Glowing Skin & Bridal Beauty: Inside the Face Foundrie Experience

Ever wonder how to achieve that perfect wedding day glow or what it’s actually like to manage a top-tier facial bar?

In this episode of the Vendor Professional Podcast, we sit down with Lavender, a Master Esthetician and Manager at Face Foundrie, to pull back the curtain on the aesthetics industry. From her career pivot into skincare to the booming beauty scene in Idaho, Lavender shares expert insights on how to navigate professional treatments and bridal preparations.

We dive deep into the most requested services—like Hydrafacials and dermaplaning—and discuss how to cut through the noise of social media skincare myths. Whether you’re a bride-to-be planning your three-month skin countdown or a fellow professional looking for business boundaries and pricing wisdom, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Inside This Episode:

- The Face Foundrie Mission: Creating an inclusive, accessible environment for high-end skincare.

- The Idaho Shift: How cultural attitudes toward aesthetics are evolving in the Treasure Valley.

- Bridal Bootcamp: Why you need to start your wedding skincare prep at least 90 days out.

- Social Media vs. Reality: Debunking common skincare misconceptions.

- The Business of Beauty: Managing client expectations, setting pricing boundaries, and building trust.

Timestamps:

02:46 – Lavender’s journey from admin work to Master Esthetician.

06:01 – What makes the Face Foundrie experience unique?

11:52 – Professional insights on profitability in the aesthetics industry.

18:05 – Current trends: What’s hot in skincare right now?

24:08 – The ultimate Bridal Skincare timeline.

32:59 – Setting boundaries and communication tips for wedding vendors.

Connect with Our Guest:

Visit Face Foundrie to explore their menu of services and stay tuned for upcoming promotions mentioned in this episode! https://facefoundrie.com/location/meridian/promotions

Keywords: Skincare, Bridal Beauty, Face Foundrie, Esthetician Life, Wedding Prep, Idaho Business, Hydrafacial, Dermaplaning, Aesthetics Industry, Wedding Skincare Routine.

Navigating the Realities of Wedding Catering with Big Daddy’s Barbecue

What does it actually take to feed 200 people in the middle of an Idaho field? In this episode, we sit down with the owner of Big Daddy’s Barbecue to go behind the scenes of their journey from a local food truck to a staple in the Idaho wedding catering scene.

We dive deep into the shift toward luxury catering (hint: it’s about the guest experience, not just the price tag) and address the common catering misconceptions that can make or break a couple's big day. Whether you’re a couple planning your dream wedding or a fellow vendor looking for business strategies on vendor pricing and work-life balance, this conversation is packed with "real talk" and unforgettable wedding stories.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Evolution of Big Daddy’s Barbecue: How family tradition fueled a growing catering empire.

• Wedding Catering Trends: What’s hot in food right now and why "adding a salad" last minute is harder than it looks.

• The Luxury vs. Expensive Debate: Redefining what high-end service looks like in the industry.

• Setting Boundaries: Why learning to say "no" is the secret to avoiding burnout and maintaining client expectations.

• Business Growth in Idaho: Navigating the rise of destination weddings and the importance of booking vendors early.

• The Admin Struggle: Practical tips for email management, communication, and keeping the "human" element in your business.

From "lightning round" questions to the "confessions" of a catering professional, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in wedding planning.

• [06:04] Current trends in catering and the Idaho wedding market.

• [15:51] Defining luxury: Is it the food or the experience?

• [30:57] Crazy wedding stories you won't believe.

• [39:04] The "Money Talk": Strategies for raising prices and understanding your worth.

• [54:10] Why professional photography and catering go hand-in-hand for a seamless day.

• [01:03:12] Essential advice for couples currently planning their weddings.

Connect with Big Daddy’s Barbecue:www.instagram.com/bigdaddysbbqid

Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! If you're a vendor or a couple with a story to tell, visit www.idahobride.co/the-vendor-confessional/

Keywords: Big Daddy's Barbecue, wedding catering, food trends, vendor expectations, luxury catering, guest experience, wedding planning, catering misconceptions, Idaho weddings, vendor pricing, business strategies.

Confessing this week: Hanomaly Photo

Summary

Our conversation explores the journey of becoming a photographer, the challenges of navigating business conversations, and the importance of understanding pricing and client education in the photography industry. We discuss personal experiences, industry trends, and the emotional aspects of photography, emphasizing the need for legitimacy in business practices and the balance between creativity and business constraints. We also explore the challenges and triumphs of photography, particularly in the context of weddings. We highlight the importance of authenticity, the need to unlearn structured approaches, and the journey to profitability in the creative industry. Our conversation also touches on the significance of making weddings personal and the value of finding one's unique voice in photography. Additionally, we share insights on what couples should prioritize in their wedding planning and the upcoming workshops designed to foster creativity and education in photography.

Takeaways

Navigating awkwardness is part of the business journey.

The journey to becoming a photographer involves overcoming self-doubt.

Industry trends can influence personal preferences in photography.

Understanding pricing is crucial for photographers.

Legitimacy in business enhances creativity and reduces anxiety.

Creative freedom can be stunted by business constraints.

Misconceptions about photography can lead to poor client experiences.

Handling difficult situations at weddings requires professionalism.

Client education is essential for setting realistic expectations.

Defining personal style is key to standing out in photography. It's hard to untrain people from a structured mentality.

Finding authenticity in photography is essential.

Profitability requires unlearning overthinking and scarcity.

Curated moments can sometimes feel inauthentic.

Lowering expectations can lead to exceeding them.

Weddings should be about the couple, not just aesthetics.

Creating a comfortable environment for clients is crucial.

Workshops should focus on personalized education.

Splurging on photography can enhance the overall experience.

Emotional deja vu is key to capturing genuine moments.

Keywords

photography, wedding photography, business, pricing, client education, emotional photography, industry trends, creative freedom, business legitimacy, misconceptions, photography, wedding, authenticity, profitability, workshops, creative process, unlearning, couples advice, curated moments, personal growth, Idaho Bride Magazine, Idaho Wedding Vendors, The Vendor Confessional, wedding vendor podcast

Here's where you can find us!- Saturday January 3rd - Spokane Bridal Expo at the @doubletree_spokane hosted by @swae_weddings - Booth 8 - DM Me for free tickets!
- Saturday January 10th and Sunday January 11th - Spokane @bridalfest at the @spokaneccenter - We'll be at the @wed.ni and @Swae_weddings booths
- Saturday January 17th - Post Falls Bridal Tour hosted by @pfparksandrec - We'll be at the Trailhead Event Center
- Sunday January 25th - @nspirewedding Show at the @cdaresortweddings - TBD.
Links to Bridal Shows — https://linktr.ee/lilygarland?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioLily Garland Coleman
lily@lilygarland.com
www.lilygarland.com
@flowersbylilygarland
208.495.6680

This week on The Vendor Confessional Podcast we go behind the lens with BTS x Bridal - a boutique wedding content-creator who is redefining how couples capture their special day.

You’ll hear:

• What “behind-the-scenes” content creation actually means (think candid moments, raw emotion, and the real memories that photos sometimes miss)

• Why BTS x Bridal offers next-day delivery of photos & video (iPhone + Super 8 film options) - perfect for couples who want instant keepsakes or social-ready content.

• The client experience: preserving raw, intimate moments while allowing couples (and their guests) to stay present - no phone-handoffs or awkward Snap-sessions.

• How this kind of “real wedding documentation” is changing the vendor + bride dynamic - and why more couples and vendors are leaning into authenticity over perfection.

Whether you’re a vendor, a planner, or a couple dreaming up your perfect day - this episode will give you a fresh perspective on documenting love as it happens.

Check them out at btsxbridal.com and listen now you might hear things you didn’t even know you needed.

The Vendor Confessional Podcast, the behind-the-scenes podcast for wedding vendors, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want the real story of the wedding industry - no filters, no fluff.

Hosted by the founder of Idaho Bride Magazine, this podcast features raw confessions, unfiltered industry truths, and proven business strategies from photographers, planners, venue owners, florists, designers, and top wedding professionals across the country.

Each season dives into:

• What it really takes to build a profitable wedding business

• Pricing, burnout, boundaries, and scaling

• Marketing, SEO, social media, and client experience

• Vendor drama, lessons learned, and growth stories

• How to stand out in a crowded wedding market

Whether you’re a new wedding vendor, a seasoned creative entrepreneur, or building your personal brand inside luxury weddings, The Vendor Confessional gives you the honesty, strategy, and confidence you won’t find in polished highlight reels.

The Vendor Confessional: Entrepreneurship, Family Dynamics, and the Realities of Wedding Business Life

Meta Description:

This week Ivy sits down with Kate from Rags Photography and Jason from Pro Photo Box & Hill Photography to discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, and work-life balance.

Takeaways:

- Entrepreneurs often work longer hours than traditional employees.

- The biggest misconception is that entrepreneurship is a smooth, predictable journey.

- Entrepreneurship involves massive emotional ups and downs.

- Working with family can be one of the hardest professional experiences.

- Balancing work and personal life is a constant challenge.

- An influx of clients can lead to feelings of isolation.

- Questioning one’s purpose during tough times is common.

- Using a planner can alleviate some stress in event planning.

- Family dynamics can complicate business relationships.

- Support from coordinators can make the entrepreneurial journey easier.

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Vendor Confessional, Ivy sits down with Kate of Rags Photography and Jason of Pro Photo Box & Hill Photography to unpack the realities of running a wedding business. They discuss common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, the emotional highs and lows that come with it, and the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance.

A portion of the conversation explores the complexities of working with family members in business, highlighting how personal relationships can add layers of difficulty. Guests also share actionable advice for managing client overload, staying grounded during emotional roller coasters, and leaning on support systems like planners and coordinators. This candid conversation is a must-listen for any wedding entrepreneur navigating both personal and professional challenges.

Keywords:

entrepreneurship, misconceptions, emotional challenges, family dynamics, work-life balance, The Vendor Confessional, Idaho Bride Magazine, Idaho Wedding, wedding vendors, Idaho vendors, Idaho Bride

If you enjoyed this episode of The Vendor Confessional, don’t miss a single conversation with Idaho’s top wedding vendors. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform to stay inspired and get insider tips for planning your dream wedding. We’d also love your feedback, leave us a review and share your favorite takeaways. Your support helps more couples discover our show and connect with the vendors who make weddings unforgettable.

Confessing this week.

Confessing this week: Gage Horne Studios