Fiona Sole - The Journey of Aotearoa's Wig Wizard

01/01/24 • 60 min

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Ngapuna Julian - Mastering Makeup, Monetisation, and Making Big Decisions

Meet Ngapuna Julian, a tenured makeup artist based in the vibrant capital of New Zealand, Wellington. Ngapuna specialises in creating stunning looks for weddings and events with an impeccable eye for detail.

In this episode, we dive into her unique journey, starting with a deep-seated love for art that ultimately led her into the world of makeup. Ngapuna also shares her candid thoughts on navigating the intricate relationship between creativity and commerce. Money, she admits, gives her "the ick," and we explore how she's pioneering a fresh income stream by leveraging her creativity through Patreon.

The discussion takes a real and raw turn as Ngapuna finds herself at a career crossroads. Contemplating whether to continue her full-time role in makeup artistry, she grapples with the intersection of passion and profession.

Join us for an authentic conversation that delves into the artistry of makeup, the complexities of monetising our creativity, and the pivotal decisions that shape her career.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Sam Hart - From Retail Ranks to Bridal Glam Guru

In this episode, Sophie dives into the world of Kiwi makeup artistry legend Sam Hart. This Auckland based makeup artist is not just about creating stunning bridal looks but also shares her knowledge in her wildly successful 'Bridal Boot Camp.’ Sam Hart Sam (an unwitting pseudonym born of her Instagram handle) shares her journey from hating high school and almost becoming a hairdresser to finding her true calling in makeup. She speaks about her experience in retail makeup, highlighting the importance of building rapport with clients and how working at places like Revlon, Clinique, and MAC helped her skills and sales grow.

Transitioning to freelance, Sam embraced the role of being her own boss and the impact it had on her career. She also discusses the value of her retail background in shaping client interactions and why she ventured into educational aspects of makeup, being one of the first in New Zealand to offer bridal industry specific lessons. Furthermore, Sam talks about her team of three members, her challenges in striking a work-life balance with a preschooler, and the complexities of sustainability in the industry.

Equality in service irrespective of the client or occasion is a principle Sam upholds, and her unique pricing structure reflects this. Success for her isn't measured by income but by the experiences and accomplishments over her 14-year career, dreaming of someday opening her own makeup school and beating her personal best in weddings per season.

Don’t miss out on the wisdom, laughter, and infectious energy of Sam Hart Sam!

(00:00:42) Meet Makeup Artist and Educator Sam Hart Sam

(00:03:40) Sam’s Makeup Career Journey

(00:06:50) Sam's Experience in Retail Makeup

(00:12:41) Freelancing While Employed

(00:14:48) Balancing Sales with Authentic Makeup Advice

(00:18:58) Masterclasses and Mentorship

(00:23:40) Managing Preschool Life and Self-Employment

(00:28:26) Recovery Journey Post-Back Surgery

(00:30:39) Discussion on Professional Rates

(00:33:44) Embracing Sustainability

(00:37:29) Defining Success and Happiness