Blush welcomes Shawn Smith!

    I am extremely excited to introduce the newest addition to the Blush Team. 

SHAWN SMITH

 Photo Credit: Studio Matthewes

   I met Shawn several years ago while working for Bobbi Brown. I always knew that Shawn carried a special spark and passion for beauty and working in the makeup industry.  Shawn worked for MAC Cosmetics & I always loved sneaking over and watching him work, trying to get some tips!  I began freelancing for MAC after leaving Bobbi Brown, and had the pleasure of working with Shawn at the counter where I was convinced that he was a gem! 

 What got you into makeup? 

 I am an artist at heart. From kindergarten through college and beyond, Art has been my constant companion. Having been a professional graphic designer for over 15 years, it seemed only natural for me to naturally progress into makeup artistry. It's all about beauty, whether on a computer, a canvas or a human face, my joy is bringing it to the forefront and making it shine.

 Why do you love to work with brides? 

 On the special day, excitement is in the air, nerves are sometimes shaky and there's always a last minute checklist to go over. I like to think that I bring not only my A-game as an artist, but also a sense of calmness and relaxation. Real love is rare, precious and unfortunately doesn't happen for everyone, but for the people that do, nothing compares. 

Why did you say YES to Blush? 

 There's a quote that I'm fond of that says, "No one has ever made himself great by showing how small someone else is". This is the feeling I initially got, and continue to get from Wendy Ballance and Blush. I absolutely love humility in people, it shows great strength of character, and definitely something I wanted to align myself with. It's not just a gig with Blush, it's a way of life. 

Photo Credit: Studio Matthewes

What is your background in the beauty industry?

 I've been in the industry since 2005. I was fortunate enough to gain an artist position with MAC Cosmetics  and with some of the most talented people on this planet. I began working as a freelancer (weddings, special events, classes) in 2008 and have never looked back.    

 What is your favorite part of the wedding day when working with brides?

 When the bride-to-be is sitting in my chair, and I begin the transformation. She knows this is the first day of the rest of her life, and I feel extremely honored to be one of the few that she's entrusted to bring it all together and make memorable. I am not ashamed to say, I love love!

Photo Credit: Studio Matthewes

http://www.studiomathewes.com

A few words of love from Jocelyn Matthewes...

"Shawn was a timely and enthusiastic participant in my shoot. His work--color choices, skin smoothing, and catching on to other elements of my theme--made my job that much easier, and really tuned in to what we were doing. I had a wonderful experience with him!" 

From Wendy...

I want to thank everyone for their continues support for Blush! I am blessed by each of you & can't thank you enough! 

Moving forward...

 An update on our team is always a good idea! 

     Jessica Tranchina Young has decided to move back to her home town in New Orleans, and we wish her only the best, and I thank her for the fabulous work when she was with Blush. She will be missed by all, and our team is one artist down...but our passion & love for artistry is 10 people strong!  

June has been an incredible month with weddings & video work, and I am grateful for my team & the girls stepping up to the plate with no questions asked. There is absolutely no “i” in team, and it definitely showed these past 2 weeks. 

I want to thank my fellow makeup artists in the area that have reached out & helped me out! YOU ROCK!  This business is so much better when creative partners help each other...not against each other.  

Moving forward...I’m excited to add to the Blush team in the VERY near future and want to wish a big congrats to all of our brides this year & ones that are booking for 2014! 

I thank you! 

All the best, 

Wendy Ballance
Blush Asheville 
www.ashevillemakeupartist.com   

Alli & Tyler

"You don't have to pile on the makeup for a flawless look! "

Alli knew exactly what she wanted her makeup & hair to look like for her beautiful day at the Venue. Her light lip color is one of my favorites for brides! Bobbi Brown's Uber Pink never lets me down! 

Photography: Mozingo Photography

Makeup: Wendy Ballance for Blush

Not only was I the lucky makeup artist to work with Alli this past April, I get to work with her sister in Blowing Rock in August! 

2 Blushing Brides/Sisters in 2013! It's fantastic & a blessing! 

Hannah at Rumbling Bald Resort, 2013

Love to our dear friend... Hannah!!! 

We normally don't get to attend the wedding...this was a bit different! Kristen and I have been friends with Hannah & Dustin for years, and it was an honor to be asked to do the makeup!

 It was ONE FABULOUS PARTY! & a special thank you to Ryan Bumgarner for these beautiful images!!!  We LOVE Ryan! 

Hannah's Makeup: Wendy Ballance for Blush

Sara's Makeup: Kristen Davis for Blush  

Photography: Ryan Bumgarner

Congrats to Hannah & Dustin! 

Wendy doing final touches!!! 

 Sara! 

Kristen using her fabulous skills! 

Team Blush! 

Michelle + Luke at the Biltmore Estate

I knew there was something special with Michelle when I first met her, but I couldn't pin point it until the wedding day.  Her smile lights up a room & I knew that Luke was a lucky man! 

Amanda Hughes (Hair) & I arrived around 7:00am & the laughter & tears began from the start. Michelle and family were filled with joy & I knew...this was going to be a good day. While doing Michelle's makeup, we started talking about her and Luke,  & come to find out...this day was going to be her "LAST FIRST KISS".  That's right...Michelle & Luke had been together for over 5 years and never shared a kiss. They wanted to build their relationship on friendship & their faith in God. Incredible. 

Amanda & I went to church that perfect Sunday morning with songs, prayer & laughter, and it was a day that I will NEVER...NEVER...NEVER forget. I am thankful to Amanda Holland with Wedding Inspirations for the opportunity to work with this beautiful bride. It was one of the best days in my whole career for reasons I can't even explain. A special thanks to Scobey Photography for sharing these beautiful images!

Makeup: Wendy Ballance for Blush

Hair: Amanda Hughes with The Secret Spa 

Planning: Amanda Holland with Wedding Inspirations

Venue: Lionscrest at The Biltmore Estate

Flowers: The Flower Gallery 

Congrats to Kate!

I remember this day so well...August 4th, 2012! I love working with a fabulous bride on my birthday! 

Congrats to Kate, and I do believe she is glowing! A special thank you to Alisha Silver for these incredible portrait photos of Kate!  

Makeup: Wendy Ballance

Photography: Alisha Silver

Hair: Amanda Hughes with The Secret Spa 

Flowers: Studio Flora Diva

Dream Big. Team Blush!

When I started out on this journey, I never knew it would grow to where it is today. I am so very thankful for these girls, and blessed by their friendships & devotion to Blush.  Thank you to Kristen, Jessica & Sara for joining me on this incredible journey that keeps getting bigger and bigger! 

"Is Blush still growing?"

Of course we are! Stay tuned for the newest updates & additions! My mind is always spinning with new ideas, and I can't wait to share them with you! 

I DREAM BIG!!! 

Blush by Wendy Ballance Website

A special thanks to my dear friend Ian Riley for snapping these fabulous shots!