Trish Van Zee

Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background?

I’m a hybrid of Type A, corporate business manager mixed with a highly creative, college art major that loves doing bridal styling and blonding. I started doing hair in my 30s while holding a strong business background.

What bridal trends are you loving right now? 

I’m all about that luxy BOHO!!  My new tagline is Boho & Bougie.  The boho vibes that are luxe and coastal chic are so fun to create. From cascading styles, buns and braids…I love the effortless look of boho and romantic.

What new trends can we expect to see this season?

The clean looks will always be in style. There can be clean styles of boho, classic and still be soft.  I feel the fall trends will continue to be “anything goes” as long as it looks good in the photography since that is the printed memories.

How do you stay inspired?

I stay plugged in to specific groups.  One for business, one for stylists, one for marketing and branding.  I’m open to seeing new inspiration from young entrepreneurs and also gaining knowledge from my older mentors that have proven success in business. I stay inspired by getting out of the noise.  Workouts, hair challenges, going for a walk, listening to a new podcast that may not even be in my industry. There is so much in our face that it’s overwhelming. I have to unplug and it’s like a breath of fresh creative air.

What advice would you give to a bridal hairstylist just getting started?

It will all come together. Do the work at a pace that is sustainable. There’s so many aspects of getting into bridal and be prepared to ask a lot of questions, be open to learning from everyone and put the action steps in.  Bridal beauty is a community that is special – very different from salon life…we are all here to elevate each other.

Best advice to a bride regarding her hairstyle?

Be open to hear what your stylist suggests and what your best options are. We have so many tools and secrets to make your dream hairstyle happen but if it’s too extreme, there’s always alternatives. 

What is the one product/tool you can not live without?

This is not easy to answer! Of course a few items popped in my head that are my go to. My absolute must have is Puff.me by Design.me hair products.  i=

Best advice you have ever been given in the hair industry? 

‘Be on an island’.  This was when I started in a salon. The owner said to “stay focused”, don’t listen to all the negative naysayers and stay focused on you, think that you are ‘on an island’.  I understand what he meant since being new can feel intimidating. Now, I interpret that differently. I have a great supportive community but I still think about that advice but in a new way. Remember we are all different, with different goals/challenges, don’t get caught up in the ‘noise’ and do not to compare…do not to get discouraged that you’re not where your colleagues are. You are on your own island.

What do you love to do outside of work? 

Anything with my kids and family. I love to be outside!  Bike, swim, beach days, snowboard, movies, weight train, finding good ‘foodie’ restaurants.

Guilty pleasures? 

Pizza! I literally could eat it every day.