Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Katie Stegeman and I am from Oshkosh, WI. I have 5 beautiful babies and have been married to my husband for almost 9 years.
Why did you decide to become a professional makeup artist?
Makeup artistry is something that has been on my mind since I was in high school. I was almost going to go to cosmetology school, but then I found out that I was expecting my oldest. So, I decided not to go and instead got my BS in Business Management. In April of 2020, I decided to switch paths when quarantine started. That’s when I found QC Makeup Academy!
How would you describe your makeup style? What is your favorite makeup style?
My favorite makeup to do is natural beauty and bridal. I love enhancing a person’s natural features to make them glow. For bridal, I love being able to help that person’s beauty shine on their biggest day. Natural glam is my favorite style, though; adding just that little bit extra in the lashes or lips to really make a person’s features POP!
Why did you choose to pursue your makeup certification online instead of in-person?
For me, in-person training is not an option for me right now. I stay at home with my 5 babies. Caring for the youngest ones does not allow time for me to go to a physical school – not if I still wanted to sleep, haha! For me and my life right now, an online makeup certification was my only option.
Why did you choose to enroll with QC Makeup Academy, when compared to other makeup schools offered online?
I looked at schools for probably 6 months before I chose QC Makeup Academy. What drew me to QC was their:
- Website
- Cost
- Professionality
- Tutors
- Student discounts
- Wide variety of courses
- Staff support
They wanted me to succeed, and I felt that from day one. QC truly cares about their students! I knew I was not going to sign up and be left alone. In particular, the tutor feedback is invaluable! It really helps me to grow and become the best I can be.
What sort of makeup services does your business currently offer clients?
Currently, I offer a wide variety of makeup services and hair styling. So far, I have done makeup and hair for wedding showers, family photography shoots, senior portraits, and bridal / wedding day makeup.
As you mentioned, you also offer hair styling services. Why did you choose to add this additional skill-set to your makeup certification, and how has it been beneficial to your career in the beauty industry so far?
So far, it’s really helped with photography shoots! Being able to add some curls to my models’ and clients’ makeup services helps give them a more complete look for their photos.
You’ve graduated from QC’s Skincare Course. In your opinion, how has proper skincare knowledge improved your skills as a makeup artist?
Proper skincare knowledge has immensely helped my makeup skills! Understanding how a person’s skin will react to certain formulas, as well as what to use (and not use) for their desired looked, has been invaluable. Not to mention, this course has helped me better understand my own skin! Now I can really repair my own skin and switch my makeup, so that my face looks and feels better.
You’ve also completed QC’s Virtual Makeup program. Why did you choose to take this course, and why do you feel the training provided is valuable (especially during a global pandemic)?
I signed up almost immediately after the Virtual Makeup Course was launched. Especially now, our world is moving more and more towards digital platforms. I wanted to make sure that I could add this to my knowledge base. I wanted to maintain a high level of professionalism; truly understand what I could be doing to the best of my ability. Going through a live virtual consultation has really helped. I have already booked virtual consultations with some of my clients!
Your Global Beauty Workshop training has already come in handy for you! Tell us a little about how this special skill-set helped you stand out from the competition and book a new client!
I was recently scrolling through Facebook, and I saw a post open to ANY makeup artist in the area that had experience doing makeup on dark skin. Not a single other artist in our area had worked with dark and deep skin before! So, being the only MUA with that kind of training, I wound up booking the job on the spot!
We do not live in a very diverse area. But I feel like this training has made it possible for me to work on any single person that sits in my chair! Knowing how to work on ALL skin tones is necessary for every single makeup artist. Having this skill has been amazing – I’ve booked jobs I definitely would not have had otherwise!
You definitely believe in the value of education. In your opinion, why is professional training (and obtaining reputable makeup certifications) a smart move for aspiring makeup artists?
Doing someone else’s makeup was NOT something I wanted to guess at. It was not something I was just going to wing or figure out on the fly. Rather, it was something I wanted to KNOW how to do.
I did not want it to be a secondary skill. I didn’t want to simply watch social media and replicate what I saw on there. I wanted to have the best training behind me so that I could be AMAZING at it. Any makeup artist that I have really looked up to has had professional training. I knew I wanted to have that education behind me as well.
What is the #1 reason you recommend QC Makeup Academy?
The TOP reason why I recommend QC Makeup Academy is because of the tutors and their feedback. They will not let you fail, and they will not let you settle for less than your full potential. If you put in the work, do the assignments, really listen to all of the feedback, and genuinely try to improve, you cannot fail with QC Makeup Academy!
Finally: you have a crystal ball that lets you see 5 years into the future. Where do you see yourself and your makeup career?
If I could imagine where I would be in 5 years, I would have my calendar full of wedding clients! I’d also be highly recommended in my area for print ads and commercials for local businesses!
