Day Two: Learning Makeup
Day 2 of the Skills2Stars Foundation Free Summer Skills Empowerment Program introduced our young participants to professional makeup artistry.
Hosted at our venue partner, Atlantic Global Grocers, in downtown Fredericton the workshop gave participants a hands on introduction to makeup while also opening their eyes to the many opportunities that can come from learning makeup.
Led by professional makeup artist and engineering student Debby Ehizojie, participants learned everything from skin preparation and foundation matching to blending techniques, colour selection, hygiene, and client care.
Throughout the 4 hour long hands-on learning experience participants worked on one their faces, asked questions, practised new techniques, and discovered that makeup is far more than beauty. It is creativity, confidence, entrepreneurship, and a valuable life skill.
“Makeup is like art…Imagine you are painting on a clean canvas with your brushes and paints or crayons.” Debbie said to encourage the first-timers.
Debbie speaking to students
For many, it was their very first time holding professional makeup brushes. But by the end of the session, they were encouraging one another, correcting techniques, and proudly showing off the looks they had created.
One of the youngest participants summed up the heart of the day with a smile as she carefully applied lip liner.
"I'm learning so I can do my mommy's makeup and get paid." she said with a smile.
Another participant, who will be heading to university, shared why she decided to attend.
"I wanted to learn because skills like this can always come in handy. You never know when they might become useful."
Student learning how to apply foundation
The day was equally meaningful for mentor Debby Ehizojie, who balances studying engineering, working, and running her own successful makeup business on the side.
Although experienced in her profession, teaching teenagers was a first for her. Reflecting on the experience, she said,
"This was my first time teaching a class of young people. It was new to me but I enjoyed my time with the girls. It was a completely new experience."
Her journey perfectly reflects one of the messages Skills2Stars hopes every participant takes home: education and practical skills can grow together.
The workshop was not simply about learning how to apply foundation or lipstick.
It was about opening the minds of our young participants to possible career paths, building confidence and discovering their creative strengths.
The spirit of Skills2Stars is to ensure young people discover opportunities they never imagined possible from everyday things.
