Educator Feature | Vanessa Fahlman
Makeup Educator
What is your name and position?
Vanessa Fahlman Makeup Educator
Can you share a little background on your career in the industry?
My love for makeup started when I was in high school, I did makeup for some plays and that sparked my first interest. In 2007 I decided to go to a Makeup school in Calgary and fell in love with the art. I worked for MAC Cosmetics from 2007-2016. After having a small family I then started my Freelance journey and opened a small studio with a fellow friend/ co makeup artist in Regina called the Beauty Loft. I have recently been enjoying being a PT MU educator, this is my pushing myself to try something new.
What made you choose this career?
I kinda a fell into Makeup, I always knew I wanted to work with people in some way however, this wasn’t always easy for me as I grew to be super shy I always liked art so when I decided to give the university a break I went to MU school this really pushed me to pop out of my shell and gave me the confidence I needed, to connect with people. I knew early on in my makeup career that I chose the right career path.
What’s the most valuable thing you have taken away from your education?
Watching upcoming Makeup Artist grow by learning and developing their skills is so neat to watch. Every student has unique talents and being able to help them flourish is so rewarding, and one of the best feelings ever. It’s really a full circle for me as I remember being that Makeup student being passionate and eager to learn.
Who are some of your favourite artists to follow?
I love following Danessa Myricks, and James Molloy, they are both super talented, and I love the crisp clean makeup looks they showcase.
What is the most important thing you want your students to take away?
Push Yourself to try new things, work hard always, and be open to feedback. If a cool Makeup opportunity comes your way go for it, you may regret being too scared to try and let it pass you by.
What has been your biggest aha moment as an educator?
Everyone learns so differently, and being able to be open and real with them really helps them relate as we all start somewhere. I am not afraid to share my challenges, successes, and all the in-betweens. I also like to ask for feedback, so I can better my ability to educate.
What keeps you inspired /motivated?
I love being able to teach, however, I am the biggest advocate to keep learning from others. I also love watching other makeup artists as it always keeps me inspired to try new trends or techniques. I will also have to say my fellow MU community, there is a large community of us who communicate constantly and we are always here to lend a helping hand and to help lift each other up and support each other no matter what!
What do you love most about teaching?
Being able to see the Student’s confidence grow with each application, seeing their faces when they take pictures of the beautiful makeup looks they created. The smiles I see when we take a look back at some of their first application photos to some of their final ones and realizing how much they have grown is such a great feeling. I also love to collaborate with other Educators and Students, it really builds a foundation for creating a strong community to leave the program with, and of course building great friendships.
Who are some of your favourite artists to follow?
I love following Danessa Myricks, and James Molloy, they are both super talented, and I love the crisp clean makeup looks they showcase.
What is the most important thing you want your students to take away?
Push Yourself to try new things, work hard always, and be open to feedback. If a cool Makeup opportunity comes your way go for it, you may regret being too scared to try and let it pass you by.
What has been your biggest aha moment as an educator?
Everyone learns so differently, and being able to be open and real with them really helps them relate as we all start somewhere. I am not afraid to share my challenges, successes, and all the in-betweens. I also like to ask for feedback, so I can better my ability to educate.
What keeps you inspired /motivated?
I love being able to teach, however, I am the biggest advocate to keep learning from others. I also love watching other makeup artists as it always keeps me inspired to try new trends or techniques. I will also have to say my fellow MU community, there is a large community of us who communicate constantly and we are always here to lend a helping hand and to help lift each other up and support each other no matter what!
What do you love most about teaching?
Being able to see the Student’s confidence grow with each application, seeing their faces when they take pictures of the beautiful makeup looks they created. The smiles I see when we take a look back at some of their first application photos to some of their final ones and realizing how much they have grown is such a great feeling. I also love to collaborate with other Educators and Students, it really builds a foundation for creating a strong community to leave the program with, and of course building great friendships.
What are some of your biggest achievements?
Working on the movie Cage fighter in Regina in 2019, was so far a huge achievement.
Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?
I have to say my family for always supporting my career choice, they have always been my biggest support system and I couldn’t do what I love to do without them.
What have been some obstacles that you’ve faced in your career? How have you overcome them?
COVID 19 for sure, we had to revamp our kit and relearn how to work with clients wearing full PPE gear. For me, it wasn’t as personal however we adapted and made it work.
What are your favourite services or area of your career that you enjoy the most?
I really like to do Bridal Makeup, and I have grown to really love working on TV/Film.
What is the one piece of advice you would share or that you received over the years?
I can never say this enough ALWAYS be open to learning and continue to grow, the moment that you think you learned it all is when it stops being fun! Help each other out, always be there to help support others, you will always get it back when you need it!
Is there anything else you would like to share /add?
Just that I absolutely love what I do and love helping people feel like the best version of themselves. I never promote hiding behind makeup I simply teach on how to use it as a way to bring out the most confident you!
Photos of Vanessa’s family
