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Rising Stars: Meet Hanna McCord of New Albany

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanna McCord.

Hi Hanna , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Le Rêve Makeup & Hair began as a dream of mine—one rooted in my passion for beauty, artistry, and making people feel truly seen. After graduating from The Ohio State School of Cosmetology and the Makeup First School of Makeup Artistry in Chicago, I had the privilege of working with amazing brands, high-profile clients, and even celebrities like Glenn Close.

In 2014, while living in Chicago, I officially launched Le Rêve as an on-site beauty service. I chose the name “Le Rêve,” which means “The Dream” in French, because it perfectly captured my vision: to create a luxury beauty experience grounded in love, service, and personal connection.

My faith and personal journey played a huge role in shaping this business. I wanted to build something more than just a service—I wanted to create a space where clients feel valued, confident, and beautiful in their own skin.

Eventually, I brought Le Rêve to Columbus, Ohio, where we’ve grown into a full team of talented hair and makeup artists. We’ve worked on weddings, editorial shoots, portraits, and productions, both locally and internationally.

Today, we continue to offer on-site services while also welcoming clients into our salon and spa, Le Rêve Château, in New Albany, Ohio. What started as a dream has now become a thriving team, and I’m so grateful to continue this journey—pouring love and intention into every face and every moment we touch.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a team, especially in a creative and personal industry like beauty, has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging parts of building Le Rêve. When I first started, it was just me—my hands, my brush, and my vision. As the demand grew and I began expanding the team, I quickly learned that leading people is an entirely different kind of artistry.

Every artist brings their own personality, work style, strengths, and expectations to the table. That diversity is part of what makes our team incredible, but it also means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Balancing strong personalities, creative opinions, and communication styles requires patience, self-awareness, and constant growth.

There have been moments of misalignment—times when expectations weren’t clear enough, or when team members needed more support than I realized. Learning to delegate, give feedback with grace, and hold space for others’ growth while also maintaining the brand vision has stretched me in every way.

What’s made it all worth it is the realization that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening, adjusting, and building trust. I’ve had to grow not just as a business owner, but as a mentor, a communicator, and someone who leads with empathy and clarity. It’s not easy, but watching our team evolve and thrive together is the most fulfilling part of this journey.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Le Rêve Makeup & Hair, we specialize in on-site luxury hair and makeup services, with a strong focus on weddings, special events, and editorial work. We’re known for creating elevated, timeless beauty that enhances our clients’ natural features while making them feel radiant, confident, and cared for. Our team blends professional technique with a deeply personal approach, which is something our clients often say makes them feel truly seen and valued.

What sets us apart is the intentionality behind every service—we don’t believe in cookie-cutter beauty. From the moment a client books with us, we create a tailored experience rooted in care, artistry, and trust. We take the time to understand our clients’ style, story, and vision, and we pour love into every detail—from trial to touch-up.

I’m most proud of the team we’ve built. These artists are not only incredibly talented, but also kind, professional, and committed to excellence. Watching them grow, support one another, and make our clients feel amazing is what keeps me inspired every day.

And beyond the beauty—we hold space for big moments. Weddings, milestones, photo shoots—these are emotional days, and we don’t take that lightly. Our presence is calm, grounding, and joyful, and that energy is part of what people remember most about working with us.

What does success mean to you?
At Le Rêve, we define success not just by how flawless the hair and makeup look in photos—but by how our clients feel in those moments. True success for us is when a bride looks in the mirror and says, “This is exactly how I imagined myself,” or when a client feels seen, celebrated, and at ease in our hands.

Success also looks like a happy, healthy team—artists who are growing in their craft, feeling supported, and showing up for each other with professionalism and heart. It’s about building something lasting, rooted in excellence and service, where every person we touch—whether client or team member—feels valued.

Ultimately, success is when our dream helps others live theirs.

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