The history of Changing Faces

Our Story - Since 1982

Changing Faces began in 1982.

Not in a high street salon, but from a small office under the stairs.

With a passion for makeup and a love of weddings, Julie founded the business as a bridal makeup artist travelling across Devon and the South West. Word spread, bookings grew, and what started as one woman and a makeup kit slowly became something much bigger.

Growing up around weddings, brushes and early morning venue runs, beauty was part of our family life. After studying beauty and makeup at college, and travelling to work in Sydney and Spain throughout my early twenties, I returned home with fresh perspective and new ideas.

Together, Mum and I began expanding the wedding team, growing from makeup alone into both hair and makeup, building a trusted team of over a dozen artists, working at some of Devon’s most beautiful venues, winning awards and being published along the way.

Our Wedding Team

Our Studio Team

But while weddings were flourishing, another arm of the business was quietly growing.

What began as just lash & brow treatments to complement bridal work gradually evolved into a dedicated beauty studio. In 2018, I opened my own premises, and over the years it developed into a full-service salon offering advanced treatments alongside everyday beauty.

Around a decade ago, I began specialising in permanent makeup, a decision that would shape the next chapter of Changing Faces. That specialist focus has since grown into a strong division of its own, including advanced removal, correction work and education for other artists.

Three years ago, we began collaborating with Viva Hair, creating a vibrant, shared space that brings together self-employed beauty professionals and local businesses under one roof. Today, the studio is a true collaboration, a supportive environment with an incredible team, including people who have grown with us over many years.

Some stories come full circle.

Zoe first joined us at just 14 years old for work experience. She became a Saturday girl, then an apprentice, and over time has grown into an exceptional therapist and leader.

In April, she will take the lead of the Beauty Studio as part of the next natural evolution of the business.

Kimberly has led the wedding division since Mum retired six years ago. Now based in Scotland with her young family, she continues to manage and grow our bridal team from afar, while I maintain oversight across the wider brand.

Mum still steps in occasionally as a consultant, proof that once you’re part of Changing Faces, you’re always part of it.

As for me, my focus now centres on advanced permanent makeup, removal, correction and education. I continue to work from the Changing Faces studio in West Hill, alongside clinics in Newton Poppleford, and later this year will also be expanding into a home salon in Ottery St Mary.

Today, Changing Faces stands as three strong divisions:
• Weddings
• Beauty Studio
• Permanent Makeup & Advanced Skin

What began under the stairs has evolved organically over four decades — through exciting growth, challenging seasons, reinvention and resilience.

And the next chapter is just beginning!