Meeting Street Just Got a Mini Makeover

A fabulous new beauty bar called Pink Dot has opened on Meeting Street and upon first visit, I am in love! They even have a seating area for the men—when you sit, you automatically get a beer... Pink Dot, count me in!! 

I spent last Thursday touring the store and meeting with owner Meggie. I have to say, this makeup maven was in heaven. I felt right at home as soon as I walked in the door and could not wait to get my fingers on the products. Meggie's warm smile and gracious Southern greeting were just the beginning of a lovely visit. I was thrilled when Meggie agreed to answer some questions about the gorgeous store and her vision for it. I know that my Grit divas will be on their way to visit the store quicker than I can say "lipstick!"

ACP: So what’s your full name?
M: Let's stick with Meggie... That’s what my friends call me!

ACP: Okay, Meggie. Care to share a bit about background about yourself?
M: My background is certainly not in cosmetology; however, I have always been creative and have considered myself artistic. After school I moved to the Pacific Northwest for my first "grown up job," having previously spent all of my life in the South. While out West I learned a lot, lived a lot, and certainly grew a lot! One of my favorite discoveries out there was a little makeup boutique near the hospital where I worked. Having always been a huge fan of makeup and a believer in the power it wields, this boutique quickly became a frequent destination of mine. I mean seriously, I think I paid their rent for a few years!

ACP: What made you want to open a beauty bar in Charleston?

M: Charleston has always been home! I remember Hurricane Hugo as a little girl and learning to drive on the old Cooper River Bridge. I remember Mount Pleasant way before Towne Center and the Crosstown before it didn’t flood... just kidding! Anyways, when I moved away, I think I always knew I would end up back here at some point. Well eventually I got the opportunity to return to Charleston. After a little time here, I started running out of my prized possessions... i.e. my Susan Posnick foundation, my Arcona moisturizer, and my Girlactik lipgloss to name a few! I quickly realized that while there are a number of fantastic cosmetic retailers in Charleston, I wanted a place which specialized in small "Indie" product lines like these—a place where I could play and experiment with color and learn about lines I had never seen before. After much thought and research, I decided to try and open a beauty bar in Charleston with a Southern aesthetic and laid-back Pacific Northwest atmosphere.

ACP: What separates you from the pack? What makes Pink Dot unique to the area? 

M: While we have some really high end lines, we also have some more economic lines. Also, the environment is very relaxed and inviting. I’ve found that women of all ages and walks of life tend to be intimidated by makeup, so I wanted to create an environment that inherently disarms those insecurities and promotes self-confidence. I’ve also noticed that these places can be a little tricky for men, so we have a man bar with some really unique men’s skin products, a "man chair," some books to entertain men as they wait and, of course, we have Budweiser stashed away just in case... We are in the South, right?! Lastly, I think our service offerings are going to really set us apart!

ACP: What services do you provide or plan to provide?

M: Our brow bar should be open by April 15! We want to provide a place for men and women to get their brows manicured and, when necessary, for them to get a "touch up," so you can go about your day without looking like you just left the spa. In May we will begin offering a variety of other waxing and beauty services.  

We are also going to be launching a series called "Beauty and Bubbly." This will be an ongoing series of classes geared to provide guidance and education on particular beauty techniques. The classes will take place in our second floor studio where professional makeup artists will teach you how to master beauty techniques in a fun and social environment, while sipping on beer or wine—from our bar or yours! We will supply the makeup and tools, and afterward, you'll take your new products home so you can begin applying your new skills. Our first class, scheduled for Thursday, May 23, is going to be on "The Art of No-Makeup Makeup." The class will be after the workday and very informal. No experience is necessary, and while we appreciate a reservation, that isn't necessary either!

ACP: What are your favorite products and trends for the spring season?

M: I really love the nail colors coming out for this spring! We have a bunch of textured pastel polishes that are really fun from Deborah Lippmann's spring collection. Bold and beautiful brows are another of my favorites, so we have pencils and powders from Vincent Longo and Noir. GlamGlow has an amazing mud mask to give me the glowing skin that I want not only for the spring but for every season. I absolutely love bright lips, as well. We have amazing lipsticks that pack a huge punch of color! 

ACP: What item should every client leave Pink Dot with?
M: A Stephanie Johnson makeup bag, because no matter what makeup or skin care you choose, they will all fit into these beautiful bags. 

Thank you, Meggie!!! And, ladies, if you are looking for me... chances are you can find me sitting in the men’s chair.

XOXO
Andrew