Meet Trailblazer Sydney Felix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Felix.

Sydney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hi, there. I am a proud small business owner of a hair and makeup company ran in the greater OC & LA areas.

Growing up, I was always the girly one of the family! I made sure my hair was done every single day for school (but never the same way two days in a row). Boy, how things sure have changed! I am now the laziest girly girl you will meet, but that’s beside the point. My oldest sister used to beg me to get her ready when she was 18 and in her going out phase- I was 11. Looking back, it’s sort of funny that, unbeknownst to me, that was technically the beginning of my career path. Now, I am 26 and LOVE my job. When it comes to hair and makeup, there are SO many avenues to explore in Southern California- film, weddings, TV, red carpet, runway, theatre, print, special FX… the list goes on. But I have always fallen on the bridal side of things. The idea of getting a woman ready to look and feel like the best version of herself on the most important day of her life is an unexplainable honor. I feel connections with each and every one of my brides, which is probably why I have made so many friendships along the way! It is such a rewarding career choice and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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?
Struggles. Yes. Of course. My first major bump in the road was when I was 20 and breaking the news to my parents that I wasn’t going to take my university summer school classes as planned, but instead, I was going to be attending a makeup school in Hollywood. They nearly kicked me out of their house, but ultimately, they are now so proud of me for being a young driven female with her own successful business! Sometimes, you have to prove people wrong, and I think that may have been what has driven me thus far.

Another struggle was making the decision to quit my full-time management job to take the leap and run my “side business” full time. I was getting so busy, and there just weren’t enough hours in the day. The best advice I could give to any girls scared to take the leap (not to sound all Nike) but, JUST DO IT. You can never be unsuccessful at something you truly love. And that being said, if you do something you truly love, you won’t work a day in your life.

We’d love to hear more about Hair + Makeup by Sydney.
Hair and makeup for bridal may look easy to achieve, but it’s actually a very grey area that can sometimes be hard to master. Wedding makeup must be a happy medium of makeup that looks great on camera, but also just as amazing, if not better, in person. Finding that sweet spot takes experience, which I was lucky enough to have lots of.

Now, women reach out to me for ME and MY artistry. That thought still gets me, but it’s huge. compliment. Now that I have marketed the certain “style” of hair and makeup I do (which I would consider a mixture of boho, romanticism, elegance, and shining bright like a diamond), most of my brides sit in my chair and tell me “Do whatever you think is best. I trust you.” That means they trust me to take control of their look for the most important day of their life! That is huge- and I am very proud of that! And no, I never get bridezillas because I know that’s what you’re wondering! I’m not exactly sure what sets me apart from others, but what I do know is that I am blessed to get to know all of my brides and am so lucky they choose me. It sounds so corny but I truly believe that and it’s ultimately why I love my company.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is a must, I’m sure for any type of business you are planning to start. Word needs to get out. I remember when I first started, I probably emailed over 300 wedding vendors (not being dramatic) just to get my name and company out in the industry. I only got three replies (I’m not kidding you), but those three companies are people I still collaborate with and refer to this day. Now, with social media at the heights it is today, there is really no excuse to bust your butt and get noticed. The best part about it is it isn’t FREE MARKETING. I tried paying for advertisement years ago, but quickly realized it was a waste for a small new business to be on page 6/7 of the search pages. How were brides ever going to notice me? Today, I find that word of mouth and Instagram (both free) are my two biggest marketing and networking tools. It’s a great way to reach out, get content out there, show off your brand, and get to know people you would normally never have a chance to meet in person!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hairandmakeupbysydney.com
• Phone: 9515525675
• Email: sydney.felix@aol.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hairandmakeupbysydney?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1lj16leha5w6z
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/hairandmakeupbysydney/?ref=bookmarks

          Image Credit:
Lidia Codrean, Makenna Devey

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