FashionBride Interview with Maritza Buelvas

To be a bride these days is a hard thing to do. Since we need so much time to find the perfect dress it would be a good thing to finish quick with all the rest. Therefore a had a quick talk with Maritza Buelvas, who happens to be a bridal beauty expert and designer of the Honeymoon Bag TM. 

Tell us a bit more about Beautygram.com, what’s the magic concept behind it?  

Beautygram.com offers all your beauty cravings in a great bag!  The site is based on the concept that every purse has a distinct purse-onality comprised in part by the woman who carries it and the products she chooses to carry.    

I’ve since evolved my business to focus more on the bridal industry since I’m also the co-owner/co-stylist of BrideStyle- a professional hair and makeup service catering to Chicagoland clients.  My love and knowledge of the bridal industry led me to develop the Honeymoon Bag TM, a chic travel tote designed to take honeymoon essentials from the plane to the beach. 

The Honeymoon Bag TM is sold independently or as part of unique gift sets that one can purchase as is or individually customize through our “create-your-own” shopping feature.  

When did you first think of having your own business?  

I’ve always been entrepreneur minded.  My mother is an entrepreneur and so I guess it’s genetic.  I first came up with the concept for Beautygram.com in 2002, followed by the Honeymoon Bag TM in 2006.

Why do you think your products respond to the demands of the bride-to-be?  

The products I sell are solution based in addition to being fashionable.  All of the beauty and accessory products I sell are affordable, attractive and user-friendly. 

Beautygram beauty packages make great gifts for the bride-to-be and bridesmaids.  In fact, lots of my brides like to purchase our beauty bundles (known on our site as Beautygrams) and individual products for their bridesmaids as thank you gifts. 

The Honeymoon Bag TM also makes a great gift for the bride to give to herself and for others to give to her-it’s a must-have for today’s modern bride.  The Honeymoon Bag TM is an over-sized cotton tote with the “honeymoon bag” logo tactfully written on the outside (proving to be a subtle way to get those special perks from flight attendants and hotel staffers).  The reversible bag is created with two top string closures and comes in the unique color combination of “Something Blue” and “Honeymoon Tan”.  A removable zippered mini-purse snaps to the interior and is the perfect size for small valuables.  The bag is large enough to fit beach towels, a sundress, bikinis, magazines, etc.  When the honeymoon is over, the tote can easily be flipped inside-out to transform into an everyday bag. 

What does a bride need (and doesn’t know yet)?  

The Honeymoon Bag TM of course…it’s the gift that keeps on giving because it’s reusable and reminds you of your special trip for years to come!  

Can you give us the essential kit for a bride-to-be?   

Hmm…I think it’s a mental thing-remind yourself that no wedding is without glitches…little things do go wrong and that’s okay.  At the end of the day…it’s still YOUR special day recorded in time.  Stay focused on being happy and in love and let any nonsense bounce right off-it’s so not worth it! 

Why do you think that brides need to look their best on their wedding day? 

So they feel pretty, look great and timeless in photos and drive their grooms crazy waiting for the wedding night! 

How was your own wedding day?  

It was magical and full of love from beginning to end.  I had everyone that I love with me on my big day so that made it extra special!  It was a day my hubby and I will always remember and treasure. 

Can you give the Fashion Bride readers a piece of advice? 

Be sure to hire a wedding coordinator for your big-day! 

If you’re not hiring a wedding planner for the planning process, then hire a coordinator for the big day- it’s a must.  A day-of coordinator will take care of all the small and large details so all your months of planning will transition into a smooth ceremony and reception and you won’t have to be bothered with any of the details.  Your wedding is made for relaxing and enjoyment not stressing about the small stuff. 

Any packing tips you’d like to share in reference to the Honeymoon Bag TM? 

With all of today’s carry-on and check-in restrictions, the space in your bag is prime real estate.  It is important to pack items that are going to lighten your load, uplift your mood and add to your honeymoon experience. 

Three quick tips are: 

Think beach chic.  Find a carry-on, that’s a carry-all and acts as a travel tote and beach bag. A good rule of thumb is to fill it with everything you need for your flight and your first escape to the beach. Should your check-in luggage get delayed, your first trip to the sands won’t be compromised. 

Channel your inner glow.  Mascara, concealer, blush, lip gloss and a hydrating face spray is all you need. Your inner bridal glow will take care of the rest. However, this is the perfect excuse to buy a new lip and blush set that speaks to your ‘honey-mood’ and travel destination. Many spring color stories feature color palettes inspired by hot spots like the Mediterranean.  

Think date night.  Now’s the perfect time to show-stop with stilettos that make you look and feel your sexiest, but can’t be tolerated for long periods of time. You know the pair you purchased for a romantic dinner date, but never seem to wear-the moment has finally arrived…dust off the dinner heels… its date night!