MUA Issues & Business - is this normal?

[HotHolly]

I have found some very talented people who I recommend our boudoir clients to for hair & make up. They were all screened and recommended. Right now, all make up and hair is done out of house. I prefer it that way so I dont have to be there 2 hours early while they get ready.

Here's the issue - 90% of the stylists Ive found are either: not reliable, are chronically late, or are crazy. What the hell? Ive hired MUAs in other cities for workshops we put on on or shoots we do. And Ive never seen this.

Im throwing them an additional $500+ per week in new clients, plus they get the potential to gain repeat clients who are HAPPY TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY. You'd think they'd act like they want it. Is this typical, or have I just not sifted through people well enough yet?

Its driving me crazy. This is 1/2 venting, 1/2 seriously asking. Ive had issues with model's acting as described above, but not the MUAs.

[Cajungaltx]

I would probably try to find a high end salon and work with them.

Are you using the 'same' one, or is this different individuals?

[AllenAyres]

Slightly off-topic - when you send MUA images for their portfolio, do you add your typical logo to them? I'm giving her the files, I'd like for the others who see them know who took them... the client was mine and I referred them to her.

On-topic - my MUA seems really reliable, tho we've only worked together 3 times so far. We've got a couple more coming up in the next couple months.

[JohnT]

If they're anything like the MUAs that I've seen on TV, they're a few colors shy of a full pallet.

[J Eddington]

So far I have been lucking finding great ones but mostly out of town. But then I had a model who hired one for her wedding and she called 30 minutes before and said she was not coming. That sure screwed up the wedding time line.

[HotHolly]

Ive been using different people. The majority seem to have major issues. I would think they had an aversion to money, acting like this. Whatever. Just wondering.

[srwatters]

I suggest you contact your local brick and mortar modeling agency and hire agency artists. When your reputation and money is on the line, I think you might have better results. It's no different from finding models on Model Mayhem vs going to an agency. Good luck!

[jfotogurl]

I guess I'm lucky. I have a working relationship with MY hairstylist. I've been going to her for my hair for about 4 years. She's great, has loads of energy and in short, does awesome work. So far our working relationship has been a joy.

As far as my logo on their portfolio shots, for me it's a must. We trade photos for a greatly reduced price on hair/makeup. I'm expecting the other stylists who see her photobook to be calling me. :-)

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by srwatters

I suggest you contact your local brick and mortar modeling agency and hire agency artists. When your reputation and money is on the line, I think you might have better results. It's no different from finding models on Model Mayhem vs going to an agency. Good luck!

That would be a great idea, but Abilene is a vacuum. Even the agencies are fly by night. If you know of something I dont, please clue me in. My last attempt is to contact the theatre dept at the university for their MUA. The thing is, I checked references on these people and they were supposed to be good, sane, and not flakes. They all have chairs at local salons. I dont get it. The MUAs I hired are getting paid double going rate around here. You'd think they'd jump at it. Maybe they dont need money.