My name is Kim and I’m a freelance makeup artist. I am also currently a manager for a national retail company and am fortunate enough to run my makeup business alongside this job.
I’ve always been interested in how makeup can transform a face and watched many makeup tutorials online, my favourites being by Lisa Eldridge, Pixiwoo and Tanya Burr.
This, as well as my interest in colour theory, inspired me to become a makeup artist.
My initial training was with a beauty academy in West Sussex, the aim of which was to be able to grasp some of the fundamentals. The subjects that were covered were basic makeup techniques, bridal makeup as well as Asian makeup.
After this course I felt as though I wanted to develop my makeup skills further. I searched for a makeup artist with whom to train and found Kristina who was clearly very successful in the beauty industry.
I attended the Kristina Gasperas Beauty Academy in Richmond where I trained in red-carpet looks as well as bridal makeup.
Working one-to-one with Kristina was fantastic and I developed an understanding in advanced techniques of makeup application. I was also trained to take high-quality photographs using correct lighting. This has been a beneficial service for my clients as I am able to provide them with beautiful photographs of their makeup experience, whether for their wedding day or a special occasion.
An important factor for me was that Kristina provided one-to-one training and continued to give me support after I completed the course. Kristina is always very happy to pass on her knowledge and is pleased for her student’s success.
I completed my makeup training in January 2016 and started my business in March that same year. In my first year I was booked for 13 weddings and assisted other makeup artists on photo-shoots and weddings.
I was shortlisted as a Regional Finalist for Best Newcomer at The Wedding Industry Awards and was also a Regional Finalist for Makeup Artist in the South East of England; accolades I was very proud of after only 6 months of working in the industry!
This year, so far, I’ve been booked for 65 weddings and am taking bookings for 2018. I’ve also expanded my team to include 2 hairstylists. One I met at a wedding last year and was impressed by her professionalism and the quality of her work and the other I was introduced to this year through a networking event. Working with them both has also developed my knowledge of the wedding industry and it’s great to get creative at photoshoots together.
During this past year I’ve learnt the importance of networking and building relationships with other suppliers. Networking has enabled me to learn more about the wedding industry, exchange good experiences and understand potential challenges. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have helped to forge group communities and discuss subjects at group level which has been beneficial to me as a new business.
Over the summer, I worked for a local venue dressing company in West Sussex. This gave me the opportunity to learn about the wedding industry from another perspective and to form relationships with other suppliers. Following this I was invited to organise and direct a photoshoot at a country estate to promote their business re-branding. I was also makeup artist for the Disney Dress Catwalk Fashion Show launch in the South East of England in 2017.
Working full-time and building my business has been extremely challenging. My advice to other MUAs who are in the same position would be to persevere and to celebrate all of the success you have.
Thank you Kristina for being such an amazing makeup tutor and supporting me over the last year!
