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 By K. Reka Badger
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 2005 Winter Home Page Click Here |
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| With an effervescence that matches her shop’s namesake, Alicia Gugliemo explains why she dubbed her make-up and skin-care business Champagne Boutique. “I just thought of champagne fun in the middle of wine country,” she laughs. “When I think of champagne, I think of celebration, bubbly, happy times—all those things rolled into one.” Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Alicia acquired impressive credentials as a makeup artist, married her high school sweetheart and, in 2003, moved to the Santa Ynez Valley. “He has the dirt bike shop, C.O.D. Motorsports in Buellton,” she says happily. “He’s doing what he loves and I’m doing what I love.” While still in high school, Alicia began working at Skin Deep, where she eventually spent five years exploring her craft. “That’s where I learned that this was my passion,” she declares. “I lived in L.A. for several years,” she continues, “learning special effects makeup. I thought I was going to get into the movie industry, but L.A. was too fast-paced for me.” Alicia returned to the Central Coast and continued to refine her skills. When Bacara Resort and Spa opened, she eagerly hired on as a makeup artist and aesthetician, a position she held for four years, until a manager at Chumash Casino asked for her assistance in launching their new spa. “I helped hire the staff, interview vendors and helped select the skin-care line,” Alicia explains. “I spent six months there—and then realized I wanted to open my own shop.” That shop, a lovely upstairs aerie, invites the bride-to-be and all her attendants to simply sit back and surrender to Alicia’s skilled hands and gentle pampering. “It’s so relaxing,” Alicia smiles. “It has chocolate hardwood floors, baby pink walls and lots of natural lighting, which is good for applying makeup.” During her 12 years of apprenticeship, Alicia perfected her art and made valuable contacts among the suppliers of some of the more luxurious beauty products. “Phytomer is a marine-based skin-care line, formulated off the Brittany Coast of France,” Alicia explains. “Bacara and the Four Seasons-Biltmore are the only others that have it locally. I worked with the rep and she knows that I know the line, so she let me have it in the shop. “I offer luxury facials,” she says, “and I analyze the skin before choosing which product will best benefit your skin. “I also love eyebrow design,” she adds, “because it’s instant gratification. I look at the face shape, eye shape, then clean them up, give them a little arch. In an instant you can have a whole new look.” “Besides bridal make-up, facials and waxing services,” Alicia explains, “I have handmade jewelry, soy candles, body butter and a lot fun stuff I have hand-selected. I’ve been open just under one year and I’ve been blessed.” For all your beauty needs and “big day” preparations, visit Champagne Boutique, located at 2023 Mission Drive. Massage now available M-F, 10-5 too. |
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Copyright 2005, Inside Santa Ynez Valley Magazine, All Rights Reserved |
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