Lindsey Regan Thorne does a little bit of everything when it comes to beauty: Personal wardrobe styling, flawless makeup application and intricate hair design.
For her, beauty has become her creative outlet for artistic expression, an interest sparked initially when she earned her degree in Interior Design from The Art Institute in 2001. Once she decided to launch her business, Be Pretty, things gained steam quickly. Thorne has been featured in a variety of publications, and is a go-to expert for Southern weddings of all variety.
Lindsey took a minute away from the makeup chair to answer some of our questions about starting her own business, beauty in Charlotte, and her daily routine.
What did you do before you become a stylist and makeup artist, and what were the challenges involved in launching your business?
Before starting Be Pretty, I worked in the commercial architecture and design industry as an interior designer. I was a designer for about 7 years before starting Be Pretty. I loved the design industry and I took away so many influences that allowed me to be creative and run a reliable business. The biggest challenge in starting my own business? Having the faith in myself to succeed.
What is your favorite makeup accessory or tool?
My Sigma Tapered Kabuki Foundation Brush. It applies foundation so evenly and just leaves the skin with a beautiful, seamless finish. It’s the only foundation brush that I’ll ever use!
What is your day-to-day work like?
Each and everyday is totally different. That’s why I love my job. Some days I’m providing makeup and hair services for a bride here in Charlotte and other days I’m busy teaching mommies how to do their own makeup and hair. Every Saturday, as a team, we get the pleasure of beautifying bridal parties, one of my absolute favorite parts of my job. Each week is its own milestone, as we get to be a part of so many people’s special day of starting their new life together.
How would you describe the beauty aesthetic of Charlotte?
When I think of Charlotte, I think Southern-modern-classic-beauty! Charlotte has such an amazing blend from so many regions and cultures that give it a fresh, progressive feel.
Who is one of your favorite Southern tastemakers?
The most stylish Charlottean that I know is a Charlotte-original lady – Sarah Catherine Garvin of Sarah Catherine Collective. She’s a born and raised Charlottean, and I was lucky enough to meet her in design school. Her style is untouchable in both interiors and fashion. Sarah Catherine is exactly who I think of when I try to find and describe Charlotte’s identity.
Tell me a little more about your “mommy makeovers” – I know they’re a unique offering of yours.
It’s easy for moms to forget about themselves during the different stages of pregnancy. This service allows for moms to take a step back from their hectic lives, and focus 100% on themselves. There is a running joke that moms are powered by yoga pants and dry shampoo but mommy makeovers allow me the opportunity to help mommas with their beauty routine. It’s a one-on-one (or group) lesson where I use one momma as my model, and demonstrate how to make up their face. I’ve had moms who have left our appointment so happy they are in tears. Being a part of boosting mommas’ confidence really gives me all the feels!
How do you do your own day-to-day makeup?
I know how valuable time is, so I usually treat myself to 5 minutes to do my makeup every morning. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve been able to see my“no makeup” to “full face” transition, and how to maximize your look in a short period of time.
Do you tend to see a lot of the same clients?
I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible and beautiful ladies. My typical client is an engaged bride who hires our team for wedding day, bridal portraits, engagement portraits and special events leading up to the big day. Wedding day is often just the beginning of the relationship my teams and I have with our clients. We pride ourselves on the relationship we build with each and every client.
Do you collaborate or work with anyone else?
Be Pretty started out as just me, and has grown into a seven strong team of wonderful artists. We have remained small so we pride ourselves on the personal touch you receive from working with a boutique-like group. It was a slow, steady growth that just organically happened. I would typically connect with artists as I covered larger wedding parties and needed more help. This allowed me the chance to connect with some truly talented women, and several have joined the Be Pretty team to make it what it is today. I am truly honored to work beside the hard-working and talented ladies that make up Be Pretty.
