We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Thendres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The Covid-19 pandemic was a massive eye-opener for many people, including myself. At the time, I had a 9-5 job and worked as a bridal hair and makeup artist part-time on the weekend, but the time and flexibility the pandemic provided gave me a chance to begin pursuing what I truly loved rather than working for someone else’s dream.

I’d already had my clientele and saved up a little bit, so in 2020, I started BRIDESNEST. In early 2022, I opened a studio and my second company, BROWSNEST, a permanent makeup service. My third company is one I’m beginning with my two brothers, and it’s coming soon!

It’s been a crazy two years, but it’s been the most enjoyable roller coaster ride full of learning and growing, and I’m so excited to see what the future brings!

What should our readers know about your business?
BRIDESNEST is a full-service bridal hair & makeup team catering to brides in the Southern California region.

BROWSNEST is a permanent makeup service specializing in Ombré Powder Brows to enhance beauty with personalized results.

I’ve found that starting a business isn’t as complicated as actually maintaining one. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I know that as long as I stay consistent, make a little progress each day, and always remember why I started, keeping things running will be doable and get easier over time!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d have to explore all of the amazing food here, so we’d need to hang out in K-town, San Gabriel, Beverly Hills, and Malibu. For nightlife, we would head to West Hollywood, and I’d bring her to Orange County to soak up some SoCal sunshine, making sure to hit Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach.

Last but not least, whether it’s the Lakers, Dodgers, or Rams, we’d have to see at least one LA sports team play. Any local concerts or festivals would also be on the table!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No matter what dreams I’ve chased, my family has always been my rock and the number one supporter in my life. Their love and encouragement mean everything to me. I also have to mention that being an entrepreneur at 25 years old doesn’t come without its challenges, and God has been SO great in leading and guiding me throughout my journey as a young business owner.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

I’ve learned that you can’t be a one-person show to have a successful business, so I want to shout out to my incredible team for all their fantastic work and support. Also, I want to acknowledge all the inspiring business owners I’ve met and the wedding vendors who have supported me by giving out BRIDESNEST referrals. They’ve proven that we can all succeed with one another’s support!

Website: https://www.bridesnest.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridesnest & https://www.instagram.com/browsnest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridesnest

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brides-nest-rosemead-2

Image Credits
@sweet.escape @laurenkovacikphotography @kimfilms.weddings @bryte.moments @hollowandgrace @andyseostudio @weareanthonyandbecky @lovelylight_imagery

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.