From Burnout to Booked Out: Cate’s 9% → 40% Conversion Glow Up

We are here with Kate, and I would love if you could tell everyone where you're from, the services you offer, and how you got into hair and makeup, the wedding industry itself.

Yeah. So I'm from Denver, Colorado, and I do both hair and makeup for primarily weddings. Now 12 years, I have just kind of always been that girl that, like, everyone went to to, like, get their hair makeup done for, like, proms and stuff. And so I just kind of never stopped and made my whole career. I started, like, teetering into weddings. I first worked in, like, commercial, and I realized that was like, not a good fit for me, but teetered into weddings when I worked at one of, like, the blow dry bars and they did a lot of weddings. And I just fell in love with, like, just making people feel pretty. And like, commercial is a lot more natural stuff. And I just like doing, like, beautiful, gorgeous, pretty hair and makeup. And I get to do that every day.

It's amazing. I love that. I love that. You started at the blow dry bar. So did you ever. When you were at the blow dry bar, did you start your wedding business there or did you start on a team? What did that look like?

Yeah, so I managed the blow dry bar that I worked at. So I was doing like 80 hour work weeks. It was a lot of back end and a lot of, like, running the business on top of doing blow dries. And I started getting carpal tunnel, honestly. And that's where I was like, okay, something needs to change. Changed because I was 22 with carpal tunnel in both of my wrists and was like, going to doctor's appointments and, like, getting surgeries and, like, things lined up. And so I was like, okay, something needs to change. Like, how can I still do what I love doing without, like, seriously injuring myself and, like, being able to do this for my entire life. And that's when I was like, okay, like, we already do weddings and I see how much these bring in, and we're like, at a salon. So, like, I could only imagine, like, on location. And so I started just very loosely advertising on Facebook Marketplace. And I got my very first wedding that day. And I think I charged her, like, probably like $300. It was such, like, I worked so hard. I did not charge her a travel fee. And it was like two and a half hours away. And, like, it was a nightmare. But I was like, okay, wait, no, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Like, it immediately clicked and I immediately was like, okay, how do I do more of these? And so I started, like, Just a trickle of like five weddings a year, like through my own company. When I first started working at the blow dry bar. And then I made a huge life change. I moved from Nashville to Denver and I was like, all in. I am going to do this. And I started immediately advertising out here in Colorado and I booked my very first wedding, which I ended up doing. I think it was like 18 services for $1400. It was so bad, but it got me in the door. And that's where I met some big teams and I started working for them. And I was like, oh, this is like a whole career path. Like, this doesn't have to be the part time side gig weekend hustle. Like, I don't have to work as a salon. Like, I can just do weddings. And that's when like the whole world changed for me. Quit my salon job immediately was just like, I'm all in. How do I like sink or swim, you know?

Whoa, wait, okay, you did 18 services yourself?

Yes, I was there to 4pm Because I don't, I didn't have a backbone then. And so like, I was only contracted for like bride plus like two. And then everyone was like, oh, I love what you're doing. Like, can you fit me and can you fit me in? And I was like, of course, of course, of course. And I hadn't taken payment yet, so I was like, yeah, just like add it in at the end. And I ended up doing so many services. I mean, my bag was broken, like, because I had no chair, no lighting, you know, Like, I was just like, I was actually working on top of a hot tub. It was insane.

Like, way so funny. Because I feel like I can relate to that so much. You're just like, yeah, totally.

Because I was just so excited to be there. And the fact that they saw my work and they were like, oh, we love it. I was like, oh, oh, great. Okay, cool.

Amazing. I'll do more. That's totally great.

And I'm a hustler, so like, yeah, great, let's do it. And then. Yeah, but I definitely have a lot more batteries.

Well, okay, let's, let's dive into that a little bit. But first, when you came into the academy, tell me like, where you were at in your business. Like, what was going on? Were you scaling? Were you still in the building phase? And what kind of led you to want to say, like, oh, I think I want to join, you know, some like, business mentorship?

Yeah, so I was a pretty pivotal point in my career. I really believe I was doing really well, working for teams and like supplementing with my own company. And I was hitting six figure years. I did three in a row and then it plummeted. I, like, post Covid realized that, like, the market is just so different. I just happened to get in at a really good time, which is why I was like working so much. I was like, oh, there's brides forever for always. Like, this is easy. I was doing like 300 weddings a year. It was insane. And then it all really slowed down and I, you know, was single swimming it. So I had no backup plan. And like, my teams were asking me less and less to do work because they were getting less work. But also they saw what I was doing for my company and they were like, obviously, like, you're growing out of us and I don't want to like, put more energy into this. So I was getting less inquiries through them, but also less inquiries through my own business. I knew I needed to figure out where is the disconnect. Like, I see other people doing what I want to do here in my market. So, like, why am I not doing that? Because I had been taking all the courses for like, hair and makeup, and I had been really leveling in on my craft and like learning the artistry behind it. But I couldn't understand why I wasn't getting the inquiries that other companies were getting as like a solo. And that's when I had been following you for a while and you had just started posting about your 3.0. And I think it was pretty immediate where I was like, I've invested at this point, like ten thousands of dollars into education, but never into like, business courses. I feel like I had taken like a couple here and there when they were like, already added into like, the hair and makeup courses. But it was always like, I know this. Like, I have a CRM, I have a website. Like, I don't need to know how to like, apply for a pro discount. Like, I figured that out. So I'm like, past that. But I'm not quite running the business. So, like, where I am now, and that's what I saw in your, your program, was that it filled that gap for me. And you were running a Black Friday sale when I first saw it. So I was like, okay, I'm in. Like, let's give this a go. And when I tell you I binged the entire course in two months, I every single day would wake up, I would like, dream about it. I'd be like, what are we going to learn next? Like, I would immediately Be like, okay, today I'm going to tackle this module. I'm going to do, like, implement it right away. And until I'm finished with the module and implementing it, I am not getting off my computer out of my desk. Like, it was every single day, seven days a week for like, two months straight. And my entire business changed, like, completely. 180. My whole business and how I look at my business and how I look at myself as an owner. And I mean, I just. I owe that so much to you because I didn't have that knowledge to be able to do that. And you presented it in such a way that was easy to digest, was exciting to learn, and was, like, very relatable. I love that you had been in the hair and makeup world. I feel like a lot of other business courses were geared towards photographers or, you know, other wedding vendors or were just like, business as a whole. Yeah. So I really, like, I don't know of anyone else doing what you're doing. And so it's like, so exciting to have that because I was like, oh, she's done. She's done exactly what I want to do. And how did she get there? And she's going to tell me. And it was perfect and aesthetically pleasing on top of it all. So, like, so easy.

I do love the aesthetic vibes. If there's one thing I know about you, and I feel like I tell you this all the time, you are so driven. Like, when. When you watch something like, you implement like, that day, like, and I love that about you. Like, you do not hold back. And that's how I know, like, you were able to get such great results because you were like, I didn't know that you spent two months, like, boom, boom. But I saw your. I saw the glow up. Like, in real.

It was a glow up. I mean, crazy.

It was. Walk me through what changed. Like, what changed in your business that you had prior versus, you know, what we're all.

I mean, the biggest one for me is definitely the social media. I was definitely just, like, posting a photo once a month, maybe twice a month if I was lucky. And it would be like, loved doing Sarah Slim, you know, like, and here's like, a huge screenshot of a. Of video, right? Like, nothing of value. And since then, I have gained over 5,000 followers since joining your course. I have a video over 4 million views. I have two more videos over a million views. I have, on average over a million views on my profile every single month. So, like, that's insane. It's like Broken my brain. Like, I didn't know that could happen. I didn't think people cared as much as they clearly do. Like, I truly was just like, oh, like, I. It's just a portfolio. No one really goes to Instagram to, like, look at small businesses. And, like, obviously that's not the case. And I feel like I very much have cracked the code thanks to your courses and just the way that you broke things down and all of your examples. It's been so easy to, like, first go through all of your courses and, like, use your cheat sheets. Right. And get it verbatim. And then understanding why it works through your courses and being able to then stray from your templates to make your own content, I think has been so good because I do find that my own content performs better, but because I understand why yours worked. But that got me the stepping stone.

Yes, I love that. I love that you're able to break out and make it your own, because that is always the goal. And it's just like, when you understand the why of, like, I know you know why that piece of content. I know you know, and now you're able to rinse and repeat.

And that made it no brainer. It's so easy now to create content which used to be super scary to start. And then when I was taking her course, I was like, okay, well, she's got all these templates, so I'll just go off the templates. And then once I was taking the courses, it was like, now I get it. And now I don't even think, like, it's just like, oh, I just need to remember to grab these clips while I'm working. And then I know exactly what I'm going to write in the captions because I've already written these types of captions a hundred times. Now I know exactly. Like, I know before I post if it's going to perform well or not. And, like, I can kind of even see, like, within the first, you know, few metrics, I can kind of tell if it's going to go viral or if it's just going to be, you know, like a 10,000 view video, which is still like, nothing I had ever experienced prior to the course. So it's just been super exciting because it's like a little thrill. I don't know, it's like I've gamified it almost, or you have. And I think that that's really invaluable because, like, like you said, rinse and repeat. It's just like, I don't Even have to think. There's no question is this good content or not? Like just, okay, well I knew this perform last time. So how do I make that just a smidge better? Or if I'm feeling lazy, I'll just, you know, rinse and repeat the exact same thing. And it performs well again, you know, so that makes it really easy.

Yeah. And you're able to see the metrics and you're able to track those patterns and that's.

Yeah, learning how to read the metrics too, I think has been really helpful.

Yes, yes. It's like you have unlocked all that stuff.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I never looked. I never cared because I was like, no one cares, but people are out there looking. I mean, at this point, like half of my inquiries come from Instagram. So.

Yeah, I was just gonna ask. I was just gonna ask because I remember. So you are in the academy and you're also in bridalpreneur socials. And then me and you had booked a one on one call together.

Yes.

At that time. I forget when it was. Maybe the spring, somewhere around then, the winter or the spring. You were having issues with getting inquiries, turning your content, converting you were getting. We were getting some views, but I think after the call you were able to get more views because we kind of dialed in a little bit. But walk me through what your bookings and inquiries have looked like recently.

Yeah, so currently I am booking 55 weddings a year and I have a 40 conversion rate from just inquiries, which is crazy. For the last six months it's been a 40 conversion rate, so definitely will be giving me some reason because when we first, when I first started the course, I had a 9% inversion rate, so it's skyrocketed, which is so exciting. And I've also upped my rates. I've doubled my rates from the 9% to the 40%. So I'm like very excited about that. As far as like inquiries coming in, I mean, it's crazy. Even late in the season, I'm still getting people. Like, I know your books are closed and I know you're fully booked, but like, you're my dream hair stylist. Like, how can I get on your schedule? And it's like I literally have people begging in my inbox now. Like, that's insane. I love that.

I love that. I'm not.

Yeah, it's crazy. And it's like the artistry hasn't changed, you know, like, it's just the way it's presented. And I think that that's super cool. And I already have a wait list for next year, which will. I haven't even started marketing it yet. I'm gonna start marketing it at the end of the month, but even before talking about it online, I already have 25 people on my wait list, and I'm only booking 55. So that's crazy, because I haven't even told anyone I'm doing this wait list unless they inquire. So that's okay.

That's insane. That's actually insane. And you don't even need to promote it, and so do it with us together.

And that's what I'm planning on doing.

I can't even comprehend. I can't even comprehend. But how has it felt coming from. Because if you start at Black Friday and you. I just remember you being in that place, and I honestly just wanted to, like, fly myself out to Denver and just, like, put my arms around you and help you and just to, like, see where you're at now. Just literally gives me chills. Makes me so happy. So, like, how has that felt for you? Because I remember we chatted. You were, like, thinking about getting a studio.

Yeah.

Like, we were a little. We were. We were a little sad.

And now I definitely, like, my rock bottom. Like, I felt like I had to go get another job. Like, I thought I was like, okay, like, I peaked. Like, it's over. Like, I did it, and now I. It's over, and I didn't know how to keep it. And now I'm, like, gearing up to make sure that I hit six figures next year. Like, no brainer. Like, it's gonna be so easy. And, like, this year, I came super close to hitting six figures, too, which is super exciting, because at the beginning of the year, when I talked to you last, like, I was only supposed to make, like, 17 0. Was like, okay. I can't live off of that.

So, like, me too.

So, yeah, it's definitely been, like, the confidence of, like, my business and, like, the business side of things. I mean, I have other vendors now referring me who I've never met. I've had vendors reach out to me, wanting to meet me because they've seen me, they've heard of me, and they want to, like, put me on their referral sheets. I've had, at this point, probably, like, 10 other vendors reach out to me just to be like, I love your work. Like, and that, I think, is, like, the biggest compliment because they see so much. And so, yeah, I've had so many people reach out other hair and makeup artists asking me, like, what. What am I? Did I hire somebody? Like, it's been so crazy, like, the amount of other people who are watching. Like, I had no idea other people, like, were watching.

Oh, yeah, They're. They're locked in. No, it's crazy. They really are. Because your content game just got so good, and now you're probably showing up more, so you have more eyes on you. People really care.

Totally. But I feel so comfortable because, you know, they're all cheering me on. All these vendors that are reaching out. They're reaching out because they either, you know, feel like they already know me, so they feel like we can just, like, Kiki or it's like they want to meet me. They, like, they're like, I need you on my referral sheet. I need to, like, have you work with me and my brides. Like, you got your shit together. I want to have you on my team. Yeah. And so, like, that's just been really reassuring because I do think that there is a stigma in the hair and makeup, like, wedding world of, like, us being, like, the messy ones, the sloppy ones, the late ones. And I'm not that, but I'm still fighting that stigma. And so, like, to already have, like, that stigma gone by the time they even say hello to me is, like, such a relief. I don't feel like I have to prove myself at as much because my website's doing it for me, my Instagram's doing it for me, and it's like, my past brides are doing it for me. Like, they're referring me, they're talking about me, they're commenting on my things, they're reposting my stuff. Like, they're doing the hard lifting, and I just get to, like, walk it like a little princess and be like, t, I'm here.

I have arrived.

Yes. It's so crazy, and I love it. It's just like, I. I now get to just do my best work because people trust me so much more. I don't have to. Was the time and the energy and. And whatnot to. To prove myself. Like, I'm supposed to be here, actually, like, and it's just. It's opened so many more doors with brides. But also in the, like, the vendor side, my vendor referrals have drastically gone up, and I'm getting referrals from people I've never even met before, like, that are just putting me on their sheets.

Wait, I have to ask you a question, because that was literally one of my favorite things as well. When you like, your social media pops off like vendors just all of a sudden notice you. So I have to ask you a question. Did you ever do styled shoots before?

I had done a couple in the beginning of my career, but I haven't done one in like six years because I never found like that they did anything for me. I had no control over it and it was always a hot mess of a day and so I stopped doing them. But now, yeah, I'm getting so much more vendor referral than before. I've had. I had a vendor reach out, a photographer reach out and she's like, I saw you got a new studio because the of posted about it and they're like, I would love to give you free headshots in your studio so we can meet so I can put you on my referral sheet.

That's insanity. But like, okay, that didn't come from a styled shoot. That came from your social media presence. And that's. I think the disconnect is like, styled shoots are not going to give you what your social media presence does in terms of networking. Like, yeah, your social media is doing it for you.

And then 100% and three headshots. That's.

That's crazy.

Yeah, that's so nice.

That's so nice. I love that.

No, it was definitely good marketing because I was like, oh, hell yeah, let's go.

Like, yeah, I'm down, I'm down. So I remember you telling me prior you had worked like, like before you were like, I guess like the COVID boom era. It was like you were working maybe like 100ish weddings a year.

300 I did in 20, 21.

300 weddings. And I remember it was like your goal for this year to work. So when I heard you say 55.

I was like, yeah, 55 and fully booked. And you know, I still had some bookings that were my old, my a la carte pricing. And so that's why I didn't hit six figures but had I had everyone at my current pricing, which, you know, I will for next year, plus some, I will hopefully get that all booked and it'll be another six figure a year and we'll be back to it.

So I need details on that because it was like, I know a lot of people have a mindset and sometimes it is true in the beginning you want to work more to earn more. Meaning you want to work more weddings to earn more. And I think maybe that might have been your mindset in the beginning of the year, but you're working 55 weddings and you're almost at six figures. So kind of walk me through like your mindset shift from packaging or from a la carte to packaging and how you've been able to earn more and if you're comfortable sharing, sharing what you were before versus now, price wise.

Yeah. So when I was a la carte, I was charging 250 per bridal service, so 500 total for hair and makeup. And I want to say either 100 or 125 for. Oh no, it was 120 I was charging per service for guests. Okay. And then, you know, travel and all that on top of it. And I would have people negotiating left and right if we do extra because at the this price, like, can I get a discount? And I also didn't have my pricing on my website because I was very much like a believer and like fall in love with me and then we'll put the price tag afterwards. Yeah. And like, I'm sure to some extent that helps push my career in the direction it was going, but that wasn't the direction I needed it to be in. I'm able to now provide such a luxury experience for my clients that I was attempting to do but was so burnt out. Like I was giving touch up kits but I wasn't able to like stay late and I wasn't able to like, oh, let me just do your flower girl's hair or like, let me, you know, do these extra services or you know, whatnot. And now it's like such a no brainer for my clients to be like, this is what I want. And it's already packaged up with a nice Nepo. I have way less questions. Everything's on my website and I'm getting more inquiries than I was before just because I have more eyes. And I think some people don't want to reach out to ask how much it is. They're going to assume it's too much. And even though I was less than, you know, average here in Colorado, I was still not getting books. And now I'm, I think the highest person and I'm raising my race again because I have that conversion rate. I'm also going to start adding two hours worth of touch ups to every single wedding. I didn't think that that was something I wanted to do, but that's because I was working 300 weddings. I just wanted to go home at the end of the day. Whereas, like, I've been staying back for a couple of like my dream brides this year just to kind of feel it out and see. Like, is this something that I can manage? Is this something I want to do? Is this something that feels too overwhelming? And I love it. I love being there when they're putting their dress on. I love being the one to put the veil in. I love being there to make sure everything's, like, perfect before they walk down the aisle. And before I would. I would be so exhausted. Like, I did my job, like, let me go home, and now it's like, I get. Get to be their cheerleader. I get to be, like, their beauty insider. Like, I get to be that person. And it's so exciting and so, like, I'm so excited to offer that to my brides. Just standard. All of my packages are going to have that because I want it. Like, I want to be able to have some content of them in their dress. I want to be able to put their veil, and I want to be there for that, to make sure that they feel comfortable and, like, ready to go. And that's not something that I could do if I was doing 300 binges a year, level of 100, you know, like, it's because I'm only doing 55 that I'm able to provide such a luxury experience. And next year, I'm also doing, like, welcome basket. So when they sign in, sign on their contract and everything, I'm going to mail them, like, their hair and skincare prep so they'll have some clarifying shampoo, some deep conditioner, and, like, a little branded tote bag and everything sent to their house. So I'm so excited about all that. And, like, that's not something that I could do before. I also couldn't, like, buy the best hair and makeup product because I was going through it so quickly and charging so little that I couldn't afford the nicest of the nice. And so, like, now I get to just splurge and buy the fun hair and makeup stuff that, like, I would want in my kit, because I have that ability to be that financially savvy. Like, I have in one of your courses, you have, like, how to separate all your finances, which I was not doing before. It's such. It makes everything so easy because I'm like, oh, I have this much money left over in my, you know, go back into my business account. What am I going to do with it? And that's when I was like, oh, I actually have enough money for a rebrand. Like, I actually have enough money to hire someone to pick out my fonts and colors and make a logo for Me. And I was like, oh, that's super cool. And then I was like, oh, I actually have enough money to do a branding shoot. Oh, I actually have enough money to hire a model for that branding shoot. And it's like, I don't have to, like, think about it. It's just like, that's what the money is for. I don't have to, like, figure out where I'm gonna come up with the money. I don't have to, like, feel guilty for spending the money. Like, that's what it's there for. And because of that, I've been able to invest more into my business and more into my brides and offer a more like luxury experience from back end all the way to wedding day. It's like a no brainer then for my clients. Like, then they don't have to think through, they're like, oh, Kate's got me. Like, I'm, I'm good. Like, and that's the experience that I've always wanted to be able to give. But I couldn't do that when I was doing 300 weddings and not when.

We were doing charity work. No, no.

Yeah, it was definitely twofold. I mean, I definitely needed to put in the reps to, like, get good, but I don't. Like, I'm good now. Like, I, I've done the reps. I've done 12 years of reps. Like, now it's providing that luxury service. And it's been so fun. It's been fun. Like, it's brought the fun back to the art of what we do.

I love that. I love that. And I love that, like, now that you're able to do packages, it just feels like probably a no brainer for your brides, making bookings easier but adding more profit in so then you can put it back into your business and create that experience. You know what I mean?

I mean, I have brides because my inquiry form, if they're, if I'm available, goes straight into packages and they're able to click right through, sign a contract, pay without even speaking to me. And I have so many people do that and they're sending me hundreds of dollars without ever even speaking to me. And it's because it all feels so professional and well done and, like put together. And it's like, of course she does this. Like, look how many reviews she has. Look how much, like she's put back into her business. Like, this is a legitimate thing. Like, no one's scared.

Yeah.

So nice.

Oh, wait, so you have brides literally do you have Dotsado?

I have Honeybook. Honeybook.

Okay. Yeah, same thing. So brides are able to inquire and like book right away when you say you're available and they're booking within minutes. Of course they are.

It's so crazy. I love it. It's so crazy. Especially now that my books are closed for 2025. People are literally still in my DMs, in my email, like begging me to reopen that. Please put me in K. Yes. And the wait list is crazy already and we haven't even talked about it online. So like that's nuts.

Is your weight list, how's your 2026? Is your weight list for 26 or 27 for 2026.

So I don't have any bookings yet for 2026. Oh. So yeah, I'm very excited about that because I'm raising my rates and changing my package structure a little bit because I have so many inquiries for just bride. And my minimum right now is bride plus one. So I've changed my smallest PA to just ride with a trial and two hours of touch ups. And that's gonna be nineteen hundred dollars. And I like know people are gonna book it. Like that is still like not even what my minimum. Like it's so crazy like that that that's possible. It wouldn't have been, you know, two years ago.

Yeah. But now it is now brides are gonna eat that, Eat it up.

And they're literally on a waitlist. They're waiting to pay me that money. Like that's crazy.

I love that for you. So what would you say? I mean, mean, we have so many wins, but what would you say has been your biggest takeaway, your biggest like aha moment that kind of really like changed your business?

Gosh. Because there's just so many. I think the packages, I was pretty against it for a while. I'd seen other people give me what is a breakdown of this and that and then and I would still get the email. And so like it took out all of that back and forth, which sometimes has three, four, five emails. So that eliminated a lot of work on my end, eliminated a of work on my bride's end. And I just think it made it look a lot more professional because something that stuck with me, that does a la carte pricing, every other vendor does packages. That's what a bride is expecting. And that's when it clicked for me. I was like, oh, right, duh. Why are we doing it differently? Just because we're from the salon world and Even you probably hear now in the salon world, like, people are starting to do packages. People are starting to charge per hour. Like they're getting away from a la carte pricing too. Yeah. And it's because it's confusing. People don't know what they need. No.

And one of my clients who's still in the salon, she does weddings too. She took packages and put them in salon pricing too. So now she does packages there and she's like, it's. Yeah. So smart.

So, yeah, that's, I think, the biggest, the biggest one that's changed, like my client experience as well as my back end because it's twofold. Like, I have less emails to deal with with clients can literally just book without saying a word to me. And clients understand what they're getting and what value I'm providing. And it doesn't feel so like money based. It feels so much more like, here's what I'm going to give you and it costs as much instead of like, well, how much is it and what is it going to cost me and what if I don't get this one little thing? What if I don't do that? Like, I don't have clients asking that anymore.

No. And would you say you feel like you're working with a different type of bride now?

Now, like much more organized. They know what they want and they're looking for it. I before was just hair, hair and makeup. And now it's like, no, I want Kate. Like, I want you to like, you are my dream hair and makeup artist, which just adds like another level of trust to the day. Absolutely. Good.

Absolutely. And I love that because I know that you are in both of my programs. Bridalpreneur Socials, which is my social media course, and Bridal Boss Academy, which is your sales and booking things. Which one did you join first and which one would you recommend starting with first?

Oh, I feel like I did it backwards. So I joined Bridalpreneur Socials first.

Okay.

Which I feel like most people start in the social.

They do.

Sorry, wait. I joined BA first.

Oh, okay.

And I feel like most people start in socials and then scoot over just because of price point to understand like, like how you teach. But I went like nose dive because I knew what I was looking for was that business side of things.

Yeah.

And then when I was in it, you would talk about your social media courses and you'd give tidbits of the social media stuff. And I just loved the way that you taught that. I was like, okay, I'm gonna try this too. Like, what's the harm? And that's like doing them side by side I think was the best because I was able to just like implement and just kind of bop back and forth and just implement everything from like building out my CRM to creating content with what was already in my camera role. As someone who didn't create content before this, but like I would have a lot of after videos and so like I was able to, at least with what I had, make a lot of content that related back to my CRM and my website and my booking and all of that. So I did start with bbna, added socials, I don't know, maybe like three weeks later. What? Didn't take long for me to be like, nope, I'm sold. And now anything you put out, I'm sold there. You know, every wait list.

You're so funny. I adore you.

I believe that. Like, I feel like your classes have added so much value to my business as someone who has taken a lot of online courses and I have even more stored up in my computer that have been sitting there for years because I'm like, I already know this. Like I, I've done this enough that I. And I've taken enough courses and I've been in the business long enough. I don't need someone to show me where pro discounts are. I don't need someone to tell me that I need a honeybook. Like I need someone to show me how to actually run a business, how to do the KPI tracking, how to read the social metrics and like that kind of stuff. And I couldn't find anyone else doing that. So I was so excited when I, when you came across my feed and like I got exactly what I was looking for and then like stuff I didn't even know existed also presented to me. So easily digestible.

Well, so wait, because you've been in so many other courses, as you have said, what would you say is something that is different in the academy versus that you got versus in other courses. What kind of sets it apart in your eyes?

Yeah, I mean the biggest one is definitely like the how to run your bridal business. I feel like so many of the other courses touch on it but don't really deep dive. It's like a side like oh, bonus course course, little 10 minute or like nothing deep dive. And it would just be the same regurgitated conversation that I have heard from every other person. I also feel like your classes were very much like stepping stones. It was Broken up into very easily digestible, like, modules. And you would do them in order and it would make so much sense. Whereas some of the other ones, you bop around and it's like. Like, yeah, you get some stuff here and there, but yours all builded, built upon each other that in a way that, like, okay, this is what I do first. This is what I do second. This is what I do third. And then when I finish this, I can move on to step four. And then it was just so easy to just be like, okay, here's the class. Here's me teaching it. Here's the worksheet. Now here's what you need to do, like, your actionable steps at the end, and then you move on to the next. And that was game changer for me because I. I'm very much like, let's go.

I know. You are mapped.

Yeah. So you're like, here, learn the course. Here's the worksheet. Fill that all out. And now you know what to say, and now you can implement it. And I thought that that was really perfect because it wasn't just, like, regurgitated conversations, and it wasn't like. It was very much like, okay, for you. How do you feel? Here's the questions to. To point you in that direction so you can understand how you actually feel. Because I think a lot of us as artists haven't really sat down and wondered, like, why do we do this? It's just like, I've always, always done it. Like, I've never had to sit down and think, like, well, what makes me special? I'm just like, well, I'm Kate. And you're like, okay, but what about Kate? You know, Like, I made it so easy to, like, hone in on, like, my. My mission statement because of the questions you're asking the worksheets after you already talked about you and your business. It was like, oh, this makes total sense. And then where to put it? Oh, great. Here's how to write your Instagram bio, and here's how I wrote mine. And. And here's the questions you should ask yourself before you start writing yours. So I love doing that.

Yeah. I love. It's always my mission to give you the why. Because if you know the why, then you can do it on your own.

Yes.

You know what I mean? Like, I don't want you. Anyone to feel like they have to rely on me for their business to be successful. I want you to get what you need, understand the why, and then can go off on your own. And, you know, not feel like you always need a course or a mentor, but you can like do it yourself now. Do you know what I mean?

That's exactly how I felt because I know we have our school page where we can ask you questions and you're super responsive in that, which is super wonderful because I'm a part of other school pages that are not very responsive from like the owners. So like that's already really great that you, you know, have your set days where you're in there and you're writing back to everyone who, who asks you questions. But I mean I went through the whole course and barely had a question. Like I more just wanted more eyes on things of like, am I too in it? But it was just so nice. I didn't have a single question do deep dive into the why. Which just makes it like you said, long term. Like I'm able to now. I'm not, I'm not. I'm finished your courses. I, I still come to your monthly meetups but like I finish your courses and I'm still able to implement the same things in my content, in my website, in my emails and kind of branch out and like make it less template, make it less copy paste and more me. And it's so easy because I already have the template. So now it's just adding the why of my why instead of your why.

In your personal personality.

Yeah.

Yes, yes. So what would you say has been your biggest win in the academy when it comes to like sales bookings? I know social Media, we hit 5k followers and millions of views. So I mean.

Yeah, so as far as like inside my business, I mean I didn't think I was going to be fully booked this year. That was definitely not on my radar. I was scared like the point blank period I was scared of, but I did, I fully booked myself and I didn't have to like panic and take last minute bookings or work for teams or do anything that like felt like it was devaluing my artistry. I was able to call all the shots and so like, yeah, not only was I able to raise all of my rates, but I fully booked and now I have a waitlist for next year. That's the win.

That's the win. I'm so proud. So impressive. My girl, she is so impressive. I could not. That is amazing. You're weightless. I'm telling you, brides are probably already now they're like, I don't even know when it opens, but I'm setting my alarm.

Yeah, I'm hopeful It feels good. The fact that I haven't even like chatted it up yet and 20, 25 people. Because with your. When I was looking at what we were talking about in our last zoom call, you're like 40 to 60% booked in January. So that's. I only need 22 people to book in January and I already have 25 people on my wait list and I haven't even started talking about it yet. So, like, these numbers are making sense to me.

I feel like you would be able to book 60 of your year with a 55.

60.

I feel like you could definitely book 30 rides in 30 days.

Right? Like, that doesn't feel crazy.

I know it doesn't feel crazy because of your numbers.

Yeah, like 40. Now that I know my numbers. Yes.

Thank you. Like you get, get it. You gotta lean on the numbers. He gets it.

Oh yeah. It feels nice because I'm like, oh yeah, like, no biggie. I'm definitely gonna be booked up next year. I'm hitting. It's like there's no maybe, there's no hopefully. Like, these numbers make sense.

Yes.

With my 40 conversion rate, with my. Even with my raised rates, like this still makes sense.

It makes sense. We're making it happen. I can't wait.

Okay.

If somebody was on the fence about joining Bridal Boss Academy, if they're like coming from other courses, like you've done other courses in the past that maybe just didn't match up or meet your expectations, or maybe they're like, this feels like a hefty investment. I don't know if I'm gonna get my investment back. What would you tell them?

Okay, well, first off, I would have paid three, four, five times as much to get into your course as I did did with the amount. You've like changed my life and like changed my business. Like, I would definitely be working a part time job right now if I didn't sign up for your course when I did. Because I think we all know, like wedding industry, when you make changes, it takes, you know, 6, 8, 9, 12 months to see those changes come to fruition. So if I started three months later or you know, started two months earlier, who knows where that would all be?

Yeah.

So definitely would pay more than what you're charging. Like, it's not enough. It's not enough. It's. It's worth every penny. I'm able to live the lifestyle that I want to live because of this course. Truly, like 100 mean that in every way it's changed my life. Like, I Now understand the why of running a business. As someone who didn't go to college, doesn't have a degree, Like, I just want to be an artist and I never really wanted to be a business owner, but they do kind of go hand in hand in this one world. I was able to take all of the hard parts out of being a business owner because of your course. Like all the automations, because I hate emailing and I hate posting on social media, but you've made it easier and like all the things that I didn't like are now so much easier that I could do them in my sleep only because of your course. And that's changed my life. I mean, truly, I'm so happy for you.

Like, literally I'm on the verge of tears. I'm really trying to hold back, back because I'm so happy for you. I don't even think you understand.

Just because it feels so good.

Like that's amazing.

Like, like had I had not had these resources, I would still be looking at a $20,000 a year instead of a hundred thousand dollars.

I know, I know.

And this is just the beginning. Like it takes a year for it to all click. And so like now I'm, I'm in the thick of it and I'm like, okay, I got this, like great. Like 2026 is going to be my year. Like I know this is my career.

Yeah.

For it. And so it's so nice to have it like backed by now. My brides would give anything to book me. Like that's crazy. That energy is now being reciprocated.

Yes. Because everything you put out is now coming back to you. And it's crazy how like it is very true what you put in. Like with a business, when you're in those starting points can take up to 12 months. But you've been able to like shortcut that within like just a couple months you've been able to see those massive results.

So sure, it's just gonna keep growing. I mean it's just gonna snowball as I'm now I've got my CEO Mondays and I sit down and I do my KPI trackers and I check through everything I got. All my automations go out so I've got more time to do other things. And like, and now it's so easy for me because it's like habit. It's routine, it's. Oh, I've got. I have this dream wedding of mine coming up at my favorite venue and this bride wants the dream makeup of mine. Like I need to make sure I get this clip, this clip and this clip. And I'm not even thinking because I'm like, I already know what clips I need. I already know what to film. I already know how to edit it. It's already there. And, like, it's just routine and it's so simple.

So simple and easy. I love that for you. Oh, okay. Where can we hang out with you? We want to know. The Instagram tell us.

Yes. Over at Kate C A T E Hair makeup on Instagram. And, and Tik Tok. And then my website is also Kate Cat Hair makeup dot com. Amazing.

Oh, I'll be, I'll be peeping for that rebrand. I cannot wait to see.

Yes. Coming soon. Coming soon.

I hope you DM me. DM me when you get it, because I want to say.