As a lover of “all things wedding” I am all about some Mindy Weiss, Preston Bailey, David Tutero and the like. You know, the wedding industry big whigs. The folks I’d love to meet and work with. One day. In my dream world.
As I sat there day-dreaming like a ten-year-old school girl, I thought about what I do. Here. And who I work with. Here. In my own ‘real-life dream world.”
And I call it that because I already work alongside some amazingly talented and creative people in the industry. Right here. In my own backyard. And as I sat there thinking about those people that I am so incredibly blessed to know and work with, I decided I want you to get to know them too. So every few weeks, I’m going to highlight one of them here on the blog. The people you’ll meet here are among the best in the business. They’re the people who inspire me and challenge me in the business. And they’re not just great at what they do; they’re amazing people as well.
I’m excited to launch these features with Pam Hung of OnLoKtion Makeup Artistry. About six months ago, I received a random phone call from this woman named PAM (did anyone else just think of that Nationwide commercial when they read that??). She would be the makeup artist for a couple of weddings i had booked for the spring of 2011 and she’d love to meet me, she said. Never one to turn down the opportunity to make a new friend, I agreed to meet her and it was an instant connection. I’ve worked with her on several projects now and she is one of the best in the business. She has an incredible sense of style and pays attention to detail like no other. She is one sharp cookie — and a lot of fun to boot! If you’re in need of a makeup artist for your wedding or any special event, consider Pam. She’ll not only make you look beautiful, but you’ll feel beautiful too! Without further ado, MEET PAM!
Pamela Hung with OnLoktion Makeup Artistry in Raleigh
Email: OnLoKtionMakeup@aol.com
Web Site: www.OnloKtionMakeup.com
Phone: 919-272-2537
Q. How long have you been a hair/make-up artist? How did you become interested in working in the wedding industry?
A. I began working in the industry in 1979 in Miami. When my daughter was born in 1982, I started working as a freelance makeup artist, which allowed me to be trained and work for various cosmetic lines while still being a stay at home mom. Eventually, I found more clients asking me if I would be interested in doing their wedding makeup. This is when I decided that there was an opportunity to fill a need, so I started to market myself as a wedding/specialty makeup artist.
Q. What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
A. There are many rewarding parts to what I do. First of all, I get to foster lasting relationships with amazing women from different cultures and walks of life. I also have the opportunity to make them feel like the best version of themselves on one of the most important days of their lives. Weeks and months after the wedding, more often than not, I receive lovely thank you notes from my brides and their moms. And lastly, on many occasions my ladies will invite me back into their lives to offer them makeup lessons. This often includes a trip to a cosmetic store to choose recommended products and ends with a coffee or a casual glass of wine to catch up on life after the wedding.
Q. What inspires you?
A. Making a woman feel her very best inside and out, no matter what her age or circumstance. That, and the last minute hugs that I get as my brides are rushing out the door to say, “I do!”
Q. How do you keep your ideas fresh?
A. I keep my ideas fresh by always reading fashion and bridal magazines to learn the newest trends and products. I also frequent stores like Ulta and Sephora, as well as cosmetic departments throughout Raleigh, Miami and New York. I believe it is important to never think that you have all the answers about skincare and cosmetics. I just love it when I can pass on a tip that I’ve learned from one of my brides or clients!
Q. What current wedding trend do you most like?
A. ‘Natural-looking’ false eyelashes can add the extra focus to a bride’s eyes, while still remaining undetected to the rest of the world…It’s our little secret!
Q. What is your favorite wedding memory? your most embarrassing wedding story?
A. I recently had the opportunity to help a mom who was planning a last minute wedding for her daughter. Her daughter happened to be a Marine officer stationed in San Diego, marrying a Marine officer who was to be deployed to Afghanistan in January. One of my hairstylists and I had the honor of spending about 4 hours with this bride, her Mom and 3 other women. The best part of this wedding was that there were only 12 people at the ceremony. This mom just wanted her daughter to have the whole experience even though it was a very small, intimate wedding. Seeing this beautiful bride with her handsome Marine just made me feel so very proud of what I am able to do to make these special times possible. It made me feel so lucky to be a part of their day and thankful for the men and women who are so willing to serve.
Q. Finish this sentence: “I wish more brides would…”
A. Take better care of their skin in the months and weeks leading up to their wedding day.
If you could compile a WEDDING FAVES list, what would be your:
Q. Favorite wedding song? A. Anything by Michael Buble
Q. Must-use flower? A. Anything, as long as it’s not just white
Q. Menu item? A. Wedding cake…It’s all about dessert!
Q. Drink? A. A signature martini
Q. Other? A. Good music to dance to
Q. Besides making brides beautiful, what else do you do with your time?
A. I’m a kickboxing fanatic; I even feel guilty if I miss a class. I also enjoy caring for my African Violets, which makes me feel close to my mom even though she’s not with me anymore. I travel to Charleston, S.C. during the holidays to visit my family.
Q. What are 3 things you can’t live without?
A. Faith, Family and Friends…Chocolate would be my fourth!
Q. Are there any other fun facts that we should know about you that would increase your “coolness quotient” even more?
A. I keep myself fresh by always changing my hair color and trying to forget “the real” color. Being over 50 is something to be proud of because it is just a number after all, so I’ll embrace the fact that 60 is the new 40? Baby Boomer’s Rock! I’ll always be a Mom first and a best friend, no matter what. I like to do things that keep me surrounded by amazing women.
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