©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Susan E. Campbell
At ease with hair cutting shears in hand or applying makeup for a professional photo shoot, it is not easy to imagine Autumn Wright in a combat uniform.
The owner of Seraphina Divine Beauty, 437 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa, and specializing in bridal hair and makeup, Wright had a four-year tour as a U.S. Marine driving trucks in Iraq. When her deployment ended in 2009 she went “wherever the wind” took her. “All around the country,” she said, from New York to Arizona to Tennessee.
Two events changed her career course in 2012: the birth of her son and a decision to study cosmetology. That path led her to becoming a third-generation business owner in her native Ballston Spa.
“I love this community,” said Wright. “I am deeply embedded in it.”
Wright started doing hair and makeup for weddings while still in cosmetology school in Tennessee. Having built a clientele while at school, it was natural to go into booth rental and build her credentials. By 2015, she was setting up her own shop in Ballston Spa.
Wright’s following continues to flourish. She outgrew her first shop and will likely relocate again at the end of this year, she said. An expert in a hand-painted coloring technique called balayage, Wright said bridal parties and other clients will come from some distance to have her highlight and style their hair.
The shop features a range of other beauty services, like hair extensions and makeup for photo shoots, proms and other special events
A typical week is cutting and coloring Monday through Friday, and bridal and airbrush makeup on the weekend, according to Wright. She said many brides come to her shop months in advance of their big day.
Wright said the challenge of being a business owner is “staying well rounded. You don’t clock in and out, so you need to find structure within yourself. Being a single Mom, a worker, an employer, a community member and a competitor takes juggling. But I love being a business owner and Ballston Spa is a great place for a business.”
“Do it with passion or not at all,” said Wright of her personal and professional motto.
This year, Wright started her own line of makeup featuring a high-definition foundation, a primer, and 12 shades of lip stain with matching lip liners. She plans to add eyeliner and mascara by the end of 2020.
“I am formulating a team now to market these products at booths and at the salon,” she said. “That will mean a bigger space and moving to a bigger shop in Ballston Spa.”
Visit www.seraphinadivinebeautyny.com to view images and testimonials and to learn more about Wright’s beauty services and products.