Connect
To Top

Check Out Mar R.’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mar R..

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Mar R., the visionary behind TEAM Hair & Makeup™, embarked on her journey in the late 90s while balancing college aspirations with the pursuit to become a lawyer.

What began as an endeavor to fund her education blossomed into an amazing
venture that has reshaped bridal beauty. The pivotal moment arrived in 1999 when
Mar was asked to do the hair and makeup of esteemed Oscar nominees. Through
word-of-mouth praise, her exceptional artistry attracted celebrities and a high-end
clientele, propelling TEAM Hair & Makeup™ into the upper echelons of the wedding
industry.

With a keen eye for detail, Mar has personally overseen over 5000 weddings,
crisscrossing the globe catering to an array of clients from all backgrounds. From
exclusive red-carpet affairs to luxury weddings, her work has graced the pages of
publications such as Vogue, Vogue UK, US Magazine, and People.
Now leading two teams in Santa Barbara and San Francisco, Mar has elevated TEAM Hair & Makeup™
into a premier bridal beauty brand celebrated for its timeless looks for the most
elegant brides.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? Definitely not! I think I’ve made just about every expensive mistake possible along the way. But every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow. My mom always used to say, “Instead of thinking you’re the best, always strive to be the best in everything you do.” That mindset has been my guiding principle.

Owning a bridal beauty business for 25 years has taught me that perfection is a myth, but persistence is everything. Whether it was navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, balancing creativity with business logistics, or simply figuring out how to keep evolving in a fast-paced industry, each lesson has shaped me.

I never compare myself to others; I just focus on being a better version of myself—whether that’s as a business owner, a friend, a wife, or a daughter. We only get one life, and I’m determined to make the most of it by continuously learning and doing my best. Through every challenge, I’ve grown stronger, and that’s something I’m proud of.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
TEAM Hair and Makeup, Inc. is a luxury bridal beauty brand that has been defining timeless, effortless beauty for over 25 years. What started as a passion project while I pursued a law degree has become one of the most sought-after bridal beauty companies in the country. We’ve had the privilege of working with over 5,000 brides, traveling the globe to create flawless looks for high-end weddings and events.

We specialize in elevated, naked to soft glam beauty that feels both natural and approachable. Our signature look is all about making our brides feel like the best version of themselves—glowing, confident, and effortlessly beautiful. We are known for our consistency, attention to detail, and ability to work with a wide range of hair textures and skin tones, ensuring every client feels celebrated.

What sets us apart? I would say it’s our commitment to excellence and personalization. We manage a team of 20 highly skilled artists throughout California, ensuring each bride and bridal party receives the same level of artistry and professionalism that we’re known for. Our recent expansion into the San Francisco bridal market reflects our continued growth and dedication to serving more clients while maintaining our signature standards.

I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve diversified the brand. In addition to bridal hair and makeup, we’ve launched Cheveux Extensions, offering high-quality hair extensions that blend seamlessly with natural hair, and SB Bridal Collective, a curated bridal store in downtown Santa Barbara featuring mother of the bride and groom gowns, bridal mini dresses, and some fabulous accessories.

At the heart of it all, my passion for bridal beauty drives me. I spend 50% of my time traveling, gathering inspiration from around the world while leading my team. Whether it’s creating a look for a destination wedding or staying grounded with our local community, I’m committed to keeping our work fresh and elegant.

I want readers to know that TEAM Hair and Makeup is more than just a beauty brand—we’re a team of passionate artists who love what we do. We believe in creating an experience as beautiful as the finished look itself, and we’re honored to be part of so many unforgettable celebrations.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I always say, “Everything always works out for us”—and honestly, it does. I believe that luck is partly about mindset and partly about being open to opportunities, even when they don’t look like luck at first. I’ve always had a strong intuitive sense when it comes to both life and business. I trust my gut, and I’ve learned that listening to my instincts often leads me in the right direction.

Of course, luck alone isn’t enough. I’ve found that being open to feedback is just as important. I’ve built my career on listening to those around me, especially our brides and clients. Their insights and perspectives have helped shape and improve our services over the years. I truly believe that’s how you grow—not just by focusing on your own vision but by being open to the experiences and feedback of others.

Whether it’s good luck or bad, I’ve learned to see every situation as an opportunity to learn and adapt. That mindset has been key to building a successful, lasting business in an ever-evolving industry.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jose Villa
Laura Gordon
Erich McVey
Ryan Ray
Stefanie Williams
Aaron Delesie

Suggest a Story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in local stories