Beyond Bridal

7. Real Talk on Community, Creativity & Purpose with Sydney Mintle

This episode is extra special because I’m joined by one of the first people who truly believed in me and helped shape the foundation of my business—Sydney Mintle, founder of Gossip & Glamour, fashion PR powerhouse, and true champion of community over competition.
Sydney and I go deep on what real collaboration looks like, how to build authentic relationships in the bridal and fashion industries, and why supporting other women in business is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. We also talk about grief, motherhood, and how to live with intention both in your business and your life. Sydney shares how she’s continued running a thriving business while navigating deep personal loss—and how she’s using her voice to create space for the conversations that really matter.
Whether you're a bridal beauty pro, wedding vendor, creative entrepreneur, or woman trying to do meaningful work while building a beautiful life—this one’s for you.
Resources mentioned:
Book: The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller
Female-founded company: Recompose
 
Connect with Sydney:
Gossip & Glamour Website
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydlovesfashion/?hl=en
 
Connect with Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellewight.hmu/

6. Collaboration in the Bridal Industry: Real Support vs Just a Buzzword

Today’s episode is all about a word we hear constantly in the wedding industry: collaboration. It sounds beautiful—community, connection, supporting one another—but let’s be real: not every collab is what it claims to be.
In this episode, I’m getting honest about a recent situation with a high-profile client that left me feeling completely disrespected, and how it opened my eyes to the way the word “collaboration” is often misused in our industry. I’m breaking down what real collaboration should look like for bridal beauty professionals, and how to protect your time, energy, and worth when you're asked to work “for exposure.”
If you’ve ever been asked to donate your artistry, your time, or even your studio space in exchange for vague promises of “visibility,” this episode will resonate. It’s time we have real conversations about what it looks like to build trust and create genuine connections in the bridal world.
Connect with Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellewight.hmu/

5. Scaling Your Bridal Business? Here’s What I Wish I Knew Sooner

Scaling my bridal business looked like a dream from the outside—booked solid, constantly traveling, growing a team. But behind the scenes? It was anything but glamorous. I was drowning in admin work, struggling to keep up with inquiries, and dealing with the painful reality of one-star reviews—not because of my artistry, but because my back end was a disaster.
 
In this episode, I’m sharing the hard lessons I learned when saying yes to everything nearly broke me. I’ll walk you through what I wish I had done differently, how I finally stopped the cycle of overwhelm, and what truly changed my business for the better. If you’re feeling buried in your work and unsure how to move forward, this episode is for you.
 
Connect with Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellewight.hmu/

4. Stop Doing It All! How Wedding Pros Can Delegate & Thrive

Outsourcing. It’s a buzzword in the wedding industry, but how do you actually do it right? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by admin work, drowning in emails, or struggling to juggle every aspect of your business, this episode is for you.
 
In this episode, I share my personal journey of rapid business growth, the mistakes I made when first outsourcing, and the game-changing systems that transformed my business. I break down exactly what to delegate, who to hire, and how to make outsourcing work for you—so you can stop running your business from a place of fear and start scaling with intention.
 
Connect with Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellewight.hmu/

3. Signs You're Ready to Scale Your Bridal Business

Are you feeling the pull to grow your bridal business but aren’t sure if you’re ready? In this episode, I share the key signs that tell you it’s time to scale - exactly the ones that I saw when I knew it was my time to scale!
From craving more creative control to being fully booked with no room for growth, this episode walks through the moments that signal it's time to take the next step in your business.
Whether you’re considering going out on your own, hiring a team, or leveling up your brand, this episode is packed with real talk, lessons learned, and actionable advice.
Connect with Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellewight.hmu/

2. How to Show Up on Social Media (Even When It Feels Hard)

Ever feel like you should be posting more on social media but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Michelle Wight breaks down the five biggest excuses wedding pros make when it comes to showing up online—and why they’re holding you back. With 20 years in the beauty industry, Michelle has seen firsthand how personal branding can transform your business.
If you’re stuck on what to post, afraid of judgment, or feel like you just don’t have time, this episode is for you! Michelle shares actionable tips to make social media feel easier, more authentic, and actually work for your business.
Connect with Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellewight.hmu/

1. Scaling the Bridal Beauty Business: Challenges, Growth, and Lessons Learned

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Beyond Bridal, where Michelle Wight takes you behind the scenes of the bridal beauty industry. Having spent two decades passionately crafting her expertise, Michelle opens up about the highs and lows of evolving from a solo makeup artist to leading a thriving team serving hundreds of bridal clients annually.
In this episode, Michelle reflects on her incredible journey from balancing life as a hospital employee to embracing her passion for makeup. She candidly shares her experiences, highlighting the challenges faced in building a sustainable beauty business, the importance of strategy beyond artistry, and the profound lessons learned along the way.
Join Michelle as she delves deeper into the realities of entrepreneurship in the beauty world, addressing common misconceptions, sharing strategies for growth, and empowering aspiring artists with unfiltered insights and actionable advice. Whether you're a creative professional or curious about the industry, this episode promises to inspire and inform.