Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!
This week, we highlight the exceptionally gorgeous and crazy talented Raquel Siders from Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy. We’ve had the privilege of working with Raquel, Arrvada and Jenifer from Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy on several of our photo shoots, and they’re truly gifted artists. They always seem to know exactly what we’re wanting for our shoots — we think they’re mind-readers! They’re also just pretty damn cool chicks!
Here’s a little bit more about Raquel!
Image Provocateur & VIP-CAT Academy
Tell us a little about your company? Image Provocateur is the Bridal and Hair Specialists needed for every perfect wedding. Our brides receive full hair, makeup, false lashes and our unique three step water proofing system on location. Our Artists are specially trained to achieve the perfect look every time.
When did you establish your business? VIP-CAT was launched in 2004, specializing in Bridal Hair & Makeup on Location. In 2007 VIP-CAT expanded into Image Provocateur a full-service Salon, keeping our main focus on our brides.
What sets you apart from your competition? All of our Makeup Artists are trained by myself, using my Copywrited Curriculum and the skills and techniques I have developed and implemented into VIP-CAT Academy. We are always striving to be the best, as perfection is our standard while staying on top of current styles and trends.
Where do you find inspiration? I have loved makeup and beauty since I can remember! As a young child I fell in love with makeup and art — that love blossomed into working with brides and getting a chance to share their day and help make it special.
When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers? That we would bring out their inner beauty and create the flawless, perfect look they always wanted for their wedding day. And since our makeup and hair lasts up to 12 hours, they would not have to worry about anything but walking down the aisle. Let our professional makeup artists and hair specialists ease your mind. You have worried about everything else… leave your hair and makeup to us.
Do you have any hidden talents?I have taken my creativity in makeup and I have started designing clothing. This year will see the launch of my clothing line, Black Cat Threads. This line is made from provocatively refurbished rock t’s and lingerie. It’s the way I am going green, with an edge!
Hair and Make-up for Real Weddings Cover Model Sarah by Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy. Dress from Diamond Bridal Gallery. Photo by True Love Photo. On location at The Citizen Hotel.
Hair and Make-up for Real Weddings Cover Model Sarah by Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy. Dress from Miosa. Photo by True Love Photo. On location at The Citizen Hotel.
Hair and Make-up for Real Weddings Cover Model Sarah by Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy. Dress from Dreamnette Bridal. Flowers by Camino Flower Shop. Photo by True Love Photo. On location at The Citizen Hotel.
Do you regularly blog? What’s your blog site? Yes, our blog is updated every few days and can be viewed at: http://arrvadaimageprov.blogspot.com/
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Wasabi on Greenback in Citrus Heights. I love their Fair Oaks Roll and the Lion King.
What’s your favorite local charity? I strongly support WEAVE. As a woman and a mother of a young woman, women escaping a violent environment hits close to home, and you can’t go wrong in supporting your gender and community.
What is your favorite fun thing to do locally? Well I have two. One, thrift store hunting for cool rock t’s & lingerie to convert into dresses for my clothing line. Two, heading out to Folsom at Negro Bar to be chased by the crazy ducks!
Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it? My secret indulgence isn’t too secret! I love wedding cake! Probably the real reason I got into the bridal industry! Love me some frosting!
What are you most grateful for in life? My family, especially my beautiful daughter Laurren and the chance to do what I love every day.
What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today? Remember, this is a special day, enjoy it. It doesn’t matter if the sun isn’t shining, or the birds aren’t singing. What matters is you are going to have amazing hair and makeup and no one is going to look at anyone else! Enjoy your moment, you deserve to look like the Diva you are.
Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides? You are all beautiful and I am privileged to be able to work with so many of you on your special day.
Find out more about Raquel and her team at Image Provocateur and VIP-CAT Academy for yourself. Call them at 916-474-5578. Also, check out their profile on Real Weddings Magazine!
