QC Makeup Academy Reviews: Hayley Siebe

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Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hello! My name is Hayley Marie Siebe. I’m a 21-year-old makeup artist and a graduate of QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. I am also a current Student of the Hairstyling Essentials Course, Pro Makeup Workshop, and Global Beauty Workshop. Recently, I became one of QC Makeup Academy’s newest Student Ambassadors!

Why did you decide to become a professional makeup artist?

During my teenage years, you’d find me in front of the mirror, applying makeup and straightening my hair bright and early, every morning before school. Growing up, beauty and glamor have always been great passions of mine. They gave me motivation! In particular, makeup gave me the chance to express my creativity in so many ways!

I always loved to experiment with makeup and recreate all types of cute, dazzling looks. Over time, I began doing makeup on other people, as well as styling hair. Women would end up with a smile on their face every time they saw the finished results. Ever since then, I’ve known that I wanted to make other people look and feel their best! Being a professional makeup artist gives me that opportunity.

How did you discover QC Makeup Academy? Ultimately, why did you choose to enroll with this school?

I discovered QC Makeup Academy during my Junior Year of high school. Right away, I felt that this school would be the perfect place for me to start! With their training, I’d be able to join the career field I’ve always wanted to be a part of. After I graduated high school in May of 2019, I enrolled myself into QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course and Hair Styling Essentials Course.

I chose QC Makeup Academy because their school offers so many things you can’t find anywhere else! You get a full 2 years to complete your course, while working at your own pace. This is something many schools don’t have or accept. Moreover, I’m able to access my Online Student Center whenever I want to look back at information in my textbooks and/or instructional videos.

I also loved the fact that QC’s assignments never need to be rushed. There’s also an option to redo assignments for a better grade, if needed. You also get a real, internationally-recognized certification once you graduate. It was important to me that I’d be able to work anywhere (if I wanted to) and have clients know I’ve had experience in this kind of work before.

You’ve since graduated from QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. How was your experience with this program and how would you say it helped you grow as an artist?

My experience with QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course has been amazing! I’ve never been more excited to learn anything in my life. During my time in this course, I would always set goals for myself. For example: I’d set a goal for when I wanted to turn in an assignment, or set a goal for how much time I’d practice on a particular assignment. If I was unhappy with how a makeup look turned out, I’d also challenge myself to get better and better. I’d refuse to submit my work until I felt it was truly ready, and would end up trying again.

Since graduating from the MMA course, I’ve been able to go about building my own freelance makeup artistry business. I’ve been using the knowledge and tools that my tutor, Nathan Johnson, has given to me. Furthermore, I’ve also assisted a Cincinnati-based bridal MUA for a few weddings. Through this experience, I was able to gain a few clients who wanted to book me for future weddings!

QC Makeup Academy has had a very positive impact on my career thus far. Their Master Makeup Artistry program was the first certified makeup course I’d ever completed. I can say without doubt that their training has given me the tools and confidence to grow as a makeup artist!

Why did you also choose to enroll in QC Makeup Academy’s Pro Makeup Workshop?

I enrolled myself into QC Makeup Academy’s Pro Makeup Workshop because I believe that more practice makes perfect! It’s my goal to take my makeup skills to the next level and add onto my current experience.

As you’ve mentioned, you’re also currently enrolled in QC Makeup Academy’s Global Beauty Workshop and Hair Styling Essentials Course. Why did you enroll in these particular courses, and how do you plan to incorporate these services in your business once you’ve graduated?

The reason I enrolled in QC Makeup Academy’s Global Beauty Workshop is because I want to get more experience applying makeup on all groups of people, skin tones, etc. What’s more, I wish to learn more about different cultures. Once I graduate from this course, I want to incorporate everything I’ve learned in order to further build my freelance business. I want to be able to travel around the country, applying makeup on any and every type of client who wishes to work with me!

As for the Hair Styling Essentials Course, I chose to enroll in this program because I wanted to add on another service to my freelance business. When I was younger, I was always that friend you would go to if you needed your hair colored or styled! I always enjoyed being able to work with my hands and create. Thanks to this certification course, I am progressing my hair styling skills and will be able to put them to good use!

How useful have all the QC Makeup Academy course materials and assignments been so far?

QC Makeup Academy provides their courses with paperback and digital textbooks, as well as instructional videos and a wide array of assignments. These materials as a whole not only help you learn how to be a professional makeup artist – they also help you to succeed as one, too!

Now, I know what your thinking: “Can’t I just do a quick Google or YouTube search for free hair and/or makeup tutorials?”

Sure, but this will never be enough if you want to do makeup professionally. With QC Makeup Academy, you’re being taught by internationally-trained makeup artists and hair stylists! These are legitimate experts who have put 10-20 years of their life into the beauty industry. They’ll teach you about real-world makeup. Moreover, you’ll also learn other critical knowledge, such as Sanitary Guidelines and invaluable business training!

You’re currently building your own freelance makeup business. How has this process been so far?

After graduating from QC Makeup Academy’s Master Makeup Artistry Course, I created my own professional business profile on QC’s online database. Creating this profile was the first step in establishing a web presence for my business, thus allowing potential clients to find me.

During this time, I’ve been slowly gaining more and more clients. I’ve also created a business page on Facebook and Instagram, too. This way, I can start getting my work out there. Furthermore, I can let people know that I am properly certified – especially in my community. I live in a small suburban town in Kentucky called Hebron. Hebron has a population of less than 7,000 people. The best way to gain clientele in a small town is to be the makeup artist your town needs!

In order for me to corner the market and maximize my success, I need to advertise my business in my area. After all, there are no other professional makeup artists currently operating in Hebron, KY. So, this gives me a HUGE opportunity!

What services do you currently offer your clients?

As part of my freelance business, I currently offer a variety of services. Firstly, I cater to makeup for special events. Anyone taking part in (or attending) an event can get a full-face makeup application. This service will include airbrush makeup, foundation, and false lashes.

Secondly, I also offer bridal makeup. For this service, I charge the bride $85 for a full-face application. For the Bridal Party, as well as for the Mother of the Bride (or Groom), I charge $65. Thirdly, I offer full-face makeup applications for photoshoots, Senior portraits, Proms/Homecomings, etc. I charge between $70-$75 for this type of service. For any other kind of special event, I charge $65 for a full-face makeup application.

Lastly, I offer makeup applications that aren’t full-face as well. For instance, for concealer, airbrush, face powder, blush, and highlighter, my rate is $45. If a client just wants eyeshadow and mascara, it’ll cost $20. If a client just wants eyeliner and lashes only, my rate is $20. And if someone just wants me to do their eyebrows, I charge only $15.

What are your top career goals as a makeup artist?

One of my top career goals as a makeup artist is to be able to travel all around the country, doing other people’s makeup. In addition to bridal makeup, I also want to target more clients interested in editorial and fashion makeup applications. I love being able to apply dramatic makeup!

One day, I see my makeup business being big enough that it has a forever impact on each and every client I have – or end up gaining in the future! Thanks to the QC Makeup Academy family, I’ve given myself the best possible start to my professional beauty career!

Inspired by Hayley’s story? Write your own by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy today!