Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexi McNeely
Hi Lexi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved all things beauty for as long as I can remember! When I was growing up my mom owned a salon and I spent my days after school running around and seeing all the day to day bustle up close and personal. When I got into high school I had the opportunity to join the cosmetology program and graduate with my license in the state of Texas! Right out of school I didn’t feel like I fit into the salon life like I thought I would and pivoted to the bridal industry as a way to still pursue what I loved doing, but in a setting that I enjoyed more.
Being in the bridal industry as opposed to a salon gave me the ability to really thrive. I joined a bridal team in Houston and I eventually made the choice to learn bridal makeup as well to be able to fully service my clients! Once I learned makeup I branched out on my own more and moved to Austin to lean into the bridal market that was calling me here!
After moving to Austin I met so many amazing artists and really wanted to create a community and collective for artists! I started my own team shortly after comprised of all the talented artists I’ve met through the years to be able to serve more brides. We’re now a team of 18 artists serving the Austin area and beyond!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth ride. Making the choice to branch off on my own to form a team and create an environment that helps support and respected the artists on it was scary at first. Self doubt and imposter syndrome told me that I wouldn’t succeed and that I was biting off more than I can chew. I also got pregnant with my first baby around this same time. I struggled with how I might manage being a mom and a business owner trying to build something new. Over a year later I am so glad I took the leap because I grew my team and my business well beyond what I thought I would! I was able to find the balance between motherhood, business owner, and a working artist after all. I do still find myself being challenged some days, but overall everything worked out exactly how it was supposed to!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a hair and makeup artist specializing in bridal and other events! What started as just myself has grown into a team of 18 professional hair and makeup artists that serve the Austin and surrounding areas. We do weddings all over the city of Austin and beyond, and have recently started to branch into destination weddings. This past year we’ve traveled to Italy, Hawaii, Portugal and all over the continental US for our beautiful brides! Our team specializes in natural glam with skin like finish and a radiant glow that seems to be lit from within. Romantic and effortless hair styling adds the finishing touch to complete that classic yet chic bridal look we all strive for!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my amazing husband, Tanner, who makes sure that I’m able to continue to grow my business. He supports me in all that I do and even lends a hand where he is able to! The support of the wedding community in the form of small business owners helping one another navigate every aspect of owning a business is insight I wouldn’t have otherwise. Lastly, my company wouldn’t be what it is without the extremely talented group of women who make up my hair and makeup team! Their skills, dedication to their craft, and their support makes Luxe by Lexi what it is!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luxebylexi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxe_by_lexi/?hl=en
Image Credits
Stonehouse Photography, Fallon Stovall Photography
