Ambassador Feature: Ozella McClendon

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Ozella McClendon and I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m a Preschool/Pre-K teacher and have been working with children for over 18 years. However, I have always had a passion for the makeup industry.

My love for makeup started when I was a teenager. I was introduced to it by my mother, who also had a passion for makeup and fashion. She was my first unofficial makeup instructor. My mother taught me how to apply foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick. Her love for makeup and fashion was my inspiration to get makeup artist training and turn this into a real career!

Why did you decide to pursue makeup artist training and become a certified professional?

I miss my mother, who has been deceased for over 20 years. To be honest, I became a professional makeup artist so I could connect with her and heal from her passing. Every time I complete an application, I realize that my healing process is connected to each individual makeup application. Becoming a makeup artist not only provided me with a way to heal – it also allowed me to make one of my dreams a reality, too.

How would you describe your makeup style?

I’d describe my makeup style as bold, vibrant, and full of life. I love to apply various shades of colors to enhance the beauty of each model, while still considering the natural beauty of that model. Furthermore, I consider the shades of eyeshadows, lipstick, and eyeliner for their desired look.

I combine their ideas with mine and add creative enhancements to create their look. If my model asks me to create an application based on my own preferences, then I usually use bold and glamorous shades.

Why did you decide to pursue your makeup artist training online, rather than a brick-and-mortar classroom?

I decided to do my makeup artist training online because I needed the option of self-paced learning. As a full-time teacher, I needed a program that would fit with my work schedule.

The greatest part about completing your makeup training online – particularly with QC Makeup Academy – is the ability to watch the online tutorials. The online tutorials provided me with instructions that I could continually review at a later date. They’ve provided me with some greats tips that have helped me complete various makeup applications.

To me, the #1 advantage of attending online makeup classes is having daily access to materials and tutorials.

How did you find out about QC Makeup Academy? What made you choose to pursue your makeup artist training with this school?

I actually came across QC Makeup Academy back in 2019. I’d finally made the decision to become a professional MUA and was searching the internet for makeup artist training options available to me.

Once I discovered QC, I was SO excited about taking makeup classes! I was amazed by the different online courses they offered. At that moment, I knew I’d found the right program for me. So, I enrolled!

For me, the greatest aspects of attending QC Makeup Academy are:

Before enrolling in QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, what would you say your skill level was with makeup? Did you have any prior professional makeup artist training?

I enrolled into QC Makeup Academy’s Makeup Master Artistry Course with some previous experience. I had basic knowledge about makeup from being taught by my mother. She showed me techniques that she’d learned over the years.

I read articles, watched tutorials, and practiced different ideas on myself. Plus, I took free makeup classes at a cosmetics store, as well as with a local makeup artist.

You’ve since graduated from this program. How was your experience with this course? How valuable were the course materials, assignments, and tutor feedback?

My experience with QC Makeup Academy was amazing. I’m glad I decided to enroll and do my makeup artist training through this school! In the beginning, I was provided with makeup brushes, a makeup kit, and books to assist me. The products provided in my makeup kit allowed me to jump into my studies right away.

Each unit provided me with the opportunity to practice steps of each makeup application. This was awesome because if I needed to make any corrections to the application, I was able to review the tutorial.

My tutor, Nathan Johnson, always took the time to look at every single photo and give me great feedback. Nathan provided suggestions on how I could improve my skills. This feedback, along with his words encouragement, gave me the inspiration needed to complete the Master Makeup Artistry program.

You completed the bulk of your makeup artist training during the COVID-19 pandemic. In what ways did QC Makeup Academy’s self-paced, online learning environment make it possible for you to graduate from your program during lockdown?

The ability to complete my makeup artist training during the lockdown was one of my greatest accomplishments in 2020. The fact that QC Makeup Academy sent all of my course materials right to my home was wonderful – especially in light of the pandemic.

Furthermore, being off work provided me the time to accomplish this particular goal. I had access to the online materials and I had physical access to the makeup kit QC sent me. Plus, I had the ability to chat with QC’s Student Support Staff whenever I needed. This made it easy for me to complete the Master Makeup Artistry Course!

In your opinion, what are 3 of the most important lessons you learned as a result of your makeup artist training with QC Makeup Academy?

Firstly, the most important lesson I’ve learned from my QC training is the placement of the product. Product placement determines the outcome of your makeup application. QC Makeup Academy taught me how to apply, blend, and identify the colors needed to achieve a successful makeup application.

Next, I also learned about which brushes to use when applying makeup. The brushes used to apply makeup play a major role in creating your client’s desired look. As such, it’s important to be able to identify and use the proper brushes for the proper products.

Lastly, I learned about color correction. A makeup artist must consider the various skin tones when applying makeup on a client. Choosing the right shade when color correcting can create a flawless application! If you choose a shade that does not complement your client’s skin, it will become a negative focal point of your makeup application. Ideally, the color correction for your client’s skin should blend into their natural complexion.

You’ve recently joined QC’s team of Student Ambassadors. As an Ambassador, what’s the #1 thing you want aspiring makeup artists to know about QC Makeup Academy?

As a graduate of the Master Makeup Artistry program, I can confidently say that I was able to learn SO much from QC’s makeup artist training! Their courses provide students with tutors who are true industry professionals. Moreover, students are given a variety of ways to learn (via tutorials, textbook learning, hands-on assignments, and more).

Then there’s also the invaluable feedback you’ll receive as a QC student. The feedback I personally received was encouraging. Even when I was given constructive criticism, it was done with love. My tutor feedback pushed me study my craft even harder, in order to make improvements. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to be a professional MUA!

Now that you have makeup artist training and a certification under your belt, what are your top career goals as an MUA?

My top career goal is to become a freelance makeup artist with a specialization in bridal makeup. I’d like to prepare brides and their wedding parties for their special day. The idea of my work being displayed in photos and on social media brings great joy to my life!

I also want to create my own cosmetic line someday; developing various shades to enhance the beauty of people all over the world!

What is the #1 piece of advice you’d like to give to aspiring MUAs who are thinking of pursuing professional makeup artist training in 2021?

Have a willingness to learn new techniques!

It’s important to research and study different types of makeup applications. A makeup artist should strive to provide quality service. They should also be willing to receive feedback from clients. Your clients’ feedback concerning their experience with you can be a great learning too. Plus, it can also be an awesome way to promote your business!

Once you’re able to receive feedback from your clients, it will advance you to the next level in this industry. A makeup artist should constantly gain new skills, be open to feedback, and always consider the needs of the client. This will allow you to truly grow and develop your skills.

Ready to start your dream career? Begin your makeup artist training today by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy!