Meet Heather Bunkelman | Photographer, Hairstylist, Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Bunkelman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always struggled working for other people. I always thought something was wrong with me. But I realized I am just neurodivergant and do best working for myself. I wasn’t sure how I would manage to become my own boss but I was determined. I worked full time at a salon and did photos on the weekends for years without anytime off because I knew it was the only way to build my business. I knew if I stayed in the position I was in it would slowly kill my spirit. So I made a goal to build myself up to the point where I could leave my cooperate job. In 2018 I was finally able to take the leap and leave my salon job and work exclusively for myself. I still can’t believe I did it. I was persistent and determined to become a full time freelance photographer and hairstylist and I did it. For the first time in my life my work anxiety melted away. I feel so grateful for my clientele who believed in me and I am also proud of myself for not giving up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My proudest moments in my photography and hairstyling journeys are when clients tell me how empowered they feel when they work with me. When I can see the sparkle return in their eyes. When they allow their inner dreams to shine and immerse themselves in the sets. When they trust me and my visions. When they tell me they feel so beautiful, so alive and inspired. This is what I have always wanted to do. Whenever I was asked as a child what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said, I want to make people happy. I didn’t know what that entailed but I knew it would be something artistic. I am forever grateful to be able to touch so many hearts with my art. It truly is my passion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It depends on the time of year that they visit but let’s say its in october! I would start our visit with fresh caramel apple ciders and donuts and enjoy it in the park. We would go for a walk and look at all the trees changing color. We would have sandwiches at the local sandwich shop and take a walk downtown to check out the local thrift stores. For dinner we would have warm meal and watch old halloween movies till we fell asleep. The next day we would go to the pumpkin patch. Pet all the farm animals and pick out pumpkins. We would go home and carve or paint them. Then we would make halloween cookies and decorate them. We order pizza and play cards, dice and dominoes. The next day we decide to craft. We paint little ghosts in old pictures we found at the thrift store. We go for a bikeride to state park and enjoy all the nature and colors. We have a little get together with old friends and family and have punch and lots of yummy treats. The next day we would take a trip to the museums and look at everything around downtown. Have a bite to eat while we are out and finish the day by going to see a movie. The next day we would take the canoe to the little lakes up north and pack sandwiches and fruit. We would set up the tent and camp at the campground because the weather is just too good not to. We visit old friends and have the best trip ever!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Husband, Adam Bunkelman deserves all the recognition and dedication. He has been by my side since day one. For years he was by my side shooting on the weekends. We have photographed hundreds of sessions together. He taught about the technical aspects of photography. He helped me learn my camera, learn my lighting. He encouraged me every single day to not give up and continue to peruse my dreams. He was the one to suggest I focus on Fantasy photography. He sacrificed so much for our business and continues to work so hard for our family. He is my rock and I would not be where I am today without him.

Instagram: instagram.com/artboxcreationsinc instagram.com/heatherkristinachapman

Facebook: facebook.com/artboxcreationsinc facebook.com/hairandmakeupbyheatherb

Image Credits
Kris Conkright Heather Bunkelman Aimee Brooks Ashley Marie Brown Brandi Victoria Eric Hoshaw Tory Boudrie Sarah Hubbs Megan Engle Holly Marie Kitty Bouree Adam Bunkelman Chelsea Christie Sadie Tate Abigail Katherine Louise Breimayer