Hidden Gems: Meet Karen Carson of Wildflower Hair and Makeup

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Carson.

Hi Karen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Where do I even begin? I often joke that in my 33 years, I have already lived 10 different lives. I didn’t have the best upbringing, but I was somehow blessed with unwavering optimism. Through my teen years to early twenties, I found that I really disliked everything about myself: my looks, body, thoughts, actions, and even personality. I didn’t feel like who I had become was who I was meant to be. Being the optimist I am, I believed that I had the potential to better myself. With this awareness I began my healing journey with a focus on self love. The easiest place for me to start was by playing around with my makeup. It is amazing what taking the time to put yourself together in the morning can do for your confidence throughout the entire day. This eventually led me to go to Cosmetology school in 2010, as I believed my purpose was to support other women so that they could see their potential.

At this time, I lived in Southeast Louisiana. When starting beauty school, my heart was set on having a career as a traveling makeup artist, but once I learned the basics of styling, I found that it came very naturally to me. In beauty school, I was known as the girl who wanted to do all the makeup and styling, so I was booked for my first wedding. And it could have been better. The bride cried I cried, and I questioned whether this career was meant for me. After lots of mental drama, my optimism returned and assured me that this was not a failure but a lesson. And with every life lesson, you can either give up or you can grow. I chose to grow.

In 2013, a salon co-worker helped me get a job with an on-location bridal beauty team. I cannot even begin to convey how thrilled I was to have landed my dream job. This job provided me with weddings all over Southeast Louisiana and led to other opportunities outside of weddings: New Orleans Fashion Week, Miss Louisiana, photoshoots, publications, commercials, etc. I got to work with many notable artists willing to teach and help me become a better artist.

After years of learning, growing, and healing, I had an overwhelming feeling that I was not quite aligned with my true purpose yet. Who I was becoming no longer fit the business model I was working under. This was painful, as I truly cared about everyone I worked with, and while the full picture wasn’t quite clear then, I felt the strong urge to go out on my own. So with lots of love and support from my husband and friends, in January 2019, Wildflower Hair and Makeup was born.

At this time, I also began freelancing for some other hair and makeup teams to get by financially. This helped me see what my business model was meant to be; Leadership that was focused on the artist’s growth. When this inspiration hit me, it all became so simple, A happy artist = a happy client. In that first year of business, I was blessed with many experienced/talented artists who believed in my leadership and helped Wildflower build its reputation today. In 2022, I relocated to Kansas so my daughter could be closer to my husband’s family. Initially, I didn’t know what this would look like for Wildflower, but my wonderfully loving/supportive team of artists was on board for the transition. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that there was a high demand for bridal beauty specialists in Kansas, and brides found me almost immediately after I announced I was relocating on social media. Today, both teams continue to grow and thrive. I am beyond grateful that I can support and am supported by so many amazing women. But most of all, I am grateful that I found purpose along the way.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Life is cyclical, so the road has been smooth at times. Other times, I was greeted with giant potholes. March 2020, 6 months of business were canceled in 20 minutes, which was beyond mentally challenging. But honestly, the most challenging part has been making difficult decisions as a leader. They say not to mix business with friendship, which isn’t personal. Business, to me, is personal. I view my artists as family. I love them and always have their best interests at heart. I am invested in their success, as their success helps my success, and my success helps my family. A trusting relationship between the artist and me is required before being assigned to a bride. Brides trust me to provide them with an artist that shows up, physically and mentally. Unfortunately, I have had to make difficult decisions with artists out of what was best for the collective. And let me tell you, having those conversations, then accepting the aftermath is not easy. Having an artist/friend break that trust hurts the client, the team, and my family. However, these decisions have made my relationships with my other artists much more vital, as they trust my decisions come from a place of love for them and my family.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Wildflower Hair and Makeup is a collective of hairstylists/makeup artists specializing in bridal beauty. Our services are done on location, so we bring everything and travel to you! We have 2 “home bases,” Derby, KS and Ponchatoula, LA. Currently, our KS tribe has 5 artist’s and our LA tribe has 14.

Every artist on our team has worked in the industry for many years or trained under the team before earning their “Artist” title. As seasoned professionals, we don’t have a set style; we embrace individuality. It’s all about what makes you feel your best. I am biased, but my artists are awesome and show up with all the good vibes! They want to enjoy creating their art just as much as you want to enjoy your beauty experience! These girls can do this on their own, but there is strength in numbers, and there is nothing like working with a supportive group of women.

2 of our artists, Allyssa and Em, help to keep the details of our bride’s bookings organized. Having our system helps prevent miscommunications and allows other artists to put their focus on creating their art. Also, trust me when I say no one knows a wedding morning better than a bridal beauty specialist. With 10+ years of experience, I have seen it all and created some material to educate our clients on what to expect!

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Decide what to be, and be it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wildflowerhairandmakeup.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/wildflowerhairandmakeup
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/wildflowerhairandmakeup

Image Credits
Miss Meow Studios Lively Photography Emily Sweatfield Photography LakenE Photography Krystal Troutt Photography