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In this episode, Maddy Baucia returns after an incredible season completing 110 weddings across Tuscany, Umbria, and stunning destinations including the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and Sicily. She shares the realities behind such a high-volume year: the logistics, the challenges, the systems she relied on, and the lessons she’ll carry forward.

We dive into how she plans to reduce her workload to 80 weddings next season, restructure her pricing, streamline her business model, and step away from team-based operations. Maddy also shares the importance of managing her physical and mental health, staying organised while constantly travelling, and refining her backend systems to create a more sustainable business.

This episode is a must-listen for artists working in or aspiring to enter the destination wedding space.

Topics Covered

• Challenges and Support Systems
• Travel and Logistics - where to base yourself
• Adjusting Future Plans
• Pricing and Booking Strategies
• Future Goals and System Improvements
• Standing Out in the Industry
• Showcasing Personality on Social Media
• Building Trust with Destination Brides
• Using Facebook Groups for Destination Work
• Advice for Aspiring Destination Wedding Artists
• Coaching Calls for Wedding Artists
• Travel Fees and Pricing Psychology
• Trends in European Wedding Locations
  
  

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Navigating the European Wedding Circuit: Lessons from a Pro Makeup Artist

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Makeup Insider, Vanessa chats with pro makeup artist Jacqui, who recently returned from a whirlwind season working across Europe’s wedding circuit.

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustle of Rome, Jacqui shares what it’s really like to take your artistry abroad. The highs, the hurdles, and the lessons learned from nine weddings in quick succession.

Whether you’re dreaming of working internationally or simply curious about life behind the scenes of destination weddings, this conversation is packed with practical advice and honest reflections from an artist who’s done it all.

What We Cover

• How Jacqui prepared for an international wedding season
• Why direct flights and smart packing are non-negotiables
• The realities of driving (and surviving) Italy’s wedding circuit
• Managing back-to-back weddings while staying creative
• Jacqui’s must-have travel kit and European beauty essentials
• Tips for choosing accommodation and balancing work with rest
• The mindset shifts that come with working outside your comfort zone

Key Takeaways

• Preparation meets flexibility: The most successful destination artists plan for everything — and still stay open to the unexpected.
• Logistics matter: Cars, accommodation, and kit safety can make or break your experience.
• Growth through discomfort: Every challenge abroad helps strengthen your artistry, confidence, and business mindset.
• Community counts: Collaborating with trusted peers (like Jacqui’s hairstylist partner Brooke) makes all the difference.

Listen if You’re…

• A bridal makeup artist dreaming of international work
• Curious about the European destination wedding scene
• Looking for practical travel and business advice from a working artist
• Ready to take your artistry global — and want to know where to start

Connect with Jacqui

Follow Jacqui’s adventures and artistry on Instagram: @jacquibradfieldmakeup 

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In this episode of The Makeup Insider, Vanessa sits down with the incredible Michael Brown, one of Australia’s most loved and trusted makeup artists.

Michael’s 25-year career has taken him from a dancer in Perth to a leading Sydney-based artist, educator, and television beauty expert. Known for his versatility and genuine connection with clients, Michael shares the story of how stage makeup sparked his love for beauty, his years representing global brands like Shiseido, Lancôme, and the L’Oréal Group, and his brave leap into the freelance world.

Michael opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including a severe childhood stutter, and how that journey led him to appear confidently on national television — becoming a regular on Channel Nine’s Today Extra.

You’ll hear how he’s stayed relevant in an ever-changing industry, what he’s learned from two decades behind the brush, and his advice for aspiring artists wanting to carve out a long, successful career in beauty.

Episode Highlights

• Michael’s journey from performer to professional makeup artist
• Overcoming personal hurdles and finding confidence on camera
• Lessons learned from two decades in the beauty industry
• The evolution of beauty and the importance of adaptability
• Building a reputation and network that lasts
• Why personality and professionalism are just as important as artistry

Connect with Michael Brown

Instagram: @michaelbrownbeauty

Website: michaelbrownbeauty.com.au

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In this episode of The Makeup Insider, I’m joined by personal branding and business coach Suz Chadwick to break down the four essential content types every creator needs to master. Whether you’re a makeup artist building your portfolio or a creative entrepreneur growing your digital presence, these content strategies will help you stand out, connect deeply with your audience, and build a brand that sells.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Authority Content – how to showcase your credibility and expertise through behind-the-scenes, testimonials, and client experiences.
• Personal Brand Content – why sharing your quirks, passions, and personal stories makes your brand memorable.
• Value & Teaching Content – the importance of tutorials, tips, and insights that position you as a go-to resource.
• Commentary Content – how to add your voice to industry trends and conversations to build thought leadership.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Suz shares practical, actionable advice on weaving these content types into your strategy so you can mix things up, stay relevant, and keep your audience engaged. This isn’t about creating more content, it’s about creating smarter, stickier content that builds connection and loyalty.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Suz Chadwick: @suzchadwick
• Suz Podcast Episode
  
  
• For more insights, visit the blog: Suz Blog 

If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Makeup Insider wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to share it with a friend who’s ready to take their content game to the next level.

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In this episode, Vanessa chats with bridal makeup artists Megan and Adele about the realities of working in the bridal industry. You’ll hear:

• Getting started in bridal makeup – how retail counters, experimentation, and building a signature style lay the foundation.
• Pricing strategies – packages vs à la carte, setting fair yet sustainable rates, and communicating transparently with clients.
• Managing extras – travel, accommodation, and why clear boundaries upfront matter.
• Marketing & branding – building a reputation, using high-quality visuals, and keeping the client at the heart of your brand.
• Education & networking – the value of workshops, mentoring, and shadowing experienced artists at weddings.
• Digital tools & trends – how embracing content creation and online platforms can grow your reach and client base.
• Lessons learned – the balance between artistry, business, and heart in bridal beauty.

Whether you’re a new artist, or an industry pro, this conversation will give you insights, tips, and inspiration from three different journeys in bridal makeup.

The Bridal Edit by Adele 

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In this episode of The Makeup Insider, I sit down with Dolores Lavin, the powerhouse behind DLM Management, to unpack the world of creative representation and what it really takes to build a successful career as a creative agent.

Dolores has been in the industry since the early ’90s, building a reputation as a dedicated agent who not only manages the business side but also nurtures the personal growth of the artists she represents. With nearly four decades of experience, she shares her unique perspective on how agents and artists can work together to achieve long-term success.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Dolores’ unexpected journey into becoming an agent.
• The true role of an agent — and why it’s more than just booking jobs.
• Why communication and personal relationships are at the heart of representation.
• How Dolores helps artists map out their career paths strategically.
• The importance of balancing editorial work with commercial opportunities.
• The traits and personalities that stand out when she’s looking to represent talent.
• Practical advice for artists seeking representation in today’s industry.

Whether you’re an aspiring makeup artist, hairstylist, or creative professional, this conversation is packed with valuable insights into the business side of artistry — and the powerful role an agent can play in helping you thrive.

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Navigating the Bridal Makeup Industry: Pricing Strategies & Insights from Experienced Artists

Pricing your services as a makeup artist can feel like walking a tightrope  balancing your skills, expenses, market value, and confidence. In this episode of The Makeup Insider, Vanessa is joined by fellow artists Mel, Megan, Jacqui, and more to unpack what really goes into setting your rates and building a sustainable bridal business.

Together, they share candid insights on:

• The real costs of running a freelance makeup business (GST, taxes, super, and more)
• How to calculate your earnings and factor in seasonal work
• Why pricing is as much about brand perception as it is about skill
• The power of word-of-mouth and industry connections over social media alone
• How to adapt your pricing as your life and skills evolve
• Simplifying your packages so clients understand and value your work

Whether you’re just starting your makeup career or are a seasoned artist looking to refine your business strategy, this conversation will give you practical tools and fresh perspectives to confidently set your prices and stick to them.

Get to know the guests.

jacquibradfield.com.au

@jacquibradfieldmakeup 

Megans website 

@meganharrisonmakeup 

@melricciomakeup 

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In this inspiring and in-depth episode, Vanessa sits down with London-based makeup artist Ciara O Shea to explore her incredible journey from a small town in Ireland to the forefront of the international fashion scene.

Ciara shares how a childhood love of fashion magazines sparked her passion for beauty, leading her to study at the London College of Fashion and kick-start her career in retail makeup. She opens up about navigating the world of freelance artistry, comparing the pros and cons of self-representation versus working with an agent, and offers real talk about persistence, creativity, and staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry.

We dive into behind-the-scenes stories from working with major names like The Pussycat Dolls and Madonna, and hear what it’s really like backstage at fashion shows and on set for editorial shoots. Ciara also talks about building her own beauty brand, Pro Shine, and how she’s using tools like AI and social media to grow her presence and connect with a global audience.

This episode is packed with insight, humour, and practical advice for makeup artists and creatives alike.

Highlights:

• Growing up in Ireland and discovering a love for beauty
• Training at the London College of Fashion
• Breaking into the fashion industry - working under Charlotte Tilbury and Pat McGrath.
• Working with celebrities and navigating high-pressure environments
• Freelancing versus agency representation
• Launching her brand, Pro Shine
• Using AI and social media to build a modern personal brand

Ciara Does Makeup Substack

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In this episode, Vanessa chats with experienced PR consultant Ebanny, who shares how creatives from makeup artists to photographers can catch the attention of PR agencies and build lasting relationships in the industry. You’ll learn how to pitch yourself, why engagement matters more than followers, and how to approach PR gifting with creativity and professionalism.

What You'll Learn:

• How to pitch yourself to PR agencies
• What PR reps really look for
• The importance of authentic content
• Why engagement matters more than follower count
• How to build a community that brands want to partner with

Links & Mentions:

• Ebanny's brand: Edie

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In this episode, Vanessa sits down with renowned makeup artist Penny Antuar to talk about the unexpected moment that reshaped her career: losing her Instagram account. What started as a digital disruption quickly became a powerful catalyst for realignment, reconnection, and redefining success.

Penny shares how stepping away from social media allowed her to rediscover the joy in her artistry, rebuild her work-life balance, and create space for more meaningful, offline relationships. From manifesting her dream career to navigating the fast-paced beauty world with presence and purpose, Penny’s story is both grounding and inspiring for anyone feeling burnt out by the pressure to stay constantly “on.”

In this episode, Penny shares:

• What happened when her Instagram account was unexpectedly deleted
• How the loss helped her reconnect with her passion for makeup
• Offline strategies for building a dream career in beauty
• Why networking in person still matters (and works!)
• Her views on manifestation, energy, and mental health in the industry
• Practical steps aspiring artists can take to join Fashion Week teams

This episode is a must-listen if you:

• Feel overwhelmed by social media as a creative
• Want to build a long-lasting career based on authenticity, not algorithms
• Are looking for tips on balancing artistry, ambition, and wellbeing
• Dream of working behind the scenes at fashion shows or high-end campaigns
  
  

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