Be Couture Group Featured in Chattanooga Magazine – Commercial Photography
I love Commercial Photography and Editorial Photography. For many years I’ve worked with three amazing women, all business owners, on a variety of projects. Last year we decided to form a group, Be Couture Group, that allows us to work together more often on creative projects because we work so incredibly well together as a team. This group not only allows us to have creativity and work together on projects, it also allows businesses, musicians, clothing designers, ad agencies, authors, magazines, and other publications to hire us as a one-stop-shop. By hiring us you get the best of the best hair stylist, makeup artist, set and clothing designer, and photographer all in one place. We have the ability to take your creative vision and run with it or to come up with a vision for you that expresses who you are.
In November, Chattanooga Magazine did a feature about our group. For this feature we decided to come up with a concept for us, something that told our stories as both individuals and as a group. I threw out the idea of the Four Elements. We are the Four Elements that need to come together in order to pull off a successful photo shoot. We are each very different but work so very well together that the Four Elements also suited our personalities perfectly. There was little discussion over who would be which element, it was already obvious to each of us which element we most resembled. This project also allowed us to play the role of the client, to experience what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera and we were absolutely in love with the results.
Here’s our feature in Chattanooga Magazine. You can view the entire article online here: https://issuu.com/chattanoogamagazine/docs/october_november
About our group:
Our group began out of thirst…thirst for creativity. Ideas flood our minds – Concepts of images; messages we want to tell the world seem to pile up. As a group we enjoy working with clients who have a vision, allow us to be creative, and we strive to create the perfect image and images for their needs.
Over dinner, and a few drinks, the ideas began pouring out! Before we knew it, It was decided…we must bring these concepts to reality. We must collaborate to create. We must MAKE time! Our minds and our talents demand it!
From working together and collaborating from time to time over years of experience in our own businesses, we knew we all would play off each other’s specialty. Melody, the photographer, Emily, the stylist, Genia, the hair styist, Angela, the makeup artist.
And now, with multiple photo shoots under our belts as a team, we realize we truly have something special! Who are our clients? Individuals, businesses, artists, ad agencies…anyone who desires to bring a vision to film. The Be Couture Group is made up of the four elements that bring an image to life!
Who we are:
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Genia Church of https://www.epiphanydayspa.com is a multi-cultural hairstylist with over 18 years of experience in the beauty industry. She is the Co-Owner and Creative Director of Epiphany Salon and Day Spa, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Under Genia’s leadership, Epiphany has won numerous awards such as FOX 61’s Hot Picks in the City “Best Salon and Day Spa and “Best Nail Salon” for consecutive years. Genia was also recognized with Urban League of Chattanooga’s “Women Owned Business of the Year” award and named as a “Top 20 Young Professional” by The Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Genia wears multiple hats within the beauty industry. She travels the country sharing her passion for the industry as a National Guest Artist for Schwarzkopf Professional (One of the top 3 haircolor companies in the world) and serves as an Advisory Board member for Virginia College. Her desire is to see all stylists reach outside their comfort zones and take their career and businesses to new heights. For this reason, she has developed a curriculum to encourage hair stylists nationally and globally to “Embrace Texture.” Her “Embrace Texture” program teaches cutting, coloring and styling techniques for ethnic hair to alleviate fears when stylists are working with different hair textures or fabrics.
When Genia isn’t working behind the chair, educating stylists across the country, her work can be seen at New York Fashion Week for top fashion designers Betsey Johnson, Alice and Olivia and Parkchoonmoo. Genia has also been the Lead Hairstylist for Chattanooga Times Free Press Formal Affair Fashion Show for four consecutive years. She and her salon team are the most requested for hair and makeup services for local Celebrities and Charity Galas and fashion shows.
She is a “Go To” celebrity stylist whose work can be seen on the red carpets at the American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards, where she has created hair styles for such notable celebrities as Lance Bass, Austin Mahone, Laura Marano, Jeannie Mai, Anita Patrickson and America’s Next Top Model Eugena Washington and many others. She has worked along side celebrity hairstylists Larry Sims (Lupita N’yongo, Victoria Beckham, Gabrielle Union, Mary J. Blige) and Kim Vo (Kate Hudson, Brittany Spears, Goldie Hawn, Pamela Anderson) as well as Michael Dueñas (Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, Tatum Manning) learning tricks of the trade from some of the best in the industry.
In addition, Genia’s editorial work has been published in various magazines, and she has done print work and commercials with the prominent advertising agency The Johnson Group for national brands such as Pet Milk and US Express. Genia also works as a freelance hairstylist for Dick Clark Productions in Los Angeles, California and major beauty care brands Got2b, Smooth N Shine and Go Pro Curls by Larry Sims.
Inspiring others is the cornerstone of Genia’s leadership style, and her career accomplishments are an inspiration to the professionals and students she mentors. She credits her achievements to God, a supportive family, her Schwarzkopf Professional family, and her commitment to continuing education and being a versatile hairstylist embracing all hair textures.
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Melody Hood is an internationally award winning photographer whose images have appeared in magazines, print ads, and various national ad campaigns. She is sponsored by several lager photography companies including Pocket Wizard where is is one of their top 20 Photographic Inspirations. She’s won dozens of awards and photographed thousands of people.
She has photographed for Aéropostale and for several magazines on a regular basis. She has photographed engagements, weddings, commercial jobs, births and family milestones all over the United States and Internationally.
Melody has taught and mentored hundreds of photographers worldwide. She has spoken in front of thousands of audience members at conventions including WPPI, the worlds largest photography convention. She is a founding member of Modern Photographers, an organization of professional photographers where membership is based on reputation, skill, and artistic ability.
She is a member, in good standing, of the Professional Photographers Association and the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. She also volunteers for the American Child Photographers Charity Guild, Palate 2 Palette, Help-Portrait and photographs adoptable foster children for the Heart Gallery.
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Emily Goodin began her career in fashion at age 27 by opening her boutique, Boutique Couture (www.boutiquecouture.net) in Chattanooga, TN in 2006. In addition to styling her clients, she would also style photo shoots for Boutique Couture, working with different photographers and vendors to produce ad images for her store. In 2008, just two years after opening, Boutique Couture was named Best Boutique by Chattanoogans in the Best of the Best Businesses List hosted by the Times Free Press. Emily and Boutique Couture were also featured on reality shows on two major television networks, as well as being featured in the book, “The Sweet By and By”, a novel by singer/songwriter Sara Evans. In the story, the main character gets her dress at Boutique Couture!
Emily became involved with several charity fashion shows in the area, one of which she has coordinated for 7 years now – Go Red for Women Fashion Show. As her reputation for style grew, Emily became known for her fashion advice. She contributed to columns in the Times Free Press newspaper, as well as local magazines – Style Magazine, Chattanooga Magazine, City Scope, and Blush Magazine. In 2012, Emily was asked to be the Style Reporter for News Channel 9 TV and Hits 96 Radio (sponsored by TVFCU).
Recently, Emily was contacted by Nordstrom in Nashville, TN to partner for a joint event. The event allowed this national brand to expand their reach to a market who doesn’t have access to a Nordstrom department store. This event was held at Boutique Couture and featured Bobbi Brown makeup and Jo Malone of London Fragrances and scents.
Between running her store and taping monthly style segments for TV and radio. Emily’s schedule stays busy. However, she still finds time to do things she enjoys – mountain biking and spending time with her boyfriend, family and friends…especially over good food and wine! Emily contributes to the Be Couture Group by wardrobe styling and concept creation and execution. She is currently expanding her market beyond Chattanooga, starting with Nashville!
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Angela Folmar of https://www.luminousbeautyboutique.com entered the cosmetic industry in 1991, where she worked at Parisian for Estee Lauder. Her love and passion as a makeup artist and sales grew so that she was awarded Top Producer in the Company in 1993 and Top consultant in 1993 and 1994.
Then in 2001, she followed a calling and obtained her Aesthetician license and took a position with Epiphany day spa. Once again her love and research for her profession helped her to gather loyal clients that are still with her today.
Angela’s next chapter began in the late summer of 2009 where she followed her heart and created her business today Luminous Beauty Boutique. She has a strong attraction to Eco -Conscious and holistic living and earth friendly, natural products. She specializes in custom blending mineral makeup, bridal and modern makeup, luxurious facials,brow wax and shaping and gentle peels.
As a Makeup Artist her work has been featured on the Front Cover of Pink Bride, Chattanooga magazine, CityScope, Bridal Publications,Style watch, News Channel 9 and TV Commercials. She has participated in Go Red fashion shows, various bridal and Chattanooga Fashion Shows plus Dancing with stars and Dare to Dance. Angela was featured in a Natural Awakenings article as well as selected for a presentation makeup for Senator Bob Corker.
When not working Angela spends quality time with her husband Micah and her babies Elena Skye and Ridge Roland. They all enjoy the great outdoors, plenty of sunshine, travel and looking for new adventures .As always Angela is researching the latest makeup techniques, facial, health and holistic lifestyles.
