Growth & Jobs | Teachers find success as make-up artists

Gone are the days when leaving the classroom to enter a field such as cosmetology would have been frowned on. Instead, trained teachers Shellene Gregory and Debbie Manning have been encouraged, and found that becoming make-up artists have served them well.

Gregory and Manning were finalists in the "Make-up" category of the JN Small Business Loans (JNSBL) Barber and Beauty Battle, recently held at the National Arena in July. Gregory placed first, with Manning finishing second.

"The beauty industry has been underrated and seen as one for persons who are not academically inclined. But many of us in the field are qualified academically, and we have chosen to be beauticians because we love what we do," explained Gregory, a former Visual Arts teacher.

Gregory has been a full-time make-up artist since 2015, after teaching at Vere Technical in Clarendon. She fell in love with "make-up" as a child, when she saw her mother applying eyeliners and other cosmetics.

"The classroom was not for me. I realised that I did not enjoy the formal working environment," Gregory explained. "After two years, I resigned, trained as a make-up artist, and I have been working in the sector ever since."

Her family supported her decision; and her sister was one of her models during the JNSBL Barber and Beauty Battle.

"My family gave their approval from the day I made the decision, and they continue to support me by referring clients to me," Gregory related, adding that her clients range in age mostly between 18 and 50.

Manning juggles teaching and make-up artistry

While Gregory is a full-time make-up artist, Manning divides her time with teaching at the Grateful Hill Primary School in Glengoffe, St. Catherine, where she has been on staff for the past nine years.

"I love both professions, and receive satisfaction from teaching and doing make-up. However, I love make-up a little more, and will eventually do it full-time. The industry is one that allows you to be creative, to do well, and to be flexible," she explained.

Early interest

Manning, who is based in St. Andrew, has been a make-up artist for the past five years. She became interested in the art of applying make-up while growing up. Subsequently, she started practising on herself, prior to demonstrating her skills on family members. She has also attended courses to achieve certification.

"I watched other persons doing make-up and fell in love with it. I also liked the beauty industry, because it is now easier to access the right nails and hairstyle. I also started watching videos on YouTube about application of make-up," she revealed, adding that her clients are mainly teenagers and persons in their 20s.

Gillian Hyde, general manager, JNSBL explained that, "One of the objectives behind the establishment of the Barber and Beauty competition was to promote the skills of talented people; present the sector as one in which persons can have fulfilling careers; and encourage these professionals to expand their operations."

"Both Miss Gregory and Miss Manning were decisive about pursuing careers in the beauty sector; and given their confidence and general approach, I am positive that they will become trendsetters. I wish them success," she added.