"I want to look gorgeous, but I want to look like myself." That’s what Monina hears from most of her brides. Certainly you remember a wedding where the bride hardly looked herself. That is completely different from Monina’s approach. In her portfolio you can browse through pictures of brides both without and with makeup, and you can easily see how her makeup enhances the client's natural look. Monina was recommended to me by a wonderful florist. Her many thank-you letters from customers show how pleased they were with her work.

When she followed her husband from San Diego to the Bay Area, Monina, a psychology major, turned her hobby into a business. It did not take long for her great talent and her sweet nature to be recognized by event coordinators and brides alike. What impressed me most was how thoroughly she does her job. She likes to meet her customers as early as possible. At the first meeting she will learn about the client's skin condition. Sometimes she suggest the use of some nourishing cream for a few weeks to turn dry and flaky skin into the most beautiful complexion. She encourages the bride to come with her veil for a complimentary trial run. That way she can experience the makeup and, if necessary, adjustments can be made. Through another part of her work, teaching classes at a modeling school, Monina knows exactly what it takes for one to look good on film. She has a digital camera and can demonstrate that to her brides. She will arrive well ahead of time, and, depending on the size of the wedding party, will be alone or with her assistants; she always brings her comfortable director chair. After giving the bride a relaxing facial massage, she begins the makeup session. A touch-up kit is complimentary. "I love weddings," she says. "Everybody is so happy."

Monina also offers makeup lessons for anyone. She is a certified permanent makeup technician and participates continuously in seminars to learn the latest in skin care and makeup techniques.
Her custom-made gift baskets with skin care, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and professional make-up brushes are available for purchase.