Angela Cattaneo Is Cultivating Community in the Bridal Styling Industry

With old Hollywood and vintage glamour becoming a resurging hair and beauty trend in 2025, the styling part of the industry is only going to blossom. Now more than ever, bridal and styling pros are only going to need extra opportunities and resources to meet the demands of their clientele, who are eager to sport luxurious and bold styles. To help provide for a rapidly growing sector of the industry, styling pro Angela Cattaneo stepped up to the plate and created Beyond the Ponytail in October 2015 — a multi-outlet platform that celebrates the passion and artistry of bridal stylists. Whether it's through the brand's website, Instagram, wedding hairstylist directory or hair styling show, Cattaneo is crafting a vibrant community where stylists can connect, collaborate, grow and thrive. For our March/April special occasions issue, we couldn't think of a better person to hear from in our Artist Spotlight. Read on to find out what inspired Cattaneo to launch Beyond the Ponytail, how she's building community for bridal stylists and her advice for being a successful and thriving pro, both personally and professionally. 

Angela Cattaneo and the Beyond the Ponytail Bridal Artist Connection marquee in Charleston, SC.Courtesy of Michel Berda | King Street Photo Weddings IG: @charlestonweddingphotographsBeauty Launchpad (BLP): Tell us about your journey in the industry. How did you get your start?

Angela Cattaneo (AC): I began my career in the beauty industry in my late 20s after leaving the corporate world, driven by a desire to pursue something more creative. It was then that I discovered my true passion for hairstyling and realized it was the path I was meant to follow. My journey in the industry has been an experience that I will forever be grateful for. Over the span of 23 years, I have had the pleasure of learning from incredibly talented hairstylists, working with amazing clients behind the chair, traveling the country as an independent educator and connecting with bridal stylists from around the world, building a global community.

BLP: What inspired you to start Beyond the Ponytail? What gap in the industry did you see yourself needing to fill? What can users expect from the platform?

AC: When I founded Beyond the Ponytail (BTP), my vision was simple: to create a platform that not only showcases incredible styling inspiration, but also uplifts artists by giving them recognition and building confidence within their craft. Having experienced firsthand the emotional impact of such recognition, I was driven to offer that same empowering experience to others.

The bridal industry, particularly bridal hairstylists, has long been overlooked in terms of resources and opportunities for professionals. BTP seeks to bridge that gap by building a strong community and offering in-person educational events dedicated to elevating personal and professional growth.

Users can expect resources designed to help stylists grow both personally and professionally, while also providing exciting opportunities for those who are motivated, determined and passionate about pursuing their dreams.

BLP: How did BTP evolve into having its own styling event? What can bridal pros expect from the event?Beyond the Ponytail Styling Awards in AtlantaCourtesy of Angela Cattaneo

AC: From day one, I’ve envisioned creating a hair styling show dedicated exclusively to bridal professionals. After the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, when I hosted weekly IG Lives to inspire and keep our global community engaged, I knew it was time to bring everyone together in person. The connections we had made online had built the foundation, and in 2023, it was finally time to bring that vision to life with our first event in Atlanta.

Attending the Beyond the Ponytail Styling Awards (@btpstylingawards) offers bridal pros an experience that goes far beyond showcasing talent. They can expect top notch education led by some of the most respected educators in the bridal styling industry, sharing techniques and insights to elevate their skills. In addition to education, the event supports a strong sense of community, offering opportunities to network with fellow bridal stylists from around the world and build meaningful relationships. The Styling Awards themselves celebrate the art of styling, offering recognition and celebration. Beyond the learning and networking, the experience leaves stylists with lasting memories and a renewed sense of motivation, helping to clarify goals and provide a fresh sense of direction for their careers.

BLP: How can bridal professionals get involved in BTP?

AC: Bridal professionals can engage with Beyond the Ponytail (@beyondtheponytail) through its Instagram community, which boasts over 585K followers across four dedicated IG pages. One of the key ways to get involved is by joining Beyond the Ponytail Bridal (@btpbridal), an exclusive Wedding Hairstylist Directory designed to increase visibility and offer valuable support to bridal businesses. As part of your listing, you'll also gain access to a private Facebook group, where you can participate in monthly live events and take advantage of personalized 1:1 coaching sessions.

Our annual Styling Awards hair show provides the perfect opportunity to get involved, showcase your work and step out of your comfort zone by entering the competition and attending the event. It’s in those moments of believing in yourself and pushing boundaries that the real magic happens. This is also a unique chance to connect with like-minded professionals who share your passion for the craft. The love, laughter and sense of community that come alive at our event are truly a joy to witness.

In addition, we’re thrilled to introduce our new roadshow, The Bridal Artist Connection. This one-day event brings together local bridal professionals, encouraging a stronger sense of community and collaboration across cities nationwide. It’s an exciting opportunity to connect with fellow local artists and grow within the industry. Community over competition is our theme for 2025.

The Bridal Artist Connection in Chicago, hosted by Beyond the Ponytail, at Peer Beauty.BLP: With BTP, you’ve built a bridal community. What are some tips you have for bridal pros that are looking to grow their community?

AC: To grow their community, bridal professionals should focus on building a strong presence both online and offline. This starts with being active on social media, engaging authentically with fellow stylists. Participating in hair competitions is another great way to gain visibility, challenge themselves creatively and demonstrate their skills to a broader community. Networking with other professionals in the industry — whether through events, social media or collaborations — creates valuable connections that can open doors for new opportunities. Above all, believing in themselves and a connection to their purpose is essential.

BLP: What are the biggest challenges you see bridal professionals facing currently? How can the industry better address those pain points? Angela Cattaneo and Dana Fountain at the Bridal Artist Connection in Charleston, SC.Courtesy of Michel Berda | King Street Photo Weddings IG: @charlestonweddingphotographs

AC: Bridal professionals today are navigating a shifting industry. After the surge in weddings post-pandemic, the market is now stabilizing to more typical levels, presenting new challenges as the industry adjusts to a more sustainable pace with bookings. In addition, staying ahead of ever-changing trends and consistently delivering the "most requested" styles can create pressure to be not only versatile but talented in every area of bridal styling. To overcome this challenge, stylists can focus on narrowing their niche to what styles truly bring you joy.

Beyond creating beautiful looks, one of the biggest struggles many bridal professionals face is balancing creativity with the demanding administrative side of their business. Juggling the roles of photographer, content creator and social media manager — along with managing client communications, bookings and business operations — adds levels of challenges that often go unnoticed but are essential to sustaining and growing a successful business.

The industry can address these pain points by providing resources to support their needs through coaching opportunities, in-person events and supportive groups to give access to solutions at their fingertips.

BLP: Where do you see the bridal industry headed in the years ahead?

AC: The bridal industry is likely to continue evolving with a focus on personalization, sustainability and ever-changing technology. The most successful pros will be those who can quickly adapt to new trends, embrace innovative technologies and understand that today's couples want something beyond traditional weddings. It's about creating authentic, meaningful celebrations that feel genuine and personal.

The future of weddings is dynamic, creative and constantly evolving. Professionals who remain curious, flexible and excited about new possibilities will be the ones who thrive in this changing landscape. It's an incredible time to be part of the wedding industry, where creativity, technology and personal storytelling are coming together in amazing new ways.

BLP: What business tips do you have for new and upcoming bridal pros?

AC: In today's competitive wedding industry, success relies on a versatile approach to professional development. Developing a strong online presence is crucial, as potential clients increasingly rely on digital platforms to research and connect with wedding professionals. This means maintaining a professional website and active social media profile that showcase your unique style and expertise.

Equally important is offering exceptional customer service that goes above and beyond client expectations. Staying updated on industry trends is critical, as the wedding world is constantly evolving with new technologies, most-requested styles and client expectations.

Networking and collaboration with other professionals can open up exciting opportunities and help you expand your reach. By building relationships with photographers, planners, venues and other wedding vendors, you can create a supportive professional community that benefits everyone involved. Whether it's attending workshops, taking online courses or seeking mentorship, a commitment to learning and growth will set you apart in this industry. My advice is to send the DM and reach out to others you desire to collaborate with. You never know what can come from your courage to connect.

Angela Cattaneo and friends at the Beyond the Ponytail Styling Awards in Atlanta.Courtesy of Angela CattaneoBLP: What are some wellness/self-care tips that you have for bridal pros? What do you do to care for yourself and set boundaries, so you can continue to thrive?

AC: In the high-pressure world of wedding professionals, maintaining personal well-being is just as crucial as professional success. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential to preventing burnout. Some tips are establishing specific work hours, learning to say no to projects that don't align with your goals and creating dedicated time for personal relationships and self-care.

Techniques like meditation, regular exercise and journaling can help manage the emotional and physical challenges that come with being a bridal hairstylist. Taking regular mental and social media breaks and scheduling down time are not a luxury but a necessity for preventing professional burnout.

Seeking support from peers and mentors in the industry provides emotional and professional guidance. By building a network of supportive professionals who understand the unique challenges of wedding work, you’re able to share experiences, gain valuable insights and find emotional support during challenging times.

Over the years, I’ve learned that believing in my vision and staying connected to my purpose, combined with a mindset that I am capable of overcoming challenges, has been key to maintaining a laser-sharp focus on building a brand I truly believe in. Understanding the importance of relationships — both personal and professional — reminds me to be present, whether I’m working on projects or spending time with family. While achieving a perfect balance between the two is rarely possible, I’ve come to realize that the journey isn’t a straight line. It’s full of ups and downs, and embracing that flow allows me to give myself the grace I need when things aren’t always in perfect harmony.

BLP: What bridal styles do you expect to grow in popularity in 2025?Beyond the Ponytail Styling Awards stage in Orlando, FL.Courtesy of Beyond the Ponytail

AC: We're anticipating to continue to see the modern French twist and piled-high updos that took last year’s bridal season by storm. The sleek low bun is making a major comeback, with bold, face-framing details. Half up styles will always be popular, but this year you will see some unique pinning techniques, bringing a fresh feel to this style. Effortless texture is always on trend, and relaxed glam ways are here to stay for 2025.

Angela's Top 5 Bridal Must Haves 

1. A passion for the art of styling that allows you to truly love what you do. Passion is the foundation of any successful career, especially in a creative field like bridal styling. When you're truly passionate about what you do, it’s not just a job—it becomes an art form. This love for the craft drives you to continually improve, stay inspired and provide the best experience for your clients.
2. A mindset that accepts challenges as learning experiences, with an unwavering determination to chase your dreams. In the bridal industry, challenges are inevitable, whether it’s a tough styling request, a demanding timeline or feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list. Having a growth mindset means you see these obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow rather than setbacks. The determination to keep pursuing your dreams, even when the going gets tough, is what separates those who succeed from those who give up.
3. A brand image that brings you joy and speaks to your ideal audience. Your brand is more than just a logo or tagline. It’s the essence of who you are as a stylist and how you want to be known in the industry. A brand that brings you joy reflects your true values and personality, and it speaks directly to the type of clients you want to attract. When your brand resonates with the right audience, it naturally creates more opportunities for growth and success.
4. Your favorite tools, hairstyling products and mega grip bobby pins! IYKYK The tools and products you use are essential to your craft, and every stylist has their go-to items that help them achieve the best results. Whether it's a certain texture hairspray, curling iron or those trusty mega grip bobby pins (which every bridal stylist knows are a game-changer!), having the right tools can make all the difference in creating flawless bridal looks.
5. A community of like-minded professionals for support and connection that will celebrate your wins and carry you through your challenges. Building a supportive community of peers is crucial for long-term success in any industry. The bridal industry, in particular, can sometimes feel isolating, but connecting with other professionals who understand your journey can provide valuable support, encouragement and even collaboration opportunities. A community that celebrates your wins and helps you navigate challenges ensures you never have to go through it alone.