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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.

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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.

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In this episode, Maddy Baucia shares her journey from managing Mecca stores and working in the Australian film industry to building a thriving bridal hair and makeup business in Italy. She dives into the challenges of transitioning to a competitive destination wedding market, managing logistics in Tuscany, and refining her business strategies. Maddy also highlights the importance of adaptability, networking, and curating a professional kit to meet the demands of destination weddings. She offers insights on client acquisition through social media, the value of word-of-mouth referrals, and her approach to team building. Maddy concludes with motivational advice and product recommendations for aspiring destination artists.

Key take aways

• Maddie moved to Italy to focus on bridal hair and makeup.
• Working in film and TV taught her valuable skills for bridal work.
• Building an online presence is crucial for attracting clients.
• Networking and relationships are key to finding work.
• Investing in business systems can streamline operations. Logistics are crucial for wedding planning, especially in remote venues.
• Setting clear financial targets can lead to unexpected successes.
• Establishing a minimum booking rate helps manage client expectations.
• Clients find Maddy primarily through TikTok and Facebook groups.
• Instagram followers are less important than showcasing quality work.
• Coaching calls are available for those seeking guidance in the industry.
• Maddy emphasises collaboration over competition among artists.

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Sydney-based makeup artist and skin therapist Isabella Schimid, who has uniquely blended her expertise in skincare and makeup artistry. Isabella shares her inspiring journey, career-defining moments, and lessons from her path to success.

Key Topics Covered:

• Starting out in beauty therapy and discovering her dual passion for skin and makeup.
• Opening her own salon and venturing into film, TV, and high-fashion makeup.
• Pivotal experiences, like building her portfolio in Hong Kong and completing Val Garland’s Mastered Course.
• Finding her niche by combining skincare and makeup, and embracing trends like natural, healthy skin.

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In this episode of The Makeup Insider, host Vanessa Barney talks to Jess Rae King, a curve model and content creator, and Jessica Jade, a creative director and stylist, about their collaborative experience for the ARIA Awards.

Jess Rae shares her journey of overcoming imposter syndrome to attend the event, highlighting the preparation process—from selecting an outfit with Jessica's help to hair and makeup with Vanessa.

The conversation also dives into the importance of trust and energy in professional collaborations and the behind-the-scenes intricacies of fashion styling, media obligations, and brand representation.

This episode also highlights how to get into doing dressing and doing hair and makeup for red carpet events.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bradwyn Jones, the creative force behind some of the most innovative hair and makeup artistry in the fashion world. From his beginnings as a 15-year-old apprentice in the bustling salons of the 1980s to his rise as a respected figure in the beauty industry, Bradwyn's journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. You'll hear how his love for fashion and music steered him to a career in hairdressing, where he learned the ropes by hopping from salon to salon, absorbing the best training in cutting and coloring. Discover how a chance encounter with a colleague sparked his interest in makeup artistry, blending seamlessly into his professional repertoire.

Why You Should Listen

1. Inspiration from Experience: Follow Bradwyn's journey from an eager 15-year-old apprentice to a leading figure in hair and makeup artistry.
2. Insight into Fashion Shows: Learn about the vibrant world of London fashion shows and the challenges and excitement they entail.
3. Career Evolution: Understand how building relationships, reliability, and trust can transform an eager assistant into a trusted team member in the fashion industry.
4. Navigating Modern Challenges: Explore the impact of social media distractions and the importance of focus and professionalism at high-stakes events like Fashion Week.
5. Innovative Tools and Tips: Gain insights into Bradwyn's product recommendations, including his innovative Pro Styling session mats, and the importance of professional networking.

Key Takeaways

• Bradwyn's early career in the 1980s and the value of diverse salon experiences.
• The pivotal moment that led to his interest in makeup artistry.
• Strategies for breaking into the fashion industry, including cold-calling agencies and building a strong portfolio.
• The importance of adapting to new tools and trends in hair and makeup.
• Bradwyn's thoughts on the evolving dynamics of the beauty industry and maintaining professionalism amidst modern distractions.

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In this episode, Vanessa sits down with partnership specialist Sarina Lowe to delve into the intricacies of partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations.

Key Takeaways:

• Differentiate between cash partnerships and contra (product/service exchange) partnerships.
• How makeup artists, can benefit immensely from strategic partnerships.
• Building genuine relationships with potential partners is crucial.
• Focus outreach efforts on quality engagement rather than just follower counts.
• Clearly outline expectations when receiving products from brands to avoid misunderstandings.
• Transparency and clear communication are key to successful partnerships.
• High-quality, creative content can significantly enhance the value of partnerships.
• Understand your own business objectives and goals before entering partnerships.
• Research potential partners thoroughly to make informed decisions.
  
  

Discussion Highlights:

• Practical strategies for small businesses to leverage partnerships.
• Importance of building genuine relationships and clear communication in partnerships.
• How creative content creation can boost partnership value.
• Tips on aligning business objectives with partnership efforts.

Actionable Tips:

• Start with clear goals for what you want to achieve from partnerships.
• Be transparent and communicate your expectations clearly.
• Focus on creating high-quality content that reflects your brand and engages your audience.
• Build genuine relationships with potential partners, prioritizing engagement over follower count.
• Always research potential partners to ensure value alignment.
  
  

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