“For generations in my family, it has been of great importance to appreciate handmade goods and support the industry as much as we could. And this is what I have tried to create with Natale: an experience where people are able to both learn, as well as value where their garments are coming from.”

Blanche Macdonald Global Fashion Marketing graduate Mireille Kessler speaks with such warmth and clarity when describing her new artisanal shop, Natale, Main Streets’ new handcrafted hub. Her little shop has already gained much recognition since it first opened its doors a little under a year ago (most recently, being named one of three best new shops on Main Street by the Georgia Straight) with a community of devoted clientele eager to support this growing movement. Her apt knowledge of textiles and handcrafted, fair trade goods, evident the moment you walk into her carefully curated space, goes back generations.

Mireille often travels back to her family's cottage industry in Lima, Peru, to observe and absorb the ins and outs of the textile industry. The impact these experiences have had on her heart and perspective are momentous, paving the way for her budding entrepreneurial career.

“My grandmother started a cottage industry when my dad was just a boy. She started it on the same property that we own now; it’s actually still our family home. We have our family home on the back of the property, and then there are two other large buildings that have five or six floors, each floor dedicated to different textile processes.

“Since I was little, we’ve always travelled back and forth to Peru. At the time it was to visit family, but even as I child, I was aware of the industry. My grandma would explain what was going on and I always remember being very curious. As I got a older I began to really understand it: how it contributes to the sustainability movement, the importance of ethical practices and fair trade, and the quality of handmade goods.”

Speaking with Mireille, it’s easy to come to the conclusion based on her deep-rooted understanding of the industry that she’s always had her future plans unequivocally laid out. However, the path to where she is now wasn’t always a straightforward one.

“I was always into academics. At one point I planned to go to law school. But there was a period where I got mentally ill and I couldn't finish high school the way everybody else did. Yet, it is because of my struggles with depression that I became more creative. Creativity became my outlet that I found to be really cathartic; it helped calm my anxiety and depression.”

It was during this period of her life that Mireille made the life-altering decision to come to Blanche Macdonald and study Global Fashion Marketing. A decision that would change the outcome of her future; putting her on the entrepreneurial track, and in an industry that has always been a part of her from day one.

“I decided to take a year off after high school to focus on my recovery and really decide what my next steps in life would be. It was during this time that I decided that Blanche Macdonald was the choice I wanted to make.

“I did a lot of research on schools and talked to people who had gone to Blanche. They spoke of their great experiences and the impressive roster of teachers. After that the decision was easy, Blanche was the right fit for me. Another thing that really sold me on Blanche was the small classes. I was told that their classes are small and intimate and that was really important to me, especially surrounding my anxiety and depression.”

With intention and drive, Mireille affirmed her purpose in the mighty world of Fashion. Building on her already extensive knowledge of textiles, production and manufacturing, Mireille devoured even more insight into the industry, instigating the building-blocks of what was to come. 

“I was taught a lot of valuable information at Blanche that I wouldn’t have learnt otherwise. A lot of what I have learnt over the years from my family involves wholesale, manufacturing and production, but that was only to a point. My classes at Blanche were able to expand on that knowledge base.

“I also learnt a lot about the creative side of the industry. This has been, and will continue to be, a great source of knowledge for me to pull from. I am able to take everything I have learnt and use that in some realm of my day-to-day and as the business grows.” 

And grow it has. Besides importing goods for her shop from Peru, she has also designed a line of her own that she sells at Natale.

“I actually recently designed a capsule collection that I sell in the store. It's a lot of minimal pieces with just something a little different about it. They are pieces you can mix and match and wear with a lot of other things.”

The garments are versatile and elegant, but more importantly, they are consciously crafted.

“For my collection, I used an organic Pima cotton from Peru. Something that many people don’t realize, the label on a garment will tell you where it’s made but it doesn’t tell you where the actual material is from. To cut costs, a lot of companies will have it made in Peru because in Peru the standards are better and the sewing quality is very good. However, the material won’t actually be from there, which they have you believe. A lot of times they’re not getting their cotton from Peru because the cost is higher. For me, it was really important that everything about it, other than maybe the style, was Peruvian.”

Being a conscious consumer and business owner is at the forefront for Mireille, but she also recognizes that supporting artisanal goods and buying local can be a challenge. It has become her mission to make this craft more accessible to the general public.

“My parents always wanted us to appreciate and support handmade wares. However, as a consumer that can often be challenging as handmade can be a lot more expensive. A lot of what you find in Vancouver may be made locally but in order for the artist to make a fair wage the price ends up being really high. Even the goods that are artisanal from abroad end up getting marked up significantly and it just makes it really hard to support. So that is something I’ve always tried to do – keep handmade goods at a reasonable price. I’m grateful because the fact that I’ve been able to cut out the middleman through my families business makes it possible to do so.

“I’ve had a few customers that have come into the store for the first time and have really appreciated what I’m doing here. I love that I get to sell things that my family has produced and have a platform for people to come and see why this is so important to us.”

Turning her passion into a career has been a labour of love for Mireille. Her purpose is unambiguous, and her boutique exudes these same credences. Whether you’re in the market to just peruse, you’re looking to buy, or you’re somewhere in between, one thing is for certain, you’ll leave a little more wise and well-informed than when you entered. You can thank us later.

Not even the wettest day in Vancouver’s recent history could dampen the spirits of the Blanche Macdonald Esthetic students eagerly filing into Blanche Macdonald’s Atelier campus with boxes, bags, containers and armfuls of props - all things necessary to set the stage to pitch their business ideas in the first-ever Esthetics Dragon’s Den. Tapping into their entrepreneurial spirits, each student group was tasked with formulating a unique facial masque and creating a brand to go along with it. The judging panel for the event consisted of various Blanche Macdonald Esthetics Program instructors and top skin care experts, including skoah co-founder and CEO, Andrea Scott - all of whom provided feedback directly to the students post presentation. Not only were the students able to draw from the panel’s extensive knowledge of the industry, but they were also able to take Andrea’s invaluable advice on their products. Firsthand expertise from the legendary brand creator and developer of skoah's in-house skin care line, which has garnered a cult-following of its own - is just one of the many benefits of being an Esthetics student at Blanche Macdonald.

Andrea’s impressive history in the Esthetics industry spans nearly 17 years back to when she, along with her husband and co-founder, opened the first skoah location in Vancouver and shook up the Spa industry.

“Spas weren’t for young people. You didn’t go for just one service, you went for the afternoon. Everything was designed for the people who were going to the spas which were usually people over 50. And so we saw this opportunity to offer one service that was affordable, both in time and monetarily, for people from ages 20-50. We really turned the industry on its head back then. We came out of the gates offering one service at a time. We were professional but we wanted to break down the barriers of intimidation.”

Branded around the idea of "personal training for your skin”, skoah’s values fit perfectly into the notorious love of fitness and well-being on the west coast, even going so far as offering their clients a ‘skin gym’ membership. Now, the West Coast-born brand, having already become a major player in the national skincare field, is well on its way to becoming a global facial brand with 14 locations all across North America, and one can only assume there will be many more to come. Andrea’s outstanding business expertise and acumen were recently recognized when she was named the winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award in 2016, an international award celebrating exceptional women business leaders and their entrepreneurial contributions.

Blanche Macdonald is very fortunate to have an incredible relationship with this powerhouse brand. Throughout the years, skoah has welcomed many Blanche Macdonald graduates into their spas. So many, in fact, that Andrea has nearly lost count.

"In the 17 years we’ve been open, there have probably been close to 100 graduates that have been with us from Blanche Macdonald. We have so many with us in the spas right now! There are so many reasons why we love to hire these grads but one big thing is the level of professionalism.”

Andrea knows firsthand the level of professionalism that is imparted onto Blanche Macdonald students - she was one herself.

“I took the Makeup program and in that program too you’re taught from day one, if you’re not twenty minutes early, you’re late. This is a professional environment. And that’s how Blanche Macdonald graduates are. They come in, they take it seriously and they’re extremely professional.”

But if there’s one thing that can rival Blanche Macdonald graduates’ professionalism, it’s their enthusiasm.

“The enthusiasm that they come with! They come to us and they feel ready to be working. They’re not coming wondering if they’re ready to work, they already know. There’s just a level of confidence that they come with that we don’t see with everyone.”

As much as skoah loves our graduates, it seems that love is more than reciprocated.

Yolanda Ruiz, a Skin Care Trainer for skoah, was only a student when she and her class first toured a skoah spa. Her instructor encouraged her to apply because of her love of facials and nearly six years later, she’s never looked back.

“Blanche Macdonald's instructors help you find your path and shape you to be the best version of yourself. If you're passionate about learning skincare and you're passionate about facials, then skoah is a great company to journey with. We have a great ability to mould you into a fantastic Esthetician!”

For Madeleine Gordon, a Skin Care Coach at skoah, the values that her ‘Blanche Macdonald family’ taught so closely resemble those taught by her ‘skoah family’ that it was a nearly seamless transition.

“Our training at Blanche Macdonald set me up for success by actually emulating a lot of skoah's Kore Values. Blanche Macdonald grads are an especially good fit because of the work we put in at school. Whether it is physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional work, we work hard every day. We understand that the work has to be done. Most of us go from walking in to Blanche with no training whatsoever and we leave with jobs and so much potential. You definitely don't leave the same person that you were when you started the program. Like we were told in school, ‘Blanche is a family.’ skoah is exactly the same. Everyone wants everyone to succeed, you always have a shoulder to help you up if you start to stumble.  We're all in it together at the end of the day. I honestly couldn't imagine being at any other company.”

Sara Rose possesses what seems like an infinite amount of talent at her disposal. As a multi-hyphenate Blanche Macdonald Freelance Makeup graduate, Sara currently holds the title of Lead Makeup Artist on top of Hairstylist at one of Vancouver’s most Instagram-worthy hair havens, BRUSH Salon.

But Sara’s journey from makeup school into the beauty industry started out during a time when social media wasn’t really a definitive tool for a Makeup Artist. “Instagram and Twitter were not huge at that time so you had to do groundwork of promoting yourself,” she recalls. Putting her innate people skills to use as a self-marketing tool was second nature for Sara. She admits to us with no slight hesitation that she “talks a lot” - an attribute that has landed her a myriad of opportunities throughout her career.

“I love to meet people. I get to surround myself with the most amazingly talented people because of that. I was a server for years and that’s where I would meet potential clients. I printed out my business cards and would slip it in with people's receipts at the end of their dining experience. Or I would find ways to incorporate conversation into my work, and I would meet brides and producers because of it.”

That hustler mentality paid off for Sara, leading to job opportunities that most Makeup Artists only dream of. Sara has worked on music video sets, backstage at New York Fashion Week, and has also attended Toronto International Film Festival to work on Canadian actor Jacob Tremblay.

Sara’s people skills may have led to amazing opportunities, but it was a lifelong appreciation for the arts, combined with a keen eye for observation, that inspired her to explore makeup as a way to help people realize their full beauty potential. Growing up on Vancouver Island, Sara’s life was constantly inhabited with creativity and art.

“I grew up dancing and performing, I loved partaking in the arts. Being behind the scenes was an area that interested me. I loved watching people transform into something they aren’t typically everyday. From there it expanded into being able to watch women and people transform into something that maybe they can’t find in themselves. Or that they can’t see in themselves just yet. That’s what really pushed me into the beauty industry.”

Sara’s innate ability to bring out the best in someone’s natural beauty is what makes her the perfect Makeup Artist to a clientele consisting of influencers, celebrities and one major supermodel (we’re talking Victoria’s Secret calibre).

“I’m definitely more drawn to an aesthetic that’s natural but enhanced. I don’t like people not feeling or looking like themselves, I want them to fully realize that they’re beautiful but that the littlest bit of makeup can change your look.”

As Sara explains her personal makeup aesthetic to us, she’s taping in extensions for Fashion and Beauty Influencer Janice Joostema, a regular client of Sara’s who manages a vastly popular Instagram account consisting of 1.5 Million followers.

“For Janice I really admired her aesthetic. She was on my goal list, so I emailed her and now we’ve been working together for two years. It’s just about putting yourself out there and not being afraid of rejection which is the biggest thing. When you’re scared a person can sense it. So just don’t be afraid and put yourself out there. If they like you they like you, but if they don’t just move on. Don’t be afraid of rejection.”

Considering all the incredible opportunities that have come Sara’s way, it’s clear as day that projecting kindness can get you a lot farther ahead in this industry than being cut-throat. “Don’t ever burn bridges” is a statement Sara has always lived by, and what has come out of it are career milestones.

“I got to work with Supermodel Karlie Kloss this past year which was amazing. I got connected with her through her manager, who I knew from ballet and high school!" In a social media video posted soon after their glam session, the Supermodel was evidently elated over their time together, even dubbing Sara as “The Queen of Canada”. Case in point according to Ms. Kloss, we may be in the presence of the beauty world’s next new royal!

During Sara’s time in Blanche Macdonald’s Freelance Makeup program, she quickly took notice of the potential her career could have in the world of makeup.

“The energy that Blanche Macdonald brings is really amazing because the teachers are so diverse in terms of experience within the industry. I got to work with Lesley Opheim-Riou, and I was honored to have Jon Hennessey as my Fashion teacher. And Instructors Timothy Hung and Leah Elliston who I still keep in touch with to this day. They really broadened my spectrum and helped me realize I don’t have to just work at a counter - I can do more. There’s film, fashion and personal. There's so much to it. That was really incredible for me to see."

“My time at Blanche Macdonald really helped me in the sense that I knew the Faculty would always be there for me. Even when I was going through a lull, I would pop by and say hi and ask for advice and chat. The Career Department were always there to talk. They are always there to reassure you that you’re doing things and to not worry and to keep going and not to stress. It’s really cool to know you always have that support system if you need it.”

Sara’s current state of success has no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

“My regular work week now is very unpredictable. I work between the salon and I’ve been doing a lot of commercials lately. Some days I’m working on brides. Some days I’m working on red carpet looks. It’s just always versatile.

“My favourite part about being a Freelance Makeup Artist is the versatility. I’m never sick of it or waking up thinking why. I’m always excited to start my day. I think it’s amazing. It’s really cool to see the opportunities you can have in the makeup industry and especially in Vancouver. It's a little mini Hollywood right now.”

For the next generation of Makeup Artists coming into the industry where social media has become a high authority, Sara advises that authenticity is crucial in helping one succeed.

"If you’re looking to build a loyal/celebrity clientele or following it’s important to be true to yourself and your clients. If you’re not being true people will recognize that. If you’re doing a makeup application and it isn't your style just inform your client and be honest. I think if you’re true to yourself and your talent it will showcase and it will go places, and people will respect you for that.”

When Dior Account Executive Maggie Chung is searching for new recruits to fill positions at the global brand’s many outlets across British Columbia, the first place she looks is inside the classrooms of the Makeup Artist Course that launched her into the industry to begin with.

“We’re always scouting for talent,” she explains. “[Career Director] Heather Sosa and her team at Blanche Macdonald’s Makeup School are very hands on with placing their students. When I contact other schools it always takes a lot more effort. With Heather I know that with one email or phone call, she’ll get back to me. She finds me the applicants and I’ll interview them. We’ve picked out a few shining stars from Blanche Macdonald’s makeup graduates and students for Dior, and before that for NARS. Heather’s sent some good ones my way.”

Uncovering makeup talent that’s the perfect fit for Dior is just one of Maggie’s responsibilities. Selection is the easy part. Moulding makeup artists to represent one of the world’s premier beauty brands is where Maggie shines.

“Of course you feel special working for Dior, but you also have to be extra mindful. Dior hasn’t become this big by accident. You have to make sure you meet all the standards and regulations. It’s not just about doing beautiful makeups. It’s about sales. If I coach a beauty advisor on how to book appointments, and the next time I talk to them they tell me how well that’s working, that’s music to my ears.

“Makeup artists need to get people to sit down in their chairs. If you can master that, you can run any business. Our beauty advisors often open their own businesses and become very successful.”

---

I always wanted to work with a big worldwide brand. When a woman is surrounded by makeup, fragrances and skincare products - that's a dream!

---

Maggie has become an expert on success. Working for Dior’s makeup, fragrance and skincare divisions, her role as a Dior Account Executive looks after 22 accounts in and around Vancouver, one on Vancouver Island and a cluster in the BC Interior, working with stores including The Bay, Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart.

“I always wanted to work with a big worldwide brand,” continues Maggie. “My lifestyle, and my compensation, is great. I always wanted a job where I could travel. And when a woman is surrounded by makeup, fragrances and skincare products – that’s a dream!”

Maggie may be living the dream now, but she arrived at Canada’s top Makeup School with completely different aspirations.

“When I was in high school I was slightly obsessed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the show’s makeup effects. Todd McIntosh was the key makeup artist on the show, and when I found out that he was affiliated with the Makeup Artist Course at Blanche Macdonald I knew I had to go there. My year at Blanche Macdonald was great. I came in loving special makeup effects and came out loving fashion and beauty makeup.

“I worked as a freelance makeup artist for six years after I graduated and every job I did, I knew I could do it with conviction and confidence. They teach professionalism at Blanche Macdonald. Their Makeup School graduates know how to make models feel good, and how to close a transaction quickly. I mainly did bridal work, with a little bit of editorial. I loved it, but never quit my day job. I’d work during the week and squeeze in whatever makeup I could at weekends. I really enjoyed putting the brides at ease, making them look and feel good on their big day and helping everything fall into place. But after six years I left the makeup business for a while. You can’t really do makeup half-assed. You need to commit to it 100%.”

---

You can't really do makeup half-assed. You need to commit to it 100%.

---

Maggie took her professional attitude to the world of fashion, working for menswear stores Hugo Boss and Harry Rosen at the management level, before a craving for something a touch more ladylike brought her back into her original area of expertise with cosmetics brand NARS.

“NARS could see how much management experience I had, and they knew I had experience in the beauty industry because I’d been a freelance makeup artist and I’d been to Blanche Macdonald. That tied everything together. At NARS I was a trainer, events coordinator and account executive, making sure targets were met, standards were maintained and that the right people were being employed. I wore a lot of different hats.”

Those hats had been worn for less than a year when a missed phone call was the introduction to one of the world’s iconic beauty brands.

“I had a message on my voicemail to call Dior. Someone had referred me to the Vice President of Dior Canada. I didn’t know who it was. It was just a name and a message on my voicemail asking if I wanted to chat. She told me they were trying to fill a vacancy in Vancouver and my name had been mentioned. I still had to apply for it, but when I went in to meet them I loved the resources I saw. I applied, and the next thing I knew I was on a plane to New York for an interview, which was fantastic.

“On the way back to Vancouver we flew through Montreal in February. The weather was terrible. They couldn’t land and at one point the plane just dropped in the sky. I was sitting beside some poor guy nearly wrenching his arm off. But when we landed I received a call saying I got the job. So it was worth the near-death experience.”

---

Of course you feel special working for Dior, but you also have to be extra mindful. Dior hasn't become this big by accident.

---

Of course there’s an element of glamour to a management position with Dior. There’s also a lot of work.

“My responsibilities as a Dior Account Executive are similar to what I was doing at NARS, but the calibre is higher and the volume is bigger. On Monday I’ll be at my computer at 7am, because the business in Toronto is on Eastern Time, trying to answer all my emails. Then all the way until Friday I’ll position myself with my various accounts, meeting to touch base on sales plans, event dates and any new launches or new collections Dior has coming out. We have a specific makeup trainer, although we share him with Alberta and Manitoba. I do training too, but it’s more business practices than actual makeup. Weekends are technically days off, but there are a lot of events on weekends, so sometimes I’ll stop into stores to check everything is ok. The beauty of our job is we create our own schedule. Although because there’s no set schedule its easy to go overboard.”

There are still occasional chances for Maggie to do makeup applications on customers, opportunities that are seized with pleasure. But her main role is to help her colleagues reach their maximum potential. This Dior Account Executive knows the secrets to success, and she doesn’t mind sharing some of that knowledge with Blanche Macdonald students past, present and future.

“Before you apply for a position you should do your homework to see what that company embodies. I’m always looking for candidates with the right experience. But there are also candidates who don’t have that experience, but they have the look. They’re professionally, elegantly Dior. Good communication and interaction skills are almost as important as good makeup technique. If you can communicate your desire to me, I know you can communicate with customers.”

---

They teach professionalism at Blanche Macdonald. Grads know how to make models feel good, and how to close a transaction quickly.

---

As a rising star with a global brand, Maggie may well end up in Toronto, the USA or even Europe. She’s open to new challenges. Which just happens to be exactly what she’s looking for in the next generation of makeup artists.

“We feed off our team’s enthusiasm, and we want to maintain it,” she smiles. “The new recruits are the eager and willing ones. I know that if I had started when I was younger I could have done even more. But it’s never too late to set yourself up for success.”

The post Makeup Graduate Maggie Chung Delivers Dior Chic Across BC appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Exactly where the climax of a career in Makeup for TV and Film hits is relative. And upon first meeting, Krista’s down-to-earth sincerity belies her soaring perch in our Hollywood North. Her name tops a colossally impressive imdb list – which includes credits for AMC series Fear the Walking Dead, Warcraft, iZombie, Proof, Final Destination 5, Disney’s Descendants and The L Word – and you might not ever have guessed it, had you not caught the focussed glint and forward keel of her speech.

We’re sitting in one of Atelier Campus’ vast glass rooms, where Krista is sharing with us the career that has been tetris-packed into her years since graduating from Blanche Macdonald’s Makeup program. And as with all TV and Film stories, there are delightful deviations of plot to be had too…

“Sam Elliott is a total icon, and he has a beautiful moustache that is almost equally iconic. And I had to trim it the first time that I met him. All I could think was, ‘Please don’t let me be the person to ruin Sam Elliott’s trademark ‘stache!’ ” laughs Krista who, thankfully, left the actor’s golden feature intact.

“It’s important to stay grounded through it all, especially with TV and Film. Maybe you make up some celebrity types but that’s not really what the job’s about. It’s just an aside. It’s not why you’re there.”

---

Working on the Chronicles of Riddick really helped me establish a lot of connections.

---

So why is she where she is, a hurtling force of the industry, pruning the big screen elite? Together we rewind.

“I fell into TV and Film in the best possible way. I had already gone to University and done a degree in Sociology, had done a lot of traveling, had lived in London, England. And when I went back to Saskatchewan, where I was from, I decided that it was just too small and moved to Vancouver. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life at that point so I started taking a lot of art classes and it was actually a drawing instructor that suggested a career in Makeup for me.”

Krista’s indecision-fuelled leap to Canada’s Top Makeup Artistry program was one that would inform the artist that she is today. By the time she left Blanche Macdonald’s halls, she was eager to write Makeup into the next chapter of her life.

“I use everything I learned at BMC in my work. It gave me a foundation of knowledge on which to build upon, and gave me confidence to go out and try to achieve a career in Makeup Artistry.

“I had to make it work. And I did. If Makeup is what you see yourself doing, then you have to throw everything into it, give it your all. I know that’s a cliche but it’s completely true. When I graduated, I really focused on print and fashion initially just to build my portfolio. I was lucky that at that point I fell into a group of people who were producing a new magazine called Butter, which was a big local fashion publication in the early 2000’s in Vancouver.”

The experience came full and fast, and Krista took it all in eagerly. As such, she was a hot spot on the roster radar for Lizbell, then a fledgling collective of artists, now a world-renowned premiere boutique agency. She whisked about the fashion scene as a represented Makeup and Hair Artist in Vancouver, and in Toronto with The Artists Group for five years. Working creatively within the this world was a dream for Krista, who had always admired it from afar. And some years later, she happened upon her chance to make it to the very core of Fashion’s culture.

“I was in Hawaii shooting a print campaign for the Sheraton Hotel, working with my friend Tania Becker (who co-owns Moods Salon and works on virtually every major fashion show in all four central Fashion Week cities) and I was telling her how sometime I would love to work on a Fashion Week show. She said, “Jon Hennessey is keying a show in New York next month, you should ask him if he needs any more people for his team.” And that was that!

“The designer was Raif Adelberg, and it was a menswear show that [Blanche Macdonald Fashion Makeup Director] Jon Hennessey designed and keyed. The look was savage and slightly tribal, and it was a really fun and exciting experience.”

This was 2012, and back at home, Krista had already been making big climbs in the world of TV and Film as a full member of IATSE. During her years signed on with Lizbell, she had begun taking on student films and commercials between editorial shoots. As soon as she had enough credits, she applied for her Permittee Status with IATSE [International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts], worked her 90 IATSE set days and was sworn in as a Full Member. The full time Union gigs rushed in.

“In the beginning, when you’re not as established and people don’t quite know you yet, you have to take jobs in a quicker succession just to make those connections, get that experience and get your name out there. Day calling is great for that. Working on The Chronicles of Riddick really helped me establish a lot of connections. I met so many Makeup Artists just by working on that one show. But that’s also a part of the battle because once that show’s wrapped, all of the artists split off to work somewhere else; if you’re someone that stood out in your work and in how you worked with your team, they’ll remember that and call you back when they need help on their future shows. So building up your reputation and those relationships is so important.”

---

What I learned at BMC gave me a foundation of knowledge on which to build upon, and gave me confidence to go out and try to achieve a career in Makeup Artistry.

---

Of all such relationships forged on Krista’s first heavy-hitting day call, there is one that brings out the most sparkle in her voice; it was on set of The Chronicles of Riddick that she first worked “out in the real world” with fellow Blanche Macdonald graduate and Associate Makeup Director Jennifer Folk.

“I love Jen – she’s honestly been my biggest cheerleader and I can’t thank her enough for that. I really looked up to her as a mentor; when you’re new, you observe people and how they work. It’s important to step back to watch the people around you, watch what it is they’re doing, to try to emulate those good qualities. Jen was really sweet but firm; she knew what there was to do, made sure it was done and did it all in such a nice way. I had incredible respect for her.

“I worked again with Jen on The L word and then, for Painkiller Jane, she gave me a huge opportunity. She was asked to go to Europe to shoot but the timing wasn’t going to work with her. She put my name forward to go to Budapest, Hungary for two months. It was awesome.”

Since then, Krista’s name has rarely needed introduction. With over two dozen credits under her belt, and a sweet-meets-steadfast demeanor, Krista has become a choice call-up on big league sets. One Head of Department even proclaimed Krista as their “absolute favourite First Assistant!”

“I was working on the Fear The Walking Dead series before going on to X-men Apocalypse and that was pretty cool, with all the buzz surrounding it!

“Had you told me when I was still in Makeup School that I’d be doing what I’m doing now, 15 years down the road, I would have been overjoyed. It is exciting, but you always want to stay humble. I feel very fortunate to be working as a Makeup Artist for TV and Film. It is really difficult but it’s also possible; the main thing is to have perseverance.”

---

You have to keep your ego in check. Nobody knows it all and it's fine to not know everything.

---

Difficult and possible, high demand and high reward – the tough realities of a career in TV and Film is not something that Krista gleans over, even if she does love what she does.

“It can be a real eye opener when you start. I remember my very first IATSE day call was 21 hours long. Day one, had never set foot on an IATSE set, and I didn’t leave until 21 hours later. I thought, ‘OK, this is what it is.’ Since that time I don’t think I’ve ever done a day that long, but there are people out there who will have those hours.

“We have to do a lot of creative improvisation in this job too. When I was working on Warcraft, we were shooting with a lot of facial hair. For one group we’d hand laid a lot of crepe hair because we had been told that would be in the deep background. Of course, at the last minute, these people were brought to the front and these pieces that weren’t finessed for tight camera range were going to be up close. In this sort of situation, you have to make adjustments on the fly to make things camera ready. You have to keep sharp and always watching what the shot is because it’s often not going to be what you’ve been told.”

And yet, the rush, the push and an element of improvisation suits Krista well, both on the job and off.

“I really love the variety of my career. I love that we don’t have a regular schedule. I can’t even imagine having only three weeks vacation a year, or whatever it is that most employees have in their jobs! Traveling is a super important part of my life that I do a lot of when I’m between jobs. I’m usually trying to jump a plane to go somewhere!”

No matter how enticing the faraway is however, Krista always finds herself coming back to Vancouver, settling back into the day-to-day adventure of her career.

“We have uber talented crews here in Vancouver, and I’ve heard the same statement coming from a lot of teams coming up from the States or from out east. The talent pool here is stellar, I’m really happy to be a part of it; to learn within this group of peers and mentors.

---

If you have a bit of success, just keep going with it. Don't think you've reached your pinnacle because there is no pinnacle. You set your own ceiling.

---

“As I’ve gone further in my career, there are only more people that I’ve aspired to work for, that I have worked for and still hope to work with, to add to my list. My goals are to keep learning from the people in this city who are at the top of their game.”

Kindness under pressure and humbleness in the face of well-mustachioed stardom have made Krista mentor herself to those starting out in the TV & Film industry. For some, it may seem she’s reached a climax of her career, but the moxie to bring her bold personal visions into being has made Krista’s climax ever-rising.

“I’ve learned that it’s important to set your own goals, and that you can achieve them if you name them to yourself or to others. If there is something you want to go after or if there is something that you would like to do, I do believe in the power putting it out there. Because people remember. If something comes up, people will remember that and pass it along. It’s using the power of networking and the people that you know.

“You have to keep your ego in check. Nobody knows it all and it’s fine to not know everything. If you have a bit of success, just keep going with it. Don’t think you’ve reached your pinnacle because there is no pinnacle. You set your own ceiling.”

The post From the Big Apple to the Big Screen – Fashion Maven turned TV and Film Phenom Krista Seller! appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Creativity. Character. Commitment. 

Rebeccah Delchambre understands what it takes to reach the top of the Film and TV Makeup industry. The Vancouver Makeup Artist has a long list of major movies, TV series, Leo Awards and Emmy Nominations on her résumé and is now in her second year as the Co-chairperson of the Makeup Department of the IATSE Local 891 Union in British Columbia and the Yukon.

As Designer, Head of Department, Key Makeup Artist or part of the team for projects including Elf, The A-Team, Alcatraz, Scary Movie 4, The Chronicles of Narnia, Are We Done Yet, Freddy vs Jason, and dozens more, it’s no surprise that Rebeccah has tales to tell. She’s a natural storyteller.

Her own story began in England with a talented fine artist for a mother and an inspiring drama teacher. At 11 years old Rebeccah and her mother moved to Toronto, launching an incredible behind-the-scenes journey in film and television.

“My Mom, Dinah Delchambre, is one of the best artists I’ve ever met,” promises Rebeccah. “She would go on set and paint portraits that would appear in the movies. That gave me a taste for film. I had opportunities to work behind the camera doing art pieces for the sets and storyboards, then in front of the camera doing background work, which led to an agent, and auditions. I soon realized I loved film with every cell in my body. However, I just found acting wasn’t as fulfilling as some other aspects of theatre and film. I’d done some makeup on myself and other cast members in theatre. I decided that I wanted do more.”

---

My experience at Makeup school was great. My favourite element of the program was character building in the TV and Film classes. Creating characters was what inspired me.

---

Rebeccah had left Toronto and headed west to become part of Vancouver’s booming film and TV industry. With a job at The Body Shop, she was using her self-taught makeup skills every day. Even then, Rebeccah knew she was never going to master her art without learning from the best. The time had come to find an industry-recognized Makeup School.

“I asked around and people I respected had gone to Blanche Macdonald. My experience at Makeup School was great. Jennifer Folk was one of my instructors. I honestly wasn’t thinking about becoming a TV and Film Makeup Artist. I just thought that I should try it out and see if it fit.

“I loved doing a beauty makeup, playing with ideas and the interaction, but my favourite element of the program was character building in the TV and film classes. Creating characters was what inspired me. I still have the binders and all the work I did at Blanche Macdonald!”

Rebeccah immediately took a position working at The Bay for Niko Cosmetics, and was soon headhunted by Dior. As her retail career was blossoming, Rebeccah was learning about the wide variety of products now available to her, trying them out and exploring new creative avenues.

“I would do makeup wherever I could,” she laughs. “The doors started to open. I volunteered at The Carousel and Arts Club Theatre Companies. I would do fashion shows at Holt Renfrew. I wanted to do everything. My attitude was ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ When I wasn’t earning money to pay the bills I would take any opportunity that came up.”

Those opportunities included music videos and short movies for the UBC Film Program. As the Head of Department on those shorts, Rebeccah brought her positive attitude to the challenge.

“At The Bay we were taught the phrase, ‘Yes I can.’ I still think like that. Let’s make it happen! In one UBC film the actress had to burn a cigarette out on her hand, which is a big effect fresh out of school considering the safety of the actress. I took a blister plaster and glued tin foil under it, applied it to the palm of her hand, covered it in latex and coloured it. Voila! A safe and dramatic out of kit effect! That’s how my career has been ever since. You give me a problem. I do my best to figure it out. I still love pulling the rabbit out of the hat.”

It didn’t take long for Rebeccah to become a member of the IATSE Film and TV union. As her role in major shows’ Makeup Departments began to grow, so did her library of great stories.

“I’ve had so many great jobs working as part of a big team of talented people. Freddy vs Jason was a super campy matchup of two iconic characters. It was mayhem. Sometimes we worked so hard I didn’t remember driving home, which from a safety standpoint is not a good thing! Working with Bill Terezakis on his team was amazing. On the second unit we were taking care of Freddy’s stunt double Doug Chapman, Ken Kirzinger, who played Jason, and his stunt double, Glenn Ennis. There were no limits to the blood letting. It was epic!”

“On The Santa Clause 2 I was teamed up with Leanne Podavin to do the Stunt Santa, and stunt Toy Santa. Another memorable moment! It was so great to work with Barry Koper and Charles Porlier who took care of Tim Allen’s transformations.

---

You're telling the story with paint, brushes and sometimes appliances. Beauty and prosthetic makeups complement each other and both have complimented my growth as an artist.

---

“Meeting challenges on shows for various Head of Departments has given me a wealth of experience that I treasure and a great resource that I bring to work every day. On the TV movie Murder Unveiled as the Head of Department I coordinated the design of ventilated facial hairpieces for Sikh characters with wig maker Stacey Butterworth. Our big challenge was to conceal the lace from the eyes of the new High Definition cameras. I won a Leo for this job! On Elf I applied elf ears, a gnome makeup and fun aging makeups on little kids’ hands for Victoria Down. On Scary Movie 3 and 4 we did all sorts of fun gags like a scalping and laying in extra chest and armpit hair for Taylor Roberts.

“On Steven Spielberg’s mini-series Taken I was creating aging makeups over three generations with Charles and Patricia Murray. We received an Emmy nomination for that. And of course, working on Howard Berger’steam in New Zealand for The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe was an out of this world opportunity and such a fantastic project.”

Rebeccah is rightfully proud of her incredible work. But even more illuminating than her behind-the-scenes stories are her insights into what makes a successful movie makeup artist.

“We work in such small spaces. We’re next to each other all day long, so we need to be able to work together, be professional and hopefully enjoy each other’s company in support of what we’re trying to do – tell the story. We need to be able to get along as part of a big team. Finding a graceful way to do that with positive energy will take people far. If you’re on set smiling, being attentive, honest and showing that you’re able to do what the Head of Department or First Assistant needs, you’ll get the call next time.  Gossiping or grumbling won’t serve anyone. You can be on set for 18 hours on the side of a mountain in the pouring rain. It’s not glamorous. It takes an inspired and passionate person to be on set.”

Think that Beauty and Film and TV Makeup are two separate disciplines? Rebeccah will convince you otherwise.

“Makeup effects are the same as beauty makeups foundationally,” she insists. “The principles are the same with how you build your structure, the use of highlight and shadow, layering of colours and then finer painterly elements that create a look that’s organically part of the face. You’re telling the story with paint, brushes and sometimes appliances. Beauty and prosthetic makeups complement each other and both have complimented my growth as an artist. A prosthetic, a bald cap, covering a tattoo, beauty, it’s all the same to me. It’s about doing what’s needed.”

Rebeccah is now doing what’s needed in the role of IATSE Co-Chairperson for a second year. When she’s reviewing union permittee applications, she’s searching for talented, motivated and creative artists to join the IATSE 891 membership.

---

If you're on set smiling, being attentive, honest and showing that you're able to do what the Head of Department or First Assistant needs, you'll get the call next time.

---

“There are ebbs and flows in Vancouver for makeup opportunities, but if you’re a go-getter, organized, professional and have a positive attitude you will go far. To become a permittee grads need experience on set. They need to build their experience and show the ability to work well with different people and in varied work situations. I was insanely enthusiastic and would not be deterred. Whatever I was working on, I would give it my all.”

One last amazing thing about Rebeccah, alongside her incredible experience and stories, is her generosity when it comes to sharing her knowledge. And although you have to be an IATSE member or permittee to attend one of her master classes, everyone is welcome to her wisdom. You just have to ask.

The post From Alcatraz to Warcraft, Rebeccah Delchambre Creates Movie Makeup Magic appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Kirsten Ley won more than the Award for Overall Achievement at Neon Dreams, Blanche Macdonald’s 2016 Fashion Design Graduate Show. She also received one of the all-time great Fashion Designing Schools’ compliments from Executive Program Director Peggy Morrison (not someone known for distributing praise lavishly), who declared Kirsten, “the Student of the Decade.”

Since then Kirsten’s been busy preparing to conquer the world with her eponymous label. And it’ll be little surprise if Kirsten Ley becomes a household name in fashionable homes within the next five years. She’s practically Wonder Woman.

“I get up at 5am every morning and go to bed around 2am every night,” she explains. “When I was in the Fashion Design program at Blanche Macdonald I also had an internship and was teaching yoga every morning. I’m a night owl and a morning person. I find my relaxation and rest practicing yoga. I get enough rejuvenation from that to compliment my sleeping schedule, or lack of one!”

Channelling her endless energy directly from the universe (rather than the traditional method of sleep we mortals use), Kirsten’s intellectual approach to creativity knows few bounds either. Her brilliant graduate collection juxtaposed concepts by matching the constriction of leather body casts with the free-spirited escapism of billowing silks.

“One of the ideas that sparked this collection was my own personal experience,” continues Kirsten. “I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 13 and was put in a back brace for 22 hours a day. I was an actress, dancer and opera singer and the only time I was out of the brace was when I would dance, sing or perform. The dichotomy of the bound leather garments with the flowing silks is like breaking free of the confines I grew up with, which is one reason why I called my collection ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being.’ That’s one of my favourite novels too. Milan Kundera took Nietzsche’s idea of eternal return, which I think is relevant to the cyclical nature of fashion.

“I’m also intrigued by the way the Victorians drew their anatomy diagrams. These diagrams were not just medical but extremely artistic and beautiful in a grotesque way. I was drawn to them in my own collection. The predominant colour in my collection is oxblood, and I jokingly refer to my leather bodice as a ‘skin suit’ because it reminds me of these Victorian Illustrations and the peeling back of layers of skin to reveal what lies beneath.”

---

I hear a lot of grads say that you get out of this what you put into it. That’s absolutely true. I wanted to work my butt off and make something of my time here.

---

Physical and creative super powers are helpful, but Kirsten insists she couldn’t have scaled her award-winning heights without the assistance of the Team at Canada’s top Fashion School.

“I loved my time at Blanche. I would do the program over and over again. I loved everything that the faculty continue to offer. I hear a lot of grads say that you get out of this what you put into it. That’s absolutely true. I wanted to work my butt off and make something of my time here. The faculty and staff have gone above and beyond helping me at school and after graduation.

“Tyler Udall, from our first meeting, completely understood me. He has the ability to see the final picture and to visualize it on the runway before a needle has been brought to fabric. His illustrious experience in the industry warrants complete respect and he helped elevate my garments to a professional level. I have the utmost respect for him and I’m honoured by his belief in me.”

“Peggy Morrison is an incredible woman with a massive wealth of knowledge about every designer you could possibly imagine. Picking her brain opens up a Pandora’s Box into the insides of the world of fashion. Her classes amplified my designs through learning different details from the past. Her approval and support truly meant that I was doing something right because she doesn’t sugar coat anything. She’s been a pillar of inspiration.

“Sara Armstrong’s ability to see things differently and from an artistic perspective helped me eternally with my drafting and construction process. Most of my pieces aren’t traditional and Sara helped me achieve what was in my head in a non-traditional way. I’m forever grateful that we had the gift of Sara as our teacher because she allowed me to experiment in my own way. She gave me the confidence to trust my own gut instinct.

“Mel Watts has been absolutely incredible. She was a ray of sunshine when the world seemed to be crumbling down around me. She keeps the wheels running and she has a work ethic to be envied and admired. I have massive respect for Mel and her support for me has been incredibly humbling.”

---

Tyler Udall, from our first meeting, completely understood me. He has the ability to see the final picture and to visualize it on the runway before a needle has been brought to fabric.

---

Kirsten’s kind words reflect her deep affection for her year at Fashion School. Now she’s showing the same levels of enthusiasm and passion as she looks to the future and focuses her considerable talents on her own label. She’s off to an incredible start, having been invited to show her first collection in the ‘Emerging Designer Series’ at this year’s Vancouver Fashion Week.

“I get to completely curate my show. I’m provided with hair and makeup artists, models and a sound engineer. It’s a dream come true so soon after graduation. Things have started to move at a faster pace than I initially expected them to, but that’s how I like it. It’s exciting to have a very attainable goal in the near future.

“I designed four entirely new looks which weren’t in my original portfolio. I feel that I’ve already evolved as a designer; so sticking with my designs from six months ago didn’t fit where I wanted to go. The inspiration is still the same. This is a continuation of the same collection, but it’s the evolution.”

The garments Kirsten sends down the runway at Vancouver Fashion Week represent far more than her fashion sensibilities. They’re the next step on a deeply personal creative journey. And even she doesn’t know where that will lead her.

---

People want their individual voices heard. How you dress has a lot to do with that. We all know that when you feel beautiful, you become more confident.

---

“I wouldn’t be completely happy if I didn’t give this a shot. I know it’s tough out there to start your own label, but I feel that I couldn’t ignore this urge to explore. I need to purge these designs and I feel that the world could benefit from my perspective. I hope that people enjoy my work and more importantly, that my designs make them feel beautiful and powerful. I want to offer a strong perspective of female empowerment and statement pieces.

“People want their individual voices heard. How you dress has a lot to do with that. We all know that when you feel beautiful, you become more confident. I simply want to help my clients get to that point of self-love. The future is bright and my work ethic, determination and optimistic spirit will drive me through to greener pastures. You have to work hard to get what you want. I’m not stopping until I get there!”

The post One to Watch: The Future Beckons for Fashion Design “Student of the Decade” Kirsten Ley appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Public Relations maven Talya Lee is where effortless street style and old-school hustle come together. Following her love of the arts and honouring her wanderlust roots, she circled the globe after graduating from Blanche Macdonald’s Global Fashion Marketing Program, dipping her toes in the most exotic of locales. Today, with her feet firmly planted in Toronto’s bustling creative community and fashion PR circles, Talya’s days are a whirlwind of fashion, events, travel, and collaboration amid Canada’s epicenter for the arts.

Streaming in via Skype from Toronto on a chilly afternoon, Talya’s signature mass of dark brown curls vie for a majority the screen as her metal, minimalist accessories glint in the sunlight that haloes her head and shoulders. Everything about Talya—from her posture to her grin—speak volumes about this genuinely cool and humble social media maven. Leaning in eagerly towards the screen, Talya offers greetings and kind words from her bare-lipped smile that immediately sets a tone of old friends catching up rather than a cross-country Skype call. Talking New York Fashion Week, Canada’s national treasure (hint: you probably know her too!), girl power and Toronto’s artistic renaissance, here’s Talya giving us an insight to her self-made, ultra-chic and creatively centred world.

Blanche Macdonald: A quick glance at your social media platforms tells us that you do a lot, but your main gig is PR.

Talya Lee: PR is my bread and butter and my outlet. The reality is that if you want to be doing something creative, it can be hard to make money. I found that with my role at Langton PR, it was a really great spot for me to be and I’m actually good at it! But because I have a great day job, I can be a bit pickier about the other projects I take on. Those vary from creative direction to styling to branding awareness and strategy; basically, whatever is needed visually. I’m very familiar with all kinds of art so I can connect to it in a lot of different ways. PR helps me translate the visual aspect into branding strategy.

BMC: Tell us about the PR work you do with Langton. What kind of events do you go to? What types of clients do you work with?

TL: Working at Langton has been a great learning experience. We focus largely on beauty and lifestyle brands and build multi-tiered initiatives. I myself get to straddle a couple of different roles such as Account Management as well as Social Media Strategies. Every day is completely different. Some days I’m planning a big event for a new product launch for key VIP media and other days it’s about driving a new social media campaign with influencers. We have been really lucky and worked over the years as a team and as individuals to build great initiatives around brands like Joico, Elizabeth Arden, Vita Liberata, and so many more. I think one very important lesson for all of us has been in learning the power of being a great team—working as a unit and not being afraid to get our hands dirty because the road to success isn’t always glamorous.

BMC: You must have made a lot of great connections so far in Toronto.

TL: It was a lot of pounding the pavement, but social media was really great for making connections and networking too. You can see someone’s gallery, for example, and you can immediately understand their hustle. I met a lot of people who I love to work with now just by reaching out over social media. The thing is, in this city everybody is a mover and a shaker, so it’s not weird to reach out to someone and say, ‘Hey, I love what you do. Can we connect?’ But I also did a lot of collaborations for free. As people started moving up in the world, they started taking me with them.

BMC: Do you have any PR tips for those looking to get into the industry?

TL: Never stop doing your research. The landscape is changing constantly and it’s important to be plugged in. Pay attention to who and what is a ‘come-up’. You’re more likely to be able to get time to network or collaborate with them than you are with someone who is extremely established. Consider where you might want to be and figure out ways to create mutually beneficial learning experiences. I think it’s really important to remember how important your personal brand and reach is. So much of what you do is going to rely on your relationships and how people perceive you, so give a lot of thought to how you market yourself on social media and conduct yourself in public spaces. Also, decide what you feel passionate about and work towards working in that realm. I love beauty, fashion, music, art… I try to work in those areas as much as possible so I can find joy in the long days and long to-do lists!

BMC: On the flip side, what are some PR no-nos?

TL: Don’t speak negatively in shared spaces—online, parties, gatherings, et cetera. News travels quickly, and if you’re caught speaking negatively, especially early in your career, you’ll never recover from it. Don’t get drunk at networking events. Don’t forget to follow up. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, either—make sure you’re working as many angles and opportunities as you can.

BMC: Let’s go back a little. Tell us about the career journey that took you from growing up in Edmonton to attending fashion school and then finally to making Toronto home?

TL: I was about to turn 25 and I realized that no matter what I was doing, I cared more about the clothes than what I was actually doing. I’ve always been obsessed with the ‘ensemble.’ I did some research and Blanche Macdonald’s Fashion Marketing Program popped up with all of their impressive alumni. I knew people who had gone and loved it. Plus, I’d always wanted the chance to live in Vancouver for a minute. Blanche Macdonald is a school where you get from it what you put in and that was made clear to me at the beginning. I went into things with that attitude and it seemed to breed success for me. All the things you get to learn in the program—from Merchandising to the Marketing side of things, and then courses like Fashion History—they are so, so vital. [Executive Program Director] Peggy Morrison is a national treasure! I feel that getting to be in her classes really changed the course of my life – that’s when I started looking at fashion as a distinct art. [Fashion Director] Tyler Udall also served as a huge source of support and inspiration to me – he continues to keep up with my work and offers feedback when I need it. He was actually the one to push me towards PR. He told me it would come naturally to me. This was funny to me because it wasn’t my plan at all but he was totally right.

Vancouver was perfection while I was there and I do miss it, but it wasn’t quite my speed and vibe. I initially went home to Edmonton for a minute and opened a boutique PR agency there. It was when I started getting opportunities in Toronto to cover Fashion Week for Kenton, a connection I made through [Blanche Macdonald Instructor] Lyndi Barrett while I was in school, that I realized this city was totally my vibe. So I sort of just integrated myself into it.

BMC: You founded HER Collective in 2014, not too long after graduating and moving to Toronto, and it’s become renowned as one of three all-female creative collectives in Eastern Canada. Plus, you have some rad Blanche Macdonald grads involved, like Lydia Okello of @styleisstyle. What was the inspiration behind that?

TL: HER Collective was started based on my trust, work and energy exchanges with women in the creative community. I wanted to create a space where we could share ideas, projects and advice and where it was required that we promote each other and support each other without questions asked. It needed to be a space that was ours! We were all working hard on individual projects in fashion, beauty, PR, editorial, marketing, SEO/SEM, social media marketing, visual merchandising, writing, photography, styling—you name it, we were doing it—and we needed a meeting place for it.

It started as a place for us to share our work with the world, but now it’s shifting into a platform that provides this safe space for creative and working women everywhere. We will be accepting input and contributions from women outside of the collective, so that they can share their work with our support and mentoring. Additionally, we want to work hard to continue to connect with and support other collectives run by women. I’m not interested in fighting to share the spotlight; I want us to commit to uplifting one another!

BMC: With so many projects on the go, do you have a motto or mantra you turn to that helps you power through them?

TL: I do. I don’t know if it would work for everyone, but it works for me. It’s ‘Use your head, but work from the heart.’ A lot of people struggle—especially in this industry—with individuals who aren’t genuine, but I actually don’t know how to be like that. I’ve never been that person. I find that speaking from the heart and getting to know people has served me really well. So I work from the heart and work really hard. I still study and I try to not get too comfortable. I also try to practice integrity and humility all the time, but when I need to be confident, I find the confidence. So much of this life is about being a chameleon and adapting.

BMC: And what do you find drives you in your work?

TL: A lot of things! I’m hungry for greatness all the time and I’m always growing or pushing myself. I’m driven by message, and like anybody, I’m driven by results, especially longevity. You do a project, you knock it out and it goes into the world and that’s great. But five years later, that project could really mean something to somebody; I really like the idea of being able to leave my mark in some way, whatever it is. I’m also driven by other people’s ways of hustling and mentoring. I try to do that as much as possible. There’s a lot of joy in getting to be part of somebody else’s growth.

BMC: What would you say is the accomplishment you’re most proud of?

TL: Being able to drive home a message of women supporting each other in creative fields is one of the things that makes me most proud, as well as being able to collaborate with the people I do. We work closely with as many other women as possible, removing the narrative that implies that women can’t work together. We consider teams like #Gyalcast, broke&living and LotusXGang to be our co-conspirators. We all pool our resources and work together to be better creatively and in business.

On a more tangible note, it was probably New York Fashion Week September 2013. That was a big week for me; I really connected with some people there and got to have a face-to-face with Kelly Cutrone, who really inspires me. I remember having this moment like, ‘If you work really hard, you’ll actually get to these spaces you only ever dreamed about.” I also did a really interesting project last year that I’m still so proud of. I styled a political film about the death of Michael Brown and the #BlackLivesMatter movement that went to Tribeca. I was so honored to do what I love on a project that meant so, so much.

BMC: You must bring a unique aesthetic to your work, then.

TL: I bring diversity to the projects I work on and a lot of references. I also study a lot. It’s the result of a lot of different kinds of exposure. My mom was a travel agent so my family was always traveling. We didn’t go to Disneyland, but we went to places like Singapore, Oman, Spain, and Japan—really amazing places that shaped [what] visually stimulates me now. But it’s constantly evolving. I’m always like, ‘I’m fucking with this right now and there’s this other reference I love over here; how can I combine them?’ A lot of it comes from me getting in touch with myself and knowing myself.

BMC: What was the last thing that inspired you? 

TL: I went to the Prado in Spain and saw ‘real life’ art there, like Picasso and that shifted things for me visually. That was [a kind of] art I hadn’t really taken in yet. I’m always inspired by music, no matter what’s happening. Luckily for me, I live in a city where a lot of the best music is coming from and I get to be part of that picture. I can’t explain the renaissance that’s happening over here in Toronto, but it’s epic.

BMC: Not too long ago, you were featured in Cosmopolitan for your impeccable street style. What style tips  do you have for the fashionable set wanting to work their street-style game? 

TL:

1. Do you. Be authentic and don’t wear something if it doesn’t feel right for you.
2. Wear shoes you can walk in.
3. Take care of your body, hair and skin. Those are the places you exude confidence.
4. Always have a really great jacket around that fits the season.
5. Have your signatures. For me lately, it’s been Indian-inspired fashion like bindis, bangles and heavy eye makeup. Just connect with things you like and make them new and fresh for you!

Photo credits: via Talya Lee @talyalee on Instagram and Cris Saliba @justcriso on Instagram.

The post Blanche Macdonald Fashion Marketing graduate Talya Lee talks Travel, PR, Girl Power and Toronto’s Renaissance appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

It’s fitting that we find ourselves at the threshold of a Woodwards building street level storefront. Built in 1903, Vancouver’s historic shopping behemoth sat vacant for a period of nearly a decade before the renaissance of Gastown in 2003. Now, the revolving ‘W’ sign crowns one of the city’s most exciting boutique neighbourhoods, and the soon-to-be Hey Jude shop, in which two sharp young women plan to continue their reinvigoration of vintage aesthetic in a permanent space. And under the vaulting, industrial ceilings of their new home at 315 Abbott Street, much like in their slick heritage surroundings, old is anything but outdated.

Few pop up shop announcements have caused more buzz over the years than those of Hey Jude Vintage and now, five years in, Founders Lauren Clark, Blanche Macdonald Fashion Marketing graduate, and Lyndsey Chow are readying themselves for big moves. Every step of their growth has been a savvy one, in both business and style, and the insights they’ve collected along the way are just as discerning and covetable as their clothing. When we meet, the pair have only just picked up their keys, and we spend a moment contemplating the space, barren but promising in the pale spill of morning. The months ahead promise a whole lot of hustle, so we lock up and hightail to Prado Cafe to fuel up and talk thrift.

Blanche Macdonald Centre: Congrats on your new space! Though it’s not entirely unfamiliar – you held your latest pop up shop here. Let’s start with how starting out with pop ups has helped you get Hey Jude to where it is now.

LY[ndsey]: It’s probably the best piece of market research that we’ve done to get to this point. We started doing pop ups because it was the most feasible way to have a shop. We started out with single day pop ups to ease into it, with our longest one open for three months. We opened in neighborhoods all over Vancouver: Chinatown, Main Street, Kingsway and then Gastown. We really thought that somewhere like Main Street would be the place to be with all of the walk-by traffic, but it isn’t really a shopping district. When we came to Gastown we realized that as much as walk-by traffic does make a difference, it’s also about the mentality of the neighborhood, and Gastown really has that boutique shop atmosphere. It was so clear that of all the neighborhoods we had been in, this is where we had to be.

LA[uren]: We did eight pop ups and I feel like every time we kind of evolved and figured out what our brand was. For the last couple it’s been really consistent; we get who we are, we understand our brand, and now we’re ready to open a store. It doesn’t feel like we’re starting from scratch. We put in the work and now we’re really happy with what we have, and with the store that we will be able to create.

BMC: Looking at what you’re putting out each season, you do have a strong sense of what you’re about. Your seasons are curated and cohesive – they’re collections. Which is unique in that you’re creating them in collecting existing, disparate designs. How do you develop a certain seasonal mood?

LA: Beforehand we’ll do a little bit of research – not researching any specific trend, but to get inspired. We’ll flip through magazines and articles, grab coffee, get out and walk around. Before we go buying we’ll just make sure that we’ve been filled up with inspiration and from there it kind of just comes to us. We work really well together and we often visualize the same thing. We’re very much on the same page. Often if we don’t talk it through together we’ll end up dressing the exact same!

LY: I was actually thinking about that today. I was concerned we’d both show up and…oh god. (both laugh)

BMC: Tell us a little about how you guys met, and about the moment you decided to start Hey Jude.  

LY: We were actually bartending together eight years ago, and we hit it off in our common love for travel, art, thrift and music. And we were both from small towns so we were like, ‘Yes! You get me!’

LA: (I’m from Vernon and she’s from Ladner.)

LY: One thing sort of led to another. We’d talk about one day opening a shop together and that became the pipe dream. It seemed very far-fetched until we had been on a trip to New York together and saw these pop ups happening. And that was when we thought, ‘Hey why don’t we…’

LA: We wondered, ‘Why is nobody in Vancouver doing this?’ The very first one we did in my apartment. We cleared out all of the furniture, handed out invites, packed my apartment with people and sold a lot. We thought, ‘Ok we’re on to something,’ and we just started it from there.

BMC: Lauren, you graduated from Fashion Marketing at Blanche Macdonald – how did you come to it from Vernon?

LA: My high school had Fashion programs, which were hands down my favourite. I would come down to Vancouver for these ‘Fashion trips,’ going to some of the school runway shows and all that. I was always dreaming of moving down here. After high school, my girlfriend and I signed up for Blanche together. It was an exciting move. The Fashion Marketing courses were just so diverse; at first I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so it was an awesome opportunity to learn a little bit about everything!

BMC: Is there anything that you learned at Blanche that you still use?

LA: Yea actually, a lot. When I was at Blanche, I really loved the Styling, Fashion Awareness and Buying classes, and it’s funny to see how all of those things that I enjoyed in school is what I’m now doing in the business that I’ve created. I often go back to the things that I’ve learned, even from courses like Runway Production; one of the very first things we did after starting Hey Jude was put on a runway at a friend’s event. So my time spent at BMC has definitely been invaluable. Even just in the community I’ve been exposed to – so many creative people have gone to school there, Makeup Artists and such. It’s a great way to connect with likeminded people in this city.

BMC:  What we love about vintage shopping is that everything can be taken out of context; you can shop in all size sections, in the men’s section, kids section… How are you allowing for the clothing to take on new context within the Hey Jude culture?

LY: That is a challenge that we often face. Sometimes we’ll pick an item and looking at it, it could be either an absolute bust or it could be this incredible piece. For us it comes down to our tools – the photo shoots that we do, Instagram, our inspiration boards… it really helps to get our idea and our story across, which draws people in. Once they’re in the shop we definitely try to help them pair pieces up and explain our reasoning behind our picks. We have a lot of oversized men’s silk blouses this year and it did take us talking to people for them to understand how to wear it, and that it actually does look cute; that you can make it look sexy, and it’s not just this oversized bag!

LA: We do get asked about sizes a lot and there are people who have only been to shops with a full, standard size run. They’re used to thinking, ‘Oh, I’m a medium,’ and then grabbing at it. Even if it isn’t ‘their size,’ it doesn’t mean that it won’t look good on their body. We urge people to try stuff on.

BMC: It makes the shopping experience more of a conversation.

LA: Yes, and I think also it makes the items more unique. A lot of our pieces can be worn by many different sizes, and the look will change each time. It makes everything a little more personal.

So we’ve been talking about how Hey Jude is making the idea of thrift and vintage more widely celebrated aesthetically. The other side of this is that thrift shopping is eco-conscious, which has it’s own preconceptions to tackle. You’re bringing green to cool in an entirely new demographic. Was being eco-conscious an important factor in starting up Hey Jude?

LA: It was always at the back of our minds, but it wasn’t until we did our first presentation at Eco Fashion Week, when we sat in on the seminars and were around all these like-minded people, that we really became proud that we were choosing to go an eco-conscious route with our brand. Today, everyone’s talking about fast fashion and third-world factory conditions. People are more aware and are trying to make smarter choices, even with food. So the timing is right to highlight this.

LY: One thing that we’re super proud of is that we keep challenging ourselves each year to make our company evolve and stay with the times. With this, it’s become a part of our being; we’re more health-conscious and eco-conscious in our lifestyle and in our values since starting up Hey Jude.

BMC: Going back to the pop ups, do you guys have a pro tip for pop up eclat?

LY: Make a list. (laughs)

LA: Every time we do a pop up we’ll think of, and write down, absolutely every possible thing that we could do, should do and who would want to hear about it – all the logistics from ceiling to floor. We’ll both work off of it to make sure we’re not forgetting anything.

LY: And I would say too that you have to really need to make an effort to get the word out. When we first started out in Chinatown, Chinatown wasn’t ‘cool’ yet. There were no other shops around. And this was before Instagram was as big as it is now. We actually walked around the neighbourhoods handing out flyers. You can’t think that you’re just going to pop up in a space and people are going to come. You have to do whatever it takes – go visit stores, tell you friends, tell your friends to tell their friends.

BMC:  It’s interesting that you bring up your early Chinatown adoption, because these pop ups were probably a really brilliant way to familiarize yourself with the lesser known characteristics and characters of Vancouver. There’s quite a lot going on when you look for it! What is it about Vancouver that makes it a good launch point for Hey Jude? And is there a beyond in the works?

LA: We both just love this city. There is an amazing creative community here and there are so many entrepreneurs starting up and doing their own thing. Everybody is willing to support each other and connect with each other, and we’ve made this amazing network of friends and peers. This is definitely where we want to have our base. Our goal is to grow from here and expand further from Vancouver but for now, it’s just big enough that we can dig in our feet. It’s exciting to be bringing something fresh and new to Vancouver. This city needs to be spotlighted more.

BMC: It’s exciting to have you two doing what you’re doing here! Talk us through your magic, ie: your picking process.

LY: Picking is the most exciting part for us. These past couple of months have been so much screen time, so much paperwork. As much as a buying trip is exhausting, with the 15 hour days, we love it. It’s when we get to see the collections coming together. We’ll have those moments where we find things that we just can’t wait to see in the store. We’ve done so many of these trips, but we still get excited before we leave!

LA: We do a lot of our buying down in the States so we’ll put in the twelve-hour days of picking and then we’ll always make a point of ending up in a city – whether it’s Seattle or Portland or wherever – to treat ourselves to dinner and a cocktail.

BMC: What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever unearthed from the pick piles?

LY: I think it still has to be this silk kimono that we found for our first or second pop up in Chinatown. It was this stunning cream piece with beautiful tassels…

LA: … all embroidered. It was ridiculously cheap. We couldn’t believe it!

BMC: What’s your top tip for thrift?

LY: Go in openminded. Don’t be thinking, ‘Ok I need to find this colour of blouse today.’ Be open to finding something cool and unique. You can have goals, and then maybe you’ll find a version of it. Also, I would say touch the fabrics. Fabrics are a big thing, especially for us. We’re mostly natural fabrics, silks and wools. We’re at the point where we can spot them from across the room!

LA: And also make sure to look in every section instead of just going to the tops and the dresses. We’ll go into the Menswear area to look for women’s pieces, or even into Holiday and Maternity. We look in every area because you never know what you’re going to find, and where!

BMC: And lastly, your top three current wardrobe must-haves?

LA & LY: Wide leg culottes for fall, frayed denim, and silk tees and tanks for easy layering with interesting statement jewelry! Our favourite is @karenn.la for minimalist jewelry inspiration. (Find these trends in Hey Jude’s upcoming Fall shop!)

The post One to Watch: Hey Jude Shop’s Vintage Curators Lauren and Lyndsey to Open their First Brick n’ Mortar Shop in Vancouver! appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Evan Clayton can remember the exact moment that he decided to take a Fashion Design course. Its memory is still the motivation behind every aspect of his design life.

“I was watching Fashion TV back when I was in high school,” he explains, “and they were profiling an Alexander McQueen show, ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Howe’, from Fall 2007, which was inspired by the Salem Witch Trials. Back then I was a little emo goth kid so I was instantly interested in witches and paganism. The day I saw that show I saw every other show of his I could on YouTube. As I started to learn more about Alexander McQueen and saw more of his shows, his work really spoke to me. A lot of people think fashion is something very superficial. But to me, fashion is a high art form. The designers I’ve come to admire and respect see it the same way and treat fashion as a narrative, which is what I like to do with my work too.”

Evan’s fine art approach to fashion is winning him fans around the world. The Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design graduate received a four-season sponsorship to show his collections at Vancouver Fashion Week, which in turn has led to appearances on the web sites of some of the world’s most prestigious fashion magazines, including Glamour and British Vogue, and an invitation to show a collection at Austria’s Vienna Fashion Week.

For the young man from the Kootenay region of the BC interior, it’s already been an incredible journey.

“I spent a lot of my teenage years in Fruitvale, which is the opposite of a fashion hub. But fashion was always part of me. I worked at Bootlegger there for five years. It was the only place in town that had anything to do with fashion. I would grab every copy of Vogue I could get my hands on and I took as many art courses as my tiny high school in Trail offered.”

---

To me, fashion is a high art form. The designers I’ve come to admire and respect see it the same way and treat fashion as a narrative, which is what I like to do with my work too.

---

Having been inspired by Alexander McQueen, after graduating from high school Evan’s only question was where he’d go for his fashion education.

“I looked at a lot of fashion schools, but there was something about Blanche Macdonald that stood out to me. My Admissions Director, Mary Hombrebueno, is a wonderful person. She put me at ease and showed me a path that I wanted to go down. The campus was beautiful, and meeting Peggy Morrison and finding out that she was from Trail was the cherry on the top.”

Even though he’s put together over 10 collections and shown in fashion hotspots around the globe, Evan still benefits from the wisdom of the team at Blanche Macdonald.

“I still talk to [Fashion Career Director] Mel Watts all the time. I always show her the collection before it goes on the runway. She always steers me in the path that she thinks is best. And she’s always right. After my first season she told me to tone down the theatrics. I wanted blood and half-naked girls. She told me that I needed to show that I could design clothes. It was great advice.”

It was love at first sight for Jamal Abdourahman, who runs Vancouver Fashion Week, when he saw Evan’s visionary clothing and sketches. Jamal offered Evan a four-season sponsorship with Vancouver Fashion Week – much to Evan’s surprise and delight.

“I was totally blown away. If someone’s giving you a golden opportunity, you’re not going to half-ass it.”

---

I still talk to Fashion Career Director Mel Watts all the time. I always show her the collection before it goes on the runway. She always steers me in the path that she thinks is best. And she’s always right.

---

The collection was called Jenova and inspired by Yoshitaka Amano, an artist on the Final Fantasy series. Jenovah not only made Evan the first recipient of the Nancy Mak Award, it also landed him a sponsorship with VOGUE Magazine to show in Austria. An honour which his next and fourth collection, Death Proof, would also earn.

After two years of non-stop work at his day job and collection work in his free time, a not-so-great event in Evan’s life would catapult him into his next phase of life as a designer.

“I lost my job! I couldn’t afford to do a full collection and show. But I actually took that as a sign to slow down, think about my designs and my shows and use the time I had been given to my advantage.

“I surprise dropped my fashion film, Lillith, at Vancouver Fashion Week in between sets. The following season I was able to complete and expand Lillith into the collection it was meant to be and to show it in a proper setting.”

That was Evan’s sixth collection. Now four collections later, Evan already has quite the visual representation of his design career so far with ten collections in his repertoire and many more to come.

“Each collection was representative of of the state of mind I was in when I designed it. Lillith was super heavy and dark and black because I was pissed off that I didn’t have a job and had no money! But then Worship, my next collection, was light and beautiful because my life had settled down and I’d gotten hired as an alterationist which I loved.”

Worship, Evan’s personal favorite collection, was soon followed by Maho Shojo and The Devil in Miss Jones and even a bridal collection with local Vancouver brand, Davie & Chiyo. Though Evan’s fashion journey has been anything but dull, possibly his highest and most glittering moment was showing EC10, his tenth collection, in Japan at Amazon Fashion Week.

“It was something that Jamal had spoken a few times about, how he was working on making it happen and then last summer I’d got the email from Jamal that I would be showing that October! It was completely amazing. I’d always wanted to go to Japan since I was little and it was EVERYTHING. It’s such a beautiful culture and everyone is so kind, it’s just so safe there.

“It felt great to show a retrospective collection there too. Everything was a reinterpretation of pieces that I’d designed before. It was a very fitting way to show and build my tenth collection.”

---

I get so much joy from doing shows and making a statement.

---

Evan’s notoriety in the international fashion scene definitely isn’t for being understated – one of his collections had the models sporting gas masks and fake blood coming from their mouths. Going forward, it’s no surprise the designer wants to take his theatrics to bigger, bolder and more boundary-pushing places than ever before.

“I want to get so much bigger. All my shows are great as they are, of course, but they’re 10% of what I actually envisioned. I get so much joy from doing shows and making a statement. I already know what I want to do with my next collection. It’s something I’ve never done before and nothing I’ve ever seen done in fashion. I’m so excited to show it!”

Safe to say, we at Blanche Macdonald – along with the rest of the fashion world – are eagerly holding our breath for this visionary’s eleventh, and potentially most groundbreaking, collection.

The post Fashion Design Graduate Evan Clayton Spreads Artistry from Vancouver to Vienna to Vogue appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Art, for Daniel Takahashi, has always been an escape. One that has called to him since some of his earliest childhood memories. Clad in all black, with flecks of light bouncing off his eclectic collection of silver rings, he begins to explain the important role art played in his formative years.

“I was always drawing and painting. I remember being in class as a kid one day and I was so bored! So I put craft glue all over my hand to make my it look like something had happened to it, then I broke a red pen and put the ink on it – and got sent to the nurse!”

Though Daniel had always loved to draw and paint, his introduction to the world of Special Effects Makeup came from somewhere else.

“Everything started with Lord of the Rings. I fell in love with the world they created. I just kept asking ‘How did they do that?!’ My mom would say ‘They’re masks. I don’t know!’ But I just had to find out.”

Thus began Daniel’s quest into the Makeup world, searching for the ways that other people were able to bring his favourite fantasy and horror characters to life. A quest that of course, was laden with parental restrictions and made even more difficult without the ever-knowing oracle of Google or Youtube.

---

I just kept asking ‘How did they do that?!’ My mom would say ‘They’re masks. I don’t know!’ But I just had to find out.

---

“I used to watch horror movies that my parents didn’t know I was watching and then I’d ask for the action figures. Which of course they wouldn’t buy me! So I would take the Max Steel toys that I would get, cut off their heads and sculpt the face of whatever action figured I’d wanted in the beginning. Everything was so far away to me in Mexico. There were no people to ask or places to go to learn things like that. I didn’t have access to the internet or Google so I got any books or magazines I possibly could. I sculpted my first prosthetic out of construction grade plaster.”

Eventually, Daniel’s passions and at home practice got him an invite to the small but knowledgeable film industry in Mexico. Though a definitive turning point in his career, Daniel doesn’t boast or brag, instead he describes, in his soft-spoken and earnest voice, how helpful and insightful his film colleagues were. Daniel’s Makeup career in Mexico was beginning to take off. He was teaching Makeup classes, working on films and even represented Mehron Makeup at the biggest Makeup event in all of Latin America. Though, the perfectionist in him knew he wanted even more skills than the ones he’d been lucky enough to acquire and foster.

“I was always doing Special Effects. I wanted to improve my other Makeup skills too, like Beauty Makeup I talked to a lot of people in the industry about the top Makeup Schools with a good reputation and everyone was talking about Blanche Macdonald. If I go back to Mexico and I have a diploma from here, that to other people in the industry there is like ‘Woah’. I mean, it’s the top school in Canada – maybe even the world! It’s a really good thing for me to have studied here no matter what.”

---

My dream has been to take my experience and knowledge in Makeup from Canada back to Mexico. I know that wherever I go, my diploma from here will take me far.

---

Daniel’s Makeup career in Canada has, not surprisingly, taken off faster than he could have imagined. Though one could assume it’s due to his excessive levels of talent, Daniel asserts it was because of his sheer drive to make the most out of every single opportunity.

“The Career department at Blanche Macdonald really helped me. They encouraged me and connected me to all the right people. They knew who I was because I would go by their office so, so often. When they connected me to Special Effects labs, I would stand outside and talk to the managers as they went into work. I gave them my portfolio and asked them what I needed to do to get a job there.”

And it seems, his persistence paid off. Daniel landed a paid contract with Todd Master’s FX studio, one of the top FX studios in Los Angeles and Vancouver.

“The studios are where things get sculpted and made. I love applying prosthetics and working directly on people but my heart is in the process. Recently the studio was doing some prosthetics for Dwayne Johnson’s new movie and I worked on his leg molds. I’m so excited to see how they look on screen! I was also able to do some things for Power Rangers and Elizabeth Banks’ character. It doesn’t matter how small the prosthetic is or who it’s for – at the end of the day you’re part of it. And that’s the best feeling.”

Of course, studying at Canada’s #1 Makeup School helped him hone and perfect his skills.

“The instructors are all so cool and so knowledgeable. Once they got to know me, they kept me in mind for every possible thing. I did birthday parties, I did makeup for a strip show, music videos – anything they offered me, I took!”

Daniel made sure to take advantage of the opportunities outside of the classroom as well.

“I ended up working with a director to create a short film based on one of my Makeup looks that inspired him. Of course we needed help and so I was able to take some of my classmates with me onto set so we could all get real-life experience together.”

It’s no surprise that Daniel was selected as one of the competitors for the highly anticipated student competition Battle of the Brushes at the International Makeup Trade Show (IMATS) in Los Angeles. For any aspiring Makeup Artist, a win at this prestigious student-only competition not only cements their status as an up-and-coming Makeup Artist in North America but also catapults their career to unimaginable heights. The exposure combined with potential industry connections can mean great things – especially for Daniel, a self-proclaimed “thirsty” Makeup Artist.

“I met so many amazing people and incredible artists. I made so many contacts of brands and cosmetic lines that want to keep in touch with me once I go back to Mexico. I had the @amazing_jiro come find me after the competition to tell me he loved my creation and that was a huge moment for me because he really is amazing!

“The theme for the Prosthetics category was ‘Victorian Emporium’ so I wanted to create something that was out of the ordinary for that era – something almost creature-y. I was inspired mainly by scientists and alchemists, along the lines of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I had so many face charts and I worried so much about texture and costume and ‘what if?!’– then I talked to my wife who told me that I was already there and all I had to do was do my best makeup and see what happened. She’s so wise! I was so absorbed in so many other aspects of my life when I left Mexico that pulling this together was a little bit hard but I’m so happy with the results. It was such a great experience for me!”

Very recently, Daniel has added another title to his name: Dad. How does that fit into the life of a busy, up-and-coming Makeup Artist?

“It’s really exhausting! There was one day where I was on set for such a long time and my wife kept texting me asking when I would be home. It can be hard for both of us but at the end of the day, everything I’m doing is for her and my new son.”

Though Daniel’s time in Canada has given him limitless opportunities, his future lies on the horizon of his home country for now.

“Doing Makeup in another country is such a privilege and looks so good on your resume but my dream has been to take my experience and knowledge in Makeup from Canada back to Mexico. My dream now is to create my own Special Effects lab and host workshops by the incredible artists that I’ve met and the ones I know I will meet one day. I know that wherever I go, my diploma from here will take me far.”

The post Makeup Graduate Daniel Takahashi wins second place in Battle of the Brushes Competition at IMATS LA appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Mimi Choi has achieved the kind of #celebritystatus that needs no introduction. If you haven’t read about this Professional Makeup Artist and Blanche Macdonald Graduate-turned-Instructor on BuzzFeed or Huffington Post, chances are you’ve likely seen the incredible pictures of her optical makeup illusions splashed all over the websites of Allure, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, Yahoo, PopSugar, and countless other media outlets. Or perhaps you’ve seen her looks on a clip posted to Youtube. Most probably, you recognize her from her Instagram feed: @mimles. She posts a new, mind-blowing makeup creation almost every day, and she’s amassed over 515,000 followers because of it.

But just like her illusory makeup, Mimi is multi-faceted and full of depth. She’s more than only her talent. She’s an extraordinary presence: warm and bright. She radiates the kind of internal star-power that causes students to become rapt with attention, fans to fall more deeply in love with her, and clients to instantly trust her with their special day, on the set of a photo shoot, or walking down the wedding aisle.

People of all ages and affiliations smile at her when she enters a room – even before she’s recognized! And what makes her so special as a Global Makeup Artistry Program instructor is that she combines a longstanding passion for teaching with an approach to art that is articulate, encouraging, and all-encompassing.

---

I never lose sight of what makes me the happiest - which is creating art spontaneously, at home, in the middle of the night! It really doesn't feel like work because I love what I do so much.

---

She comes by her knack for mentoring bright young students honestly. Before she was a Professional Makeup Artist, Mimi was orbiting a very different career path: She taught at a Montessori preschool, where she practiced a different kind of art.

“I did a lot of crafts,” she explains, “and I’d post pictures of them on Instagram. That was one of my favorite areas of teaching. A lot of parents enrolled their children in my classes because they saw these crafts I’d do. I’d turn toilet paper rolls into flowers, pencil shavings into dresses; I’d flip a child’s handprint upside down to make a Santa Claus beard they could decorate. That was my way of expressing creativity. People originally followed me on Instagram for that.”

But the face she wore to her classroom was not the face she wore by choice. It was as if she lived a double life. “If I saw parents or children on my days off,” she says, “they would be like, ‘Teacher Mimi looks like that? She wears lashes? Eyeliner? Funky eyeshadow?’” She widens her eyes like a scandalized mother. “I decided I didn’t want to teach for the rest of my life. I love children, but part of me had to be suppressed every time I went to school. I didn’t like how I had to be a different person on the weekends than I was on the weekdays. I wanted some unity.”

So she took a leap of faith—and landed at the Blanche Macdonald Centre. “I remember talking to my mom and saying, ‘I don’t know what to do. All I know is I’m not happy,’” Mimi recalls. “My mom said, ‘I can tell you’re burnt out. When you’re stressed, you escape into art.’ So she asked, ‘Why don’t you explore different options? It’s not too late to learn something new.’ Because she suggested that, I was brave enough to do it.”

Not one to waste time, she toured the City Square campus, talked to one of Blanche Macdonald’s Admissions Directors, and sat in on some classes. It was an eye-opening experience. “My first day in the Global Makeup Artistry Program, I already knew it was the right place for me,” she says. “Every teacher had something new to offer and a different style I could learn from.”

Fast-forward to today, and the exceptional student has become the exceptional teacher. In addition to her faculty position at Blanche Macdonald, Mimi has been a consultant, a collaborator and a guest speaker for several established brands, conferences, and media events. From collaborations with all of our favourite mega beauty brands like MAC Cosmetics, Sephora and MAKE UP FOR EVER, to projects with major global brands like Capitol Records and Samsung, as well an on-air shout out during ABC’s The Chew, Mimi’s influence has permeated beyond the world of beauty. She has also been flown around the world to teach makeup masterclasses with Kryolan, and even present her illusory makeup in person on the International Makeup Trade Show (IMATS) stage in places like LA, Vancouver, and New York. But despite the rise in popularity of her specific brand of makeup oddity, Mimi insists that she would be creating the same art even if it hadn’t taken her to the global heights it already has.

“No matter how much recognition or job opportunities my work brings me, I never lose sight of what makes me the happiest – which is creating art spontaneously, at home, in the middle of the night! It really doesn’t feel like work because I love what I do so much.”

Let’s be clear: Mimi doesn’t want you to learn Makeup Artistry “by the book.” That’s not the kind of mentor she is. As a Blanche Macdonald instructor, she goes further than simply teaching you a technical, foundational knowledge; she’ll guide you in emphasizing your own individuality, letting your freak flag fly, and, ultimately, using what makes you unique as your guiding artistic compass. When you take a class with Mimi, you learn how to think artistically, lean in to your creativity, and to find inspiration in the everyday.

“Like…” Her eyes cast around. “…The color of your hair. The carpet. I love geometric shapes; things like sharp edges and lines, architecture. Lines on a cupboard that I want to draw on my eyes. The patterns and textures of her cardigan.” She points to a woman in an oversized knit. “I’m an observer. Ever since I was young I’ve liked details and people watching. Little things fascinate me. That’s why you can sometimes catch me zoning out, thinking about wherever I am. I see beauty in everything.”

---

Having the courage to try something new and to create from within will only make you a better artist and a happier individual.

---

You also get comfortable with “moving out of your comfort zone and constantly challenging yourself.” Mimi’s prodigious talent and technical skill brought her from daytime preschool teacher and aspiring artist to worldwide online viral sensation because she fostered her love of play and experimentation, and paired them with daily application. To put it simply: She practiced and practiced, and let her own curiosity take her where it wanted her to go.

“Instead of following trends,” Mimi explains, she encourages her students to “explore [their] own style and create [their] own trend. I know that it’s easier said than done, but having the courage to try something new and to create from within will only make you a better artist and a happier individual.”

Study with Mimi and you’ll find that your path to Professional Makeup Artistry is more than just a desk, a grade, and a diploma. It becomes an education in experience and immersion: a path that begins in in the classroom, and branches out into every aspect of your life – each full of color, shape, shadow, and possibility. With Mimi as your mentor, you’ll see things differently.

And what’s more? You’re going to succeed because of it. “Every student can do well if they’re determined and passionate,” Mimi insists. “If you want to succeed, don’t just dream about it, do it. Don’t say ‘maybe.’ You only have one life. That’s why, when I teach classes, I tell students that if you see something that really inspires you, don’t be afraid to create something out of it. And one of the hardest but most important things I’ve learned is to not compare yourself to others. The universe will provide you a path that is unique and good for you.”

The post Globally Renowned Illusionist Extraordinaire: Blanche Macdonald Makeup Graduate Mimi Choi appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Sara Rose possesses what seems like an infinite amount of talent at her disposal. As a multi-hyphenate Blanche Macdonald Freelance Makeup graduate, Sara currently holds the title of Lead Makeup Artist on top of Hairstylist at one of Vancouver’s most Instagram-worthy hair havens, BRUSH Salon.

But Sara’s journey from makeup school into the beauty industry started out during a time when social media wasn’t really a definitive tool for a Makeup Artist. “Instagram and Twitter were not huge at that time so you had to do groundwork of promoting yourself,” she recalls. Putting her innate people skills to use as a self-marketing tool was second nature for Sara. She admits to us with no slight hesitation that she “talks a lot” – an attribute that has landed her myriad of opportunities throughout her career.

“I love to meet people. I get to surround myself with the most amazingly talented people because of that. I was a server for years and that’s where I would meet potential clients. I printed out my business cards and would slip it in with people’s receipts at the end of their dining experience. Or I would find ways to incorporate conversation into my work, and I would meet brides and producers because of it.”

That hustler mentality paid off for Sara, leading to job opportunities that most Makeup Artists only dream of. Sara has worked on music video sets, backstage at New York Fashion Week, and has also attended Toronto International Film Festival to work on Canadian actor Jacob Tremblay.

---

I loved watching people transform into something they aren’t typically everyday.

---

Sara’s people skills may have led to amazing opportunities, but it was a lifelong appreciation for the arts, combined with a keen eye for observation, that inspired her to explore makeup as a way to help people realize their full beauty potential. Growing up on Vancouver Island, Sara’s life was constantly inhabited with creativity and art.

“I grew up dancing and performing, I loved partaking in the arts. Being behind the scenes was an area that interested me. I loved watching people transform into something they aren’t typically everyday. From there it expanded into being able to watch women and people transform into something that maybe they can’t find in themselves. Or that they can’t see in themselves just yet. That’s what really pushed me into the beauty industry.”

Sara’s innate ability to bring out the best in someone’s natural beauty is what makes her the perfect Makeup Artist to a clientele consisting of influencers, celebrities and one major supermodel (we’re talking Victoria’s Secret calibre).

“I’m definitely more drawn to an aesthetic that’s natural but enhanced. I don’t like people not feeling or looking like themselves, I want them to fully realize that they’re beautiful but that the littlest bit of makeup can change your look.”

As Sara explains her personal makeup aesthetic to us, she’s taping in extensions for Fashion and Beauty Influencer Janice Joostema, a regular client of Sara’s who manages a vastly popular Instagram account consisting of 1.5 Million followers.

“For Janice I really admired her aesthetic. She was on my goal list, so I emailed her and now we’ve been working together for two years. It’s just about putting yourself out there and not being afraid of rejection which is the biggest thing. When you’re scared a person can sense it. So just don’t be afraid and put yourself out there. If they like you they like you, but if they don’t just move on. Don’t be afraid of rejection.”

Considering all the incredible opportunities that have come Sara’s way, it’s clear as day that projecting kindness can get you a lot farther ahead in this industry than being cut-throat. “Don’t ever burn bridges” is a statement Sara has always lived by, and what has come out of it are career milestones.

“I got to work with Supermodel Karlie Kloss this past year which was amazing. I got connected with her through her manager, who I knew from ballet and high school!” In a social media video posted soon after their glam session, the Supermodel was evidently elated over their time together, even dubbing Sara as “The Queen of Canada”. Case in point according to Ms. Kloss, we may be in the presence of the beauty world’s next new royal!

During Sara’s time in Blanche Macdonald’s Freelance Makeup program, she quickly took notice of the potential her career could have in the world of makeup.

---

The Career Department were always there to talk. They are always there to reassure you that you’re doing things and to not worry and to keep going and not to stress.

---

“The energy that Blanche Macdonald brings is really amazing because the teachers are so diverse in terms of experience within the industry. I got to work with Lesley Opheim-Riou, and I was honored to have Jon Hennessey as my Fashion teacher. And Instructors Timothy Hung and Leah Elliston who I still keep in touch with to this day. They really broadened my spectrum and helped me realize I don’t have to just work at a counter – I can do more. There’s film, fashion and personal. There’s so much to it. That was really incredible for me to see.”

“My time at Blanche Macdonald really helped me in the sense that I knew the Faculty would always be there for me. Even when I was going through a lull, I would pop by and say hi and ask for advice and chat. The Career Department were always there to talk. They are always there to reassure you that you’re doing things and to not worry and to keep going and not to stress. It’s really cool to know you always have that support system if you need it.”

Sara’s current state of success has no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

“My regular work week now is very unpredictable. I work between the salon and I’ve been doing a lot of commercials lately. Some days I’m working on brides. Some days I’m working on red carpet looks. It’s just always versatile.

“My favourite part about being a Freelance Makeup Artist is the versatility. I’m never sick of it or waking up thinking why. I’m always excited to start my day. I think it’s amazing. It’s really cool to see the opportunities you can have in the makeup industry and especially in Vancouver. It’s a little mini Hollywood right now.”

For the next generation of Makeup Artists coming into the industry where social media has become a high authority, Sara advises that authenticity is crucial in helping one succeed.

“If you’re looking to build a loyal/celebrity clientele or following it’s important to be true to yourself and your clients. If you’re not being true people will recognize that. If you’re doing a makeup application and it isn’t your style just inform your client and be honest. I think if you’re true to yourself and your talent it will showcase and it will go places, and people will respect you for that.”

The post From Supermodels to Salon Clients, Sara Rose delivers Red Carpet Worthy Beauty to all her Clients! appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

After graduating from Blanche Macdonald’s Pro Hair Program, Tyla’s stunning strand skills landed her behind a chair at Volume Studio, one of Vancouver’s busiest and hottest salons. From there she laid out glowing balayages, killer cuts and everything in between for Vancouver’s hair trendsetters. Setting her sights on fulfilling her long-time dream of owning her own hair studio, Tyla relocated to Prince Rupert and opened Parlour Hair Boutique. Tyla’s dazzling reputation preceded her, and the salon has been fully booked since Day One. Although Parlour Hair Boutique has only been open a handful of months, her hair studio already a celebrated addition to the entrepreneurial scene of Prince Rupert, with a loyal following of clients waiting to receive Tyla’s magic touch. Graceful, poised and always professional, we’re celebrating Tyla and her new Owner / Head Stylist status!

Finish this sentence! “When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is _________.”

The first thing in the morning I do, after having a quick snuggle with my dog of course, is without a doubt head for coffee! My day doesn’t start until I’ve had my first cup. In fact, most people know not to talk to me in the morning until I’ve had a few sips haha!

What do you remember most about your first day in your own hair studio?

My first day in my salon I remember being super surreal. I couldn’t really get over that I was in my own space, being my own boss, and was fully booked with clients!

If you could do anyone’s hair in the world, who would it be and what would you do?

The first person that comes to mind is Kate Middleton! I just love her! She is so classy and elegant plus she has virgin hair which is like the holy grail for us stylists! I would probably do a soft tonal balayage to give her a little dimension.

What was your favourite part of our Hair program?

My favourite part of the Pro Hair program was colour class! I’ve always loved colour – it’s fun and creative and a little science-y, which my nerdy side secretly loves! I love formulating and I also really enjoyed the photoshoots.

Tell us about the best and hardest parts of owning your own hair studio.

The best part of owning my own salon is the freedom and flexibility it allows me. I also love the space I’ve created – it really reflects my style. Sometimes I just stay and hang out after my last client leaves just to enjoy it! The hardest part right now is finding time to do everything myself while maintaining a life outside of work. I’m never not working – there are always emails, texts, and other tasks to work on outside of work hours. When you start your own small business, you become a one-woman show. So the hardest part for me is learning to let go and give up responsibilities such as bookkeeping, cleaning, etc and focus on my clients, growing the business and myself. I recently just brought on another stylist and am looking for an assistant/front of house person to take a little pressure off. Baby steps!

Name your top two go-to products and why you love them.

There are so many products that I love from Kevin Murphy but if I had to only choose two I would definitely not be able to live without Blonde Angel Wash & Rinse. They are great for maintaining a beautiful blonde and still battle the brass! I’m also obsessed with their newest product Bedroom Hair. Who doesn’t want that sexy tousled look that is so on point right now? It can also double as a dry shampoo which makes it so versatile!

If you could only eat one kind of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Most likely sushi! And no my commercial fisherman husband did not make me say that lol! We are so lucky here on the BC coast to have such amazing fresh seafood and I definitely eat my fair share! Can you tell yet that I’m a foodie?! Haha

You step outside and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?

My husband and I never have enough time together as we are both so busy with our businesses – he is away fishing about 7 months a year – so I would snag him off his boat and go travel for a year just the two of us! First stop would be Italy for sure! I’ve been dying to go there for years! I would love to go hide in the hills in some quaint little Tuscan village, find someone’s Nonna to cook melt-in-your-mouth pasta with the freshest Italian ingredients and sip on amazing local wines! I would probably follow with an extended trip through Europe, specifically Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey to name a few. Eating and sipping my way through them all, of course!

The post Shear Talent: Tyla Malcolm Becomes Newest Entrepreneur in Prince Rupert with Parlour Beauty Boutique appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Take one part Calvin (or is it Hobbes? You’ll never know!), a handful of dragon scales and an almost unspoken obsession with Dungeons and Dragons, shake and simmer under a winter moon and watch as your new dream stylist takes form. Despite only recently graduated the Blanche Macdonald Pro Hair program, Jesse has landed a chair at a branch of one of the most respected and popular salons in the Vancouver area – Hennessey Salon and Spa. Hilarious, dazzling and completely wacky, he’s the unofficial Smile Specialist of Hennessey Richmond, a burgeoning hair stylist and Dragon enthusiast. Meet Jesse Wilson. Or, as he hopes to be known in his imaginary musical career, J. Beavis. And he promises not to mess up your hair because that would be entirely too upsetting for him.

Serious question first. Are you more Calvin or Hobbes?

Definitely Hobbes. Why? Because I’m definitely more Calvin, and that’s what he’d say to blow your mind.

Consider my mind blown! Now as far as hair goes, what would you say your specialty is?

At this point, I don’t think I can identify an aspect of my work that I would consider a specialty . . . I genuinely feel as though my best work comes from a solid communication between myself and my client whatever their service may be. I like making my client smile as many times as possible. I don’t know if you’d call that a specialty, but it is special to me.

Well that’s pretty heart melting. Spill the beans on your guiltiest pleasure.

I play Dungeons and Dragons on a weekly basis. That is all I will say on the subject.

LOL fair enough. Can you tell me what your favorite part / level of the Hair Program at Blanche Macdonald was then?

In level 7 we got a chance to do some Avant Garde work, which I would say was my favourite part of the program. I have always enjoyed doing art, whether it be painting or sculpting etc., but this unit gave me an opportunity to work with a medium in ways that I would never have considered. And even to this day in my professional work, I utilise many of the techniques that I learned during those two weeks in level 7.

That’s great to hear! So how did our Career Services & work experience help you find a salon to eventually call home? And how did you know that Hennessy was right for you?

Work Experience was a big eye-opener for me. It gave me a sneak peek into the real salon environment. I quickly realized how physically close I was going to be working with my coworkers, so I knew how important it would be to find a good team that could handle my “different” personality. I appreciate my coworkers at Hennessy for doing a good job of adapting to said personality, but I’m still not quite sure if they’re fully sold on it.

But, if you had to spend the rest of your days as an animal, which animal would it be and what would you spend your days doing?

100% a Dragon. Ravaging townsfolk and partaking in other dragon-ly business.

And if you were a musician, what would the name of your debut album be?

“Prodigious, The J. Beavis Collection.”

Melodious. Tell us what your daily motivation is when you’re doing hair?

Not to screw up someone’s hair and ruin their month. ‘Cause that would ruin my month. And I don’t want that for me.

That’s solid motivation. What would you say your favorite product for styling men’s hair is?

I really like Bumble and bumble’s SumoClay. It’s light enough to be used as a pre-styler but has enough hold to be used as a finishing product as well. Suuuuper versatile.

In your opinion, what is the most important thing to know about yourself before getting into Hair?

This one is important so I’m going to be serious for a moment here: If you’re someone who quits, don’t even bother. I’ve come across far too many people who have gotten into the industry and dropped it after a few months because it got too overwhelming. It’s not an easy industry and being a hair stylist can be hard! The enjoyment, fun, and satisfaction of the industry doesn’t just happen – it comes accompanied by stress, disappointment, daily challenges, and a whole lot of failure. So if you aren’t someone who is prepared to handle these things, maybe work on that before getting shears tattooed on your forearm.

The post Shear Talent: Jesse Wilson – Hennessey Salon’s Smile Specialist! Oh, and Stylist. appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Waiting for a major award to be announced can be a nerve-wracking experience. For Blanche Macdonald graduate Film and TV Makeup Artist Jenna Servatius, sitting in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium with the rest of the Toronto-based Sinking Ship Entertainment team at last year’s Daytime Emmy Awards, minutes felt like hours.

Jenna had been nominated in the category of Best Makeup for her work on Odd Squad, the ever-fun educational children’s show beloved around the world by both kids and their parents.

“I was against some pretty substantial shows,” recalls Jenna. “Household names like Live With Kelly, The View and The Talk.

“When they came to my category and called my name our section stood up and roared. My first thought was ‘What should I do with my purse?’ I was suddenly completely uncoordinated. It was a euphoric moment for sure!”

Jenna deserved her moment of triumph. As Head of Department for Odd Squad since the beginning of Season Two, she’s expertly balancing the creation of over-the-top villains with the added demands of working with child actors.

---

I always loved movies and the behind the scenes stuff. I worked in a movie theatre but nobody ever told me that there was a possibility of film as a job.

---

“Working with kids comes with challenges but I find it really rewarding,” she continues. “They’re not jaded like adults can be. They’re genuinely excited to be there. I work on kids ranging from two to 16. Our process times are incredibly fast. We get an average of five to ten minutes in the chair for hair and makeup for every kid. Children can legally only be on set for a certain amount of time, so naturally that time needs to be spent with them on camera. When I go to another set I feel like I’m on vacation! The skin challenges are very different too. Our lead last year had the craziest cystic acne that appeared overnight. Poor guy!

“I started off on Odd Squad as an assistant. Then the Key Makeup Artist for Season One decided to take another opportunity shortly before we started shooting Season Two. There was a mad flurry. It was difficult to find someone who could keep up with the pace so they asked me! Once we made the transition and added a Key Hairstylist we were put to the task of recreating characters established in the first season. The Key Hairstylist remade all the villains’ wigs but lots of those villains have fantastical makeup that I had to try to deconstruct and figure out how it was all done. I enjoyed doing that and was able to add my own touches, but I was really excited when new villains and characters were written in. That opened up a lot of creative opportunities for me.

“The villains are the most fun part of the show for me. I created the Ice Troll with prosthetics and I even made some of the pieces in her wig. Freeze Ray Ray is a fun one. His hand is in a protective case, inspired by David Duchovny’s character in Zoolander. Party Pam is a fun villain too. Her character is hilarious. She was inspired by a 50s housewife and a Harajuku girl. It’s a fantastic show!”

Growing up in the Northern BC town of Prince George, Jenna didn’t see international award shows or even makeup in her future. She barely knew that kind of career was possible.

“I always loved movies and the behind the scenes stuff. I worked in a movie theatre but nobody ever told me that there was a possibility of film as a job. I didn’t know anybody that worked in film. A friend of mine had a friend who went to Blanche Macdonald and when I looked up the school it had great reviews. I knew I wanted to do something that allowed me to be creative and still work with people.

“I loved the classes and teachers at Blanche from the beginning. I’d done a lot of art in high school but wasn’t really doing makeup in Prince George, so I enjoyed the challenge of transferring my art from paper to people. It wasn’t overwhelming, more like a natural transition. I had good grades in every class. I’d gone to Makeup School not thinking that I would go into TV and film. I wanted to see what would happen.”

What happened was that Jenna made a positive impression on instructor Jennifer Folk, who recommended the talented young student to assist on a music video for Vancouver heavy metallers 3 Inches of Blood. The rest, as they tend to say, is history.

“We killed off all the band members!” laughs Jenna. “From the moment we stepped on set I loved it. We shot it in the basement of an old ballroom off Hastings Street. It was so sketchy but an awesome experience. My adrenaline was flowing. I was bitten by the bug!

“I volunteered all the time. I worked at Paralympic Opening Ceremonies and a bunch of charity events. If they put an event up on the volunteering board I would add my name. The Career Directors were strong advocates for getting yourself out there. I wasn’t from Vancouver so I knew I had to meet people. I liked getting out of my comfort zone too. You never get anywhere if you don’t get out of that zone. I did six weeks of volunteering on the Lancôme Counter at The Bay. I didn’t love retail but it was a very helpful experience. It’s how you learn about products and get used to working on different faces.”

Jenna was working her way into the Vancouver film and TV industry as Tana Moldovanos brought her on as a regular assistant on a series of Hallmark and Lifestyle shows. But when an opportunity arrived to make a move to Toronto, Jenna packed up and headed east.

---

You never know what small job is going to turn into something great. Never say no!

---

“I naively thought I could come to Toronto and start working. It’s a lot harder than just reaching out to FX houses and being offered a job. Luckily, my neighbour was a director/producer and his brother Ron ran Stefaniuk FX Studio. Ron was looking for people to volunteer.

“My first day there was an 18-hour day building a giant whale for a Comcast commercial. I loved every moment and came back the next day for another 15 hours. We finished that whale in about a week. I knew the fundamentals from my time at Makeup School but had never worked on anything that scale before.

“I think they liked me because I showed up every day and didn’t complain! Right after that they hired me. I was there for about eight months. We ended up working on a show called Annedroids. I was needed for a couple of days on set and the production company, Sinking Ship Entertainment, liked having me on there. I’ve been part of the Sinking Ship team ever since.”

As the Head of Department for Sinking Ship productions Odd Squad and Dino Dana Jenna stays more than busy. But she’s still always looking to expand her skill set with opportunities away from children’s TV.

“I wanted to start building my career with the IATSE union. I wanted a different challenge and to assist other artists. A friend recommended me for the movie Through Black Spruce. It was filmed in Toronto and some rugged areas further north near Sudbury. I wasn’t the producers’ first choice but the original Head of Department quit after a couple of days so they came back to me! I told them I’d be there the next day and was thrown into everything.”

As a Head of Department Jenna is always on the lookout for talented aspiring film and TV Makeup Artists. It’s a dream job for sure, but it takes more than makeup expertise to become a member of Team Jenna.

“Attitude is more important than ability,” she insists. “I can teach you tricks to get over something you’re having a problem with but I can’t teach you to be cordial and respectful. You have to read actors’ body language. When’s an appropriate time to have a fun conversation and when it’s time to be quiet? That’s not something I can teach easily. I like an assistant willing to ask questions and listen to the answer. I don’t like repeating myself over and over again.”

Most importantly, she’s looking for artists eager to seize opportunities.

“You never know what small job is going to turn into something great. Never say no!”

The post The Odd Adventures of Blanche Macdonald Makeup Grad and Daytime Emmy Award-Winner Jenna Servatius appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

You’d hardly expect to find your hair’s next best friend deep in the corridors of one of the city’s busiest train stations – but that’s exactly where you’ll find Blanche Macdonald Pro Hair graduate Erin Murphy. Nestled in Vancouver, a city famous for its artists and creatives, Erin has managed to build a steady clientele at her salon, carving a niche out for her instantly-recognizable hair skills just a few years after graduating from Canada’s Top Hair School. Recently recognized by both Allure and Teen Vogue for her superior holographic hair creation, Erin’s Instagram teems with her most luscious creations : from silky smooth balayages to dizzying dollops of the most electric colours you could possibly paint! Stunningly sweet, gracious and humble, Erin is here to whip your locks into the frenzy you’ve always wanted.

So firstly, tell us what a typical day looks like for you.

Very busy! And always different. If I’m doing colours, I can usually do two big colour jobs a day. In between that, there may be some cuts or Instagram stuff that I can fit in, but everyday is always fun.

And what is it about Juju that made you feel like it would be a good salon to call home?

My friend worked here and was moving away so she messaged me saying how great a fit she thought I’d be and that I should apply. At first I was apprehensive because until then, I’d only been an assistant but I applied anyways and the owner really liked me and it’s been great! I’ve been here since last March and it’s an amazing fit for me.

In a city where there’s so much competition amongst stylists and salons, how did you build such a loyal clientele in such a short time?

It’s a hard thing to do! Word of mouth definitely helps. People notice nice hair and ask ‘Oh, who did that?’ but social media is huge. I’d even go so far as to say that Instagram brings me at least 75% of my clients. Luckily for us, our salon is also in a great location so we get a lot of traffic through because of that as well.

Can you tell us about the moment you knew you wanted to do hair?

I was working in an office and one day I just looked around and was like ‘What am I doing? I need to be creative.’ I’d already taken the Makeup program at Blanche Macdonald and initially, I thought I’d take hair and be able to combine it with makeup but as soon as I started I loved it so much more than makeup and it became my main passion.

And was your family supportive?

My family is great and always supportive of me but they were a little iffy when I made the decision to go to hair school. They knew I had a good job and so much security so when I said I was going to quit, they were kind of like ‘But, why?’ Then they saw how passionate I was and now that I have a job I love, they’re so happy for me.

So what made you choose Blanche Macdonald?

I lived on the island when I was looking into schools so I basically just Googled a bunch and Blanche Macdonald came up and had by far, the most recognition and best reputation out of all the hair schools I looked at. When I came to Vancouver to check it out, I knew it was for me. When I decided to go back for hair, I didn’t even look anywhere else. I really enjoyed the Makeup program and knew that I learned everything that I could possibly need to have a career in it and I knew the Pro Hair program would be the same.

What was the most memorable day / time / teacher at BMC for you?

That’s hard because everyday was so interesting! I loved all the instructors in the Hair program. When we worked in [student salon] Q+A, they would always give me the clients who wanted something bright and fun because they knew that was what I loved to do. They were really great about helping us find and develop our niches as Hair Artists.

What’s your niche now that you’re out in the hair world?

Definitely vivids! Any fun, bright colours or pastels. I love a good balayage too!

What’s one of the looks or styles you’ve done that you’re most proud of?

Recently I did a pastel holographic colour job for a client and it got included in a hair article in both Allure and Teen Vogue! That was such a good feeling. One of my clients sent me the article and I was going to respond being like ‘OMG, I love it!’ and then I realized it was my hair! I’ve had a few clients come in that have seen it also and the salon was super proud of me so that was a pretty cool thing and definitely one of my best hair moments to date.

So was there a certain technique that you learned and adapted to create the holographic look? Or did you teach yourself how to do it?

I watch videos and techniques, of course, but it’s all about knowing the technique and then adapting it to yourself and your style. When I’m doing those types of colours, my co-workers always ask to watch how I do it but I just put colour where I feel it should go!

To create these looks, you must have to keep constantly inspired. Where do you find your inspiration?

From all over! I get lots through other work I see that I can build off of. Colour is a big one for me too, we always have flowers in the salon so lots of time I’ll get inspiration from the colour palette of our bouquets!

Is there a hair trend you’ve seen on Instagram that you’re loving right now?

Maybe it’s the time of year, but I’m loving all the crazy festival hair in such fun colours with braids and things added in. I love it all!

What about a certain cut or colour you’re dying to try out on someone?

I get to do a lot of colour but there’s a few styles I’d love to be able to do – lots more braiding definitely. Things that are a little more ‘out there.’ But it’s hard to ask that someone stay to let you play with their hair and style it after they’ve spent four hours getting a colour process done!

You’ve done so well since graduating, is there advice would you give to new stylists or people looking to get into the career?

You’ve got to really put yourself out there. Get out and volunteer and meet people. It’s also very important to get into a salon where you can assist or apprentice to learn all you can. It’s definitely not a job that will just come to you if you just sit back and take it easy.

What are some challenges of being a stylist?

It’s definitely the hardest when you first start out, for sure. It’s super intimidating to put yourself out there, especially when you’re a new stylist.

And what is your favourite part of being a stylist?

I love doing what I do and I love doing hair! It’s really awesome to meet people that I do and hear their fun stories. Our area has lots of tourists from all over the world so it can be really interesting to meet them and get to do their hair!

The post Blanche Macdonald Pro Hair Graduate Erin Murphy Flourishes at Juju Salon appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Imagine the coolest person you’ve ever met. Now double it and you may have a concept of just how cool Blanche Macdonald Nail, Esthetics and Makeup graduate Stefania Flex is. After various projects with local major creative forces and leaving her very distinct mark on Vancouver’s creative scene, Stefania took her boss style, nail art, stunning wit, and blistering sense of humour to Italy in search of high fashion and even more opportunities for a blossoming Nail Artist. With her home base in one of Italy’s most understated cities, Ascoli Piceno – “We have both the third most beautiful piazza and third oldest bar in all of Italy!” – Stefania is only a few short hours from Rome and international fashion mecca, Milan. It’s this proximity, coupled with her stunning skill and undeniable presence that has landed her backstage at Milan Fashion Week F/W 2017 and S/S 2018. Her incredible work there also landed her invites to contribute to London Fashion Week F/W 2017, S/S 2018, Paris Fashion Week S/S 2018 and the VFiles show in New York Fashion Week F/W 2016. With shows like Burberry, Gucci, Moschino, DAKS, and Christopher Kane on her resume, there’s no telling where she’ll go next – or how far her talent will take her!

Let’s start at the beginning. What made you decide to pursue Nails as a career?

It was just after I started the Nail module of the Esthetics program. I’d never even owned a nail polish before that! I just loved the idea of creating art on a canvas so small! Nail art was a challenge to me and I always love a challenge.

You’ve worked quite a few Fashion Weeks now – what is it like behind the scenes of a fashion show?!

Being backstage at Fashion Week is the craziest experience you’ll have! Especially as a nail tech. We are on our hands and knees working around wires, brushes, lights, and everything in between. Usually, there’s a chair for hair and makeup but nails don’t usually get their own station so you’re literally putting yourself wherever you can to get those nails done! But it’s all worth it in the end when they walk out on the runway and you see your work contributing to the whole look. It’s an unbelievable feeling.

And how did those opportunities come to you?

Well, I’d worked on nails for so many fashion shows for Blanche Macdonald while I was in school and even after I’d finished. I’d also done a lot of other projects in Vancouver that gave me some really good experience and training. While I was still in Vancouver, I decided to take the Mastered Nails program to really work on honing my skills and expanding my network. I put my everything I had into my Mastered course and so a lot of the amazing opportunities I’ve had here in Europe are because of that and the people I met through it.

What do you remember about your time at Blanche Macdonald in the Nail program?

I had a great time in the Nail Program! I still use all my training. As time goes on you learn different techniques and use different products but you always come back to your core training. My favorite teacher was Vicky. I always had a lot of fun pushing myself and discovering the local and international nail scenes.

What are some differences in the European and Canadian creative scenes that you’ve noticed?

Italy is more about nice, clean beauty looks for sure. You also get the really high fashion looks in Italy more than Vancouver I think, mainly because of Milan’s influence. Vancouver has a lot of different creatives who have all different ideas of shoots they want to do from editorial to experimental to clean beauty to character or time eras – there’s a lot of variety. There’s more of a grunge scene in Vancouver too.

Do you have a favourite set of nails you’ve done?

I’m never totally satisfied with my work – I’m a huge perfectionist. I always think I can do better, be more precise, be more creative or inventive, etc, etc. The list goes on! If I had to choose, I would have to say my Acid Anarchy nail art look is still my favorite. I had an idea of how I wanted it to look and after quite a few tries (and a mound of cotton balls and q-tips!) I think I got what I had in my head almost exactly onto the nails. Which never happens!

What advice would you give to other people looking to get into Nail Art?

Always be yourself because you’ll fall right where you need to be. Work hard. Don’t get caught up in the gossip and BE KIND. That’s so important.

Finish this sentence: “I always ______.”

Change my hair colour! I can never decide on what colour it should be or what length I want. My favourite hair colour I’ve had recently was blue. Val Garland actually complimented me on my blue hair while I was working at a Fashion Week!

If you could do nails on / for anyone, it would be …….?

Omg so many! Marilyn Manson, Yelawolf, Snoop Dogg . . . This list is too long to continue!

When you’re not working, we’d find you where?

In a bowling alley! That’s my favourite thing to do. ALWAYS.

What’s an important thing to know before getting into Nails?

As nail techs we aren’t treated like the makeup and hair team. We are on our hands and knees picking out toe jam! hah It’s not always fun and games but for me, knowing I had even just a little part of something fantastic, something bigger than me, makes me happy. Every model or client you encounter is a surprise. Everyone has different nails and obstacles to work with.

What are 3 staple products in your kit?

ONLY 3!?! A file, white block, cuticle oil, baby wipes. . .  that’s already more than 3!

The post Blanche Macdonald Nail Graduate Stefania Flex Flexes her Nail Prowess at Fashion Weeks appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Poised, sophisticated and radiating enthusiasm for all things fashion, it’s immediately apparent how Fashion Marketing graduate-turned-instructor Lyndi Barrett became one of Vancouver’s most celebrated Public Relations mavens before she became one of Vancouver’s most influential bloggers. Students at Canada’s #1 Fashion Marketing School can sense her success the moment they meet her.

The South African native amassed a clientele of internationally renowned fashion heavyweights, including H&M, L’Oreal, BCBGMAXAZRIA and Le Chateau with her PR company and now often works with those same brands as a blogger. That’s just half of her career life. The other half sees Lyndi sharing her expertise at Blanche Macdonald’s Fashion Marketing School, where she teaches Fashion Show Production, Public Relations, Styling, and Fashion Elements classes.

“At Blanche Macdonald, I speak with so many enthusiastic young people and am able to share everything I love about the Fashion Industry,” Lyndi says. “My mother is a teacher so I’ve always liked being in that environment. The students always remind me how exciting our job can be and help me recognize just how far I’ve come!”

---

I think that the key to being successful at any job is finding something that you love.

---

Lyndi understands her students’ hopes and dreams. It was ten years ago she was in their shoes arriving at Blanche Macdonald as an enthusiastic Fashion Marketing school student.

“The great thing about the Fashion Marketing program is that it covers so many different aspects of the industry. When I graduated I wanted to try everything. And I did. I worked at a wholesaling agency, a modeling agency and even shadowed a buyer. I wanted to get a grasp of the fashion community in its entirety and hone in on what I genuinely enjoyed. I think that the key to being successful at any job is finding something that you love.

“I had the opportunity to go to New York for trade shows. My work would also see me travel back to New York to work backstage at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I began picking up pieces of paper and making sure all the chairs were in perfect rows but worked to progress to work on the PR side of the events. I was able to be a part of some amazing productions like Ports 1961, Michael Kors, Vera Wang and even Christian Siriano’s first show.”

Nowadays, Lyndi has dipped into a different side of relations from her work with Lj PR with her fashion and lifestyle blog, Style Calling.

“When I was working in fashion public relations, the blogger industry was starting to grow. I thought ‘I can do that!’ I had a lot of fashion lessons and stories to share and blogging was the perfect way to build an audience. My background in PR has been invaluable in turning my blog into a business. In a sense, I’ve always been blogging. I kept scrapbooks and diaries when I was younger – now it’s digital and online for everyone to see!”

In the six years that Style Calling has been up and running, Lyndi has crafted an undeniable online presence that has made an indelible mark on the North American blogger scene with an ever-growing following.

“It’s incredible to see how much the industry has grown and progressed. I’m getting more traction to becoming more of an expert in my field. I’m building an audience that trusts my opinion and a reputation as a reputable source for all things fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.”

Most recently, Lyndi was one of five Canadian bloggers selected to travel to New York with cosmetic brand eos for the launch of a top-secret product.

“We arrived and they whisked us off to an event space in the Meatpacking district. It turns out the launch was for their new eos crystal lip balm in their new redesigned sphere case. We were able to speak to their team and their scientist and get all the details about how they took two years to formulate a completely clear gloss. We were only there for twenty-four hours but it was really well done. Their team was so great!”

It’s not only Lyndi’s keen style eye and simple yet eloquent posts that draw brands of all sorts to want to collaborate with her and her blog. Lyndi offers something that not a lot of other bloggers do – insider knowledge. After being a part of the industry for as long as she has, graduating fashion school, and with the experience of running her own PR company to back her up, Lyndi navigates brand collaborations seamlessly, ensuring that Style Calling is always well represented and the brand ends up with exactly the type of content they need.

“I’m able to gain traction with lots of PR companies and brands, which goes back to me being a publicist. When a brand approaches me, I can say that they’re working with an industry professional. I’ve worked in PR so I already have contract knowledge, and I have a background in styling. I make sure that I’m always able to deliver product back to them that’s exactly what they’re looking for.”

It’s a relatively new idea for brands to partner with bloggers in order to reach their audiences in new and exciting ways, and for Lyndi, it’s one of the things that makes what she does so exciting.

“It’s really exciting to be a blogger and an influencer right now because brands are starting to figure out how they can use this to their benefit. It’s actually very similar to celebrity marketing of the early 2000s and seeing a celebrity use your product or drink your water was the ideal. Now influencers are taking it over and instead of being told what to use or drink by someone famous, the feeling they’re going for is more like talking to a girlfriend. It’s way more genuine. Which is why it’s important to take on brand campaigns that are in your brand standards. Companies are shifting their marketing budgets and instead of a printed ad, they’re splitting it up amongst appropriate bloggers and influencers and getting material back that they can use.”

The major impact that bloggers and influencers have on the fashion industry is no secret in today’s fashion and style scenes. Luckily for Lyndi, she got to experience fashion’s inclusion of digital influencers in person – at London and Paris Fashion Weeks.

“I used to do New York Fashion Week all the time with my own PR company and with other projects I was involved in but I’ve never done London or Paris Fashion Week. They were both incredible. London is very centralized. The shows are mostly at Somerset House with a showroom above where all the designers, vendors and representatives are. Paris is more spread out but always in the most stunning locations all over the city you’d probably never see otherwise!”

Inclusion in these events is, unsurprisingly, competitive. But for Lyndi, it’s about knowing you belong there and showing it.

---

I always tell my students in fashion school to dream big, but be willing to work for it. I’ve worked hard to make my fashion dreams a reality.

---

“I’m such a fashion show fanatic. I just love the atmosphere. Even now weeks after, thinking about it gives me a rush. The highlight of London Fashion Week was Julien Macdonald’s show – he succeeded Alexander McQueen at Givenchy – and it was such a fun party atmosphere. Even though I’d gotten invited there, you still have to build connections everywhere. I’d go to the vendors and pick up pieces and strike up a conversation with the rep and make sure we’d exchange cards. Afterward, I’d make sure to send them an email thanking them – it’s really important to close that loop of communication.

“It’s even better if you can find out the PR company and send them a media kit and all your readership numbers. Show them you not only want to be there but you deserve to be. Confidence in yourself and your brand is definitely key.”

What’s the best part of being one North America’s most popular sources for fashion and lifestyle news?

“It has to be the wonderful people I’ve met along the way. I have made lifelong friends from the world of blogging. I can’t believe how many doors Style Calling has opened for me, so many ‘pinch me’ moments. I always tell my students in fashion marketing school to dream big, but be willing to work for it. No media trip or face cream I’ve been given has been free. I’ve worked hard to make my fashion dreams a reality.”

All in a day’s work for Vancouver’s most powerful and confident blogger.

The post Blanche Macdonald graduate, instructor and Style Calling founder: Lyndi Barrett appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.

Staying motivated is never a challenge for Sabrina. The Blanche Macdonald Pro Hair School grad runs her own business as one of the independent hair professionals gathered under a single stylish roof at Workshop. A community of creative and entrepreneurial spirits, it’s the perfect spot for stylists who enjoy working and playing by their own rules.

“I love the flexibility of being my own boss,” insists Sabrina Beltrano, relaxing between clients at her professional home at Workshop, one of Downtown Vancouver’s most beloved and fashion-forward salons. “I like that I can create my own hours, charge what I want to charge, and use the colour lines that I love. I never want to stop getting more clients. Getting new people in my chair keeps me motivated.”

“I didn’t want to be a regular stylist who’d do cuts and colours and then go home,” continues Sabrina. “Renting a chair means it’s my business and my responsibility. That means you have to make sure you’re keeping up on Instagram, Facebook, and Craigslist.”

Was a career in hair Sabrina’s destiny? Growing up in Kamloops, BC with a stylist mother meant it was always a distinct possibility, even when other passions took priority.

“I’ve had pretty much the same hairstyle since I was five. Long and dark! I knew I wanted to follow in my Mom’s footsteps, but I was also a soccer-playing tomboy. I cared about my hair but I cared even more about sports.”

---

I knew that when I would go for interviews employers would see the Blanche name and know that my training was really good.

---

It didn’t take long after graduating high school to commit to a career in hair. And once that decision had been made the search for the perfect Hair School was swift and effective.

“I wanted to go to the best of the best. I googled ‘Best Hair School’ and Blanche Macdonald came up! I knew that when I would go for interviews employers would see the Blanche name and know that my training was really good.”

Those high expectations were realized on Day One.

“Starting Hair School was so exciting. When we all received our boxes of equipment I saw the Bumble and bumble products and knew how luxurious it all was. I wanted to cut right away!”

When the time arrived for that first cut on a real client in the Blanche Macdonald school salon, it wasn’t easy, but Sabrina delivered.

“I was so nervous. That haircut took three hours. I kept asking for the teacher and was worried that one side of the cut was radically different from the other. But once I finished the client loved it. I thought, ‘Ok, I think I can do this.’

“Not long after that people began calling the School and booking with me. I would cut one person’s hair and they’d tell their friends. After a month or two people started coming in just to be styled. I felt like I could talk to clients and tell them how to best wear and style their hair. We were taught to demonstrate our confidence. You could be the best cutter but unless you’re confident, no one will believe that you’ll do a good job. It’s a combination of your words, body posture and looking people in the eye. If you can tell clients how to look after their hair at home and what products to use they’ll want to come back and learn more.

“Lisa Callender and Renata Trebacz were great instructors. Renata would get straight down to business. She was so professional. She taught us that our blow dry would have to be a ten out of ten every time. If you can finish with a great style, she told us, clients will always come back to you. That stuck with me.”

Today Sabrina is a colour specialist, a veritable master of Balayage whose expertise is known and respected across Vancouver. But she’d never describe herself as a natural colour scientist. Her abilities arrived through countless hours of study and practice.

---

Your personality and energy can be more significant than the haircut itself. You still have to do a good cut, of course, but they come back for more than that.

---

“I was literally the worst in the class!” she laughs “I was always asking questions. As the class progressed I started getting it and I began practicing more. I would watch videos of different techniques. I wanted to go above and beyond. I practiced on mannequins in my own time. I enjoyed being creative with the colours, with different placements and techniques. Clients these days like a more natural look. That’s hard to replicate.”

Eager to begin cutting and colouring immediately after graduation, Sabrina took a tip from Program Director Phil Loiselle and launched herself into what would become the first step into her self-propelled professional career.

“Phil told me that there was a space at Eterna Salon and Day Spa in Lougheed Mall. It was a salon that used Joico colour, which is what we used at school, so I felt very confident with that. I started right away as a stylist and began building my clientele. Within four months I was fully booked. I was always hustling around the mall. If I saw someone walking by me I’d hand them a card and say, ‘Hey, we’re having 20% off at the salon.’ I’d offer a deal. It was all about confidence.

“I loved it. I was busy all the time but after three years I was ready to take the next step. Franco Federico runs Workshop. I met his parents at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver and they told me their son owned a salon downtown. I applied, he gave me a job as a commission stylist and I soon became busy enough to rent a chair.”

She’s been a core member of the Workshop Team ever since, bringing colour and charisma to one of the city’s most bustling salons. Despite her impressive skill set, Sabrina insists that it’s the personality she brings to work every day that keeps her clientele excited about returning to her chair.

“I’m sure that people sometimes sit down and don’t even care about their haircut. That sounds crazy, but they’re more interested in talking and hearing what you’ll say to them. Your personality and energy can be more significant than the haircut itself. You still have to do a good cut, of course, but they come back for more than that. They come to see you. They tell you about their lives. You build friendships. An important part of being a stylist is being open with people. If you do that people will open up to you.”

The future is beyond bright from Sabrina. She’s already proved that her abilities and attitude can take her wherever she chooses. Success is guaranteed. It’s merely a matter of deciding what it’s going to look like.

“For now I love renting a chair at Workshop but I would love to own my own boutique salon one day. I love setting goals for myself but I’ve grown to understand that you need to put in your time first. Everything won’t come immediately. Continue your education as new products and trends emerge. It’ll happen. You just have to put in the work!

“It still feels so good that I can make people love their hair. Even after I graduated Hair School I still didn’t understand that I had that ability. It was only once people kept coming back to me I realized that I must know what I’m doing!”

The post Pro Hair Grad Sabrina Beltrano Styles with Entrepreneurial Spirit appeared first on Blanche Macdonald Centre.