Summary of "The Heart & Hustle Podcast" Episode 436: OOPS! We Accidentally Enraged the Entire Bridal Hair & Makeup Industry. Let’s Discuss with Michelle of Sandra Michelle Artistry
Introduction
In Episode 436 of The Heart & Hustle Podcast, hosts Evie McLeod and Lindsay Roman address an unintended controversy that erupted within the bridal hair and makeup industry. The episode features Michelle Villalobos from Sandra Michelle Artistry, who joins the conversation to provide insights, clarify misunderstandings, and foster better collaboration among wedding vendors.
Background of the Controversy
The episode begins with Evie and Lindsay explaining how a clip from a previous podcast episode was inadvertently posted as a reel on social media, leading to significant backlash from the bridal hair and makeup community.
- Evie McLeod [00:25]: "We've angered the hair and makeup artists, specifically the bridal hair and makeup artist industry, unintentionally."
- Lindsay Roman [00:44]: Evie introduces Michelle Villalobos, highlighting her expertise and their professional relationship.
Unintentional Provocation
Evie recounts how their social media manager selected a ten-second clip from a longer discussion about wedding timelines, which was taken out of context and quickly went viral, amassing up to 70k views and hundreds of comments.
- Evie McLeod [07:24]: "I have shoved my foot in my mouth."
- Lindsay Roman [09:28]: "It was literally the quote of Evie being, like, running into the ground."
Michelle Villalobos’ Perspective
Michelle shares her initial reaction to the reel, expressing hurt and confusion upon seeing the negative comments.
- Michelle Villalobos [11:23]: "It hurt."
- Lindsay Roman [15:06]: "They have not responded to one thing, which to me was like, what is going on here?"
Michelle clarifies that her comments were taken out of context and were not intended to blame hair and makeup artists for timeline issues.
- Michelle Villalobos [13:36]: "I know that that's not your character, but I think, unfortunately, that is something that we encounter on a very, like, pretty much all the time."
- Evie McLeod [07:45]: "I fully own up to that."
Challenges Faced by Hair & Makeup Artists
Michelle details the complexities of managing wedding day timelines, highlighting the role of hair and makeup artists as the first vendors on-site who set the tone for the day.
- Michelle Villalobos [19:17]: "We are the first vendor. I've never gone to a wedding and not been the first vendor on site."
- Michelle Villalobos [22:06]: Describes the chaos of mornings, likening it to "herding cats."
She emphasizes the importance of thorough planning, buffer times, and clear communication to mitigate delays.
- Michelle Villalobos [28:52]: "Honestly, it literally starts with their consultation call."
- Michelle Villalobos [32:32]: "If someone shows up an hour and a half, two hours late, I'm sorry you missed your appointment."
Perception and Respect in the Wedding Industry
The discussion shifts to the often-overlooked status of hair and makeup artists within the wedding vendor ecosystem. Michelle points out that despite their crucial role, they are frequently underappreciated and not properly credited in photos.
- Michelle Villalobos [50:22]: "I'm not even there, and I'm literally like, working on the ride."
- Lindsay Roman [51:51]: "If you're a photographer, tag your freaking hair and makeup artist."
Advice for Better Collaboration
Michelle offers practical advice for other wedding vendors to support hair and makeup artists, fostering a more respectful and collaborative environment.
- Michelle Villalobos [55:54]: "Being aware of that kind of stuff, being aware of our timing, which will help everyone."
- Michelle Villalobos [57:36]: Encourages vendors to acknowledge and thank hair and makeup artists, enhancing mutual respect and teamwork.
Hosts’ Reflections and Apologies
Evie and Lindsay express their deepened respect for hair and makeup artists, apologizing for the unintended offense and committing to better practices moving forward.
- Evie McLeod [66:33]: "I have significantly deepened my respect and appreciation for hair and makeup in this conversation."
- Lindsay Roman [68:12]: "Thank you, Michelle, for being on the show... showing up with grace and giving us grace."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a mutual appreciation between the hosts and Michelle, emphasizing the importance of understanding and valuing each role within the wedding industry. Evie and Lindsay acknowledge the learning experience and encourage ongoing dialogue to enhance collaboration among all vendors.
- Michelle Villalobos [69:11]: "Thank you for having me on."
- Evie McLeod [69:13]: Expresses gratitude and respect for Michelle’s participation.
Key Takeaways
- Importance of Context: Miscommunication can lead to significant industry backlash; it's crucial to ensure accurate representation of conversations.
- Role of Hair & Makeup Artists: They are pivotal in setting the day's tone and ensuring the bride and bridal party look their best for photos.
- Challenges in Coordination: Managing timelines involves dealing with unpredictable factors like late arrivals and personal mishaps.
- Need for Respect and Acknowledgment: Properly crediting and appreciating hair and makeup artists fosters a more collaborative and respectful wedding vendor community.
- Effective Communication: Clear planning, buffer times, and setting expectations with clients are essential to prevent delays and chaos.
- Apologies and Learning: Recognizing and addressing mistakes openly can lead to better understanding and stronger professional relationships.
This episode serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of collaboration, respect, and clear communication among all wedding vendors to ensure a seamless and joyous event for the couple.