When people see my team and me glamming 200+ brides a year, featured in British Vogue and Style Me Pretty, and winning The Knot Best of Weddings four years in a row, they often assume I always had it figured out. The truth? My journey to becoming a bridal makeup artist was anything but linear. It’s a story of passion, persistence, and believing in myself even when the path wasn’t clear.
From Bulgaria to the U.S.
I grew up in Bulgaria, where beauty and fashion always fascinated me. I was the girl who could spend hours experimenting with makeup, studying my favorite YouTube gurus, and getting lost in the creative process of transforming a face.
But when it came time for college, I took the “safe” route. I moved to the U.S. for school and earned a degree in accounting. For a while, I convinced myself this was the smart, stable path. But deep down, I knew numbers didn’t light me up the way makeup always had.
The $20 Gigs
My first step back toward makeup was small but meaningful: weekend makeovers for friends and acquaintances. I charged just $20 — not because that’s all my time was worth, but because I was still learning, and honestly, I was just thrilled that people trusted me.
Those early clients gave me the practice and confidence I needed. They were the spark that reminded me makeup wasn’t just a hobby for me — it was something I could turn into a career.
My First Bride
I’ll never forget 2017, when I booked my very first bride. She lived two hours away from Charleston, and I only charged her $50. I drove the long distance with a heart full of nerves and excitement. That day, when she looked in the mirror and smiled, I knew: this wasn’t just a side hustle. This was my calling.
To this day, I still keep her photo on my phone. It’s a reminder of where I started and how far I’ve come.
Taking the Leap
For a while, I balanced my corporate Jobs with makeup on the weekends. But the more brides I worked with, the clearer it became: I couldn’t keep playing it safe if I wanted to chase my dream.
So, I made a plan. I saved enough money to cover my bills for a year. Once I had that cushion, I finally quit my 9–5. It was terrifying — but the moment I left that job, the universe responded. Inquiries and bookings started flooding in, almost as if the world was waiting for me to take myself seriously.
In my first year full-time, I scaled my business to six figures.
Building Galya Makeup Artistry
Today, that small start has grown into Galya Makeup Artistry, a boutique bridal beauty brand with a team of 15 incredible artists. Together, we serve an average of 200 weddings each year in Charleston, Miami, and destinations worldwide.
Our work has been published in British Vogue, The White Wren, Style Me Pretty, and we’ve proudly held a consistent 5-star rating on Google. We’ve even had the joy of working with celebrities like Madeline Cline from Netflix’s Outer Banks, filmed right here at Charleston’s iconic Lowndes Grove.
But beyond the accolades, what matters most to me is the brides — the women who trust us to make them feel confident, radiant, and unforgettable on the most important day of their lives.
My Philosophy: Integrity and Growth
People often ask me what the “secret” to my success has been. The truth is, it isn’t a fancy Instagram feed or having 100k followers. It’s something much simpler: integrity.
- I never let a client leave my chair unless I’m 100% happy with my work.
- I’ve built a reputation on quality over quantity — taking the time needed to perfect every detail.
- I invest in my own growth constantly, taking at least one new makeup class every month when I can.
To me, artistry is never “finished.” There’s always something new to learn, and always room to improve. That commitment to growth has not only elevated my skills but has become the core value of my brand.
Looking Back
When I think about my journey — from charging $20 on the weekends to leading a team of 15 and serving brides worldwide — I feel nothing but gratitude. Every client who sat in my chair, every trial, every wedding morning taught me something.
And if there’s one thing I hope others take from my story, it’s this: success in makeup artistry isn’t about followers or flashy trends. It’s about integrity, dedication to your craft, and the willingness to keep learning no matter how far you’ve come.
✨ Thank you for letting me share my story. If you’re a bride, I hope it gives you a deeper glimpse into the heart behind Galya Makeup Artistry. And if you’re an aspiring makeup artist, I hope it reminds you that with passion, integrity, and persistence — your dreams are always possible.
