Discover the stories that make up our Blanche World.
Global Makeup
A Celebrity Makeup Artist, CEO and Founder of SUVA Beauty, and a Blanche Macdonald Instructor, Shaina Azad has become an inspiration and mentor to many — Including students and graduates! Her indie brand, SUVA Beauty is a Canadian success story that embraces racial and gender diversity.
Vanessa Wong has taken her training at Blanche Macdonald and launched a stunning career in Fashion Makeup! Her impressive portfolio includes fashion editorials such as Vogue Hong Kong, Elle Hong Kong, Harpers Bazaar, GQ France and many, many more.
Nails
Jamie Yin's professional journey to started with a simple realization. When she came to Canada in 2004, Jamie noticed a gap in the Canadian Nail market. So she took her nails into her own hands. Buying over 200 bottles of nail polish, Jamie taught herself everything that she could about the techniques behind the art of Nails. She went onto train in Shanghai, Japan and at the Akzentz Nails' education center, eventually becoming one of their line Educators. Since then, Jamie has won multiple nail art awards and was recently recognized as one of Swarovski's eighty Authorized Nail Art Educators! We are so thankful that she's at Blanche Macdonald sharing her knowledge in our Nail Studio classrooms.
Esthetics
After a work experience placement through the Global Esthetics Program's Career Department at Vancouver’s Project Skin, Gwen de la Costa was hired as a full-time Medical Esthetician. As her technical and interpersonal skills continued to develop, so did her confidence that she could one day go into business for herself. One fully customized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter later, GWEN Skin Lab was born; a luxurious Medi-Spa on wheels!
During her time at Blanche’s Freelance Makeup Artistry program, Ruby had the chance to develop a talent for beauty, editorial and bridal makeup. With these skills she’s been able to excel in several major beauty hubs, including New York, Vancouver and London!
After spending her formative years in the small city of Zamora Michoacán, Mexico, 2x Blanche Macdonald graduate Diana Godinez chose to take a gap year after high school and came to Vancouver looking for opportunities. Interested in traditional painting, Diana turned to the equally intriguing concept of makeup artistry, and soon fell in love with the process of creating on-screen entertainment for others to enjoy!
Arriving from India in 2016 to study biology, Kashika Maini had a clear path to medical school laid out in front of her. As is the way with most of life’s plans, she didn't stick to the script...
Hair
With a passion for bleaching, creating the freshest blonde hues, and a good challenge, this Pro Hair grad (and mom of 2) has found her niche as an in-demand blonding specialist and colour correction expert. Amy Bennet co-owns a popular salon, aptly named Waitlist Studio with fellow Pro Hair classmate-turned-best friend-turned-business partner, Jasmine Ballesteros right in the heart of Kamloops, BC!
Fashion
Alex S. Yu, a Fashion Design Graduate, Blanche Macdonald Instructor, and a mainstay of Vancouver Fashion Week since 2014 made his triumphant return to the runway this April with his collection “Capsule 002.” As the name would suggest, this collection serves as the introduction to Alex S. Yu’s new direction as a capsule-based brand.
Though he started in Blanche Macdonald's Global Makeup Program just three days after graduating high school, beauty wasn't always a part of this Makeup Student's master plan. "Initially, I thought I was going to go into fashion," Robby explains. "I started doing makeup a year-and-a-half before I started at Blanche." Nearly a year later, Robby's time in the Makeup Program may be drawing to a close, but his journey in beauty is just getting started.
Pro Hair Grad Freddy Sim’s Creativity Dazzles for Contessas and Clients
Michelle Dubois: Medical Esthetician at Vancouver's Pacific Derm
Design Grads Redefine the City's Fashion Scene with Cutting-Edge Collections
Makeup illusionist Mimi Choi stuns with her inventive creations!
Makeup Artist Meredith Lacosse makes London her new creative location
Stacey Paskall: Queen of Avant Garde Hair
Spa owner Doug Janczyn, the man behind Western Canada’s only male-oriented spa.
Vancouver Studio and Film Nail Artist Vanessa Stern
Bradley Fairall scored internship alongside Fashion photographer Mario Testino.
Jashper Paras is Over the Moon at B-Bombshell Salon
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