QC Makeup Academy Graduate Feature: Julie Walawender - QC Makeup Academy

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am 50 years old and live in Buskirk, New York. My husband and I have a small horse farm. I’ve been an avid horseperson since I was a very young. Over the past 30 years, I’ve been involved with equine rescue, rehabilitation, and the retraining of ex-racehorses for new careers.

For the last several years, I have also operated a small bookkeeping business. Besides caring for my pets, my other passions in life are fashion and beauty – especially makeup. Despite being an outdoorsy person, I’ve always felt that regardless of what I do, it’s always important to put effort into my appearance. My day seems to go that much better when I do!

Why did you decide to become a professional makeup artist?

Helping others look beautiful and feel confident is something I have always dreamed of doing. It’s in my soul. In fact, I first started in the beauty industry back in my mid-20s, when I became a licensed nail tech. I had a great business and a big clientele. But then a chronic wrist condition from a horse accident left me unable to do my work, thus ending my career.

After that, I started my bookkeeping business. While I was happy with that, I always felt like something was missing. Then in late 2019, I became a consultant with Mary Kay. I really enjoyed that, but again, still felt like I wanted more.

Ironically, when COVID-19 hit a few months later, I found myself in a position where a change was necessary. At that point, I gave myself permission to pursue my dream of becoming a makeup artist… and so, here I am!

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Why did you choose to pursue professional training online?

Initially, it was because of COVID-19. Before I knew that online learning existed for makeup, I’d enrolled in a brick-and-mortar makeup school, but the classes all got postponed. After doing more research, I realized online learning is actually the better option, either way.

How did you hear about QC Makeup Academy and what was it about QC that made you decide to enroll?

I learned about QC Makeup Academy by Googling online makeup education. From there, I researched several online makeup education providers, but QC really stood out as the very best. The tutors are all extremely qualified, there’s a great support community of students and staff, and I was blown away by the student/grad work being showcased on their social media!

I thought to myself, This is the company I want to be in. If I’m going to invest my time, effort, and money into an education, I want to get a lot out of it. QC Makeup Academy was definitely the right choice for a dedicated person like myself!

How would you describe your makeup style? What’s your favorite makeup style?

I’d describe my makeup style as classic. I tend to avoid ‘trendy’ looks. My favorite makeup style for daytime is perfected skin paired with a soft eye look. I’d use a taupe color, a finely milled champagne shimmer, and a neutral lip color with a nice, dewy finish.

That said, I am a big fan of a dark and sultry smoky eye for evening. I’m also not at all shy about wearing bold, red lipstick!

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So far, you’ve graduated from the Master Makeup Artistry, Airbrush, and Skincare courses. What’s the #1 most important thing you’ve learned from each individual course?

Master Makeup Artistry: The importance of mastering classic techniques, because these are the foundation for all looks.

Skincare: How to properly identify skin types. If you don’t know skin types, it’s impossible to effectively address skin concerns and make good recommendations for your clients.

Airbrush: Put in the time and master the skills on paper first. I spent 2 months on Unit A, working on paper. It was worth it! It takes time to develop solid airbrushing skills.

You’re also currently enrolled in QC Makeup Academy’s Virtual Makeup Training mini course. Why are you interested in offering virtual beauty services to clients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Virtual beauty services allow clients to stay home, where they feel safe, while still doing something really fun and educational. Almost everything you can do in-person can also be accomplished virtually, so long as know how to go about it. I’m really looking forward to taking this course!

You’re also taking our Fashion Styling Course. How do you intend to incorporate fashion styling services into your makeup business?

I think it will be helpful to have the knowledge to assist my makeup clients with choices of colors and styles for photoshoots. I’d love to assist clients with choosing clothing that is not only a flattering color on them, but offers a flattering silhouette on their body type as well.

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How useful have you found your QC Makeup Academy course materials? I.e. textbooks, videos, assignments, tutor feedback, etc.

Invaluable! I am amazed at the thorough feedback and level of care the tutors put into each and every detail of the work they receive. I’ve never in my life received  this level of tutoring. The textbooks are great resources and the videos are always very informative. It’s all very entertaining!

So far, what’s been your FAVORITE hands-on assignment and why?

This is a tough question. I have really enjoyed SO many assignments… I’d say that it’s a toss-up between two.

In the MMA Course, I loved the Unit E assignment, Editorial Makeup Application. For it, I chose to do a hair product ad. This was the first assignment where I  got to dress up, put my long, flowing wig on, and have fun taking pictures.

My other favorite assignment was in Unit C of the Airbrush Makeup Workshop. This assignment was called, Creating a Complete Fantasy Look.  I’ll admit, this one was very intimidating for me at first. But once I got some confidence, and started experimenting with what I’d learned in the course, it became really fun!

What has been the proudest moment in your makeup career so far?

My career is just beginning. So, I will say that one of my proudest moments was actually during QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. Specifically, when I finally learned how to properly apply eyeshadow to my hooded eyes!

It took forever, it seemed. I practiced for so many hours. My tutor, Nathan Johnson, told me a dozen times to raise the shadow placement. But for some reason, it wasn’t clicking with me. After a lot of practice, it finally clicked and I was able to do it. That was a proud moment for me!

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How do you think QC Makeup Academy has prepared you for working in the field?

Really, I can’t even count the ways! I feel so confident knowing that I have the education I need to take on any job that comes my way. Knowing I’ve gotten the proper training in classic techniques, color correction, and balance/focus helps me to feel confident.

I must add, what really gives me security is knowing I can log in any time and refresh my memory by watching the many QC webinars. Plus, I can consult with my fellow students and instructors about anything in the Virtual Classroom on Facebook!

What’s on the horizon for your makeup business in 2021 and beyond?

Right now, I have a studio at home, but I’m also prepared to travel. My short-term goal is to build a solid reputation in my area as a bridal, prom, and graduation makeup specialist. Beyond that, I am open to new possibilities as they arise!

If you could offer one piece of advice to every aspiring makeup artist out there, what would you tell them?

I’d tell them to invest in a good education, and take the time to learn and master the techniques. Of course, I would recommend that they do this by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy!

So, what are you waiting for? Enroll with QC Makeup Academy today and get certified in just 3-6 months! 

Author Sarah Seguin

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