Co-owner Natalie Angelillo of Swink Style Bar loves perfectly styled hair! Touching on a on a variety of topics Natalie shares with CRAVE her secrets to success and how she was able to make her dream a reality. Along side business partner Jacquie Byrne the duo was able to bring Seattle’s first beauty bar to life. Swink is a one-stop beauty shop providing both hair and make-up styling. Expertly trained hairstylists and in-house makeup-artist make complete transformations attainable for women on any budget. When you step out of the Swink Style Bar you will be left feeling completely confident and ready to take anything life has to throw at you, in style!

What inspired you and your partner to start Swink?
Jacquie Byrne-my business partner, and I wanted to start Swink so we can be a customer. I have previous business and operating experience. Throughout my career, I used to travel a lot to New york & London. I would stop in at local hair salons. As a customer I had an amazing time getting my hair completely styled and transformed in a matter of moments. When I would go back home to Seattle, I couldn’t find a salon that provided an all in one beauty salon. I tried to encourage other friends to open a salon, until one day I decided to take a leap of faith and start creating my team.

How did you go about starting the formation of the Swink team?
I called one of my closest friends Jacquie Brynes. We then contacted every person we’ve met along the way to gather a team of experts! My dream of was transpiring before my eyes!

Who was the first expert to help with the creation of Swink?
Suresh. He used to be a Seattle-based makeup artist, and now lives in New York. Jacquie had her makeup done by Suresh, and felt that it was the best makeup experience she has ever had, and looked better than ever! He amplified her best features, without overdoing the makeup. Jacquie & Suresh kept in contact. When we reached out to him to help guide us with makeup selections for Swink. Suresh has his own line of lip glosses that we carry, and provide for our customers. He then became a lifetime business advisor, beauty expert, and Swink School Trainer! Find out more about his line here!

Now that Swink has taken off, can you tell me what a typical day at Swink is like for you?
Everything! Swink’s customer base is any age range. From business women getting her weekly blowout before the work week, to a senior in high school for senior photos, to twenty- somethings getting ready for a girls night out. Saturday is major bridal 1-2 parties. We just started keeping the salon open on Sunday to meet the business demands. Nothing is typical. Stylist see a variety of women daily!

What is the most popular services?
Off the hair menu is The Swink is Super popular! It is as true to you as a thumbprint or signature, our house blow out is you, only better. Straight, curly, whatever, it’s your bona fide good hair day. The The Belle du Jour is the Summer’s best style. It is our “It Girl” style. A bit edgy, always hip. We celebrate the hair of the moment with cues from the runway to red carpet. From our makeup menu semi-permanent lash extensions is also another popular services.

What are the major brands Swink carriers to help deliver the signature Swink blowouts?
Davines, an Italian line chemical and peraben free haircare line. It is unique to Seattle. We also use Kevin Murphy Dry Shampoo-aerosol spray that sprays out fine powder substance and absorbs oil. It’s a great alternative for women in a rush that don’t have time for a complete shampoo. Dry shampoo also adds texture to fine hair.

Besides Suresh Lipgloss what other Makeup lines do you carry?
Young blood. Its a mineral makeup. Click here to find out more information about Young Blood Cosmetic line!

What do you look for when hiring new Swink stylist and makeup artist?
The stylist I hire are all licensed, and have gone through school. I look for People who want to put the finishing stamp/style transformation piece of styling. Our stylist need to have a passion for makeup and learning new styles as well. We want our Swink artist are apart of the ENTIRE transformation process. To get the technical skills down we like to put our stylist through “Swink School” training them the Swink way. Swink School and training evolves based on the individuals-a week or two or even longer. Fine tuning their stylist skills. Throughout the year we continue training with outside experts & senior stylist as well.

Are their any future expansions to meet the growing Swink demand?
Since Swink is the first and only Style Bar of its kind in Seattle our business is growing, and artist are continually being booked. Since a majority of our clients come from the Bellevue area we are planning to open a new Salon there in the near future!

Do you have any events with our CRAVE readers?
For brides, on the day of your wedding-they cater and parties can rent out the entire space. You can have 4- 5 stylist at a time. We provide a loft space upstairs where bridal parties can change.

What is the greatest part about being apart of Swink?
Being apart of the transformation process is the greatest part of being apart of Swink. It’s to see change in confidence that customers gain from just an hour at Swink, it’s an amazing process to be apart of.

What are you looking forward to at the CRAVE Summer Party?
I’m just thrilled to be apart of the party. We will be bringing our team of stylist and doing mini hair and makeup makeovers!

Wanna get Swinked? Click here to learn more. You can also check out Swink at the CRAVE Summer party on August 18^th.