Student Feature: Candy Stayte

I wanted to be able to offer my bridal clients the whole package as well as my regular clients who need event makeup or special effects makeup. I have dabbled in makeup for about 10 years, but now that I am trained they can have full trust in my skills.

We all know starting a business is tough work! What were your biggest challenges when you were starting out your styling business?

My biggest challenges were learning to do bookwork, being patient while setting up my salon and starting to grow my business. Those in business for themselves will know there can be a lot of cost and outlay before seeing any profits. I was very fortunate to already have a decent client base when I first started, as I know advertising and getting clients can be challenging for many.

I also had just had my first child so I had to juggle learning to be a mum as well as starting out on my own. It has been the best decision I have ever made, though.

In your opinion, what are the top perks of being a makeup artist?

So many come to me for advice on makeup looks and what suits them. This gives me reassurance that so many people trust and value my skills. Also, I love being able to create a look on a client to make them look and feel younger and more beautiful.

Tell us about your favorite job or client so far.

My favorite client was a bride I looked after last year, Amy. I was so nervous looking after her as I only had a little experience in wedding makeup, and she’s amazing at applying her own makeup normally. Her bridal makeup turned out beautiful and after crying throughout her ceremony, it hadn’t budged! She didn’t need to touch up at all throughout the day or night which gave me so much confidence.

What’s up next for you? Where do you see yourself (and your business!) in the next 1, 5, and 10 years?

I have been in business for myself with Candy’s Coiffure & Curls for five years this year and my business keeps growing and getting bigger. Now I have gone into business with a trusted makeup artist and we have created Curls and Lipstick Bridal Team, where we sell our skills as a team. Now brides can book us and receive the whole package. This works especially well for large bridal parties where we just wouldn’t be able to do hair and makeup all by ourselves. For my next venture, I would love to teach bridal/vintage styling classes like Sharon Blain.

What’s your best advice for a makeup artist just starting their training or career?

Practice on everyone and anyone. This will teach you to enhance and refine your skills on all different faces and skin types as well as building your portfolio. Also, take pictures of everything you do.

And the most important question of all—what makeup product is an absolute essential for you?

I’m absolutely in love with the L’Oreal Infallible 2-Step Lipstick. It literally stays on for 24 hours and is beautifully matte.

A look at some more of Candy’s work…

Inspired by Candy? Our Master Makeup Artistry course will get you started on your makeup artistry career!