Tuesday, 27 March 2012

Getting into the Beauty Industry


My Experience with the Ash Kumar Academy, And Then Some.....


I love all things girly, pretty and fashionable, makeup is my vice, but registering with the AK Academy Hair, Makeup, Styling and Henna courses was the first official step I had taken to pursue my passion (buying a copy of Vogue magazine doesn't count). A snap decision that has proven to be a great one!

Cut to day one of the course, I was amongst other aspiring or already established artists, waiting to meet the world renowned Mr. Ash Kumar. After intros he utters the words “I love my job” repeated 3 times. “Gee, I hope I can say this when I'm finished the courses” I think to myself.

Week one was a blur of makeup, brushes, colour, styling, the words “Lakme Fashion Week” is uttered several times (I Googled a lot during the course). “Blend, Blend is your friend” is also a phrase that has been instilled into my very core. My educator B is my makeup mentor!

Week two is a serene setup with the scent of henna and vanilla candles in the air, with the most peaceful music I have ever heard playing in the background. I am taught by Mr. Kumar himself, all the history, tips, techniques and tricks of the trade from one of the best in the art of henna. In between lessons, yes lessons, with notes and a white board and everything, we practice with a henna cone on paper, free flowing designs or techniques we have learned, and I am in love! Breaking up the serene peaceful ambiance, Mr. Kumar offers comedic relief with stories of his quirky clients and his adventures when traveling to different destinations to do henna or teach.

And after an intense two weeks packed with 10 hour days, I had completed all the AK courses and what a rewarding and enriching experience they were, skills that will be with me for life.

Graduated and certified, now what? My one to one business meeting with Mr. Kumar, that's what! And after that, I walked away excited, amazed and prepared with an actual business plan, to launch myself onto this new world of beauty, that incorporates my passions, personality and skills.

The AK team has provided me with many amazing opportunities. Recently I was able to assist with the Hair, Makeup and Styling course in Vancouver, BC. An honor in itself, I feel that in every endeavor I incur in the beauty industry, the AK team is behind me.

It has now been just over 3 months since graduating, and as I look back I am actually quite proud of what I accomplished, the memories I made with the AK team and the fellow students I met. I am in the world of beauty as a business woman, and windows are opening for me. No longer am I on the outside looking in. I am a part of a fun and exciting industry and in addition to this a new attitude has also come along after my experience, and that is: “Say Yes!” To any opportunity that will push you, challenge you, benefit you, (make you money is a big bonus), and get you out there doing something amazing, just say YES!
I said “Yes” and registered with the AK academy and here I am telling you my story, and fingers crossed, amazing opportunities are in my horizon.

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