Since I was a young girl, I have always had a fascination with makeup from watching my mum applying hers, and then trying it myself when she wasn’t looking. Unfortunately, I always used too much and was reprimanded, though this did not sway me from continuing and learning. As I grew up, I would look at films, television programmes, books, and magazines for inspiration in recreating styles that I liked the look of. I loved the way that with the use of makeup – whether it is to make someone look glamourous or using Special Effects to create injuries, deformities, or a particular character creation – just how fascinating it is to be able to change a person’s appearance, rendering them unrecognisable until the makeup products are removed. This is exemplified with the use of either wigs, elaborate hairstyles, and costumes which bring the whole character together.

Leaving school, I enrolled on a hairdressing course at college, but I didn’t enjoy the perming and colouring aspect of it. I enjoyed creating hairstyles which was restricted on the course, so I left as it really wasn’t for me. I enrolled on a typewriting course and from there my career changed and I became a receptionist. Over the years I continued office work which I didn’t enjoy, it was just a matter of having a wage every month. I had a career break to bring up my children.

On restarting my career, I really wanted to pursue my dream job of becoming a hair and makeup artist. I enrolled on courses that would be beneficial for the skills required to follow my chosen career path. In 2019 I attended Bucks New University where I completed a BA (Hons) Hair and Makeup for the Film Industry. I have been lucky enough to have had work experience on a variety of productions. Even though it is difficult networking in the beginning and at times disheartening, my attitude is to keep persisting and not to give up especially as I have waited so long to get where I am, and I don’t want to think “what if” had I given up.

I enjoy meeting and working with an array of people and other creatives within the industry also, being part of an integral team working together to create and watch a project grow to the end. Despite the challenges nothing can compare to the feeling of being on set and being able to help when required, it is imperative to work hard, and have the right attitude, common sense, being reliable and enthusiasm also knowing your place. I am always eager to learn new skills and refresh bringing my skills up to date. I have recently completed a beginner’s barbering course which is essential for my work.

At University I worked on wigs creating a variety of hairstyles from different eras, I thoroughly enjoyed it and wish to pursue this further by enrolling on a twelve-week full time course at ‘The Wig Room Training Academy’ which is due to start in January 2022. It will teach me all aspects of period hairdressing on synthetic and lace front wigs. In completing this course, it would give me the necessary skills to succeed in all three sectors being Film, Television, and the Theatre industries. Allowing me more opportunity of obtaining a variety of work. My ultimate ambition is too master and continue updating my skills and advance into a key supervisor role within the hair and makeup department.

1. Junior within the hair and makeup for main team

   Guardians of the Galaxy Secret Cinema · Jul 2023 - Nov 2023

   My role was of a Junior within the main team. I had four characters that I was responsible for, applying their Makeup, Wigs, Facial Pieces and Special Effects. I also applied Scars and Fake Tattoos as well as help make Bondos and maintain the wigs.

2. Hair & Makeup Assistant

   Karan Kapoor · Aug 2023 - Aug 2023

   This editorial shoot was based on a 90's Versace vibe, my role was as a Hair and Makeup Assistant where I would help styling hair and general assisting duties

3. Work Experience within the Hair and Makeup Department

   Whitstable Pearl · May 2022 - May 2022

   My role was as Work Experience within the Hair and Makeup Department. I helped with basic hairstyling, assisting, maintaining stock on work stations, Cleaning, and packing up

4. Junior hair and makeup

   Instinct Production · Sep 2021 - Sep 2021

   I was a Junior within the hair and makeup crowd room for a Netflix production called What's Love Got To Do With It. My work involved styling the supporting artists hair and applying makeup according to there character.

5. Work Experience

   BBC1 · Sep 2021 - Sep 2021

   I was lucky enough to have a few days work experience within the makeup department on the BBC1 drama series London Kills, Series 3.

6. Hair and Makeup Artist

   London Television and Film School · Oct 2005 - Nov 2021

   This was a student film in which I was the hair and make artist.

7. Wig Work Experience

   Columbia Pictures · Aug 2019 - Aug 2019

   I did work experience within the wig room where I helped create some hair pieces for the ballroom scene.

8. Makeup Artist

   Paradox Productions · Feb 2006 - Apr 2006

   My role was a makeup artist for this Sci fi Web Series.

9. hair and Makeup Artist

   Muckle Films · May 2005 - Dec 2006

   I worked as a hair and makeup artist on a variety of different productions with Muckle Films across different production dates spanning over approximately 18 months.

10. Hair and Makeup Artist

    Southwark Council · Jun 2005 - Jun 2005

    My role was a Hair and Makeup artist working with Southwark council education on the effects of drugs.

11. Hair and Makeup Artist

    Southwark Council · Jul 2005 - Jul 2005

    Hair and Makeup Artist working with Southwark council education on mental health awareness.

1. Family tree

   ScreenSkills Learning · Dec 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

2. How to apply for work in the screen industries

   ScreenSkills Learning · Dec 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

3. How to apply for work in the screen industries

   ScreenSkills Learning · Dec 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

4. Basic principles & techniques of barbering Barbering

   Delamar Academy · Mar 2022 - Mar 2022

   This course covered sectioning, scissor over comb techniques, clippering, blowdrying, cross checking, texturizing, blending and styling. Also some military and period styles, essential for many make-up artists working in film.

5. Beginners Afro & Curly Textured Hair

   Delamar Academy · Jun 2022 - Jun 2022

   In this course, I learnt all about afro and curly hair textures from blow drying to twists. Including the correct products to use for the different hair textures.

6. Complete Bridal Hair & Makeup

   Lisa Alger Bridal Bootcamp · Jan 2022 - Feb 2022

   How to construct various hairstyles on different lengths for brides and bridal party. What are the best products to use and maintenance of the hairstyle. Also being self employed.

7. Hair and make-up transfer programme - introduction to film and TV

   ScreenSkills · Jan 2022

   ScreenSkills Funded

8. Level 1 diploma Beginners Barbering

   Kingston College · Nov 2021 - Dec 2021

   Cutting men's hair into a one-length or layered style, using clippers, styling men's hair, selecting and using finishing products to complement the finished style and Beard trimming and grooming.

9. BA (Hons) Hair and Makeup for the Film Industry Hair and Makeup

   Bucks New University · Sep 2019 - Jun 2021

10. VTCT Level 1 & 2 Diploma in Haircutting & styling Haircutting, Colouring and Styling

    LHAA · Sep 2017 - Mar 2018

    Style and finish hair, Set and dress hair, Haircutting skills, Colour and lighten hair, Creating different hairstyles.

11. VTCT Level 3 Diploma Makeup Artistry

    Kingston College · Jun 2012 - Aug 2013

    Apply makeup, Camouflage makeup, Airbrush makeup, Fashion and Photographic makeup, Media makeup, Design and apply face and body art.

12. BTEC Professional Development Certificate Design and Media Makeup

    Westminster Adult Education College · Sep 2003 - Jul 2005

    Basic skincare skills, Basic makeup skills, TV and Film makeup skills, Special Effects makeup Skills, Photographic makeup and Haircutting skills.