FAQs

What services do you offer?

Makeup, hair, & music! Please see my styling services, about, and cello lessons pages for detailed information.

How can I book you for a haircut, color or waxing service?

I am now taking clients at Orbit Salon Wicker Park  Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. I am also available freelance for weddings, events, and photoshoots as an on-location stylist.

You can make an appointment by texting me (425-248-3907) or sending me a message directly to set up a time.

Do you offer special event styling consultations and trials?

Yes!

Do you charge for them?

Yes, but initial consultations via email are free of charge. Your bridal trial is included in the bridal package rate. Additionally, I offer separate trial pricing for outside bookings & bridal party members.

When should I book my trial/consultation?

Your consultation should happen as soon as possible before the wedding, but my recommendation is to do the trial itself (a practice run to try hair and makeup ideas we talk about during the consultation) 6-8 weeks before. This way we can work with more finalized details, including your dress, color scheme and so forth to create your customized look.

What kind of makeup do you use?

My makeup kit is fully stocked with HD-compliant professional makeup (formulated to look incredible on camera and just as beautiful in person!). My favorite brands include Make Up For Ever, Yaby, NARS, Temptu, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Inglot, Urban Decay, Graftobian, Embryolisse… too many to list. Everything I use is kept impeccable, sterile, and I never ever double dip. My hair kit includes every Aquage product you could dream of as well as the TIGI lines.

How long does a makeup application or hairstyle take?

Expect 45 minutes to an hour for your bridal makeup application and 45 minutes to an hour and a half for your hairstyling. Of course, this depends on complexity. Simple styles, flower girl hair, and so forth take less time which will be reflected in the schedule of your big day’s styling. Leave extra time on your trial day- this is when we get to play with different ideas and styles, so expect to book 2-4 hours.

Do you offer package deals or discounts?

New salon clients receive 10% off their first visit! Additionally, I have a great referral program. For every 3 new clients you bring to my chair, you receive a free service.

I offer a referral discount on packages for new clients referred by past bridal and event clients! Additionally, I can arrange for hair and makeup for your engagement photos and/or bachelorette services at a special rate if you book a package of services with me.

How many customers can you serve at one time? Can you stay on site for touchups?

As many as you need me to! I can book up to 6 people for hair/makeup before I contract out additional artists and/or assistants. I am available per person with an on-location minimum, by day rate, or per person with an hourly touchup fee if you’d like me to stay on-site through your event.

How far in advance should I book my date?

As far out as you can! Bookings are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis, with bookings held by a non-refundable retainer.

Do you require a deposit/retainer fee?

Yes. For bridal and events, there is a $150 minimum retainer/deposit on bookings 50% of the total fee (whichever is greater). This is applicable to your final balance.

How much notice do I need to give to cancel my booking?

60 days’ written notice is necessary for a full refund- 30-60 days before, 25% of the full fee is due, 14-30 days before, 50% is due, and less than that, the entire fee is due. However, the retainer is refundable ONLY if a contract is signed before a trial has taken place and the client is not satisfied with the results of the trial. In that case, a second trial free of charge, or a full refund including the retainer, can be given- again, this must take place prior to 60 days before the wedding/event date. Written notice 30-60 days prior allows for a 50% refund of the retainer, less than that there is no refund. This includes canceling individual services within the total fee.

What payment methods do you accept?

I currently take cash, PayPal, and checks and will be taking credit card payments soon! Cash is preferable on the day of the event & receipts will be issued for all payments made.

What about last-minute bookings?

Totally fine! These need to be paid for in full up front if possible (this is best & gives me time to hire additional artists if needed), and bookings made day-of are contingent upon how much time I will have.

I have a few ideas for my bridal/event look… should I send them to you?

Yes, absolutely! We can create your perfect customized look this way. I also keep inspiration boards on my Pinterest page- if you need hair, color, or makeup inspiration, this is a great place to start. I’m here to help bring your ideas to life.

Oh, you’re a musician, too!

Yes I am! I have my Master of Music in Cello Performance from the DePaul University School of Music (2011). I’ve been playing cello for almost 15 years.

Can I book you for wedding music as well as hair & makeup?

You can- if time permits, this is a great way to streamline your event planning. I can arrive to do hair and makeup and stay through your ceremony to perform solo or as part of my wedding duo, The Lapin Duo (violin/cello). You can contact me through this page to make arrangements.

What about music lessons? I love the cello & so does my child!

I specialize in teaching. Due to some unfortunate issues with tendonitis developed in grad school, I don’t perform full time anymore… that’s okay by me though, I’m a born teacher and love what I do. If you’re interested in lessons, check out my cello lessons page. I work from my home in Wicker Park.

How do I know you’re the real deal?

This page is about me & my credentials! I started out as a professional musician and have been working very hard to build my second career as a stylist. I just won the Rising Stars competition at America’s Beauty Show, will be featured in an upcoming issue of HOT for Hair’s How magazine, and am constantly testing with Chicago photographers to build my book. I also have lots of reviews & testimonials from my clients here and on my facebook page (check out the ratings tab). You can also see client reviews on my StyleSeat Booking Page.

Please contact me if you have any additional questions or if you need more information! I’m always adding to this page.