The New Zealand Makeup Podcast

Get ready to dive into the glamorous world of red carpet beauty with iconic kiwi makeup artist Amber Dreadon, a.k.a. Amber D! From her days at Smith and Caugheys in Auckland to celebrity events in LA, Amber pulls back the curtain on her vibrant journey and the art of keeping it fresh in the fast-paced makeup industry.

Discover the secrets behind collaborating with celebs like Lorde and staying inspired in an ever-evolving beauty landscape. Amber opens up about the personal challenges and professional victories transitioning to life in the US, adapting to different work cultures, and relying on her network. Her experiences underscore the importance of preparation, collaboration, and the constant hustle to keep the wheels turning in LA's competitive scene. Get a sneak peek into the intricate process behind beauty campaigns, the art of social media content, and the quest for innovation in a saturated market.

Whether you're a makeup enthusiast, aspiring artist, or just love a good behind-the-scenes scoop, this episode is the perfect blend of professional insights and personal stories that will leave you feeling inspired.

• (00:02:01) Early Makeup Influences
• (00:05:51) From Art to Makeup Artistry
• (00:07:36) Leaping into a Freelance Career
• (00:11:30) Navigating New Beginnings Alone
• (00:12:32) Securing a US Artist Visa
• (00:13:55) Landing An Agent in LA
• (00:18:57) Rewards and Challenges of Freelancing
• (00:23:38) Maintaining Professionalism with Clients
• (00:27:56) The Power of Publicists
• (00:28:58) Preparing Celebrity Makeup Looks
• (00:34:16) Behind Beauty Campaigns
• (00:38:19) The Power of Preparation
• (00:39:33) Timing for the Perfect Glam
• (00:43:49) Tips for Building a Makeup Career in LA
• (00:51:46) Maintaining Passion in Makeup Artistry
• (00:53:40) Evolving Trends in Beauty
• (01:02:15) The Final Three Questions

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Kimberley Coleman is the owner and operator of the award-winning Lady Lash Studio in Christchurch. Kimberley discusses her journey of building a successful lash salon and how she began with the modest goal of contributing $150 a week to her family's finances. The episode delves into the educational aspect of Lady Lash, which not only teaches lash extensions but also emphasises the importance of being an effective teacher. Highlighting the lack of government regulation in the industry, Kimberley stresses the necessity of insurance for protecting businesses and staff.

The discussion covers practical advice for makeup artists, including the crucial recommendation of using a lash cleanser for lash and eye care to avoid infection. Kimberley also elaborates on her inspiring ‘Let's Go Wahine' mentorship program that combines beauty training with activities such as yoga, surfing, and self-development to boost confidence and make a positive community impact.

Sustainability in the beauty industry is a key topic, with Kimberley sharing insights on eco-friendly products in the lash world and the importance of recycling and reusing.

Speaking from her own experience as a mother and an enthusiast of outdoor sports, she offers advice to other artists on balancing professional hustle with personal life.

Looking to the future, Kimberley expresses her ambition to have the salon operate independently, allowing her to focus on expanding the ‘Let's Go' program nationwide, empowering young women across New Zealand. The episode concludes with a reflection on the supportive nature of New Zealand's beauty industry and the mutual benefit of fostering a supportive community.

(00:01:21) Kimberly Coleman: NZ's Top Lash Salon Winner

(00:03:06) A Decade of Lash Studio Success

(00:08:48) Expert Tips on Lash Extensions

(00:14:00) Balancing Local Preferences and Global Trends

(00:18:07) Challenge of Dealing with Dirty Lashes

(00:21:35) 'Let’s Go Wahine' Mentorship

(00:28:01) Sustainable Practices in Lash Business

(00:32:01) Juggling Business, Roles, and Family

(00:35:41) The Power of Acting on Ideas

(00:38:58) Future Aspirations for the Salon Business

(00:40:12) Empowering Young Women with 'Let's Go Project'

(00:41:54) The Three Final Questions

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Meet Fiona Sole, a multifaceted hair and makeup artist, renowned for her exceptional skills in wig knotting and design. In this episode Fiona discusses her conscious shift towards specialising in wig making over the past five years and the detailed process involved in creating custom wigs. She recounts how she started her career, inspired by her love for art as a child, and reveals her initial foray into wig making during pre-production for the Lord of the Rings, thanks to a meeting with Richard Taylor of Weta Workshop.

Fiona shares her experiences with chronic dermatitis and how it influenced her path toward wig making while working on the Hobbit. She speaks about the industry's reliance on wig work adjustments rather than crafting from scratch due to budget constraints, often sending jobs to the UK or the USA. The podcast also touches on her learning period under Oscar-winning makeup artist Peter King and her decision to seek further training with Kylie Clark in Sydney after the Hobbit.

Reflecting on her personal developments, Fiona discusses the establishment of Sole Wig Works and the importance of social media in showcasing her vibrant and playful side. Further insights cover her views on the New Zealand wig industry, her partnership with Vanya Pell in the New Zealand Wig School, and their shared effort to standardise wig-making skills. The importance of quality tools and the time investment required for the craft are also emphasised.

Aspiring professionals gain valuable advice for the industry and Fiona's perspective on the significance of maintaining work-life balance and boundaries. Wrapping up the episode, she expresses her enjoyment of the transformative power of wigs, both in bringing joy and creating unique characters.

(00:00:54) Meet Fiona Sole

(00:01:29) Origins of a Makeup and Wig Making Career

(00:06:43) The Art of Wig Knotting

(00:10:46) Preparing Actors Behind the Scenes

(00:12:35) Meeting Richard Taylor at Weta Workshop

(00:18:19) Dabbling in Beauty Therapy

(00:24:42) Wig Making Mentorship with Peter King

(00:29:34) Advancing Skills in Sydney

(00:32:36) Exclusive Work with Private Clients

(00:35:17) Starting Sole Wig Works

(00:39:41) Social Media Creativity

(00:43:46) Growing Demand for Wig Making in NZ

(00:48:00) Advice for Entering NZ's Hair and Makeup Departments

(00:51:31) Launch of the New Zealand Wig School

(00:54:02) The Final Three Questions

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Meet Stacey Banfield, the founder of Soleil and Soul and an accomplished bridal makeup artist in Aotearoa. Stacey shares her journey from leaving school at 16 to work on a makeup counter to becoming one of New Zealand's top wedding vendors without the need for traditional advertising, relying instead on word-of-mouth recommendations.

Stacey highlights her passion for the transformative power of makeup and explains her preference for freelance over counter work due to its flexibility and freedom from workplace pressure. She emphasises the importance of customer service and interpersonal skills, criteria she priorities in her team of artists.

Discussing entrepreneurship, Stacey outlines her experience in starting a beauty brand, including the time and significant financial investment required to launch a product that aligns with her commitment to sustainability. Sustainability is a core value for her brand, which she strives to uphold in both formulation and packaging.

She offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs based on her own experience of self-funding her business and the meticulous process of finding the right formulator. Stacey also delves into her unexpected role as a social media influencer, which emerged organically from promoting her work and business online.

Furthermore, Stacey shares a personal security concern that arose from working alone, the importance of maintaining booking information for safety, and her aspirations to scale back Saturdays while expanding her beauty brand into the Australian market. She dreams of her products being sold in major retailers like Mecca or Sephora.

Don't miss this intimate conversation with Stacey as we explore her journey from makeup artist to visionary entrepreneur, delving into the highs, the lows, and everything in between on the road to creating Soleil and Soul Beauty.

• (00:00:41) Meet Stacey: Bridal Makeup Artist
• (00:04:30) Makeup Courses and Career Beginnings
• (00:06:12) Choosing Makeup Artistry
• (00:08:38) Transition to Freelance Work
• (00:10:37) Customer Service for Makeup Artists
• (00:12:30) Filling the Market Gap with Soleil and Soul
• (00:14:47) Innovative Brush Cleaner Solution
• (00:22:09) Sustainability in Beauty Brands
• (00:26:43) Connecting with a Formulator
• (00:28:57) Investing in a Beauty Brand Launch
• (00:35:45) Growing a Social Media Following
• (00:39:16) Dealing with Safety Concerns
• (00:42:25) Work-Life Balance in Freelance Makeup
• (00:45:54) The Three Final Questions

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In this episode, we kōrero with the multi-talented Hayden Rahim, a physiotherapist-turned-makeup artist and hairstylist, who explored her passion for beauty during the COVID lockdowns. This self-taught makeup maven was inspired by OG beauty vloggers like Michelle Phan, Sherree Morris, and Shaaanxo, paving her way into the industry through sheer determination and a willingness to learn.

We delve into the highs and lows of Hayden's unconventional career path, from balancing professionalism and personality in branding to understanding one's audience. You'll gain insights into her meticulous preparation process, which includes detailed prep sheets, consultations to grasp clients' needs, colour theory considerations, and a commitment to making each person feel extraordinary.

Hayden shares her philosophy of providing high-end, customised makeup experiences that transcend mere application, justifying her premium pricing through handmade, colour-matched eyelashes, meticulous facial hair removal, and a focus on transparency and client education. We also explore how word-of-mouth recommendations and satisfied clients drive her business growth, challenging traditional approaches with inclusivity, diversity, and a collaborative spirit within New Zealand's competitive beauty landscape.

(00:00:17) Hind Ibrahim's Background

(00:03:36) Self-Taught Makeup Artist

(00:04:16) Non-Traditional Path Influence

(00:07:49) Client Preparation

(00:14:10) Selling a Lifestyle

(00:21:14) Business Growth

(00:21:56) Client Motivations

(00:23:18) Diversity and Inclusivity

(00:31:12) Staff and Masterclass

(00:33:32) Certification and Deposits

(00:39:22) Flexible Deposits

(00:43:10) Learning as an Entrepreneur

(00:49:51) Audience-Focused

(00:55:52) Client Inspiration

(00:58:07) Price and Quality

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