My Unexpected Path Into Bridal Makeup

I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a makeup artist. There was no childhood plan to work in beauty or visions of doing bridal parties when I was little. My journey into makeup wasn’t mapped out — it unfolded over time. What began as curiosity evolved into a career I couldn’t imagine leaving, one where I get to help people feel like the best version of themselves on some of their most meaningful days.

The Pivot from Art to Makeup

In high school, I thought I’d apply to OCAD to study art. I loved drawing and painting, but my art teacher gently told me the truth: OCAD required original works for admission, and I wasn’t strong at creating from imagination. I could copy almost anything if I saw it — but starting from a blank page? Not so much.

So, I started looking for another path. I wanted to do something creative, but I also wanted it to be practical — something where I could use my eye for detail without needing to “invent” every idea from scratch. That’s what led me to makeup.

Applying a touch of lipstick, captured in a serene and reflective moment.

Discovering Makeup as a Career

Makeup felt like the perfect balance. It was still art — blending, shading, shaping — but it had structure. There were faces in front of me, not blank canvases.

I started working at MAC Cosmetics, where I learned technique, product knowledge, and how to work with every skin tone and style. Later, I joined another bridal beauty company as a team member, which gave me my first taste of wedding mornings. I quickly realized that makeup wasn’t just about colour palettes or brush strokes — it was about listening, calming nerves, and helping someone feel like the most confident version of themselves.

What I discovered early on:

• Structure makes space for creativity. Faces became my canvas — but I didn’t have to “invent” something from thin air.

• Technique matters. Training and hands-on retail experience taught me how to adapt for every skin tone, face shape, and style.

• Connection is everything. Makeup isn’t just about the application — it’s about how you make someone feel in the chair.

  
  

A hair stylist adds the finishing touches to a client's hairstyle, ensuring every detail is perfect for the final look.

Building My Own Brand

After working at MAC and being part of another bridal beauty team, I learned a lot — not just about makeup, but about how the industry worked.

I also saw gaps in how things were run, and I kept thinking: brides and artists deserve something better. That thought stuck with me and eventually became my motivation to create Victoria Barrett Makeup & Hair — a business built around care, respect, and a calm, organized experience.

While I personally focus only on makeup, I built a team of talented hairstylists so brides could book both services in one place without stress. More importantly, I created an environment where artists are valued and brides feel cared for from the first inquiry to the last touch-up.

What my brand is built on:

• A calm, organized experience. Wedding mornings don’t need chaos — I set the tone so brides can relax.

• Makeup that feels like you. I want my clients to feel elevated, not unrecognizable.

• Respect for artists. The people on my team are treated with the same care and professionalism I give my brides.

A stylish collection of makeup essentials featuring a MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ spray, a sleek black compact, and a luxurious gold lipstick case, arranged on a marble surface with a soft pink background.

Challenges Along the Way

Like a lot of creatives, I didn’t start this career because I loved spreadsheets or marketing. But to turn my passion into a business, I had to learn the behind-the-scenes side — contracts, pricing, scheduling, client management.

Another big challenge? Balance. Wedding mornings start early, busy weekends bleed into weekdays, and burnout is real. On top of that, owning your own business means feeling like you’re always “on” — it’s hard to switch off, and that anxiety of needing to be available or handle everything never really goes away.

I’ve had to learn how to set boundaries and take care of myself so I can show up fully for my clients and keep my passion alive.

How I’ve learned to navigate it all:

• Ask for help. Mentors and industry friends have been invaluable for advice and support.

• Learn the business side. Marketing and systems aren’t glamorous — but they keep my business thriving.

• Protect my energy. Rest and boundaries aren’t luxuries — they’re essential to keep my work (and myself) at my best.

Why I’ve Stayed

I didn’t go into makeup because I had a childhood dream of doing it. But I’ve stayed because I’ve found so much purpose in it.

There’s nothing like the moment when a bride sees herself in the mirror and says, “I feel like me — just the best version of me.” That’s the heart of my work — and why I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Let’s Connect

If you’re planning your wedding and want a calm, elevated makeup experience that feels truly you, I’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re a bride exploring beauty vendors or a planner seeking a reliable, professional hair and makeup team who understands the importance of timing and collaboration, my team and I are here to make the wedding morning seamless and stress-free.

Feel free to reach out anytime — because your day deserves nothing less than confidence, calm, and flawless beauty.