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Join me for an inspiring conversation with renowned hairstylist Pete Lennon as he shares his incredible journey from a 15-year-old apprentice in Sydney to becoming a sought-after stylist in New York City's high-fashion scene. Pete reveals the twists and turns of his career spanning over three decades, offering valuable insights for aspiring hairstylists and anyone passionate about following their creative dreams.

In This Episode:

• Pete recounts how an ultimatum from his parents at age 15 unexpectedly led him to discover his passion for hairdressing
• The four-year apprenticeship journey that took him through Sydney's top salons, working alongside industry legends
• His leap of faith move to New York without a concrete plan and how he navigated the competitive fashion industry
• Behind-the-scenes stories from high-profile projects, including the Victoria's Secret shows
• How Pete balances salon work with freelance assignments in fashion, advertising, and editorial projects
• The importance of mentorship and continuous learning, featuring lessons from industry giants like Sam McKnight
• A peek into Pete's extensive styling kit and how he prepares for diverse client needs
• Practical advice for aspiring stylists: speaking up, staying curious, and honing your craft
  
  

Guest Bio:
Pete Lennon is an Australian hairstylist with decades of experience in both salon work and high-fashion styling. After spending 15 formative years in New York City working on prestigious projects, Pete returned to Sydney, where he currently divides his time between salon work and freelance assignments. Known for his versatility and deep knowledge of the craft, Pete remains passionate about educating the next generation of hairstylists.

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In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Arielle Thomas, founder of the buzzing production company Cinema Thom. Arielle shares her incredible career journey — from acting gigs in New York to media production, working with top fashion brands, and landing massive clients like Chemist Warehouse and Kmart. Arielle is also the host of an incredible podcast called Process.

Key takeaways:

Building a Dream Team:

• How she chooses her crew for shoots.

What Makes a Makeup Artist Stand Out:

• What qualities makes Arielle say, "Yes! You're hired!"?

Portfolio Power:

• Website or Instagram: which one wins her attention.
• What specific looks or styles Arielle likes to see.

Red Flags to Avoid:

• What makes Arielle politely say, "Thanks, but no thanks"?

Beyond Brushes & Blending:

• What extra spark does a makeup artist need to impress Arielle.

Cold Email Magic:

• What key info should be included to stand out.

If you’re a makeup artist dreaming of big shoots or just curious about what goes on behind the camera, this episode is a must-listen.

@the.makeupinsider

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

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

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

@the.makeupinsider

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