Choosing the right professionals for your wedding is a personal decision and tends to lean on far more than just their portfolios alone. On a wedding day you spend so much time with your vendors, so having a connection with them makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. We want you to have a chance to get to know your vendors a little better before you make that tough decision on who to choose. We reached out to our wedding professionals on your behalf so you can become better acquainted with them.

Meet Katie, A Georgian Bay Makeup Artist.

With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Katie specializes in bridal makeup offering on-location services such as makeup, makeup lessons and consultations in the Georgian Bay area. Understanding that every person is unique she aims to use her skills to bring out and enhance the natural beauty of her clients. She prides herself on her respect for creating soft and natural makeup looks for brides who want to look like a more glamorous version of themselves on their wedding day and truly loves helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.

You can find Katie’s website here: www.makeupartistkatie.com
Make friends with her on social media: @katieballantyne.mua

How did you get started?:

My career as a makeup artist originated from my work as an aesthetician and nail technician. I obtained my training from Ginas College of Advanced Aesthetics in Waterloo, Ontario. While I did enjoy this work, my passion was truly born when I began makeup artistry! I started my career assisting a veteran makeup artist at weddings, special events and fashion shows. My love for this work exploded and I knew I had found my specific niche and my own business as a Freelance Makeup Artist was born. I’ve worked weddings, photo shoots, makeup lessons, tv/commercial filming, and editorial work as well. It’s been an awesome ride so far! I also just recently opened up a studio space in Thornbury, Ontario with another makeup artist! We are Two Hands Beauty Co!

Tell us a bit more about your background:

I’m married and we have three amazing children! Being a Mom has been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had in my life. It was after my kids began school that I went back to school to study aesthetics. Something I had always wanted to do since I was a little girl.

How long have you been in business?:

I’ve worked in the beauty industry for 10 years and specialized in makeup and hair for the past 8 years.

What are five words that describe your work?:

Creative, personal, excellence, connection, passion

What does owning a small business mean to you & why do you love it?:

Owning a small business means persevering through the good times and the bad times- including COVID. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. You need to be in it for the long haul. There will be great times, there will be challenging times but it will be worth it. Connecting with my clients and collaborating with other vendors in the industry are whats made my work most enjoyable! I’ve met some of my closest friends through owning a small business, which has been amazing! ! I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Do you have a ritual before starting your work day?:

My faith is what grounds me. I often start my day with a quiet time, a devotional and prayer! It helps me have the right focus before tackling the day.

Describe a typical work day for you?:

If I am doing a wedding, my alarm is often set for a very early start! Sometimes that’s even been as early as 4:00am! I get myself ready, I’ve usually gotten all of my makeup, tools and equipment ready the night before so I can just grab it and go in the morning! I like to arrive at my brides location a little early so I can be all set up and ready to go on time. Then the magic begins! I usually have between 4-8 people to glam up before I leave. It is a steady pace from beginning to end, but I’ve learned well how to work under pressure. Staying calm for the bride and helping her relax is part of what I do! When everyone is glammed up and happy with their look, I am on my way and my job is complete!

Tell us about a defining moment for your business/career:

I think a defining moment for me, was the very first wedding I ever had as a makeup artist. Yes, I was nervous/excited but I also had to pinch myself... I was doing something I had always wanted to do and I was finding it so rewarding and fulfilling! At that moment I could truly see myself doing this job for a long time to come. It was the beginning of a very rewarding and enjoyable career!

What sets your business apart?:

People always matter most. Making sure they are cared for, treated with kindness, and served with excellence. This is not just a job for me, but I really bring who I am as a person to each client I work with. I put my heart and soul into each makeup and hair job that I have and I believe this is what sets me apart!

What's your favourite part about what you do?:

Having the opportunity to be creative, work at something I’m passionate about, helping people feel confident and look their best, meeting new people all of the time... are all favourite parts about what I do!

What's your favourite part about weddings specifically?:

It’s a true honour to step into the brides circle the day of her wedding and be closely involved as she gets ready on one of the most important days of her life! It really is humbling and quite a gift for me that I never take for granted. Each bride and day is unique and has its very special moments. I love my time with my brides. Helping them feel confident and helping them feel like their most beautiful selves for their wedding day is the best feeling!

Who/what inspires you?:

Inspired by so much! My family, my faith, music, art, fashion, all things beauty, nature and other talented creatives all inspire me every day

If you weren’t a (insert profession) what would you be?:

If I wasn’t a makeup artist, I’d be a counsellor/therapist. I love helping people in any way I can.

What do you like to do on your day off?:

On a day off, you will find me spending time with my kids. Always! It doesn’t matter what we end up doing but it just matters that we’re doing something together!

What do you love about Georgian Bay?:

What is there not to love about Georgian Bay?! It’s the most beautiful body of water to live and work by. My grandparents had a home and cottage on Georgian Bay, so at a very young age, I quickly came to know and love the area. There’s no place like it!

Where is your favourite place to eat/shop (or both) in Georgian Bay?:

Oh, this is hard only because there’s many! I’d have to say Winifreds, The Mill, Bruce Wine Bar are all favourite places to eat on Georgian Bay. Thornbury and Collingwood have amazing shops and boutiques that are always so fun to take in as well.

What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?:

Honestly? I would adopt a child! There are so many kids in this world who don’t have families and I have always secretly wished I could do something about that. It’s a massive responsibility but I think it would be an incredible thing to be able to give to a little one.

Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you?:

I feel really blessed to be able to work and live in the Georgian Bay Community. Thank you so much for taking the time to get to know me and my business better! It means a lot. I can’t wait to work with you if we haven’t already! xo