Industry Interview | Chelsea of -MENTE Freelance Beauty Troupe

As a wedding photographer, I get to meet some of the coolest people. Last year, at an industry networking event, I met Chelsea Elle from -MENTE Freelance Beauty Troupe and we bonded instantly over the common desire to create fashion-forward photos together. So far, we’ve collaborated on a styled shoot with the Denver Fashion Truck and have another upcoming styled bridal shoot in March.

Last month, I did a photo shoot with Chelsea and her colleagues. We took photos near Lulu’s Looking Glass, which is a really neat little salon off 14th and Ogden. Afterwards, Chelsea and I sat down for her Industry Interview.

Urban Safari: How did -MENTE come to be? Where did you get the name?

Chelsea: -MENTE was born out of a casual late night conversation. We consider it our brain child. After years of being in salons, we decided to approach hair and makeup in a completely different way. Hairstylists and makeup artists are often generalized and portrayed in a way that we wanted to break away from.

The name -MENTE is derived from Latin. -MENTE is a suffix and its literal meaning is “with mind”. We decided to define it in our own way, meaning to live mindfully and be completely deliberate with both our words and actions. We believe that through giving back to our clients and our community, we can change the lives of others and succeed through positivity.

We really wanted to make brides’ experiences one-of-a-kind by condensing vendors and maximizing potential. We hope to increase satisfaction through the services we offer to brides and other patrons.

Urban Safari: Who all is involved with -MENTE, and what are their positions?

Chelsea: As of right now MENTE is coordinated by co-owners Emily Jayne and Chelsea Elle.

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I graduated from Paul Mitchell The School with honors. I began my career as a hair cutting specialist, colorist, stylist and makeup artist, and I take my business very seriously as I focus on serving each client with professionalism. My clients are the backbone of my business, and not only do I enjoy sharing life with them but I’m dedicated to educating them with latest hair trends and product technologies.

-MENTE has recently included another beauty industry professional, Katherine Egloff, owner + operator of Bronzed Cheeks Mobile Airbrushing. Airbrushing since 2006, she has excelled at not only making people look better, but Katherine has a knack for making people feel comfortable no matter the situation. Getting the experience and training from managing a successful tanning salon in Lakewood, she developed the skills needed to turn custom airbrushing into a mobile service of her own.

Urban Safari: What is your favorite style of hair + makeup to do?

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Chelsea: It’s kind of awesome because we both specialize and take interest in different areas! While I specialize in wedding hair and makeup, I also love to embrace my creativity through eccentric disposition. Emily Jayne is a retro girl at heart. She loves doing pin-up styles as well as bold, dynamic makeup. She often incorporates pops of color into even the most subtle + natural makeup applications.

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Urban Safari: What is one everyday tip you can give to all the brides out there?

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Chelsea: H2O is the best-kept beauty secret. Seriously. Drinking a lot of water benefits your body all around. Not to mention the enhancements of your skin, hair and nails!

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Urban Safari: Who are some of your style icons + inspirations?

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Chelsea: Our customers are our main source of inspiration. Since we have been blessed to work with such a wide variety of people, we are able to embrace the differences each individual has. We want offer the latest trends but keep and enhance natural beauty, especially because everyone contains their own unique form.

More Industry Interviews from Urban Safari: Knotty Tie Co. // Lotti Clothing // Peteybird Ice Cream Sandwiches