Went From $400 Weddings to $2,800 Packages

With Andrea on our round two. Because round one, I forgot to film, but here we are. So I would love to hear about you, how you got into the hair world and the wedding industry. Take me back to the beginning, baby. Andrea.

Okay, So I am 33, and I started doing hair right out of high school. I went to boces during high school, and I graduated with my cosmetology license. 18. And I started looking for salon jobs anywhere I could go. Super cut. I worked there for, like, less than a week, and they fired me. They were like, you can't work here anymore. You can't. You're not going to. You're not going to be a good hairstylist, they said. And I was like, oh, okay. And then I was like, yes, I am. So then I worked a few different salons, Commission, stylist. And then I started booth renting, and then I went back commission. So this is over the span of, like, 10 years. The last five years is really when my. I, like, started taking my business so seriously. Like, I was like, okay, I love doing hair. I was trying to find, like, my thing, right? I was like, okay, what's my thing? I went to extension classes. I hate extension. I went to, like, all the color classes. I love color. But I was just like, it's not anything that's, like, setting me apart from anybody else.

Yeah.

I started doing bridal right after Covid that summer, 2020, which was crazy, but I started doing bridal, and I liked it. And I was working with a team, and I got so much experience, and it was a really good experience for a couple years. And then I would say, last year, I was like, I want to say last summer, I was scrolling TikTok and I saw your tiktoks, like, style my bride with me. And I was like, I'm obsessed with this girl. And I was just watching every video you posted. I was watching every YouTube video you ever made, and I was like, okay. And I loved doing bridal. And I was like, still working with teens and everything. And then. Yeah. So I hope I answered the question.

But no, you did. You did. First off, how dare hair cuttery. How dare. I wish we could tell them now. We could. We're telling them now. But I know you have been on a team, right? So walk me through a little bit of your team to now you work with your. You work solo, and you kind of start at your own team. So walk me through a little bit of that.

Yeah. So a local, like, salon owner started a team here in Syracuse. It's a great idea. Great. I'm. I got a lot of experience from it. So I started doing that from 2020 and then this year I had like four weddings with them and I'm done. But I saw things that I was like, I don't know if I love that or like, maybe it could be easier this way. I was like going to the location the Tuesday after the wedding, after 12 o', clock, like PM to get my check written. Check. Oh. And I was like, this is 19. This isn't 19. I don't know, 37.

Right. Writing a check. Who does that? How do I even cash that?

Yeah. I'm like, okay, now I have to go to my bank and because it's after 12 o', clock, it's only going to cash half the check. It was ridiculous. So, again, so thankful for the experience. But some things that I was like, okay. So I was like, last summer I was like, I'm doubling down on my like bridal everything. But. But with the team, I learned a lot. I learned like scheduling. I like saw how to make a schedule. I was leading all the bride, like all the weddings, they put me on lead. So I was like, I'm already with the bride talking to the bride. But I'm taking such a large cut from this team that it was kind of, which now I know doing my own here, like a little dabbling in it. I'm like, you need to make something, but I think just the way you present it, it has to be different. So the team was great. Met a lot of people, worked with a lot of people. I was starting to get a lot of like what you taught me reviews from my brides, from that and like very high end bride. Because this was like a luxury theme thing.

Yeah.

So, yeah, it was a good experience. But I'm, I'm happy to. Now I'm like, okay, I want to do my own thing. I already feel like I do my own thing because I'm talking to the bride all the time when I'm lead. Why not just do the schedule too, you know?

Right, right. So you were on the team, you stopped working for the team. Pretty much kind of went a little solo. I know you still have a few weddings with them this year, but kind of branched off on your own starting like last summer.

Yes. Yeah, last summer. I was like, I gotta be done with them.

Yeah. You're like, I'm done with the checks. I would like to just have it deposited.

Why? And they were like, it's too expensive to do that. And I Was like, what about Zell? Like, I was Venmo. And they were like, no, it was so bizarre. And like, you. If they were out of town, you wouldn't get your check for, like a month on vacation. I'm like.

Well, you know what's great about that? Like, it is great to start on a team. I started on a team. You learn all logistics, but you also learn, like, what you don't. Like. Like, if you were to have your own team, like, okay, definitely not paying them this way. Definitely going to be able to do this. And you're able to, like, identify those things for yourself from the experience, which is great. We're thankful for it.

So thankful for it. Really?

Yeah. So it's summer last year. You're on your own. You're doing your own thing with your bridal business. When was the moment you were in your business and decided, okay, maybe I want some business education or level it up. What was, like, your mindset of when you decided to join the academy and where was your business? Like, how many bookings did you have? Did you have any systems in place? I kind of already know about the contract.

Oh, yeah, I can't forget to talk about that. Yeah. Last summer, I was still using. Like, I made a contract on Canva.

Yeah.

I was like, this looks awesome. Like, I was so. It was fine. It was fine. And I had, like, everything a la carte. And I was charging, like, a $75 booking fee. They never got that back. I. Which, whatever. And I was just doing Alakar, and they had to print the PD out. Or a lot of brides would print it out and then write on it and take a picture of it. I'm like, oh, my gosh. This is like, I. This needs to be better. I was like, this is like, not okay. So I was charging $25 deposit. So it's like 25 bucks to book me.

Charity work.

So hard at that. Now there's no stock in it. Like, no. People are like, okay, 25 bucks if you find someone else. I don't care about 25 bucks nowadays. So, yeah, So I would just. I would have brides. I would be. And I would say, no dms.

No, no, you didn't.

It's no dm because they get lost is what I would say. And they. Sometimes they do, but, like, it's just so uninviting. And I'm not uninviting. Like, I feel like I'm an inviting person.

You are very warm.

I need to make sure that I put that out there. So I felt like my page was inviting, but that was like. So, yeah, people would just email me, like, hey, are you available for this date? And I would say, yes, here's my thing. And then if you have any questions, let me know. And they would print it out or whatever and book me, maybe.

Wow. A booking process from the 30s. I mean. No, I'm kidding.

Literally. And I had. Last year, I had 18 weddings, and I had. I want to say, like, 12 of those were from the team.

Okay.

This. I have 25. And four of them were with the team.

That's what we love. 21 of your own bookings in year one. Like, excuse me. That's unreal. That's unreal. Okay. Wow. You've glowed up so much, just not only in your booking process, but just in, like, how you're presenting yourself. I feel like, with, like, removing the no dms, like, you know what I mean? And adding that in there. But when you. How did you find the academy? And what was like, you're okay, I want to join. Like, what was your goal with your business at the time that maybe you were like, okay, I think this is a good fit for me.

Yeah. So I found you on TikTok and watched all your videos, and then I went to your Instagram, and then I just. I just stopped, like, with stalking you, like, right through to us. It's, like, so wild. I literally love it. So. And then I saw that you. I think you were doing a wait list for it, maybe. Yes. I think I joined the waitlist. And I was like, no, I need. I need to be a part of this. I need to be a part of this. So I joined the wait list and I just was, like, binging all your content. And I knew. I was like, I need something different. I know that. I like to operate in excellence in my business anyway, so I need something more. And I always like to work in my business. Like, I've always had, like, a business coach, whether it's, like, color, just operating, like, you know, behind the scenes of my business. So I was like, I need this for bridal, because ultimately bridal is really what I want my main source of income to be. And, like, yeah, maybe a little bit of the salon, but.

Yeah, right, because you are still in the salon, but we're leaning more towards weddings. How is that looking for you? Working in a salon versus weddings?

Yeah. So there was this summer, like, right before my son started first grade, there was a point where I didn't work. It was like a two or three week Period. Where I worked maybe three days in the salon because I was like, I want to spend time with him, and he's starting school and whatever. And I was so. I, like, cried one morning. I had, like, this moment with myself that I just, like, was journaling and praying and just, like, crying, and I was like, I am so thankful because I am not stressed for money. I have more than enough. I'm so blessed, and I can spend time with my son. I'm not rushing off to work today, but I have these weddings and this income that is such a blessing to me. So I have more freedom in my life. So I. Right now, I work, like, 7 to 2, 7am to 2pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and then. But sometimes it's different. Sometimes I'm out a little earlier. It's ridiculous. But my time in the salon is pretty solid there. But I have a lot of flexibility to where I can shorten that time or take some hours away if I want to, because it's just easier to do now that I have that cushion. Yeah.

That's so nice. Like, isn't that, like, the ultimate, like, reward to just, like, get your time back of, like, you don't need to feel like you need to be like, a slave at the salon and be there 24 hours, you know what I mean? Just to, like, earn the income. Right. And now you have weddings, so you don't have to work as much in the salon. That is so nice. Like, what a blessing.

It is amazing.

I love that. I love that. And what has it been like, the past year, working weddings? Have you felt like, I know you've had 21, but have you felt like you're ready for more, or do you like working a lower number of weddings?

No. Oh, I. Okay. So next year. I already have 14 bookings. Yeah. And I feel like right now it's, like, quieter, but, like, I feel like some weeks are way, like, more with inquiries and everything. But, yeah, I definitely. I think my goal for next year would be 30.

30.

Okay.

I can see you doing 50.

Okay. I was gonna say that.

I don't know why I don't just.

Shoot for the stars.

Sure, I'll shoot for them. For you, for the. I will, like. No, we're going for 50. I could so see that for you.

Double it, because I want to do a lot of, like, Friday, Saturday, and kind of, like, just. I want to do that, like, and I do Friday, Saturday, now, but not a ton.

Yeah, yeah.

But, yeah. So next year, 50.

Let's go. We're starting it now. We're manifesting it now next year.

And it'll be. It'll be done.

It'll be done. We're doing it. Okay. I love that. So when you got into the Academy, because you were a little bit newer, off on your own, what. How did you feel when you got in to the lessons? Like, because I know I start off with, like, the KPIs. Getting your 100k mindset.

How.

What was your first kind of like, not reaction, but, like, impression? Were you. Was. Were you, like, overwhelmed or were you like, oh, I kind of like the numbers. Did you get into any of that?

Oh, I love that stuff. That stuff. So I have office days every Monday. CEO Monday. Yes. And so I always, like, sit down and do all my. I do your. Like, I do bridal boss stuff. I do everything.

Yeah.

So really nice to have that structure. Because if you don't have somebody being like, this is what you need to do, then you're like, what the heck am I going to do? Like, I have no idea what to do.

Like, me?

Yes. I was like, oh, I'll send a PDF, duh. So I loved getting into it and I felt so inspired. And, like, just everything about it just kept my, like, it just like, makes you think so much that you're like, okay, now. It just gets your creative juices flowing. And I remember I was doing my website and I'm like, on at night, like, redoing it or doing stuff, and I'm like, this is so fulfilling and cool because you're, like, creating this thing. And then like, everything you gave me to do was just on point.

Yeah. It's like you're building it from the ground up. Do you know what I mean? And, like, you start, like, you started kind of at the perfect time in your business before you were like, five years in. Kind of like how I was like. And you're getting all those really good foundations. So prior to joining, did you have. I know, you said you were alart, right?

Yes.

You were a la carte. And did you have anything in terms of, like, your ideal bride, any of those foundations laid or was it all new?

No, I didn't really have an ideal bride. It was whoever.

Yeah, that's pretty normal.

Yeah. Yeah. I was like, I'll take whoever. I hate braids. So if you're like, I'm going to. I need a braid for my wedding. I can do that. I don't want to do it.

Right, Right. But would you have taken a bride with a braid before?

Oh, 100%. And all her bridesmaids with the braid. Yeah, y', all, everyone's getting a braid today. Yeah. And I hated it, but I was like, this is a wedding. I need to do it, you know?

So you were a la carte before, and then you switched over to packages. Did you have a booking minimum at.

All before I did? So my minimum was two years ago. Two years ago, it was $400. Wow.

We all start somewhere.

Last year, it was 600.

Okay. I like that. We increased.

Yep. And this year, like, for 2025, it was 1100.

We doubled.

We doubled. And I had a friend tell me that she was, like, helping me with my marketing and stuff, and she was. She's amazing. And. But I said, I think I'm gonna put my raise. My minimum to 600 or no, from 600 to 1100. And she was like, I wouldn't do that. People probably aren't, like, people won't like that. And I did. I. I thought about it, and I just did my own numbers, and I was like, no, like, the numbers are adding up. It's not like, my booking rate was, like, 2%. I had, like, a 75% booking rate. Yeah. Yeah. So I was like, I. So I did, and everything changed.

I love that. I love that. Because did you feel like, obviously, when somebody, especially in the industry or, you know, somebody says that, that is, like, you know, respectfully. I don't think you should. It makes you question. Right. But I love that you kind of, like, what in your numbers, was that helpful for you to, like, have your numbers there and the evidence to lean on of, Like, I think, again, yes.

Yes, exactly. And, like, what you taught me in BBA and, like, with the booking rates and everything, like, I felt confident to do that. Yeah. Because I had those numbers and that, like, proof.

Mm.

So. Because I am, like, you don't want to do it too. But you are so good at, like, explaining that, like, okay, this is when you want to raise your prices, and this is what the. This is the thing. These are the things you have to have in place for that. And so that's, like, so helpful. And I don't think I would have known that.

Right. And, like, a 75% booking rate is, like, crazy. Like, that's, like, really, really, really good. That's, like, hey, that's, like, a big signal of you should increase your rates.

You know, a year since I got Honeybook, the platform Honeybook, to do all my bookings and everything, literally, I mid September last year, so I've only been Using it for, like, a little over a year.

Oh, okay. I love that, though, because that streamlines everything for you.

It's so helpful. You. I can't do it without it.

Yeah. It's like, what were we doing before without all of that. Love it. Love it. So I remember a post that you had made about your booking minimum in the community, and I remember you talking about your highest package that you had booked. So now I'm actually curious. Was that before or after your friend told you not to increase your rates? And what was your highest package?

Yeah, so that was after she told me to increase my rates. And that felt good because it was kind of like proof. Like, hey, you can. It made me feel better. At that time I booked somebody. I think it was $2,800. And I was. And that. I think that's for 2026.

Yeah.

And I was like, what? Like, you're gonna book me for $2,800? I was like, sick. I, like, stood in my phone. I was like, now that I don't think, like, I think I provide a great experience, and I'm gonna be doing things to make sure that that experience is even better for my 2026 brides. Like, everything. Tell us. But I just still was like, no, what? Like, that's disgusting.

I know. It's almost this, like, wait, me? You're gonna. Are you sure? Right? Yeah.

And I was like. I was like, did they mean to add those notes? Like they were adding things on? And I'm like, what?

You're like, okay, we're doing it. We're going in. But that's all you need. That's all you need is one bride to show you the evidence. That. And I'm sure she probably didn't even bat an ey.

She was probably like, okay. No, I know. It was like, she got her. I got her proposal. And I always answer my. Or my inquiries in, like, whenever I get them, like, right away. Yeah, I think that's a lot of the thing, too. Sometimes people like, oh, I don't hear back from people for so long. But, you know, I'm. Anyway, so it was like an hour. Not even. She was. She, like, went through it and just paid it and everything.

Booking 28 hundred dollars within an hour. See, that's just a testament to show, number one, brides really want to book you. Two, obviously, you're so talented. Three, that you can always increase your price. And there will be a bride who's out there that will book it. Do you know what I mean? Like, I feel like you're 20, 26 is just gonna blow up. This. We were just set in the foundations. Okay. Like, this was year one. That's wild.

No, I know. Crazy to think about.

When it comes to your communication with brides, what did that look like before? And did you get into any of, like, the email templates? Did you ever follow up with brides before? Like, what is your communication? How has it changed or transformed for your business?

Yeah, so I would never follow up with a bride before. Like, I'd be like, oh, she doesn't want me. Or I'd be like, I'm done. I'm so embarrassed. Or I would be like, let me know. Hi, just checking in back about, you know, my PDF I sent you. If you have any questions, let me know. So. And now I think that's so funny because we don't do that anymore. I use all of your email templates. They always, always work. Oh, they do. Like, people. Like, I've had people come back where they're, like, thinking about it and then they come back and they're like, I'm so sorry. Yes, I got. I just wanted to. Whatever. And they come back and they're. They see the reviews I send them within the email and everything. And just the wording and how I present everything there. It makes sense to them. And they're like, oh, okay. Before, I would have never. I would have sent them everything and then just been like, okay, hopefully they book me, you know, more.

That's amazing because it's kind of like you were kind of like throwing spaghetti at the wall, like, oh, I hope they book versus now. It's like you got more of a sales strategy in place.

Exactly. And I was not. I was like, I don't want to be in sales. No. And then I'm like, no, I'm in sales.

You are in sales.

Selling myself because I'm worth it. And I know that I'm going to make your hair literally perfect for your wedding, so.

Yes, you will. We know that. We know you're going to promise on that. But. But speaking of sales, actually, I feel like you are. You are. Didn't you win the bridal partner socials giveaway or so? So you're in bridal printer socials.

I know.

Which is Instagram. And I know in the academy, I have. I talk about stories, but have you ever soldier Posted stories? That book?

Oh. Oh, yeah. Have I done it? Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. So I still do all. Yes, I do that too. Sometimes I get them mixed up. Like, the Academy and socials because I'm like. I'm, like, obsessed and addicted. Yeah. So I've had, like, where I would post. I post all it. Like, these are the dates I have available for 2026. That's in this, this, and this. And people will respond if they're. You know, they respond to me like, hey, I want to know more about your. And then I've had people book and I've. In the past, I would be like, hey, can you send me an inquiry right away? Like, I'd be like, I am not gonna be DMing you. Because I felt like. I don't know. That's just what I was, like, taught. Yeah. Now I'm like, hey, let's chat. Like, I would love to talk to you because we're both people and you deserve that, like, whether you book me or not. But, like. Yeah. Yeah. So that was so helpful, all of those.

Love that.

It's all so freaking worth it.

I love that. Because I was curious if you've been able to get inquiries after posting stories and how, like, if you're somebody who was like, I don't want to be in sales, how it feels now that you kind of are selling. You know what I mean?

Yeah. Yeah. I love that.

I love that. So when it comes to the academy, what would you say was, like, your favorite part? That, like, if I removed everything, you'll be like, you can't get rid of this. Like, your favorite piece.

I feel like I love it all. I would say I can't. Can't pick everything. I just. I don't feel like it was. And I'm not even just saying this, but I don't feel like it was missing anything or that it needed anything else. And I feel like in the community, if we ever need anything, that's so helpful because we can always go there and, like, look something up or anything. You're always there. It's, like, so helpful because I feel like that part is huge, too.

I love the community. I feel like you post in the community and everybody just kind of, like, runs in and supports you if you need it, which I just think is, like, the sweetest thing ever. And you're so good in the community.

I love that it's the. The community. So, like, you can hype everyone up. You can be like, this is what I would do. It's just so. It's so warm in there, and it's like, everybody is just a girl's girl because you're a girl's girl. And it's just it's the best. I love that. I love that.

Okay, a couple more questions. Have you.

I.

You've said in the beginning that you like to always have a mentor, that you always like to have, like, like, education. Have you ever done other education for the wedding industry? And how would you say the academy kind of compares to other maybe courses you've been in? What kind of helps it stand out?

Yeah, I. It stands out because you're so intentional with it and everything is so digestible. Like, it's, like, easy to digest and easy to, like, understand and take in. And you're just. You make us feel like we're you, if that makes sense. Like, it's just so, like, you make us feel, like, important, and it's just so easy to just listen to it. And you're not boring. Like, some people. Like, I've been like, I can't listen to you, and maybe people can't listen to me, but I'm like, I can't listen to you all day. Like, my husband Ronnie is like, is that Marissa? I'm like, yeah, let's watch her. Like, we love watching your video. Then he's like, oh, this is so fun. He loves hilarious.

Those who do business together stay together. That is so sweet. I love that. What was your biggest win in the academy, your biggest takeaway?

I think just putting in the work on your end. Like, you can't just post on social media and, like, be like, okay, I'm done. You have to put in the work on your end and, like, have that time where you sit down and you have this coach who has it all set out for you. And if you put in the work, you will succeed. You just need to put in the work and do it. So I think that was it. Just having this dream, like, I want to be this bridal hairstylist and being able to have the systems in place to get there.

Yeah. Do you feel like you're closer to, like, your goal with your business, with your bridal business, like, your ultimate goal?

Yes. Yep. I would say for sure. And it's so crazy to see, even in the six months that I was in bb, how much I worked on and how much I grew. And then it's going to be crazy to even see, like, next wedding season, what. What comes of that. And then, like, next year for 2027. I know.

I feel like you need to do a wait list for 2027.

Yeah. I'm so excited about that class.

I'm so excited for you because I feel like you're In a perfect position to do a wait list because you already have 14 bookings for 2026. So even if you wanted to do one for then, but 2027, you need to do one. You would crush it.

Yeah, I have already have, I think three people, four people on my wait list for 2027. Oh, yeah. So I made one. I just need to, like, post about it more.

That's so funny because yesterday in the social session call, we chatted about like. Like, I gave a little sneak peek of, like, content ways because that's the one thing I see people go wrong. They don't promote their wait list. Don't worry that, like, if there's one thing I can do is promote. And we're promoting that. You're promoting it everywhere. You're going to be sick of yourself.

I'm so, I'm so excited. But tell me how. I thought it was Monday. Like, I was so excited. I thought that was Monday. And I was like. But it was my fault. And I didn't read the. I was like, oh, it's the 29th of September and it's October 27th. And I was sitting at my computer like, waiting. I'm like, oh, you are so weird. Go away. Do something else. But I'm so excited for that class.

You should watch the replay because it was really good. But that maybe because the bridal boss academy call is on a Monday.

Yeah, something. I'm like, I got a lot going on here.

I know, I know. All right, last question. If somebody was on the fence about joining the academy, maybe they've been burned. Maybe they're like, whoa, girl, that's crazy expensive. I don't know if I can get results in that program. They're just on the fence. What would you tell them?

You're going to make your money back, like tenfold. Like, you do it. Just do it. Like, take a bet on yourself. You will not be sorry because it is. You're going to have such a full life and do you have to do it? Don't just do it. Don't even think about it. Just be like, figure it out. Take something out of your budget if that's a concern. Like, because someday you're going to be doing so well that that's not even going to be a concern budget. You're going to be like, because you're doing so well. So I love that.

Exactly. And that's the whole goal. You put all. You invest a tiny little bit so you can 10x.

Yes, exactly. I love it.

I love it. Where can we hang out with you? What's your Instagram?

Okay, so you can find me on Instagram at Brower, Underscore Beauty, and. Yeah, B R O, D R, Underscore Beauty. Brower is my last name.

Phenomenal. I love it. We're gonna hang out with you over there. Thank you so much for chatting with me two times. I appreciate you so much. I can't wait to see all of your success in 2026 and your successful wait list, because we're doing that this fall.

Thank you so much, Marissa. Thank you so much.

I'm hugging you inside.