Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlyn Holmes
Hi Caitlyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2016, I was working a corporate job that no longer felt fulfilling. After deciding to quit with no real game plan, I jokingly told myself, “If I ever work this hard again, it will be for myself.”
The following year, I was talking to a friend about feeling uncertain about my next steps and needing to find a way to increase my income while figuring things out. She was a hairstylist who also did bridal hairstyling and suggested I assist her with hair prep at a few weddings to make some extra cash. I had always been the go-to any time my friends needed anything glam-related, so I thought it could be a fun opportunity.
The moment I worked my first wedding, I knew I wanted more. I became obsessed with learning everything I could about hairstyling, spending every spare moment watching tutorials and practicing different techniques. Within a few months, I was fully booking my schedule with weddings and officially accepting brides as clients.
Determined to deepen my expertise, I enrolled at the Avenue Five Institute in 2017 to study cosmetology. While in school, I decided to apply for a national scholarship through the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation, and winning the Arnold Miller Find-A-Way Scholarship—which covered my entire $20,000 tuition—was an unforgettable milestone. It gave me the confidence and financial freedom to fully dedicate myself to this career, reinforcing that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
As I continued working weddings throughout school, it became clear that the salon path wasn’t where my passion lay—I thrived in the energy and excitement of the wedding industry. After graduating in 2018, I saw an opportunity to create a company that not only elevated the hair and makeup freelance experience but also brought together Austin’s top artists under one brand. Drawing from my corporate background, I focused on leveraging technology and strategic marketing to create a business model that provided both a seamless client experience and consistent booking opportunities for artists.
In August 2018, LUX Beauty & Bridal was born. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that almost seven years later, we would have a team of 65 freelance artists and complete over 400 weddings every year. I could not be more proud of my team, and it still amazes me how much we have accomplished. The Austin wedding vendor community is truly unmatched, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In full transparency, creating and sustaining a successful company is not all sunshine and rainbows. From the outside, it’s easy to assume a brand’s success comes effortlessly, but what people don’t see are the years of relentless hard work, sacrifices, and problem-solving that went into building it. I am SO proud of how far LUX has come since its creation in 2018, but the journey has had its challenges.
In the first few years, I struggled to find a healthy work-life balance. I made more sacrifices than I ever expected and missed out on a lot of life experiences. Restructuring my role and building a team I could confidently delegate to took time—it wasn’t an overnight process. It took a lot of trial and error to get it right, but I’m so grateful to be on the other side now, where I can enjoy a more balanced life.
Another major challenge was navigating the uncertainty of COVID. There was no rulebook for small businesses during the pandemic, and at times, I wasn’t sure if LUX would survive. Managing over 150 wedding postponements while implementing new safety protocols was incredibly draining, but through resilience and adaptability, we found a way forward. Thankfully, we were able to get back to work in June 2020, and looking back, I’m proud of how we overcame that chapter.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about LUX Beauty & Bridal ?
LUX Beauty & Bridal is an award-winning team of 65 hand-selected beauty professionals based in Austin, TX, specializing in on-site hair and makeup services for weddings and special events. We are a queer-owned business that takes pride in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all clients, couples, and love are celebrated.
What sets us apart is our commitment to both artistry and experience. Our team is highly skilled in working with all skin tones and hair textures, ensuring that every individual receives a customized and flawless look that enhances their natural beauty. Whether someone envisions a soft, natural glow or a bold, glamorous transformation, our artists have the expertise to bring that vision to life. Beyond the artistry, we prioritize a seamless and stress-free experience, allowing clients to feel at ease and truly enjoy their moment.
At LUX, inclusivity isn’t just a statement—it’s a priority. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a former bride, I understand the anxiety that can come from not seeing oneself reflected in a company’s portfolio or wondering if a business will be fully welcoming. That’s why diversity and representation are at the core of everything we do. When individuals view our platforms, I want them to feel seen, valued, and at ease. Every story is unique, and we are honored to be part of such special moments.
Above all, we’re here to elevate the client experience. From the first inquiry to the final touches on an event day, our team is dedicated to exceeding expectations. LUX is more than just hair and makeup—it’s a luxury beauty experience designed to inspire confidence, provide support, and celebrate every client’s individuality every step of the way.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t have any success without my incredible team, who have supported LUX every step of the way. They choose to be part of this company we’ve built together, and their dedication, talent, and unwavering support are the backbone of our success. LUX wouldn’t be where it is today without them, and I am endlessly grateful for the hard work and passion they bring to every wedding and event.
My mom is my biggest fan and strongest supporter. In the early days, I practiced updos on her every single day, and now, she helps with everything from studio upkeep to assisting me at marketing events. As a single, disabled mom, she showed me from an early age what it meant to work hard and make sacrifices. She is a huge reason why I push myself the way I do—because I want to give her the best life possible. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without her.
Pricing:
- Please refer to our website for pricing – www.luxbeautyandbridal.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luxbeautyandbridal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxbeautyandbridal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LUXBeautyAndBridal
Image Credits
Paige Vaughn @paigevaughnphoto
