Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Inspiring Women Features | Camille Schmidt


Camille Schmidt is a hair stylist extraordinaire. She's a local to the Coeur d'Alene area but travels onsite for bridal hair styling. I've recently partnered with her for a client's wedding and an editorial publication shoot where she did about four hair styles each time. Her art is exquisite and she's very educated about the science of hair. She has the ability to work with any type of hair and make it beautiful! 


Her business is Camille Cuts Me. You can check out more of her work here.


How long have you been styling & cutting hair professionally?
   I have been a licensed professional for almost four years.

When did you first become interested in hair styling?
I always say that my natural inclination toward being a hair professional came from the womb. I was born with hair below my ears, so I guess it was my destiny. Haha, but really, I've been playing with my own hair ever since I can remember. As a kid, I would spend three to four hours at a time in the bathroom, sitting in the sink in front of the mirror with a curling iron and hairspray, creating new "magical hair styles". I was an interesting kid, I'm told.



What is your education?
I enrolled at the Glen Dow Academy of Hair Design in September of 2007, and graduated the following year in October. From there, I was hired and trained at 14th & Grand Salon on the South Hill of Spokane. I began as an intern which lasted about four months, then advanced to a cutting/design specialist and worked there for two years. 

What type of hair do you specialize in?
I specialize in bridal and editorial styling, although hair cutting will always be by first love.



Do you have your own business or do you work in a salon?
I work as a self employed stylist in a small salon, mid-town Coeur d'Alene.

Will you travel on site for bridal & wedding party hair?
I generally prefer to be on site for bridal hair, that way I can ensure that the hair remains perfect from initial style to photos, photos to ceremony, and sometimes ceremony to reception. I believe that the look should be something that the bride feels comfortable and beautiful through the entire event.

Do you offer a package for the bride + all of the bridal party and mothers?
I haven't figured out a set "package deal", as I find that every bridal party situation is different. I do, however, charge an on site fee: $20.00 per every 30 miles from the salon. 


Last four photos by Rebecca Hollis Photography

What is your middle name?
Louise. 

Where were you born? 
   I was born in Escondido, California near San Diego.

What is your favorite part of living in the Northwest? 
   After having traveled around larger parts of the world and country, I always say that the Pacific North West is the best place to be. The attitude here is very easy to get along with      
   and there's a strong sense of community. I love the seasons, though sometimes unpredictable. It's beautiful and feels safe.





What is your family like?
All of my family members, excluding my mom, are sarcastic. Both my parents, my oldest brother and I are artistically inclined. By other brother can't draw to save his life, but is a genius and future doctor. My mom is a sweet Canadian woman who loves my blues musician father and her three crazy/good looking kids.





One or Two quirky facts about yourself?
Fact 1: I was born not only with chin length hair, but also four teeth.
   Fact 2: I have an irrational fear of slugs. 


Other ventures? Blogs? Projects? Businesses?
I hope to venture into gold smithing on the side, eventually designing wedding and engagement rings. I have various side projects such as making earrings to sell at local boutiques, learning to play my banjo, and getting my foot in on the editorial hairstyling/runway scene.


Last three photos by Megan Robinson Photography






Monday, June 25, 2012

Inspiring Women Features | Mary Banducci


~Over the next few weeks we will be featuring some inspiring local women in business! Earlier this spring we had a girls' day at my house. We had our hair & make up done and our photos taken by to very talented photographers. Stay tuned as we showcase more of these lovely local ladies!~


Mary Banducci is the artist behind Mary Banducci Photography. She is also a local Idahoan, mother to a sweet little girl, wife and friend. Along with photography, she  pursues the interesting world of herbs and herbal medicine.



You can view her lovely photography work at Mary Banducci Photography and follow her adventures in herbalism at Sweet Roots.





When did you first become interested in photography?

I've always been a creative type. I loved to paint, draw, write as a child. When I was twelve, I even dabbled in interior design after watching too many episodes of Trading Spaces on TLC. (Dumping red and blue acrylics into a bucket of white paint I found, my sister and I painted the bathroom before my Mother came home. She was definitely surprised). I never thought much of photography, everyone else seemed to be pursuing it... but my junior year in high school, I enrolled in North Idaho College where a Black and White film class caught my eye. That seemed so romantic, so authentic to capture film. I fell in love in that dark room. The peace of the water trickling past the developer. The soft red light illuminating just the edges of form. I loved that classroom, the teacher wore a kilt to class everyday (except Halloween when he wore pants). It was challenging and invigorating. Which brings me too...



What is your education in photography?
I took all and any class offered in the photography department. The great kilt-wearing teacher became a friend, like a dear uncle to me. He offered me a job as the darkroom manager, where I developed color film slides for the students and tried to offer advice to those new to the darkroom. We'd have tea everyday in the afternoon. I miss that job dearly. And if I could, I'd take it back in a heartbeat.
Also, experience has been a great education. I worked two years in Oklahoma as a preschool photographer which was so different. Everyday I'd have to wipe kid's boogers and try fifteen different ways to get them to smile but I came to love it and the success of a challenging job well-done. My favorite preschool I visited was actually a preschool where most of the kids had special needs. It was the most difficult but also the most rewarding. I could feel the teachers' and parents' love for their children and I took time with each kid. The smiles I captured were genuine and everyone was so appreciative and glowing. To this day, I will not forget how their principal almost fell apart in tears thanking me for such a wonderful experience.





How old is your photography business?
Business-wise, I'm a kid. I haven't actively pursued my photography business until this last year. But experience-wise, I'm an old soul. I've been doing photograpy for over eight years, photographing weddings, seniors, and families this whole time.


What type of photography do you specialize in? 
I specialize in relationships. I don't confine myself to one category (although kudos to those who do! I can't seem to do it). The real reason I photograph is to capture relationships and the beauty of the moment. There is something unique about everyone, we're all so wonderfully made.


First six photos by Megan Robinson Photography


What is your middle name?
Amaressa. Which is what we named our little girl whom I also call Big Blue Eyes or little peanut.


Where were you born?
I was born here in North Idaho, in that big blue hospital.

What is your favorite part of living in the Northwest?
The seasons. My family. My Mother's home up on the mountain.







What is your family like? 
I am part of such a big, blended, wonderful family! Everyone has been so supportive of my creative ventures. There is this old French Proverb that states "By Believing in Roses, we bring them to bloom." I've been able to bloom because my family, particularly my wonderful husband, believes in me. I am so grateful for them!


One or Two quirky facts about yourself?
I create my own natural beauty products like facial oil and balms. I'm now getting into making my own sunscreen and make-up like bronzer. Call me strange. Call me mixtress. Call me Apothecary Mary.

I grew up on sushi so I have a strong nostalgia for weird foods. I love to experiment in the kitchen. Hibiscus ketchup anyone?





Other ventures? Blogs? Projects? Businesses?
Sweet Roots {Infusions of Herbal Living} is where I pursue my love of herbs and apothecary items.

I have another venture that will be happening soon but I can't divulge any information at this point! So stay tuned. :D

You can see examples of my photography at www.maryangelo.com or on Facebook.

You can also follow Sweet Roots on Facebook here.





Link Love for all the Vendors involved:

Photographers:

Stylist/Hostess:

Props:


Hair: 
Camille Schmidt


Make Up:


Last five photos by Rebecca Hollis Photography

You can read Rebecca's Feature of Mary HERE!


Thursday, May 10, 2012

Farmhouse White Collection


Recently I met a local small business, paintTHEWORLDwhite, who refinishes and distresses furniture! I was in need of some white & ivory pieces for a client and she provided us with some great pieces. Here are a few snippets.



Here's where you can see more of her work and contact her. 

Thank you, Ashley, for the great work!













Monday, May 7, 2012

Pink Salvage Shop-Spokane, WA

Last week I visited Pink Salvage Gallery in downtown Spokane! I loved it! Great finds, great people, great shop! Here's some photos! I picked up a few galvanized tubs and an extra large picture frame!




I met Coquille of Coquille Vintage for the first time! Her work is amazing! You can check out her site here. 

Here is the link to Pink Salvage Gallery. If you are in the Spokane are I highly recommend stopping by!