Beauty By Annie Mink

How we present ourselves to the world is deeply individual. Cherry red lipstick can represent, or encourage, bold confidence. Letting your hair grow long and brows natural may be symbolic of carefree, low maintenance nature. These choices, often subconscious, are extensions of “self.” Who we entrust to our self-care is equally personal. Enter, Annie Minkler.

I met Annie many years ago through mutual friends in our hometown Chico, California. Soft spoken with honey colored eyes that shine when she discusses topics of interest, she is simply lovely. In 2023, when my now-husband proposed on my birthday, one of the first people I contacted was Annie. Specializing in helping brides who envision a more natural, glowy look on their wedding day (raises hand), there is nobody I trusted more. 

“I believe when you look your best, it translates to confidence. We all deserve to be the most confident versions of ourselves.” 

Sitting down with Annie on this crisp winter morning, she explained where it all started. “In highschool, I interned at a spa called Face where I worked the front desk and helped with events. In college, I took a theatrical makeup class and loved it. I reached out to the owner of Chico Regional Theater and asked if they had any plays coming up where they’d need hair and makeup.” Annie’s creativity radiated on the faces of actors and actresses in 8 shows before getting a job at a beloved local beauty bar in Downtown Chico. “I learned so much during my time at Powder Room, and realized that Chico has a strong wedding community. Locals or people who came for college have this strong tie to the community that’s very unique.” She has been specializing in eyebrows, commercial makeup, application lessons and bridal looks ever since. 

June 14, 2024 – my wedding day. After a long, unrushed shower I slipped on silk pajamas and listened to the waves crash. Then, a knock on the door! Folding chair, energy drink and makeup kit in hand, Annie arrives and the day finally begins. Patting drops of foundation on my warm skin, gently sweeping on shadow and dusting my cheeks with flushed color, the time in her hands is deeply calming. She holds up the mirror and all at once, I see a dream realized. “One of my favorite moments is after I’m done with a bride’s makeup. Those first seconds when they see it for the first time are magic. I attract a lot of brides that don’t wear much makeup in their day to day lives. I love giving them an enhanced version of themselves that they feel really confident and beautiful in.”

Knowing that Annie is somebody who is continuously learning, innovating and growing, I asked her what she’s currently excited about. Her voice fills with joy (not uncommon in this conversation) and she tells me, “Last year, I did this all-female photoshoot for my friend Chelsea’s brand. It was me, my friend Delphine who was doing the social media, Chelsea, and Shannon who was the photographer. We spent all day together hanging out and chatting business.” Then, Annie found herself applying Delphines makeup for a photoshoot and an idea impassioned her to ask, “Would you be interested in starting something with me, where we connect women and business?” She said “Yes, that sounds so fun!” 

The duo chose a name, date, set up social media accounts, posted that they were holding a meetup and 14 people showed up to the first gathering. Every month, She Speaks Chico picks a spot and the group meets on new topics around business. “It’s been super cool to see it grow! We had a Christmas party and 53 women were there. We started it in June, so it’s only been around for 6 months but it has so much momentum. I want to see it grow as big as it can and connect women in business, who want to meet new like-minded people.” 

Annie also recently started her latest personal venture, Paper and Pearl Creative. “I like to stay busy,” she laughs, “Way back in 2020, I taught myself how to build a website and had a great time doing it. I thought in the back of my mind that it would be great to do this for others.” As somebody who believes continuous growth is essential, this contagious spirit makes Annie somebody you want to keep your eyes on to see what they create next.

Whether you’re newly engaged and searching for a makeup artist in the Northern California region, seeking a new identity for your business website, or want to refresh your look with perfectly arched eyebrows, Annie will add rejuvenated sparkle and enthusiasm to your life. 

Follow Annie on Instagram, Pinterest and learn more on her website!