March Artist of the Month: Sam A.

Samantha Alcudia
@vanitybellesam

Position at Vanity Belle: Bridal hair and makeup artist, lash extension technician, beauty bar artist, educator and BELLE OF THE YEARRRRRR!!!!!!

Nickname?
Apparently its “Sam Y.” haha (Yujuico is my maiden name)

Best advice from a client?
I was working a beauty bar service and a client told me the story of how she fell in love with her wife and one thing she asked herself at the time was “Why not choose happiness?” That really resonated with me and I try to remember everyday to choose happiness.

Your hype song?
As of now its 24K by Bruno Mars, if that doesn’t hype you up then you cray girl.

When you aren’t working what are you doing?
I’m most likely sleeping HA! But most of the time I’ll be in Arizona spending time with my wonderful husband.

What was the last text you sent to your best friend?
The last text I sent was to my husband of a new Cafe I wanted to try because quite frankly I cannot say no to food.

What is your go to style? At work? Going out?
I love comfort! At the boutique you’ll find me dressing up basic jeans and V-necks with cute boots or booties. At weddings I’m usually in dark colors, VB apron, and comfy shoes [super important!]. When I go out I like to wear a cute blouse and pair it with some cute jeans and boots.

What is your life motto?
YOLO lol, jk. I would definitely say it is a variation of that. We are never promised tomorrow; so ask cheesy as it sounds, I’d say, live for today. Forgive others, tell your loved ones how you feel…and most importantly, don’t eat yellow snow.

Are you an innie or an outie?
Innie

Have you ever broken a mirror? How?
Yes, I’ve actually broken 2! One I dropped and the other got cracked in my makeup kit. There was probably one more smaller ones I’ve broken. yikes.

Have you ever cut your own hair?
OF COURSE! I took a razor to it in high school and chopped up the back of my hair. I looked like I had a mullet but I SWORE I was cute haha.

Have you ever held an exotic animal? What?
I’ve held a huge snake before. Personally I find holding an infant child more terrifying lol. They’re so fragile!

What Disney princess are you?
Why? Almost everyone on the team knows I love Disney! In fact, working the Disney weddings are my most favorite! I would say the newest princess that came out, Moana. And that’s not just because her long-wavy hair and tan skin are to die for. LOL. I see in a lot of these princess that there is a family member who fuels their journey. There’s a point in the movie where she gives up and feels completely defeated, but then gets herself together and keeps going. I find that most relatable to myself.

If you were boss for the day what would you do?
If I was boss for a day I’d take my entire team on a shopping spree to Naimie’s!!!!!!!

Why Vanity Belle?
Great question, I have never worked with a group of women that I admire more than these gals. I find that everyone cares so much for each other and everyone continues to have passion for their craft. They inspire me to improve my art as well as become a better person. I love them!

January Artist of the Month: Diane

Diane
Makeup Artist
@vanitybellediane

Nickname?
Growing up my family always called me Dandoonay. I honestly have no idea where it came from or what it means! I’ve asked plenty of times but no one has ever given me an answer, so mysterious. Fortunately none of my friends call me this.. They call me D, Di, or my favorite, Princess Di.

Best advice from a client?
It wasn’t exactly advice but a client guided me on how she liked her makeup done. She only wanted to enhance, not change. This is kind of my motto when doing someone’s makeup. I found what work’s best for everyone is enhancing what they already have.

When you aren’t working what are you doing?
I always try and get out of the house to do something (thank goodness for my Prius, I’m always driving!). But I definitely travel a lot. I love planning vacations even if it’s just a one night turn around trip. Growing up my family always took spontaneous trips, plus I have family all over the world so I was always going somewhere. I get antsy if I’m home for too long now! When I am home, I love binge watching shows or movies in my pajamas.

What was the last text you sent to your best friend?
Oh gosh. So my best friend who lives in Mississippi is actually staying with me for ten days right now with her 5 month old son, who is also my godson. Another one of my best friends was asking what we were up to so I told her how I put X Files on and he kept staring at the screen smiling at it! The last text I sent out was (referring to what his mom told me) “Diane, it’s all your fault for putting this on!”

What is your go to style? At work? Going out?
I like to keep my style timeless and clean. At work I always rock a more natural and comfortable look from my makeup to my clothes. When I go out I’ll spice things up by wearing leather or a dress with a bold lip. Oh and definitely fun boots! All the females in my family have a crazy shoe obsession. My boyfriend thinks we’re nuts!

Don’t stress. It’s hilarious because when it comes to something that didn’t go right for me, I immediately stress. Growing up if things weren’t done the way I liked, I stressed. I’ve learned to keep reminding myself everything will be fine and if there’s a problem, there’s a solution. So really there’s no reason to get so worked up over anything! My friend’s have actually referred to me as the human Xanax cause I’m so calm and positive when there’s a high stress situation happening.

Have you ever cut your own hair?
Me trying to cut this mane of hair? Absolutely not! There’s so much of it I wouldn’t know where to start.

What Disney princess are you? Why?
I’d have to say I relate to Jasmine the most. Not at work of course, but around my friends and family I can be on the sassy side. I feel like I’m free spirited, always looking for an adventure! I’ve always been such an independent female, I never accepted any help and learned new things because of my curiosity. Growing up I was even so picky with relationships.. I never gave anyone a chance until I saw a true potential of love. My first relationship is the one I’m currently in, hitting five years in March!

If you were boss for the day what would you do?
If I was boss for the day I’d take my girls for a well deserved night out! 

Why Vanity Belle?
Easy, we’re the best! From our bosses to coworkers, we’ve always been a family. Like family we’re always there for each other if it’s needed. I’ve never felt any judgement, only positive energy. Plus between loving everyone there and loving what I do, I can hardly call it work!

December Artist of the Month: Dannielle

#VanityBelleDannielle
Stylist and SD Boutique Manager

Read her Bio!

Nickname?
Danni, Mom, baby, Bean-elle, depends on the person talking to me.

Your hype song?
OMG!!!! Like every song that comes on is pretty much my JAM! I LOVE music and I LOVE my music loud!!

When you aren’t working what are you doing?
Crafting or making DIY's, going on adventures, taking the scenic route, motorcycle riding, eating fro-yo or CREAM, boxing, researching new ways to use my essential oils. I’m a busy body, so, I am constantly on the go. So, sitting and watching a movie or show will literally make me fall asleep. 

What was the last text you sent to your best friend?
The last one is probably not even note worthy it most likely went something like oh awesome, or on my way or something boring (we talk a lot)…the good kind go something more like “good morning to my favorite hooker” with some kissy faces or something along those lines haha. We get each other because we’re both the red headed step child  (and sister in laws too, I am married to her step brother)

What is your life motto?
Trust God, be brave, push through your fears, and live your greatest potential. Never stop growing and learning are what come to mind when I think about life, about my life.

Are you an innie or an outie?
In-betweenie haha 

Have you ever broken a mirror? How?
Not that I can remember, thankfully! Knock on wood.. Well, actually I broke the handle to my mirror. Does that count?

Have you ever cut your own hair?
Oh yes…many times! The first time I remember doing it I was probably about 10 and didn’t really understand how curly, wet hair works and whacked my bangs real nice and short. I was a little in shock once they dried and thought that’s not what i meant to do.

What Disney princess are you? Why?
I have always felt a strong connection to Cinderella, but honestly I was never a Disney person as a kid. I didn’t really start loving anything cartoon or animated until i was an adult.

Why Vanity Belle?
I love my bosses and how personable and open they are…even when i TRIED (key word…tried) to quit once I had told them everything that had been going on in my personal life and feeling i couldn’t quite find balance and trying to find it i tried quitting Vanity Belle. Obviously, I didn’t quit, Victoria wouldn’t let me haha (Thankfully! I LOVE YOU Victoria!!!) but she was there for me fighting for me, that says so much, to me. The value you feel as an employee, the worth and gratitude that you feel, you cant get at any ol place. I love the girls I work with and how inspiring and talented they are, I love hair, I love weddings, the whole atmosphere…so it all just makes sense. I have been with the company since the beginning of the San Diego location. And when I say beginning, I mean before the the cutest little boutique that we call home was found, I would have to drive to OC, that kind of beginning haha. I was originally hired just for the wedding aspect which was a dream come true but thought how awesome it would be in the future if I could eventually be the one that they wanted for cuts and colors as well…because then it would be the ultimate dream. RIGHT? Right!  All of my passions rolled into one place, because, you see I had been splitting my time between two different salons. I still had that other need of mine, that passion, which was to be doing cuts and colors. That perfect opportunity at just the right time finally presented itself and I am now working the one job fulfilling my love of weddings and my love for cuts and colors. So, I think I would say Why not Vanity Belle!?!? Would you say no to your dream job?

November Artist of the Month: Samantha Pack

Who is Samantha Pack?  
@VanityBelleSammie

Nickname?
At home and around family I go by Smooch a childhood nickname; at work and with friends’ people I have inherited the name Sammie

Best advice from a client:
Interesting question, because often I have found that I am the one giving advice and  tips on inside beauty secrets. Honestly the only thing that comes to mind, and I say this with hesitation is: Don’t ever have a wedding. I’m sure it’s out of frustration which is easy to understand but it’s honestly the same advice I have heard multiples time that I can say stands out.

Your Hype Song:
Driving in to work as of late it’s been Toto- Africa….so classic! Or anything else 80’s. At work anthem: I typically don’t get a choice because I’m listening to the bridal parties IPod with Bruno Mars- I think I’m gonna marry you on repeat. If I had the choice, it would be Deadmau5 ft. Gerard Way- Professional Grievers…..my all time hype me up for anything, any situation song.

Photo: Sammie (left) and Vanity Belle owner, Victoria (right)

When you aren’t working what are you doing?
I wish I had a cooler answer, but I am usually lounging in sweats, drawing, or taking a nap….usually in complete silence!

What was the last text your best friend sent you?
Oh boy! Well this would be from a group text with two of my best friends, we call ourselves “Tres Chicas” and it can get a bit wild. It was from one of the other chicas and it read: “I wanna slap you silly and gossip over a bottle of wine tonight and pee my pants from laughter.” Not weird at all.

Photo: Vanity Belle Artists (from left to right): Diane, Sammie and Raven

What is your go to style? At work? Going out?
Work: Cute comfort! Long hours mean you’ll usually catch me in one of my many pairs of sneakers- Vans, converse for the most part, but wait then I wear some Nikes and Pumas often too, a pair of skinny jeans with holes in them because I feel too classy if they don’t have at any rips, and some sort of plain jane tee slightly tucked in with lots of dainty Bracelets, rings and a small dainty necklace. Heck this is what I wear all the time, except if I go out I might throw on a pair of booties, small chunky wedge and a little flirtier top. Overall I like to keep my style very casual, effortless, and a nice chic grunge. Dark lips usually a must.

What is your life motto?
I've been saying it for about a decade, Give a little, Get a Little, it really works for every situation.

Are you an innie or an outtie?
All in

Have you ever broken a mirror? How?
Knock on wood, no I have not thankfully. I’m kind of highly superstitious.

Have you ever cut your own hair?
Almost all the time! I don’t like fresh cut hair, and perfect lines. Plus being a hair dresser myself I have grown quite picky. Therefore, when I cut it myself it is never perfect, nor do I care, as long as it looks good from the front, I’m golden.

Have you ever held an exotic animal? What?
Does a snake count? I used to have a pet snake, his name was Al. He was an Albino King Cobra; yellow and white with red eyes. I used to play with him all the time until one day I was holding him and he pooped on my arm. That was the end of our friendship.

What Disney Princess are you? Why?
I would have to go with Pocahontas. That wasn’t my most favorite Disney movie, but I must say we are a lot alike. I consider myself to be passionate, a lover of nature and being outdoors enjoying the peace it brings. I’m a hard worker, love spending time with others, but mostly I love my alone time. I believe everything has a spirit and feelings, especially in nature, and that being in the presence of such things can give you peace and answers. I try to see the good in others, and believe in Love but not being defined by the one you are with, but bring a different side out to who they are and the relationship. Most importantly, family is EVERYTHING to me, mean EVERYTHING. I would do anything or go anywhere to make sure the ones that I love are safe and happy. Plus, years ago Buzzfeed said I was most like her and I thought it was a sign that she was truly my inner Disney spirit.

If you were boss for the day, what would you do?
I would most definitely say that everyone is allowed to wear their pajamas to work for the day, as long as they are tasteful. Oh and for sure Pizza would be served for lunch!

Why Vanity Belle?
Vanity Belle took me on before they were who they are today. Just a small group of girls, working out of an in home studio, working on their goals as an artist. Vanity Belle always believed in me, pushed me to be where I am today, and gave me the overwhelming amount of knowledge to be the great artist that I see myself as today. Not just a business, but more a family. A group so strong, that nothing but your best interests are always on others minds. A place where you can be built up, not broken down. Just knowing that a company and its team has your back is such an amazing feeling. Which is why Vanity Belle can now proudly say they are at multiple locations, and one of the top leading beauty groups in Orange County. The warmness, and comfort you can find in the artists and owners there, is like no other place. So to any person out there looking to feel confident and beautiful, then I would say Vanity Belle, and why? Because they will make you feel so comfortable, and will not finish until you feel your absolute best.