Empowering Beauty and Business: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Happy Hour Holidaze Podcast with Special Guest Marandan Renea
On this episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, hosts Sean Febre and co-host Vince Serrano shine the spotlight on a conversation that fuses beauty, business, entrepreneurship, and a healthy dose of humor. Though Manny Febre, the show’s usual co-host, was absent (he was busy moving into his new home—congrats, Manny!), the show presses on with just as much energy and warmth. Joined by the dynamic entrepreneur and licensed cosmetologist Marandan Renea, the crew peels back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving beauty enterprise. From backstage WrestleMania stories to unstoppable wedding day fiascos, Marandan’s insights highlight the highs and lows of working with top-tier clients while running a business built on genuine service.
In this very detailed blog post, we’ll dive into key moments, memorable quotes, and essential lessons derived from this spirited and informative conversation. Grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and get ready to explore the fascinating world of makeup, hair styling, and the unstoppable drive that propels people like Marandan toward success.
Meet the Hosts (and Guest!)
Host, Sean Febre
Sean is typically accompanied by his brother, Manny Febre, but on this episode Manny’s off signing paperwork for a new home. Stepping up to fill the co-host seat is Vince Serrano, often affectionately introduced as the “Youngest City Yacht Club Happy Hour Holidaze guest co-host.” Sean is quick to congratulate Manny while expressing how much they miss him. Together, Sean and Vince bring a lively vibe to the interview.
Co-Host, Vince Serrano
Vince contributes a bubbly presence and comedic flair. Between the two, the synergy and curiosity they display sets the tone for a candid discussion that blends entertaining banter with genuinely insightful questions.
Guest, Marandan Renea
The star of the episode is the charismatic Marandan Renea—a seasoned entrepreneur and beauty specialist whose client roster includes WWE wrestlers like Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair, as well as appearances at New York Fashion Week, Bridal Fashion Week, and Men’s Fashion Week. She has built a concierge beauty empire that spans bridal services, red carpet events, photo shoots, and production projects. Beyond beauty, Marandan is passionate about empowering women and encouraging a spirit of collaboration, authenticity, and self-love.
Early Beginnings: A Childhood Brush with Beauty
From as early as six years old, Marandan discovered her fascination with hair. By her high school years, she was already on a vocational fast track, acquiring her cosmetology license upon graduation. In her own words:
“I’ve been doing hair since I was six. …I got my license in high school. …I’ve never really worked a job. This is all I’ve done.”
That strong foundation in cosmetology opened the door for endless possibilities in hair, makeup, and event styling. Even at the beginning, she recognized her chosen profession was about far more than just artistry; it was a service-based industry that involves meticulous customer care, empathy, and calmness under pressure.
What Is a “Concierge” Beauty Service?
A central pillar of Marandan’s approach to beauty is her “concierge” business model. She and her team, composed of seven people, offer on-demand, at-your-location services for events as diverse as lavish weddings, red carpet appearances, and large-scale productions. But being “concierge” doesn’t merely mean showing up on location. According to Marandan:
“It’s a service-based business…we’re there to serve our client. …If our client needs eye drops, we’re going to have it ready. …Whatever she needs, we’ll be there.”
With a focus on delivering an experience rather than simply a hairstyle or makeup application, Marandan’s devotion to quality service and meeting each client’s unique needs sets her brand apart from the average beauty shop encounter.
From Weddings to WWE: Serving High-Profile Clients
One of the most compelling aspects of the conversation centers on Marandan’s high-profile work with WWE wrestlers, particularly the formidable Jade Cargill. Beyond big personalities and the adrenaline of live TV, these partnerships offer endless creative challenges. Wrestlers require looks that not only stand out in a packed stadium but also hold up under sweat, bright lights, and a high-octane performance schedule.
Working with Jade Cargill
Marandan’s collaboration with wrestler Jade Cargill pushed her artistry to the next level. Jade’s futuristic, edgy style calls for makeup that can include dramatic face paint or metallic hues—bold enough to be seen in every seat in the arena. One of Marandan’s signature creations with Jade was:
“A single straight line down her face…all the way through the chin, down the chest…”
This daring design showed off Jade’s symmetry and projected her powerful persona. Fans online took note, with some hailing the look as a moment of wrestling history. Marandan chuckles at the memory of having to redo Jade’s hair and makeup in only nine minutes backstage at an event, jokingly claiming that moment proved she could work miracles under intense pressure.
A Day in the Life of a Wedding Stylist
As glamorous as working with celebrities can be, weddings remain a cornerstone of Marandan’s business. She often starts work before sunrise, ensuring that brides, bridesmaids, and sometimes entire extended families look their best on the big day. Despite rumors of “bridezillas,” Marandan wryly notes that in her experience:
“It’s never actually the bride that’s the biggest challenge…it’s the bridesmaids!”
She recounts how a bridesmaid once arrived an hour late (due to a last-minute nail appointment) and expected to be styled even though the team was already packed to leave. Marandan stuck to her contractual terms, emphasizing that tardiness creates a domino effect for the entire day’s schedule. Standing firm not only ensures fairness but also underscores her commitment to professional boundaries, even under high emotional tension.
The Bridesmaids Class
In response to conflicts around bridesmaids sometimes balking at styling fees or time commitments, Marandan developed a class to teach bridesmaids how to do their own hair and makeup:
“…I’ll even bring the drinks, we’ll make it fun.”
In the end, it’s a creative solution that lets budget-conscious bridesmaids still look cohesive on wedding day, without compromising the overall bridal party’s timeline and aesthetic.
The Business of Beauty and Collaboration
While the conversation celebrates the artistry of hair and makeup, it also underscores business savvy. Marandan runs her enterprise like a true CEO—using contracts, scheduling, a deposit system, and a thorough vetting process (including trial runs for brides) to keep things orderly. Whether it’s working with wedding parties or backstage for a major production, these methods ensure no one’s time or money is wasted.
She highlights the importance of collaboration rather than gatekeeping:
“People who try to gatekeep…will never get anywhere. …You need more hands to make more money…Collaboration is key.”
This collaboration extends to building her personal brand and forging alliances with other agencies like Makeup M.O.B. (Mastery of Business) in Atlanta. By pairing up, they’re creating expanded teams ready for complex projects across multiple states—allowing them to serve the needs of production companies, weddings, and more.
“I Touch Myself”: A Playful, Empowering Initiative
Amid talk of business expansion, we also learn about Marandan’s intriguing project called “I Touch Myself.” The name is eye-catching by design, but its meaning goes deeper than physical contact. It’s a series of sensual hair and makeup tutorials, as well as conversations around women’s empowerment, self-love, and confidence. Marandan describes it this way:
“It’s about how you touch yourself to find that inner confidence…some people read books, some people take baths and oil their skin…whatever it is that makes you feel beautiful…”
For Marandan, makeup is a powerful tool for self-expression and creativity, but she’s quick to remind women that true happiness and self-worth must be nurtured from within—no amount of lipstick or contour can substitute.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance
In a high-pressure career that’s jam-packed with deadlines, travel, and a wide variety of personalities, Marandan underscores the importance of preserving your own well-being:
“If your happiness is compromised, you can’t give your best to anyone.”
Between being a mother and a business owner with a team of seven, boundaries become essential. Whether it’s learning to say no to unworkable requests or scheduling around family obligations, Marandan’s approach is a blend of ambition and balance. Her experiences exemplify how even someone immersed in the chaos of live TV events and large-scale productions can learn to navigate demands with grace.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Beauty Professionals
Professionalism & Punctuality
Whether it’s for a New York Fashion Week show or a small wedding, being on time is crucial. You can lose opportunities and respect in the industry by missing call times or failing to plan for potential delays.
Adaptability Under Pressure
As Marandan’s backstage “nine-minute full-glam” WrestleMania story illustrates, you must learn to handle last-minute changes smoothly. Sometimes, you’ll only have minutes to transform a complete look—so sharpen your skills and be ready to improvise.
Continuous Education & Networking
Traveling for classes, connecting with top professionals, and seeking out mentors are all pillars of success. Learning from experts helps you evolve faster and expands your professional circle.
Service-Oriented Mindset
While artistry is vital, remember that you’re in a service-based business. Satisfying a client’s emotional and practical needs can be just as important as delivering impeccable hair and makeup.
Effective Branding
On social media, clarity is crucial. If you want people to see you as a high-level beauty specialist, ensure that your feeds and website reflect it. Keep personal content (like vacations or dating life) separated or organized into highlights so prospective clients see a consistent, professional brand.
Honest Self-Expression
Projects like “I Touch Myself” remind beauty professionals that there’s room for creativity and soul in every aspect of your brand. Don’t be afraid to pursue initiatives that resonate deeply with your own beliefs and passions.
Memorable Quotes
“I have 50 little kids, so traveling for weeks for production projects can be tough. The money has to be right.”
Marandan illustrates the juggling act between family and a demanding career.
“Bridezillas are rarely the issue. It’s usually the bridesmaids!”
A humorous but honest reminder that wedding drama can spring from unexpected places.
“People who try to gatekeep…will never get anywhere. Collaboration is key!”
A strong message about networking and teamwork in a world where some hoard industry secrets.
“Makeup can’t replace genuine happiness. If your happiness is compromised, you’re not going to be your best.”
Perhaps the ultimate testament to achieving the elusive work-life balance we all crave.
Conclusion
The warmth and easy laughter that characterize this Happy Hour Holidaze episode underscore not just the synergy between Sean, Vince, and the absent Manny, but also the immense passion Marandan has for her craft. Whether meticulously mapping out bold lines down a WWE wrestler’s face, ensuring a bride’s look stays flawless from morning to midnight, or teaching bridesmaids the art of self-styling, Marandan does it all with focus, creativity, and a fierce commitment to empowering others.
Her entrepreneurial journey stands as proof that true success in the beauty industry requires a balance of exceptional skill, unwavering professionalism, and a knack for authentic human connection. If you’re contemplating a leap into the beauty world—or simply intrigued by the synergy between business and artistry—Marandan’s story offers inspiration, humor, and valuable guidance.
Cheers to another enlightening, laughter-filled episode of Happy Hour Holidaze—a show designed to bring insight and joy in equal measures. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment about your biggest takeaway from this behind-the-scenes look at the glitzy, high-pressure world of professional hairstyling and makeup. We’ll drink to that!
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Until next time, keep raising your glass to new learnings, unfiltered joy, and those spontaneous “Aha!” moments that only Happy Hour Holidaze can deliver. Cheers!
