When the final gown is zipped and the last krewe pin is fastened, the true transformation of a Mardi Gras ball begins long before the doors open. Hair, makeup, and glow are not simply finishing touches. They are the foundation of confidence on one of the most photographed and anticipated nights of the season. While these professionals are not involved in planning the event itself, their work plays a vital role in helping attendees show up feeling prepared, polished, and present for the celebration.
For my night at the Denham Springs Mardi Gras Ball, that foundation was built by the steady hand and practiced eye of Kimberly Cantrelle.
Cantrelle, the founder of Glam 2 Geaux, brings more than three decades of beauty-industry experience to the clients she serves during Mardi Gras season and beyond. Originally from Erath, Louisiana, her journey into beauty began through pageantry, where she learned early the power of presentation, confidence, and self-assurance. Competing and earning titles such as Cattle Queen and Erath 4th of July Queen helped shape the discipline and attention to detail that continue to define her work today.
Seventeen years ago, Cantrelle relocated to Livingston Parish and quickly established herself within the local beauty community. Drawing on extensive experience in hair, makeup, and tanning, she built Glam 2 Geaux into a luxury beauty and glow-up studio based in Walker. Her services are frequently sought out by brides, event attendees, and Mardi Gras ball-goers preparing for milestone moments that call for both durability and refinement.
What sets Glam 2 Geaux apart is its intentional, individualized approach. Rather than offering standardized services, Cantrelle focuses on customization at every stage. Spray tans are carefully matched to individual skin tones and undertones. Hair and makeup are designed to last through long evenings, crowded ballrooms, and hours on the dance floor. Each look is created with the understanding that confidence comes from enhancement, not transformation.
That philosophy becomes especially important during Mardi Gras season, when schedules are tight and expectations are high. Glam 2 Geaux offers both in-studio and on-location appointments, allowing clients across Livingston Parish and surrounding areas to focus on the experience rather than logistics. In preparation for the ball, custom spray tanning played a key role in achieving a polished, camera-ready look that complemented formal attire without overpowering it, an often overlooked but essential part of event preparation.
Beyond her work in the studio, Cantrelle has built a significant digital following, amassing nearly 500,000 followers on TikTok under the handle @andabottleofwine. Her content, rooted in Louisiana culture and everyday life, blends humor, honesty, and relatability. While her online presence leans lighthearted, it reflects the same authenticity that defines her professional work. It is approachable, confident, and grounded in lived experience.
Cantrelle’s entrepreneurial reach extends further through her online boutique, Pretty & Petty Co., where personality-forward fashion and accessories mirror the bold, self-assured energy present across her brands. Together, her ventures represent a modern model of Louisiana small business ownership built on versatility, connection, and community presence.
While Glam 2 Geaux is not involved in the logistics or planning of the Denham Springs Mardi Gras Ball, its role is no less meaningful. Businesses like Cantrelle’s support the experience from the attendee side, helping individuals feel confident and prepared to fully participate in events rooted in tradition and celebration.
In a season defined by detail, artistry behind the scenes often goes unseen. This spotlight serves as recognition of the small business owners whose work supports the moments we gather for, ensuring that when the music starts and the doors open, attendees can step inside feeling ready for the night ahead.
