At their December 9 class,Laura Chihaia @lalasupdos and Mireya Villarreal of Pink Pewter shared how they found success and taught bridal upstyling, makeup techniques and a photo-editing workshop.

The class began with Villarreal and Chihaia sharing their personal stories. Villarreal grew up with a mother who owned her own salon. When it came time for her to choose a career path, Villlarreal attended college and beauty school at the same time. A working mother herself, she eventually realized that hair was her passion, and she would spend her Sundays creating different hair accessories for her daughter as a hobby. Eventually, the hair accessories became the envy of other children at school, and Villarreal realized the potential business at hand. She began Pink Pewter after her daughter's favorite color (pink) and favorite thing to do (play on the 'pewter). 

"I want to deliver my story to help and motivate others that anything is possible if they stay true to themselves and have passion and persistence," Villarreal says.

Chihaia, a MODERN SALON 100 artist, was born in Romania, where she was trained as a hairstylist. When she came to the United States, she had to become recertified and went to beauty school for a second time. She spent more than a decade as a color and cutting expert in California while working two other jobs to make ends meet. She eventually began practicing upstyling on mannequin dolls and posting her work on social media. After being recognized by local salons and teaching classes in the area, Chihaia saw her social media presence rise to more than 420,000. "Hard work will always beat talent," Chihaia says. 

During the class, Chihaia created three distinct hairstyles: a rose-inspired updo, a faux braid and the coveted Instagram ridges. She discussed the importance of correct backcombing and how to have conversations with clients about realistic expectations. Villarreal taught makeup techniques using Pink Pewter's line as well as information on must-have apps and how to use them. Attendees were able to practice their photo-taking skills with both natural and indoor lighting.