Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Hildebrand.
Hi Holly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Creativity has always been part of who I am. My grandfather was an artist, my mother was an artist, and I truly believe it runs through my blood. I have photos of myself as a little girl sitting in front of a mirror playing with makeup, so in many ways, this journey started long before I realized it.
As I got older, I became heavily involved in competitive dance, which only fueled my love for beauty and artistry. I loved everything about stage makeup—the transformation, the creativity, and the confidence it gave performers.
When it came time for college, my parents encouraged me to pursue a more traditional career path, so I initially enrolled in nursing school. While I found it interesting, something was missing. I wasn’t passionate about it. After a lot of thought, I met with my guidance counselor to discuss switching my major to graphic design. She strongly advised against it, but I followed my instincts anyway—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I absolutely fell in love with design. My education began with a foundation in fine arts and evolved into digital design, where I discovered a passion for branding and helping businesses tell their stories visually. During my senior show, I was approached by the owner of a design firm and offered a position right out of college. I spent more than five years there, expanding my creative skill set and gaining invaluable experience as a designer.
At the same time, I was doing makeup on weekends for extra income and experience. It was never meant to be a full-time career—it was simply something I loved. Then COVID changed everything. I was laid off from my design position, and like many people, I found myself at a crossroads.
Instead of seeing lockdown as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity. I invested in my makeup kit, spent countless hours practicing, educating myself, and creating tutorials to build my portfolio and grow my presence online. What started as a side passion quickly turned into something much bigger.
Today, I am incredibly fortunate to have built a thriving bridal beauty business. I’m often booked up to two years in advance, and many brides schedule their wedding dates around my availability—a responsibility and honor that I never take for granted. Looking back, every chapter of my journey—from fine art to graphic design to makeup artistry—has played a role in shaping the artist I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but honestly, I don’t think I would be where I am today if it had been.
In fact, I probably never would have taken the leap to become a full-time freelance makeup artist if I hadn’t been let go from my salaried graphic design position during COVID. At the time, it felt devastating, but looking back, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It forced me out of my comfort zone and into a career that I truly love. It also taught me to take more risks and trust myself, because sometimes the biggest opportunities come disguised as setbacks.
One of the biggest challenges, especially in the beginning, was the inconsistency of income. Building a business from the ground up requires a tremendous amount of faith, patience, and perseverance. I am incredibly fortunate to have a supportive husband who believed in me from the very beginning. He has always been there to pick up the slack when needed and offer encouragement during the moments when my confidence wavered.
People often see the glamorous side of weddings, but what they don’t always see is the sacrifice behind the scenes. Wedding days are incredibly important, and as vendors, we have to show up no matter what—whether we’re sick, grieving, exhausted, or navigating challenges in our personal lives. The bride’s day is never about us, and that responsibility is something I take very seriously.
Over the years, I’ve sacrificed countless weekends. I’ve missed baby showers, wedding showers, birthday parties, playdates, family gatherings, and even some of my son’s activities. There are moments when that can be difficult, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t change it. Those sacrifices are the result of building a career around something I genuinely love, and I feel incredibly grateful that I get to wake up each day and call this my job.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I believe my background as both a fine artist and a graphic designer has given me a unique foundation in the beauty industry. Before I ever picked up a makeup brush professionally, I spent years studying color theory, balance, composition, light, shadow, and facial structure through art and design. Because of that, I’ve always viewed makeup as more than cosmetics—it’s truly an art form.
While I enjoy creating a wide variety of looks, I am best known for my full glam style. I love a transformation and the confidence that comes with it. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing a client look in the mirror and feel like the most beautiful version of themselves. That moment never gets old.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail. I am meticulous in my work and genuinely care about every aspect of the final result. From skin preparation and color matching to blending and longevity, I want every detail to be thoughtfully executed.
I also believe my commitment to continued education has been a major contributor to my success. The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and I never want to stop learning. Whether it’s new techniques, products, trends, or technologies, I am always looking for ways to refine my craft and better serve my clients.
Beyond the makeup itself, I think one of my greatest strengths is the experience I provide. Wedding mornings can be emotional, exciting, and sometimes stressful. I pride myself on being a calm, reassuring presence in the room. Strong communication, organization, and professionalism are just as important as artistry when it comes to creating a positive experience for my brides. My goal is not only for them to love their makeup, but to feel supported, confident, and cared for throughout the entire process.
Of everything I’ve accomplished, I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. The fact that so many brides choose me for one of the most important days of their lives—and then continue to refer their friends and family—is something I never take for granted.
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