A North East Welcome

So, in February we took the BLCKSTR workshop to the North East (who knew the North was so far away!). I was not present because I am away filming, but the workshop was in the capable hands of Marcia, Sharon and Lauren (below),

Each of them packed a suitcase and headed north to meet the next cohort of BLCKSTR workshop attendees.

10 talented hair and makeup artists who had taken a few days out of their busy schedules to learn some new hair and makeup techniques and tricks.

Artist Lauren set up and facilitated the workshop, while celebrity Hair stylist Sharon led the hair session, and Hair and makeup Designer Marcia, led the makeup sessions (I hear those two were part educator, part double act!).

You can't fake atmosphere, and on day one everyone is nervous as no one knows what to expect - but we are a chill group of educators and eventually our artists relax and enjoy the tasks set for them. When hair and makeup artists park egos and show up willing to learn they have a lot of fun. On this workshop many of the artists knew each other and I'm sure found it comforting working alongside their mates..

It was commented on a lot over the week how well the BLCKSTR team worked together and how they created a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

"From the moment we walked in there was a warm welcoming atmosphere and I can honestly say I’ve never felt in a safer space to ask questions and be able to ensure I am doing the best I can for all the artists I have the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with." - Danielle, HMUA

For a nice few days the BLCKSTR team worked with, and were on hand to help 10 of the norths Hair and Makeup artists as they practiced textured hair techniques, learnt about products, and makeup application tips and tricks on skins of colour. By the final day of the workshop our HMUAs are raring to go. When they meet their models of colour they are confidently creating hairstyles and applying makeup on the various skin tones.

You won't fully understand textured hair in 3 days, that's not possible (it's life long learning) and that is the first thing we'll tell you. But what you will have is a starting point for how to proceed when you are faced with certain situations; and from what our makeup artists tell us, you should expect to undergo a personal change and feel like a different person walking out to when you walked in - why our artists feel that way - you'll have to ask them.

I love how makeup artists dive in when they are ready to work and our 10 peeps were no different. They had their tools laid out, their products lined up and the makeup set out and welcomed their models into their chairs with smiles and then respectfully and methodically set about doing their hair and makeup - and understand this - our models love every minute of it too.

"I really enjoyed taking part in the workshop and left feeling both inspired and empowered, particularly with knowing that there is real commitment in the industry to make some positive change." - Essy, model

Congratulations to the 10 hair and makeup artists who completed Working with Textured Hair and Makeup for Medium to Deep Skin Tones in February. Deciding to add to your hair and makeup skills is always going to be a smart move. We are all busy people in this industry, but you found the time to take a first step to learning something new and you wi'll never regret that. Best of luck on set! See you at the next workshop!

BLCKSTR is now on Instagram - you can follow us here or there @blckstr.worshops

BLCKSTR workshops are offered in person and online. We work and collaborate with highly experienced hair, makeup artists & specialists to deliver training to hair and makeup artists who work on set or who are new and learning.

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