Meet wedding hair and makeup artist Dominique Rochelle Pettway, owner of Salon Rochelle. Her love for the beauty industry started as a little girl when she went with her mother to her appointments at the salon. She loved watching all the women getting their services and how it made them feel. When she was old enough, she applied for a trade high school that had cosmetology training. After graduation, she worked at a family friend’s salon. Today she has been a licensed hair and makeup artist for 14 years and continues to educate herself to learn new skills.
From wedding hair and makeup trends to advice for brides-to-be, Dominique gives us insight into her world of beauty.
Tell us a bit about your business.
I had worked for a couple salons throughout the years. After building a great repetition and following, I ventured out and started getting bookings outside the salon as a freelancer. I got involved with things like photo shoots, fashion shows, magazine publications, dance competitions, bridal, and charity work. I wish, with all my years of experience, I’d started freelancing sooner. But its never to late!
In April 2019, it will be my second anniversary since I opened my own private studio salon. It’s a small start, but I’m glad I finally took the risk. My future goals are to expand into a bigger salon location and have the atmosphere of everyone teaming up still being their own individual selves and showing their unique talents.
How would you describe your style?
My style is very trendy, and I always like to change it up. I keep up with what’s new and also bring back styles from different periods of time. I’m very much into fashion - especially since I get involved with New York Fashion Week - and seeing the latest trends on the runway. I even like to get creative and create my own style.
What has been your favorite wedding look you’ve done?
I think anything with a nice floral arrangement incorporated throughout the wedding and how things are placed can definitely set the mood. And depending on the type of flowers used it can also design a great concept for your ideas to come through - whether it’s boho chic, vintage, glammed up, rustic, give you a whimsical feel, or just traditional.
What are your favorite wedding hair and makeup trends?
The hair trends now are more braids, loose vintage curls, and very beachy waves. I am also seeing brides go with a low bun or ponytail without too much product so that it still gives it a smooth classic look. And for makeup, I love skin with a beautiful glow or showing a bride’s natural features with either a pop of lip color and natural eye or a bold eye look with a nude lippy to compliment her skin tone.
What are three things that make for the perfect wedding look?
I feel like brides are always frantic worrying about everything and everyone when it’s their day. The three things I think make a perfect wedding look could be having the perfect dress, beautiful makeup or gorgeous hair. But ultimately I believe it’s truly being yourself without overdoing or trying something you know you don’t typically like. Also taking your time to plan and relax so you are stress-free. With those things, you’ll feel more confident on your special day without a doubt. Also genuinely think about you and what you need most to look perfect.
What should brides avoid on their wedding day when it comes to hair and makeup?
Avoid changing up the look at the last minute. Always plan ahead for both your wedding day and wedding look.
What are two things you’d advise a bride-to-be when it comes to their wedding hair and makeup?
Do their research, find a good fit when hiring beauty professionals and once they find them, trust in them. And to book trials, so they can preview their wedding look, and point out their likes and dislikes to be sure that everything comes out as they want and runs smoothly.
What can couples do to help you make your job easier?
Give the best descriptions you can of your ideas, and if you’re not sure to let us choose photos of desired looks. Also, have consultations and book trials, and leave it up to us so you can remain stress-free. We are in the profession with our expertise for a reason, and that’s to help put your mind at ease.
Visit Salon Rochelle website, Instagram and Facebook to see more of her work.
