Nolene is the creative and passionate teacher behind her company, My New Hobby, where she lives out her dream job as a Makeup Artist, Makeup Tutor, and DIY home décor educator.
Nolene's passion for creativity started in 2009 when she learned the art of makeup as a retail makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics. She soon had the opportunity to be a representative for MAC South Africa and became part of their events team.
During this time, Nolene gained substantial knowledge in makeup at fashion weeks, television and magazine advertisements, and working with South African musicians. During her spare time, Nolene expanded her creative capabilities by learning various different skills, which included photography, digital editing, painting, and carpentry.
Nothing excites Nolene more than gaining knowledge in creativity and sharing it with others. This characteristic trait formed the inspiration for starting her own business.
Her company offers students the opportunity to learn different creative skills because Nolene is able to utilise her knowledge as a professional makeup artist and other skills she has acquired over the years.
Many of her successes are due to those skills, which led to her landing an episode on television where she needed to teach a creative class. This allowed her to share her love for creativity nationally.
Today, Nolene is based in the USA where she spends her time passionately educating and mentoring her creative students!
After completing school, I studied beauty therapy, which gave me a deep understanding of skincare and how to maintain its health and radiance. While I found the theoretical aspects fascinating, my true passion was in the practical work where I could directly enhance beauty and see the immediate results. I particularly loved the makeup classes, which inspired me to specialise in makeup after graduating from beauty school. Once I finished makeup school, I began working at MAC Cosmetics, an experience that further fueled my passion for colour, teaching, and continuous learning.
During my time at MAC Cosmetics, one of our responsibilities was teaching customers how to apply makeup and create everyday looks on themselves. I truly enjoyed sharing the beauty and makeup knowledge I had accumulated over the years, and it was incredibly rewarding to see how empowered people felt after gaining new skills and confidence.
A successful makeup artist combines creativity with adaptability, staying on top of trends and client needs while solving challenges like long-lasting wear or tough conditions. Strong listening and communication skills are key to understanding client preferences and setting expectations, while a positive attitude and professionalism are crucial for building trust. Efficient workflow, organisational skills, and punctuality help meet time constraints, and the ability to adapt to various environments is essential. Staying updated on the latest fashion trends while ensure that you continue to practice and perfect your art of creating looks that meets your and your clients’ expectations. Finally, the ability to promote yourself and your work utilising various social media platforms.
I have a true passion for learning new skills, and I’m always proud when someone takes the leap to try something new, whether it’s switching careers or gaining experience to follow their passion for makeup. I understand that everyone starts this course with different levels of makeup knowledge, so I focus on providing valuable feedback to help students leave the course feeling confident and ready to step into the makeup world on their own. I also enjoy sharing the tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years, with the goal of giving my students the advantage of knowledge I didn’t have when I first started my journey.
I have a deep appreciation for perfect symmetry and precise application. The good use of complementary colours and sharp lines truly excites me, and I love seeing creative, out-of-the-box makeup looks that push the boundaries.
I love the endless pit of inspiration that is available on Pinterest and YouTube and how they can be customised to fit the person sitting in front of you.
I love the work of Isamaya Ffrench. She has a powerful way with makeup and I love how she uses makeup as a form of art.
Seeing my students not only improve their skills but also gain confidence in their abilities. I love watching how each student brings their unique perspective, style, and creativity to the table, and seeing their individual take on each assignment.
The modules were amazing to learn new skills such as SFX and working with wigs and facial hair. I would highly recommend anyone do this course if you have a passion for makeup like myself.
Mount Cotton, QLD
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