Alumni Feature | Colby Budnick
Hairstyling & Makeup Artistry Alumni
Name, what you do and where you work
Colby Budnick – Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist at Salon Haze
What made you choose this career?
I chose this career for the creative freedom to express myself through my work. There is a constant opportunity to grow as an artist/stylist and the possibility for career advancement is endless.
When did you graduate?
Hairstyling Program June 2019 and Makeup Artistry December 2019.
What’s the most valuable thing you took from The Style Academy?
The most valuable lesson I learned from The Style Academy is the importance of building trust and relationships with clients. I also built a solid foundation in both Hairstyling and Makeup Artistry while at TSA that enabled me to get a strong start in my career as well as continuing my education.
Hair and makeup completed by Colby Budnick
What keeps you motivated to push forward?
I am constantly inspired by industry leaders that own successful businesses, educate others around the world, and have won international competitions. Se
What are some of your biggest achievements?
One of my biggest achievements was taking the leap to leave my last career for Hairstyling and Makeup Artistry. I have also had my work published in three magazines.
How do you build industry connections and gain new experiences?
In order to build industry connections and gain new experiences, I constantly push myself out of my comfort zone to connect with peers on social media as well as attend networking events and classes. I have found that photoshoots are a great way to build relationships and add to my portfolio. My next goal is to enter some competitions!
Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?
Sofie Pok inspired me to go back to school for Hairstyling and continues to inspire me as I navigate through the start of my career. It is amazing to watch her succeed as one of the best barbers in the most male dominated aspect of the industry. Sofie also has a very soft and shy presence that I very much relate to, so seeing her educate on an international level gives me confidence that I could advance while still being myself.
What have been some obstacles that you’ve faced in your career? How have you overcome them?
Being new to an industry means that you cannot be picky with what you do whether that be perming, short hair cutting, or providing a makeup service that isn’t necessarily your style. I have taken an open and positive attitude for all clients and services and used them as a learning opportunity in order to be the best overall stylist and artist I can be.
What are your favourite services or area of your career that you enjoy the most?
Short creative haircuts and colours as well as editorial style photo shoots.
How have you continued to grow and educate yourself as a professional in the beauty industry?
I am surrounded by talented hairstylists every day at work and I make sure I shadow them and ask questions when I have downtime. There is also so much education available online and social media, and I have found that teaming up with other hairstylists and makeup artists to do photoshoots is an amazing way to push your own boundaries while learning from others.
What is the one piece of advice you wish someone would have given you?
Sometimes the hardest part of a service isn’t the service itself, it is establishing a good relationship with your client and ensuring you’re both on the same page.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hair and makeup industries have never-ending
