With thousands of artists soaring into our halls from around the world each year, our classrooms have become dynamic global communities under the unitedly diverse banner of our Blanche World – a United Nations of creativity! In a glorious culture clash, our International students import a vibrant collection of new customs, insights and inspiration that colour our world in exciting new ways. The leap from their home countries to our corner of Canada comes with big change, courage and incredible journeys. Speaking in the international language of passion, we sit down with our global talent to talk the dreams that brought them here, the challenges they overcame, and all about the power of being an artistic representative in a new country. Meet the burgeoning stars that have joined us from around the globe in our UN storytelling!
Global Makeup Graduate Mayuko Tsuji has quietly captivated her audience since day one at Blanche Macdonald. Her charming demeanour, enthusiasm to challenge herself and commitment to learning have been nothing short of inspiring. Quietly brave and fearlessly bold, it's hard to believe this Osaka-native moved all the way to Vancouver on her own - despite speaking very little English.
Mayuko wasted no time getting comfortable, eagerly immersing herself in a new culture and navigating her way through a foreign city. She then settled into her studies at Canada's Top Makeup School where she continued to demonstrate gratitude and benevolence to anyone that crossed her path. Her soft spoken words are articulated with profound sincerity as she recounts her experiences of coming to Canada.
"I am originally from Osaka, Japan. Japan is an incredible country for so many reasons, however, it is a difficult place for an aspiring Makeup Artist. When I was growing up I was very interested in Makeup and I was always reading fashion magazines and watching video tutorials about makeup. I remember this time a friend asked me to do her Makeup. I was surprisingly pleased with the outcome and it was after that experience that I said to myself, 'This job is amazing. I could make people really happy'."
Filled with ardour for this thrilling industry, Mayuko was determined to carve out a niche for herself in the world of Makeup. It wasn’t long after this that she began exploring her options.
“I knew that Makeup was what I wanted to do so that was the first step. I travelled from Japan to New York to look at Makeup Schools, however, I quickly realized how hard it is to obtain a United States visa. Unlike Canada, they do not offer any support, so you need to hire a lawyer which is very expensive. In addition to this, for how expensive the tuition is, most of the programs they offer in New York are only three or six months and I was looking for something longer.”
A small hiccup but by no means a hindrance, Mayuko said goodbye (for now) to New York and began to look at her other options. It was a conversation with a friend that brought her hunt to a close.
“A friend of mine who is Canadian told me about Blanche Macdonald Centre. She told me it was the best school in Canada. Soon after I came to visit the school and I met with International Admissions Director, Lina Lee. Right away I felt at ease with Lina. She showed me around the campuses and I knew right away that this was it. This was the school for me. I applied right on the spot and have never looked back!”
Mayuko never doubted her choice. Though she’ll admit that things were far from easy at the beginning, she was armed with determination, ready to face every obstacle head on. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mayuko’s positive attitude proved to be her greatest ally, landing her in the driver’s seat of numerous artistic projects within Vancouver and beyond.
“Coming to Vancouver had its challenges but was also the best decision I ever made. I moved here not knowing anyone and was living on my own. Everyone was so kind though, and I've met lots of new friends. School was a lot of work but so much fun. It exceeded all my expectations!”
Mayuko has not only learned her way around the city, but she’s even learned to expertly navigate the creative community. Mayuko is glowing in her accomplishments, as she shares the news of her latest, and most exciting, project to date.
“During my last week of school I was filmed for a reality television show based out of Japan by Wonderland Tours Inc. Productions called “Gutto! Chikyubin” (Worldwide Postal Service). It documents people living abroad, pursuing different avenues of studies and careers. It is a show that I have always watched and I thought, if I could be on it, it would bring great awareness for my career. So when I was home for Christmas I asked my mom if she’d nominate me for the show. It was one of those far-fetched things that I thought would never happen. But then months later I received a call out of the blue! They called me a week before the filming was scheduled to start to let me know that I had been selected.
“A small film crew flew in from Japan to film me for four days straight in Vancouver and at the Blanche Macdonald City Square campus. This was during my final exams so it was really busy. It was a stressful few days but it was so much fun and such an amazing opportunity. I feel very grateful to have been a part of it.”
With her boldness in dreams, and her initiative in making industry connections, Mayuko is well on her way to future successes. Eager to take on even more daring moves, she already has big plans for her burgeoning future.
“My goal is to move to London, England. My first love is Fashion Makeup and so that is the place to be. The energy and passion of London is so exhilarating! I hope to start my career there and then you never know, maybe end up back in New York.”
Currently, Mayuko is happily living back home in Japan. Brimming with ambition, she is working at Lancôme in Tokyo, gaining experience and making connections in the global makeup scene.
Moving ahead, Mayuko plans to see out her calling in the world of Fashion Makeup. With her professional savvy and natural charms, one thing this is for certain: wherever Mayuko’s next journey takes her, it will be filled with beautiful things.
