For a wedding makeup artist, trust and timing are everything. In a market like San Diego, where couples have no shortage of talented artists to choose from, standing out takes more than a strong portfolio. Karolina Makarenko had the talent, but her work lived scattered across social media, which made it hard for new brides to see everything in one place or picture the experience she offers.
We sat down with Karolina to talk about presenting her craft professionally in a crowded market, and the bride who found her online and turned into a stream of referrals.
"She told me my website made it easy to trust me and book."
Before you had a website, what was holding your business back?
Before having a website, most of my inquiries came only through social media. It was harder to showcase all of my work in one place, build trust with new clients, and present my services in a professional way.
What was it like building your website with Merlin?
I absolutely loved the experience! The process was smooth and easy, and the Merlin team was very helpful. They created a beautiful, professional website that truly represents my brand. I couldn't be happier with the result.
How has having a website changed things?
My website has helped me get more clients and made my business look much more professional. Many of my clients send inquiries directly through my website, which makes the booking process so much easier. It has become an important part of growing my business.
One booking in particular showed her what a professional site could do.
Is there a booking you're especially proud of?
One of my most memorable bookings came through my Merlin website when a bride found me while searching for a makeup artist online. She told me that my website looked so professional and made it easy for her to trust me and book my services. After the wedding, she referred me to several of her friends, and I received multiple new bookings from those referrals. That experience showed me how powerful a professional website can be for growing a beauty business.
What would you say to another beauty professional considering a website?
Don't hesitate, every beauty professional should have a website. It's an absolute game changer. It makes your business look more professional, builds trust with potential clients, and makes it so much easier for people to find you and book your services. I honestly love my Merlin website and highly recommend it.
