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In the latest episode of The Makeup Insider, I chat with San Diego-based artist Kandra Jones about her inspiring journey—from dreaming of teaching second grade to building her bridal beauty empire, Twirly Shears.

🌟 Highlights include: 
✨ Her leap into cosmetology and 20+ years in salon work 
✨ The natural glam philosophy behind Twirly Shears 
✨ Navigating viral moments with grace (yes, we talk about *that* TikTok video!) 
✨ Advice for aspiring bridal artists: patience, practice, and passion! 

Kandra's story is a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities and creating a thriving career through resilience and vision.

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In this episode, Maddy Baucia shares her journey from managing Mecca stores and working in the Australian film industry to building a thriving bridal hair and makeup business in Italy. She dives into the challenges of transitioning to a competitive destination wedding market, managing logistics in Tuscany, and refining her business strategies. Maddy also highlights the importance of adaptability, networking, and curating a professional kit to meet the demands of destination weddings. She offers insights on client acquisition through social media, the value of word-of-mouth referrals, and her approach to team building. Maddy concludes with motivational advice and product recommendations for aspiring destination artists.

Key take aways

• Maddie moved to Italy to focus on bridal hair and makeup.
• Working in film and TV taught her valuable skills for bridal work.
• Building an online presence is crucial for attracting clients.
• Networking and relationships are key to finding work.
• Investing in business systems can streamline operations. Logistics are crucial for wedding planning, especially in remote venues.
• Setting clear financial targets can lead to unexpected successes.
• Establishing a minimum booking rate helps manage client expectations.
• Clients find Maddy primarily through TikTok and Facebook groups.
• Instagram followers are less important than showcasing quality work.
• Coaching calls are available for those seeking guidance in the industry.
• Maddy emphasises collaboration over competition among artists.

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Sydney-based makeup artist and skin therapist Isabella Schimid, who has uniquely blended her expertise in skincare and makeup artistry. Isabella shares her inspiring journey, career-defining moments, and lessons from her path to success.

Key Topics Covered:

• Starting out in beauty therapy and discovering her dual passion for skin and makeup.
• Opening her own salon and venturing into film, TV, and high-fashion makeup.
• Pivotal experiences, like building her portfolio in Hong Kong and completing Val Garland’s Mastered Course.
• Finding her niche by combining skincare and makeup, and embracing trends like natural, healthy skin.

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In this episode of The Makeup Insider, host Vanessa Barney talks to Jess Rae King, a curve model and content creator, and Jessica Jade, a creative director and stylist, about their collaborative experience for the ARIA Awards.

Jess Rae shares her journey of overcoming imposter syndrome to attend the event, highlighting the preparation process—from selecting an outfit with Jessica's help to  hair and makeup with Vanessa. 

The conversation also dives into the importance of trust and energy in professional collaborations and the behind-the-scenes intricacies of fashion styling, media obligations, and brand representation.

This episode also highlights how to get into doing dressing and doing hair and makeup for red carpet events. 

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bradwyn Jones, the creative force behind some of the most innovative hair and makeup artistry in the fashion world. From his beginnings as a 15-year-old apprentice in the bustling salons of the 1980s to his rise as a respected figure in the beauty industry, Bradwyn's journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. You'll hear how his love for fashion and music steered him to a career in hairdressing, where he learned the ropes by hopping from salon to salon, absorbing the best training in cutting and coloring. Discover how a chance encounter with a colleague sparked his interest in makeup artistry, blending seamlessly into his professional repertoire.

Why You Should Listen

1. Inspiration from Experience: Follow Bradwyn's journey from an eager 15-year-old apprentice to a leading figure in hair and makeup artistry.
2. Insight into Fashion Shows: Learn about the vibrant world of London fashion shows and the challenges and excitement they entail.
3. Career Evolution: Understand how building relationships, reliability, and trust can transform an eager assistant into a trusted team member in the fashion industry.
4. Navigating Modern Challenges: Explore the impact of social media distractions and the importance of focus and professionalism at high-stakes events like Fashion Week.
5. Innovative Tools and Tips: Gain insights into Bradwyn's product recommendations, including his innovative Pro Styling session mats, and the importance of professional networking.

Key Takeaways

• Bradwyn's early career in the 1980s and the value of diverse salon experiences.
• The pivotal moment that led to his interest in makeup artistry.
• Strategies for breaking into the fashion industry, including cold-calling agencies and building a strong portfolio.
• The importance of adapting to new tools and trends in hair and makeup.
• Bradwyn's thoughts on the evolving dynamics of the beauty industry and maintaining professionalism amidst modern distractions.

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In this episode, Vanessa sits down with partnership specialist Sarina Lowe to delve into the intricacies of partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations. 

Key Takeaways:

• Differentiate between cash partnerships and contra (product/service exchange) partnerships.
• How makeup artists, can benefit immensely from strategic partnerships.
• Building genuine relationships with potential partners is crucial.
• Focus outreach efforts on quality engagement rather than just follower counts.
• Clearly outline expectations when receiving products from brands to avoid misunderstandings.
• Transparency and clear communication are key to successful partnerships.
• High-quality, creative content can significantly enhance the value of partnerships.
• Understand your own business objectives and goals before entering partnerships.
• Research potential partners thoroughly to make informed decisions.
  
  

Discussion Highlights:

• Practical strategies for small businesses to leverage partnerships.
• Importance of building genuine relationships and clear communication in partnerships.
• How creative content creation can boost partnership value.
• Tips on aligning business objectives with partnership efforts.

Actionable Tips:

• Start with clear goals for what you want to achieve from partnerships.
•  Be transparent and communicate your expectations clearly.
• Focus on creating high-quality content that reflects your brand and engages your audience.
• Build genuine relationships with potential partners, prioritizing engagement over follower count.
• Always research potential partners to ensure value alignment.
  
  

Connect with Sarina.
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Ever wonder how a self-taught high school enthusiast transforms into a sought-after hair and makeup artist in the film and TV industry? In our latest episode of the Makeup Insider, we sit down with the inspiring Ashleigh Stone, whose incredible journey takes her from experimenting with beauty looks in her teenage years to mastering special effects at the Australian Academy of Cinemagraphic Makeup. Ash shares her path of perseverance and passion, dishing out invaluable insights on using educational resources and networking to carve out a niche in this highly competitive field.

Ash doesn't just talk about the glittery side of the business. She opens up about the challenges of breaking into entry-level positions, emphasising the need for versatility and adaptability. From honing her craft at Mecca during bustling holiday seasons to landing a pivotal role on the set of "Neighbours," Ash discusses the real-world experiences that shaped her skill set. Her story is a testament to continuous learning and the magic that can happen when you get the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals.

For those aspiring to make their mark in the makeup industry, this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice. Ashleigh shares her secrets to securing freelance work—think cold emailing and leveraging social media—and offers tips on navigating the logistics of away jobs with a must-have standby kit. She also shares her aspirations of working on war or horror films, providing a glimpse into her creative ambitions. Whether you’re a budding artist or a seasoned pro, Ashley’s journey is sure to inspire and motivate.

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What does it take to pivot from a stable career to chase a passion at 37? Meet Nichole Lee, the face behind "Nichole Lee  Makeup" on Instagram, who left her successful role as a fashion buyer to dive into the unpredictable realm of freelance makeup artistry. Nichole opens up about the emotional and financial hurdles she faced, highlighting the crucial role of savings and a supportive partner. Her tale is not just about makeup; it's about the courage to start over and the wisdom gained from life experience.

Nichole and I discuss the benefits of starting anew later in life, such as having a sharper focus and a stronger sense of urgency. We also tackle the challenges of transitioning from a regular paycheck to a self-employed income model and the importance of prioritising health over work.

Dive into the artistry behind Nichole's success where personal growth and professional development go hand in hand. Learn how she turned initial mistakes into valuable lessons and how her fashion background influences her makeup artistry. Nichole shares tips on building a professional network, leveraging social media, and maintaining authenticity. Whether you’re interested in makeup or contemplating a career change, Nichole's journey offers a wealth of insights, from mastering client interactions to the nuances of selecting the perfect lip color for diverse clients. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode filled with practical advice and heartfelt stories.

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Kath Carlin, a Melbourne hair and makeup artist, shares her journey and experiences in the industry.

She discusses her work across various platforms, including network TV, TV commercials, fashion events, and sports broadcasts.

Kath emphasises the importance of adaptability, building connections, and having a positive attitude in the industry. She also highlights the value of knowing one's strengths and weaknesses and being open to learning and improving. 

Kath shares stories of working with high-profile talent and the opportunities that arose from putting herself out there. In this part of the conversation, Kath and Vanessa discuss the fear of rejection and the importance of reaching out to people. They also talk about Kath's experience working as a makeup artist for tennis tournaments and weddings, where she got to travel the world for 10 years. 

Kath shares her insights on the mindset and attitude required for success in the industry.

They emphasise the importance of being on time, creating a positive atmosphere, and adapting to the needs of different clients. 

Kath Carlin discusses her journey as a TikTok sensation and how she found her passion for comedy. She talks about overcoming fear and shame to post her videos and the viral success she experienced.

Kath shares her process of creating TikTok videos, including writing, filming, and editing. She also discusses the challenges and criticisms she faces as a makeup artist on social media.

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Ever wondered what it's like to transition from an 11-year-old hairdressing prodigy to a celebrated makeup artist? Join us as we chat with Rae Morris, whose journey from owning a salon by 18 to battling carpal tunnel syndrome opened new doors in the world of makeup artistry. From her groundbreaking collaborations with plastic surgeons to her ventures in designing innovative makeup brushes, Rae's story is a testament to resilience and creativity.

Teaching without formal training and learning from drag queens while battling self-doubt—Rae Morris's journey is as thrilling as it is inspiring. We'll delve into her experiences of assisting in the industry, the psychological aspects of working with clients, and the invaluable lessons learned from legendary artists like Richard Scharah. Find out why mastering both hair and makeup can be a game-changer and how maintaining humility and collaboration can propel you to new heights in the beauty world.

Globetrotting from the disciplined runways of Paris to the accessible fashion shows in Sydney, Rae gives us an insider look at the global makeup industry. We'll discuss the art of social media branding, the meticulous preparation behind mood boards, and the intricate process of developing makeup brushes with Japanese artisans. Whether you're an aspiring makeup artist or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights and stories that will both educate and inspire.

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