Here’s a little inspirational piece put together by a fellow MUA who’s very close to us here at the Academy… In Birute’s own words…
“Well, my journey into the makeup world! Where do I start?
I have always been interested in skincare and makeup but ended up in the finance sector instead. I did enjoy my job as I really do love numbers and spreadsheets (as Kristina will tell you ?) but after having my son Archie five years ago now, I realised there was something missing and I would like to try something different.
Kristina won The Wedding Industry Awards National Award for Bridal Makeup that year and magazines were writing about her. As I was on maternity leave at the time I actually had time to sit down and read magazines ?, this is where I found the most inspirational article about a Lithuanian girl who had made it all the way to the top in this exciting and glamorous world of weddings in the UK.
I related to Kristina so much as I’m Lithuanian as well, was working in an office, was 30+ and I also have a son! So the very same day I decided to write an old-fashioned letter to her asking to teach me the secrets and tricks of correct makeup application. Luckily for me Kristina had just started teaching at that time, so we arranged a 5-day intensive makeup course over 5 weeks or so.
I was nervous going to my first lesson as I didn’t have a clue what to expect but it was a blast! It was so informative and so intense that I didn’t have time to worry any more. The first day was all about colours and undertones. I still remember wearing an expensive Aquascutum trench coat in a mustardy colour thinking that I looked the business but, of course, after learning about colour theory and the colours that suited me it went on eBay the very next day ?
It took a lot of time and hard work to perfect my skills. The makeup course with Kristina gave me all the right tools to start and then I attended a few other makeup masterclasses at the Academy to perfect specific techniques like more glamorous makeup looks. All my hard work paid off when I ended up worked with Kristina’s incredible K-Team, honestly it was amazing!
I had my first 4 weddings in my first summer, then last year I had 20 weddings and my goal this year was to double the number of bookings. And guess what, I’ve had more than 40 wedding bookings this year and am already taking bookings for next year!
I would highly recommend following your dream if you would like work more flexibly in such a rewarding job. Don’t waste money on makeup courses at the big, expensive makeup schools – invest in one-to-one training with the best in the industry!!!”
<<Update March 2019>>
Guess what my friends? I can proudly say that I’m now a National Winner! Back in January, I was chosen by both my brides and a very discerning judging panel as The 2019 Wedding Industry Awards Makeup (TWIA) Artist of the Year! Amazing! I’m so excited and so happy to be where I am today. But it didn’t come overnight. It took A LOT of hard work into becoming the best that I can be.
I was a regional finalist at the same awards, the previous year (the TWIAs are THE standout awards for our industry and the ones to go for) and while I was thrilled with the outcome, I wanted to go all the way. It took a lot of planning and preparation, but I was determined to win the coveted National Award next time around. And it worked!
Word of my win spread and my workload doubled overnight. I was bowled over by how much respect and visibility I got from this one award. I’d go as far as saying that I sometimes get treated like a celebrity! 🙂 The hard work’s not over yet though. In fact, this is just the beginning for me. Now that I have the crown, I’m determined to hold on to it. It does create pressure but that’s OK because I absolutely love what I do. Besides, evolving and improving is part of the job and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Becoming a makeup artist was one of the best decisions that I ever made along with having Kristina as my tutor. She’s made my journey into the unknown clearer, more manageable and so far more rewarding than I ever could’ve imagined. I know I probably keep repeating myself but without Kristina and the whole K-Team including the wonderful PA Jurate, I doubt I would be where I am today!
Amen!
Thank you so much for your kind words Birute!
