Meet Erin Ryser of Erin Ryser-Hair Styling and Makeup Artistry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Ryser.

Erin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
People often ask me to describe my style… I don’t know why, but my preferred aesthetic is not generally what springs to mind. It’s my reason behind doing what I do. I am all about relationships. I want to hear people’s stories and be there for big moments. My clients become friends. Following my son’s scary and extremely premature birth, I had brides sending gifts, notes of encouragement, and prayers my way almost instantly. Many of them still check in from time to time, and I follow their journeys also…

I genuinely care. I get to spend lots of one on one time with them leading up to their wedding and on the wedding day. They sit in my chair, and we talk… about anything and everything. I like to be a soft place for them to land during a time that can be extremely stressful and emotional. I try to let them know that I am on their team; wanting nothing more than to help them feel calm, confident, and the most beautiful they have ever felt on their big day. It’s such an honor.

As far as the steps that led me to this opportunity, I would say my story is a bit unique in the hair styling and makeup artistry category, as my undergrad and post-grad education both fall under the sciences umbrella (sports medicine and biology). I never really thought of my current profession as an option at the time. It never crossed my mind I could build on my aesthetic skill and develop a successful business… so I did the sensible thing… the “academic” route if you will. I used my degrees for a few years while dabbling in my knack for beauty by assisting a friend of mine who had a fledgling event hair and makeup business.

From there, my own “side business” grew rapidly to a full-fledged operation quickly and rather unexpectedly. It became clear I would need to choose; continue using my academic background in my day job or take the plunge and put all I had into growing my business into what I truly wanted it to be: a successful outlet to serve brides on their most special day, feeding my desire to exercise my creative muscle, interact with interesting people, and utilize my leadership skills to build a team of artists I am proud to work with. I chose option B, and I have been astonished by what I’ve seen unfold in my business and in the life of my family as a result of that decision.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Honestly, I didn’t really know how to jump start or what expectations to set in the beginning. I would say my workflow and connections grew more quickly than I expected, but perhaps that is because I underestimated the kindness of those in the wedding industry, the rewards for sticking to your guns and marketing to your ideal client, and the results of taking steps forward in confidence (praying silently all the while). I think my most valuable assets to a quickly growing business in a competitive industry are my family, my faith, my clients, my industry supporters, and my team.

I am all about girl power and supporting the ladies, but my hubs are the most influential person in my life. He calls it like he sees it without hesitation, which challenges me and keeps me on my toes… pushing my business to grow and helping me to see each step from a different angle. He’s also wicked smart and so supportive it blows my mind. And I am forever grateful for the brides who trusted me when they had very little evidence to put trust in… they are the reason I was able to build my business without any crazy marketing schemes; just one referral after another, somehow consistently attracting a kind, interesting, can’t brag on them enough bride I get to share such a special time with.

About a year ago, I swallowed my pride and pulled myself up by my “high functioning introvert” boot-straps and began reaching out to fellow vendors I found inspiring. I was shocked to receive replies and offers of collaboration right away. I was overwhelmed by how quickly these people jumped at a chance to work with a nobody and count me as part of the industry. And my team… can’t say enough about these ladies. They are my travel buddies for on-the-road work, my spark-plugs for pushing my skills, and my extra hands on each job. I quite literally could not do it without them… they make clients feel taken care of and like their best self on an important day, and I’m proud to call them my team.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in wedding hair and makeup, along with bridal editorials. I always describe my style to brides as “you but special”… because every bride wants their soon to be husband to recognize her completely while dropping his jaw to the floor in amazement at her natural beauty.

And editorials are my chance to be extra creative and collaborate with talented friends in the industry. I enjoy being a part of shoots that create challenging inspiration for brides… pushing them to think maybe they could take their aesthetic in a different direction they hadn’t considered before… somehow bridging timeless beauty and unique style.

What were you like growing up?
My interests and personality haven’t really changed much over the years, to be honest. I’ve concluded that as we grow, we acquire wisdom, but at our core, we don’t really change. I’ve always been a bit terrified of attention while simultaneously possessing a bit of knack for relating to people and easily making conversation. I like to listen to others stories and think almost anything is funny… so I’m an easy but genuine laugh.

I promise I’m not just laughing to boost your confidence… I really do appreciate just about any form of humor! And although I no longer practice in my field of study (biology), I stay current with knowledge in this area by following some of my favorite online publications. I’m a nerd. It’s true.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erinryser.com/
• Email: erysermuah@gmail.com

 

Image Credit:
Rachel Iliadis; Family Photo: Christa O’Brien Photography; Other photos: Hannah Forsberg Photography, Jill Doty Photography, Christa O’Brien Photography

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