In this compelling episode, Kerry shares how her deep love for personal expression, color, and transformation led her to a fulfilling career in hair and makeup. She reflects on the early influences that shaped her creative voice, the mentors who guided her, and the pivotal career moments that cemented her place as a sought-after artist. From behind-the-scenes stories on high-pressure shoots to thoughtful insights on building trust with clients, Kerry brings listeners into the inner world of a makeup artist—where humanity meets craft. She opens up about the evolving nature of beauty, the power of collaboration, and the spiritual importance of helping individuals feel truly seen. Listeners will also gain insider perspectives on the business of beauty—how Kerry navigated creative challenges, adapted to an ever-changing industry, and built a sustainable career rooted in authenticity. Whether you are an artist, creative professional, student, or lover of beauty and storytelling, this episode is brimming with wisdom, humor, and heart. Tune in to discover:
- Kerry’s personal and artistic origins
- The emotional and expressive nature of hair and makeup
- Navigating creative identity and self-employment
- Collaboration in fashion, editorial, and film
- The future of beauty and individuality
- Advice for emerging stylists and creatives
Join us for an intimate and insightful conversation with a visionary artist redefining what beauty means—inside and out.
KEYWORDS:
Kerry September, hair stylist, makeup artist, beauty industry, biographical interview, creative journey, fashion hair and makeup, film makeup, editorial makeup, beauty career stories, artist biography podcast, creative entrepreneurship, behind-the-scenes beauty, makeup and storytelling, artistic inspiration, beauty podcast interview, hairstyling techniques, makeup artist career path, personal transformation, artistic identity, beauty business insights.
BIO
Kerry September is a British Hair Stylist & Make-up Artist who has worked in theater, film, TV, music, fashion and beyond in her 30-year career. Kerry was born in 1971 in Bridgend, Wales. the oldest of five children; she has three sisters and a brother. Her father, Gideon September, emigrated to the UK from South Africa and worked as a service engineer. Her mother, Christine Blackwell was a housewife who, after raising her children, went back to school to become a psychotherapist. Most of Kerry’s family is in psychology and she says her work too is like being a therapist listening to her client’s share their life stories. When Kerry was two years old, her family moved to Twickenham and she went to Chase Bridge Primary School before being sent to Rosebery School, Epsom, an all-girls school for which she quickly developed a dislike. Her parents discovered she had a hearing deficit when she was three years old but Kerry rebelled against hearing aids which she felt put her at a disadvantage thus making school more challenging. Her mother told her she could do anything she wanted to so Kerry decided to pursue her studies at Epsom Art College, followed by two years at the London College of Fashion. As a teenager, Kerry was absorbed in American TV culture and so her parents agreed to let her attend Camp America in Pennsylvania. After 10 week’s work, for which she was paid $150, Kerry and her new friends spent four months traveling until her cash ran out and she returned to the UK. She found her first real job in the wig department in West End theater, which proved the foundation to her career. She did make-up for music videos such as Prodigy ‘Smack My Bitch Up’, Smashing Pumpkins ’Everlasting Gaze’ and Manic Street Preachers ‘Why So Sad’. Kerry has done make-up for a variety of photographers, actors, artists, politicians and celebrities. Nowadays she is also focusing on her health and fitness while studying quantum biology and looking forward to her next adventure. Kerry lives in Kent, England.
Kerry’s Playlist:
Light years / Kylie Minogue
Absolute beginners / David Bowie
Go your own way / Fleetwood Mac
Shannon / Let the music play
Fast car LIVE / Tracy Chapman
We are the people / Empire of the Sun
Cry to me / Solomon Burke
Women who inspire Kerry:
Zoe Irwin - Trend forecaster
Jane Howard - Superstylist/Editor of Archivist magazine
Cynthia Lawrence John - Artist/costume designer
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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Email:
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