The Path to Beauty...

"As long as I can remember I have adored playing with make-up. As a kid I loved Halloween because I was allowed to wear make-up outside the house. I was always into "dress up" and started making my own clothes at an early age. When I finally came of age, I started interviewing people to find out what I needed to do in order to become a professional make-up artist. I was told to get my cosmetology license and so it began. Vidal Sassoon had just opened a full cosmetology program in San Francisco, so I decided to go there. I actually had to interview in order to get in and prove how strong my commitment was to the industry as there was only room for a select few. I was already cutting my brothers hair and several of his rock band friends so "Hair" was certainly on my radar. I had no idea how life changing this school would be for me. It was incredible training. I have never looked back and have pursued education from that day on. My commitment has never wavered and I still love going to work every day. I particularly enjoy hair color because next to makeup it is the most immediately gratifying and impactful way to change someone's look. Color and make-up is really my passion.

Of course very little make-up was taught at Sassoon so at that time, (1976) I had to piece together my own make-up training starting with a theatrical make-up course at a local college and then taking every master class I could find...eventually I ended up at the Westmore Academy for some "finishing". I think the best training has actually been on the job if you really want the truth.

My earliest idols in makeup were Way Bandy and then Kevyn Aucoin. Over the years I've watched products improve and technology change our industry for the better and can't help but think how pleased these two masters would have been if they were alive today.

For one thing we take it for granted that photo shop is a tool at our disposal and also that it is possible to see our work as it is shot, so we don't have to wait, pray and hope that our work will look good. I still strive for perfection anyway but I appreciate how much easier it is now and that there are so many gorgeous products available to us.

I also really value education and enjoy teaching. I have had the privilege of learning from so many wonderful teachers in both hair and make-up, and I am still continuing to learn and grow as an artist. Part of my decision to align with Pureology- serious colour care company, aside from loving the products, is because I have the opportunity to work with artists from all over the country. My hope is that I can pass this knowledge along and inspire other professionals who work in our industry as well as assist my clients to further their own beauty confidence and expertise.