Claudia Mejerle Claudia Mejerle Makeup and Hair Styling Growing up a dancer, Claudia Mejerle learned about beauty at a young age. “I loved the way makeup made me feel and I loved the creativity that it encouraged. Makeup was a hobby that stuck with me,” Mejerle recalls. While working in account management with marketing firm Henderson Shapiro Inc., Mejerle learned a lot about running a business. But it was her friends asking for makeup and hair advice that bolstered her love of the beauty industry. Before she knew it, her weekends were filled with weddings, and she began working hard to build her business with commercial, editorial, promotional, corporate, fashion, beauty and portrait shoots. In 2013 alone, Mejerle worked 15 or more Buckhead weddings, at locales like The Ritz Carlton, Buckhead, Atlanta History Center, Cherokee Club and many more. “Owning my own business requires more work than I could have ever imagined, but I work because I love what I do,” Mejerle says. “I value the relationship with my clients just as much as the art I create. I love getting to know the people I work with and love learning what makes my clients happy and what makes them feel their best.” Beauty Product You Can’t Live Without: “Lipstick! I use it on both lips and cheeks to bring my face to life.” Claudia Mejerle Makeup and Hair Styling 770.265.3268 www.claudiamejerle.com
Jessica Goldstein Salon South Jessica Goldstein’s makeup career started during prom and homecoming season in high school—she was the tried and true makeup artist at Dunwoody High School for both her friends and school staff members. Now co-owner of Buckhead’s Salon South, the Brookhaven resident calls her job an easy one because she does what she loves, which also includes hair styling. “It doesn’t feel like work. I have amazing clients and friends that refer others to me and I love that,” Goldstein explains. She says some of the most special moments are doing makeup for her friends and family for big events in their lives—particularly spending time with the bride on her wedding weekend. Beauty Product You Can’t Live Without: “Cream foundation. I use it under the eyes to brighten. It covers everything and stays all day long.” Salon South 4920 Roswell Road Suites 131 and 132 Atlanta 30342 678.517.3147 www.facebook.com/SalonSouthBuckhead
Nikole Morrow-Pettus Van Michael Salon Often referred to as “The Oprah of Van Michael” for her ability to help her clients and co-workers look at life challenges in a positive way, Nikole Morrow-Pettus is the cosmetic director for all five of the Atlanta-based Van Michael salons. With a client resumé that includes Liam Hemsworth, Tom Hanks, Viola Davis, Kristen Wiig and many more, it’s no wonder she’s already booked every Saturday in June (a busy wedding month). In 1994 she was determined to get her foot in the door at Van Michael, and began her beauty career as a receptionist before being hired as a full-time makeup artist in 1995. “I have grown up and built a life with Van Michael,” MorrowPettus says. “They are truly my extended family.” Beauty Product You Can’t Live Without: “My beauty blender sponge—complexion can make you look youthful for the rest of your life. Having this tool allows me to blend anything well, and eliminate any skin imperfections.” Van Michael Buckhead 39 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.237.4664 www.vanmichael.com
39 January/February 2014 | Simply Buckhead