this person was like, yeah, I would expect, I would expect that. Like, she was like, not at all confused. I was like, okay, this is happening.

Yeah, that's good energy. A thousand percent.

That feels surreal. Like it's still a few months away, obviously. But like, I think once it happens, it'll be like, holy. Like somebody actually paid you to come to a whole another country. Yeah. I'm excited.

Never.

Never.

Lauren it so much. So thank you so much for sharing. Where can we hang out with you? What's your Instagram?

It's @Miss Lauren Marie, but it's Lauren L A U R Y N. Amazing.

Thank you for sharing your story. Yeah, you so much.

Well, thank you for taking the time seriously.

You have come such a long way. Like, my God, thank you for sharing all that.