Rising Stars: Meet Hannah Murphy of Louisburg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Murphy.

Hi Hannah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a house where my mom encouraged creativity more than anything. My sister and I both fell in love with the arts. My dad was a tradesman, and so was my grandpa, so from a young age, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and work for myself. After high school, my then-boyfriend, now husband, went to college in New York, and I was left to figure out my life in Kansas. Once, while on my way home from my job, I called my mom and complained that I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. She was getting her hair done at my local hair salon, where she told the owner, who told her to have me come work for her there! I then worked there and fell in love with the industry. I went to hair school and fell more in love. While working there, I learned so much and met my mentor. I was going to be just like her, do hair extensions, and be a blonde specialist! Unfortunately, that dream did not go to plan when I found out that I was deathly allergic to hair color after a prolonged exposure reaction. Once I had figured that out, I jumped into the world of lashes, brows, and brides.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, haha. I got into the beauty industry through a struggle that became a fantastic opportunity. My biggest struggle was finding out that I was allergic to hair color after going to school for it for a year. A month before I was supposed to graduate, I broke out in a rash all over my hands. I convinced myself it was a stress rash and continued to graduate. I graduated into a busy Christmas, and it got worse. I continued to believe it was a stress rash. Once the busy season was over, the rash got worse, and I could no longer ignore it. It traveled all up my arms, face, and back. I had to switch my career and rebuild it entirely.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in lash extensions and bridal hair and makeup. I’m always asked why I don’t choose between hair and makeup, but the answer is that I can’t choose. I love both so much. I’m best known for enhancing your natural beauty. I love natural lash sets and natural glam, so you still feel like you’re just better. I’m so proud to be a part of a bride’s wedding day. My favorite moment of the day is doing a bride’s makeup. It’s their one last deep breath where they can take a quiet moment. Then, they get to look at themselves afterward and feel great. Feeling your best is the key to looking your best.

Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’m ever so lucky because my mentor fell into my lap. For others looking for a mentor, I suggest searching for people doing the profession you want to do in your area and reaching out! You’d be surprised to learn how many people want to mentor or teach someone. And if you reach out to someone you admire, I bet they would be more than happy to have you! I want to mentor people interested in the bridal industry in the future!

I love networking. The wedding industry is really like no other when it comes to networking. I have met many amazing people in the industry, from styled shoots to networking events. Several networking events are held around Kansas City for wedding vendors, from company-run to vendor-run networking events.

Along with so many styled shoots, reaching out to photographers and planners saying you’re interested in styled shoots and putting yourself out there is the best way to do it! Most people don’t reach out to others anymore, and when you do, it makes a huge impression!

Pricing:

• Bridal Package I $250
• Bridal Package II $375
• Bridal Makeup $140
• Bridal Hair $120
• Full Set Lash Extension $110-$150

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beautybyhannahelise.com
• Instagram: @beauty_by_hannah_elise
• Facebook: @beauty_by_hannah_elise

Image Credits
@eepkansas @smilesbywhitney @cassandra.Elizabeth.photo @abbeyregnier.photography @aventiweddings