Success Stories

An Artistry and Make-Up Academy course can lead to amazing things! We have graduates working in all sorts of positions in the Make-Up and Beauty Industry, from photography and fashion to TV and film. Jayne Taylor, Miriam Wood and Petrina Howe, three graduates from the Artistry of Make-Up Academy tell their stories below.

Jayne Taylor

Jayne Taylor is an accomplished Beauty therapist and makeup artist with 20 years experience in the industry. Jayne has successfully run her own salon for many years providing services in nails, tanning, beauty, makeup and hairstyling. She enrolled in the Academy in 2005, to update her qualifications and give her an edge in the Makeup world. Jayne also now teaches for AMA. We asked her a few questions…

What were you doing before studying makeup and beauty?

I have been in the make-up and beauty industry for 20 years but before that I was a secretary.

How did you get into that ?

I got a job through a job centre. I had no real idea of what I wanted to do.

What motivated you to get into this industry?

I wanted a career not a job and I wanted something where I could own my own business. I had always been interested in the beauty industry so I decided to enrol in a course.

Why did you choose AMA?

AMA offered the courses I wanted. The company policies are good and Leanne and the teachers were only too happy to help. There was constant back-up I never felt alone. The hours and days for training are very suitable and this allowed me to continue with my salon.

What did you study?

Facials, Certificate IV in make-up

What did you enjoy about your time at the Academy?

I enjoyed the courses. I also enjoyed meeting the other students

Do you have a favourite experience or memory?

I had such an enjoyable experience its hard to single out one thing but I would have to say my favourite experience would have to be the wonderful friends I have made along the way.

What area of the industry have you now specialised in?

I have not specialised in any one area I do full beauty therapy, nails, make-up and hairstyling.

Do you have a favourite experience or memory since leaving the academy working in the industry?

Yes having the opportunity of returning to the Academy as a teacher and helping students on their new career path

What would a typical week entail for you now working in the makeup and beauty industry?

Running my own beauty therapy and make-up business during the day. Teaching at night and doing weddings on the week ends

Do you have any words of advice for anyone looking to study makeup and Beauty?

Go for it, it is never a mistake. This a fabulous career for anyone even if you are looking to work only part time. The money is fabulous you will make the cost of your courses back in no time and you can be your own boss so you decide how many hours and when.

Miriam Wood

Miriam Wood is an accomplished makeup artist, Beauty practitioner and business owner with a thriving mobile business that is taking off in leaps and bounds. Using the internet as the main form of marketing her business, Miram has a very bright future ahead of her.

Check out Miriam's website www.mobilebeautytreatments.com

What were you doing before studying makeup and beauty?

I was studying an Arts Degree at Macquarie University. I had a variety of jobs including working as a Court Reporter, PA to the CEO of a Mission Organisation and running an events and catering business.

How did you get into that ?

Because I was a student, I also needed to earn money so I used my skills to work in various industries.

What motivated you to get into this industry ?

I wanted to have children and continue to earn some money and I had always liked the idea of operating my own business. I loved playing with makeup when I was a teenager, and I’ve always been interested in beauty therapy, so the choice seemed clear.

Why did you choose AMA?

Word of mouth – a friend suggested I contact AMA. Leanne came to visit me and I was impressed with the flexibility of the course which was important to me at the time.

What did you study?

I began by studying Certificate II in Makeup and went on to complete a Cert III in Beauty Services

What did you enjoy about your time at the Academy?

Lots of things – I really loved learning about makeup and beauty and realized that this was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. My teacher for Makeup, Georgina, was excellent and knew so much about the theory behind makeup as well as having great experience in the industry. I also made some great new friends who are still good friends now.

Do you have a favourite experience or memory?

I did some really great work experience during my time studying, one was on a film set in a warehouse that had been converted to look like an airport hangar – with the shell of an aeroplane. I kept spotting all these famous people and trying to pretend I knew exactly what I was doing. At the end of the day, just reaching the end of the study and putting all the pieces together felt like such a great achievement and especially when I knew that makeup and beauty was exactly what I wanted to be doing.

What area of the industry have you now specialised in?

I run a business called Mobile Beauty Treatments which provides a fully mobile beauty therapy service and bridal hair and makeup and some agency work for other beauty therapists – I still work in both these areas myself as well as looking after the day-to-day operations of the business.

Do you have a favourite experience or memory since leaving the academy working in the industry?

Launching my new website was a moment that was extremely exciting for me – it took a while to produce, but when finished, it really captured the feel of the business and it was a time to reflect on how far the business had come, from me working by myself and getting one or two jobs a week, to having many weekly bookings and anywhere up to ten staff working along side me and providing a service that is enjoyable and valuable.

Do you have any words of advice for anyone looking to study makeup and Beauty?

If you have a passion for this industry, be it makeup, hairstyling or beauty therapy then put in the hard work and you’re your dreams could be realized.

Petrina Howe

What were you doing before studying makeup and beauty?

I had been working for a Recruitment company for 8yrs, when I decided to enroll in a Make Up course. I completed the course part time whilst still working full time.

Why did you choose AMA?

I found that AMA was not only affordable (as the academy offers discounts for upfront payments) but having a local college was great for me. I worked local to the college which meant I didn’t have to travel into the City. The convenience of the location was a major factor for me.

What did you study?

I completed Certificate II in Make Services and Hair Styling for a special event

What did you enjoy about your time at the Academy?

Before doing this course most students (including myself) had no idea about the different uses for Make Up. It was hilarious at times when we were trying new techniques and learning right from wrong.I also made some good friends.

What area of the industry have you now specialised in?

Weddings mainly. Hair and make up, its great fun.

Do you have a favourite experience or memory since leaving the academy working in the industry?

I have had the opportunity to do a couple of photo shoots & a video clip. All the experiences I have had have been great, although by far the photo shoots have been the most fun and enjoyable.

Do you have any words of advise for anyone looking to study makeup and Beauty?

If you have the passion for the industry, DO IT.There is nothing more rewarding then to see your work in the Newspaper, Magazine or on a website.