Carla Pressley - Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist

About Carla Pressley - Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist

Carla Pressley

Owner

I’m Carla Pressley and I do hair and makeup! I’m a mixed African American/Korean chick born the year of the DOG in July which makes me a fiercely loyal sentimental Cancer. I also talk to most dogs and have been the proud mother to two Jindo dogs. I laugh EXACTLY like my two brothers, TRY eating vegan most of the time, LOVE yoga, and tear up EVERY time dads see’s the bride for the first time.

I’m #blessed to work with clients of all colors, cultures, hair types, and complexions. No matter what makes us different, there's so much more that makes us the SAME. Past Clients include PROJECT RUNWAY, Macy’s, Tarte, Marc Jacobs, RuPaul, and Martha Stewart Weddings amongst others. I pride myself in HELPING you feel confident from the inside out. People always compliment me for my naturally glam looks and for creating a calming environment. I look forward to meeting you and helping you create the look YOU want from the wedding aisle to the runway!

Reviews

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3.7 out of 5

3 reviews

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  • So Magical

    •Verified review
    •Anna•Sep 25, 2024

    Carla is THE best - the absolute best!! I booked Carla for hair & makeup for my wedding day this summer. I also booked Carla for extra hours for touch ups, all the way to the reception start. Every moment is 100% worth the price. With all the photos before, ceremony & photos after (especially if you are ever going to be outdoors) - it was a relief knowing that I and my bridesmaids would still look picture perfect. Carla went above and beyond the entire day. She truly made the magic happen - we have some amazing photos of my veil thanks to her discreet veil toss off screen! She knows exactly what she is doing - from hair, makeup and making the magic happen during touch ups. I loved the way she changed my hair before reception so that it would stay perfect all night. I would 100%, without a doubt, recommend others to book Carla for your special day.

  • Wonderful, Inclusive Hair and Makeup

    •Verified review
    •Meghan H.•Sep 11, 2024

    When I was looking for a hair and makeup artist, I wanted someone who I felt confident could help me decide the look for my wedding and come up with options for my naturally curly hair. However, I knew the deciding factor would be whether I felt confident that the artist could make every member of my bridal party that was diverse (in terms of race, disability, and LGBTQ) bridal party look and feel beautiful. Carla's portfolio showed me that she really lives her values of inclusion and I booked her with full confidence after our phone consultation the day after my inquiry. She gave me different options for the schedule for either just her or her and a team. I ended up going with the option of her and her team to not start so early and have a more efficient schedule. I was right to place my trust in her and the team she works with! I did a trial a couple weeks before my wedding, which I cannot recommend highly enough. It was definitely one of the most fun experiences of the entire wedding planning process! Carla spent a few hours with me trying different looks based on my inspiration photos and the vibe of my dress. I left so excited and knowing I had options I liked based on how I was feeling and the weather. On my wedding day she and her team were fantastic and executed flawlessly and made everyone comfortable on what was a hectic morning. My mother hadn't worn makeup since her wedding almost 40 years ago. My sister and maid of honor is also autistic with intellectual disabilities and had never worn makeup but wanted to be included (and look like a princess!) Carla and her team (special shoutout to makeup artist Mong!) were so patient and understanding and put them both at ease, which I appreciated so much. My other bridesmaids had a wonderful experience with makeup artist Nas as well. In terms of myself, I can say without question I've never felt more beautiful and glamorous but still myself than I did on my wedding day. Carla came with us to the church and fixed my veil that blew off during my first look and touched up everyone before we walked down the aisle. The look stayed the whole day and my hair held through the dip in our first dance into the after party. Going with Carla for hair and makeup was easily one of the best decisions I made in wedding planning and I cannot recommend her highly enough!

  • Extremely Disappointed

    •Verified review
    •Meagan Mellin•Jan 30, 2024

    I am overall disappointed by the service promised by Carla Pressley. I originally went with her because of all the positive reviews and awards. However, I did not end up going with her for my wedding day after my trial. I have a hard time writing this review since she seems like a nice person and is very passionate about hair and make-up. However, she made me *feel un-beautiful* and *uncomfortable* durning the trial....She kept trying to say she was educating me but I was not there to be educated. I was there to feel beautiful and confident in my big day. I did not trust her to make me feel that way after my encounter. I am very natural and holistic with my beauty regimen's and I felt like she did not listen to how I take care of my body. I got multiple second opinion from beauty industry professionals after my trial and there was nothing wrong with my hair or skin. Durning the trial, she made a lot of negative comments of how I take care of myself. I understand some questions are necessary to perform the best services for my unique hair and skin BUT it was all in-depth long conversations about her talking negatively about my hair and how I need to take care of it. I kept trying to change the subject she kept coming back to comments about my hair. I told Carla how I felt and there was no apology extended for the way I was treated during the trial, just a quote for a retrial at 150 (just hair), after I already spent 1000 on trials for my bridal party (4 people - 3 hair, 3 makeup). Especially, considering that the service I initially received did not meet the promised standards. Not everyone was given the same amount of time and attention nor did everyone leave happy about their looks as promised. Lastly, I felt like my invoice questions weren't being adequately addressed, responses were confusing and unclear, and additional services were appearing on my invoice without my request.

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