Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Welechuk Kowski.
Hi Carla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path in the beauty industry has always been guided by one core belief – that true beauty is about revealing your most authentic self. This philosophy became ingrained in me during my time as a Beauty Educator for Chanel Cosmetics, where I learned that luxury isn’t about masking imperfections, but celebrating individuality through flawless technique and premium products.
When I founded Alea Beauty in 2019, I brought those Chanel values of natural, authentic beauty with me – combining them with the meticulous training I received at the Aveda Institute. Our ‘natural, yet elevated’ approach was born from this fusion of luxury expertise and holistic beauty principles.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested these values in ways I never imagined. With events canceled and salons closed, we leaned into what Chanel taught me about real connection – pivoting to virtual consultations where we educated clients on enhancing their natural features. By 2021, this commitment to authentic service helped us not just survive, but thrive as a multi-state collective.
Today, whether I’m working with a bride or mentoring our artists, I still hear my Chanel trainers reminding me: ‘True beauty doesn’t shout – it whispers.’ That’s the quiet confidence we help every Alea Beauty client discover in themselves.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth road? Not exactly—but every twist led somewhere beautiful!
When I launched Alea Beauty in 2019, I envisioned something quite different than what lied ahead. 2020 arrived, and like everyone else, we pivoted—but in the most magical ways. The shift to micro-weddings and elopements didn’t just save our business; it reminded me why I fell in love with this work in the first place: intimate, meaningful moments.
In fact, I got to experience it firsthand! That October, my own Columbus elopement along the Scioto Mile became a testament to the beauty of simplicity—featured in Columbus Weddings for its heartfelt, unfussy joy. It mirrored what our clients were craving: authenticity over extravagance. Suddenly, our team was crafting personalized “mini-wedding” glam for couples who prioritized love over logistics, and it was thrilling.
We turned challenges into wins:
• Micro-wedding glam teams became our specialty, with curated services and our trademark “Essentials Package”, which we still offer to this day.
• Elopement beauty coaching calls let couples DIY beauty for remote ceremonies
• Virtual consultations connected us to clients nationwide when our studio was closed
• Even our product line evolved, focusing on long-wear, photo-ready essentials
The pandemic taught us to find the sparkle in simplicity—and now, whether we’re prepping a bride for a 300-person gala or a quiet vow exchange, that lesson shines through. Sometimes the detours turn out to be the most scenic routes!
As you know, we’re big fans of Alea Beauty LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Alea Beauty, we specialize in making people feel like the most radiant versions of themselves through premium, personalized beauty experiences. Here’s what makes us unique:
Founded in 2019, we’ve grown from a solo studio to a multi-state collective of talented artists serving clients across the US.
What sets us apart:
1. **Our Signature Approach** – We created the “natural, yet elevated” philosophy that combines luxury techniques with skin-conscious products for looks that are camera-ready yet authentically you
2. **Bridal & Special Event Expertise** – We’re the trusted choice for discerning brides and event planners, known for flawless long-wear makeup and hairstyles that photograph beautifully
3. **The Alea Beauty Standard** – Every artist in our collective undergoes rigorous training in our techniques and client service protocols
4. **Adaptive Innovation** – From pioneering virtual consultations during COVID to creating our popular “Essentials Package,” we evolve with our clients’ needs
What we’re most proud of:
– Building a brand that stands for both artistry and integrity
– Our 100% client satisfaction rate across 500+ weddings and events
– Being featured in top publications like Columbus Monthly, Brides Magazine and Junebug Weddings for our work
– Maintaining a 5-star rating while expanding across multiple states
Our offerings include:
– Bridal beauty services (trials, wedding day, bridal party)
– Special event hair and makeup
– Corporate and headshot glam
– Beauty education and workshops
– Airbrush Spray Tanning
– Editorial Productions
At our core, we believe beauty should enhance – never mask – your natural features. Whether you’re a bride, a busy professional, or someone who just deserves a confidence boost, we’re here to make your experience as beautiful as the results.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My perspective on risk? It’s not just a business calculation—it’s deeply personal. In 2018, my future husband and I took our biggest leap together: moving to Ohio where he was launching a new chapter in his biotech career, while I walked away from 20+ years of established professional relationships on the west coast to start Alea Beauty from scratch. We arrived with a shared belief that sometimes you need to risk everything familiar to build something extraordinary.
That first year tested us in ways we never imagined:
• Professional reboot: I went from Chanel educator sessions with 50+ artists and highly lucrative personal styling appointments with some of Seattle’s most notable professionals to cold-calling Columbus bridal shops alone
• Total network rebuild: No industry contacts, none of my family or friends nearby—just our determination and my well-worn makeup kit
What that taught me about risk:
-Old networks can be rebuilt stronger – Losing my West Coast connections forced me to create Alea’s artist collective from scratch, now spanning multiple states
Now when brides ask if they should take the risk on a non-traditional wedding look, I smile: My entire company exists because I bet on starting over in Ohio with nothing but my brushes and a very patient fiancé. Risk isn’t just business—it’s the love story behind the brand.
Pricing:
- Wedding Essentials Package: $1200
- Individual pricing starts at $125
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aleabeauty.co
