Here at Bella Marie Training Academy we get students coming to us from all different backgrounds. Some are already situated in the hair and beauty industry, wanting to retrain or learn something new; but many come to us from having no experience whatsoever.
Before coming to the academy, Katie had just completed a degree in business and was applying for jobs in business and accountancy when she came to the realisation that she actually did not want a career in that industry, but rather in beauty as a makeup artist. She had always loved working and experimenting with makeup but was told that it wasn’t something she could do as a career; and until she came to the academy the only experience she had was what she had taught herself from the age of 15.
“I had no passion for what I had just done my degree in. I wish I had decided sooner to start a career doing makeup. It’s something I love doing, and realising how creative I can be with it; I just never saw it as a viable career until now”
Katie came to the academy and started on our Level 2 Beauty with Emma alongside our Level 3 Makeup Artistry course. After completing both of these, she then decided to continue her development and enrolled on to our Level 3 Beauty Therapy, which is now currently training on.
When asked about her experience on Level 3 Makeup, Katie said that having as a tutor that knew exactly what they were talking about and being able to demonstrate things so well, helped her to learn and develop her makeup skills as she progressed on the course. Katie credits her tutor for introducing her to new brands to work with and how to start building up her makeup kit; which is vital for new makeup artists starting out. Her favourite products to use are the Peaches and Cream pigments; and are now her go-to products. Katie also says she enjoyed the learning environment, being among the other students, who were all excited by the course and learning together.
Now Katie is currently training on Level 3 Beauty after already completing Level 2. She made this decision after enjoying the level 2 course and wanting to build up her abilities even further. By having a Level 3 VTCT qualifications in both makeup and beauty, Katie will be able to offer more services. She plans on creating makeup and beauty experience packages for her clients in the future, once she is fully qualified.
Since completing Level 3 Makeup and whilst she continues on Level 3 Beauty, Katie has started to establish herself in the beauty industry within the North East. She is working hard on building up her social media brand.
“I’m putting as much as myself online as I can. From doing multiple makeup looks, working with brands and involving myself in masterclasses with other professionals. I want to start getting recognition from other makeup artists and start building up my brand relationships; so that I can continue to grow my makeup kits and work with the brand I want to work with.”
Katie’s instagram has really started to take off, her followers are going up as she continues to post her new makeup looks. She recently did some disney inspired looks that blew up for her and her instagram; with the Blue Genie look being her biggest look to date! When it comes to creating her looks, Katie draws inspiration from other makeup artists across instagram and pinterest. Because of what she learnt during her time on our Level 3 Makeup, she has developed her own style and has realised how creative she can be on her own.
“Sometimes a look just comes to me, and then I have to just grab my makeup kit and do it!”.
By doing Level 3 course she has also learnt how to build customer relationships and provide client care, so she can now confidently meet with clients, knowing she is providing a professional service as she continues to grow her career as a makeup artist.
For anyone doubting a career change, or thinks they can’t learn something new without any experience; Katie is an example that you can! No matter what your background is, you can train in the beauty industry and start a new career. Speaking about her own experience, Katie said,
“Just go for it, it will be worth it in the end. Follow what you want to do, I didn’t straight away and I regret it. Don’t be put off by what you think you know about the beauty industry. There’s more to it than you think, it’s more than just learning how to do makeup; it helps you work on client care and business management too. The beauty industry is so big and so much goes into it, more than you think. It’s an investment in yourself.”
At Bella Marie Training Academy there are different levels of courses to suit everyone. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or retrain, our courses allow you to do just that. Don’t be put off thinking you can’t try something new. With all our courses you are building up your skillset and progressing your career, and investing in yourself.
Katie Grant is now a professional makeup artist creating amazing glam looks just like these you see here! To view more of her work, you can find her on Instagram as, @katiegrantmua .
