Best Make-up Artist of the year - West Midlands Region
In late 2015 I decided to put myself forward and enter The Wedding Industry Awards, which is a prestigious National Competition for the Wedding Industry that recognises and rewards excellence in the wedding Industry. The categories ranged from Best Florist, Dressmaker, venue to photographer and wedding band etc..
The category I entered was for Best Wedding Make-up Artist in my area, the West Midlands.
I was excited to enter but nervous too, I do pride myself on being the Best at what I do, but I had no expectation on Winning, I just thought it would be a great experience to take part for myself as well as my business.
As part of my entry for the competition, I had to answer a lot of questions on my business and what I offer to my brides. Some on the questions were: 'How do you design a make-up look for a bride?', 'What makes you different from your competitors and what drives and motivates you to be involved in the wedding industry?' This took me quite some time to answer as I really needed to convey to the judging panel the quality of the service I provide for a brides special day.
I also had to add additional photographs of my work and videos too to build up my profile. Next it was up to my brides to vote and score my work. Scoring was on a variety of questions to include: Quality of Expertise, advice and guidance received from your Make-up Artist to Quality of the finished make-up.
Brides were also asked to Comment on why they booked me and to add General comments.
Next I was to be judged by an Expert panel of Judges, one of whom was Karla Powell Award-winning international make-up artist, so that was very exciting to know as I admire her work immensely!
After the closing date I had to wait, which seemed like forever, and I then I was informed that I was shortlisted as a Regional Finalist, I was delighted with the news! I had very high competition as there were many other very talented make-up artists that I was competing against in The West Midlands region.
So on a very rainy wet November evening I got all dressed up for the glamorous cocktail Regional Awards event accompanied by my very supportive husband to the beautiful Stanbrook Abbey in Worcester, a superb venue for such a glitzy event, with Cocktails and canapes on arrival and everyone excited and dressed up for the event.
After a cheering all the winners along in their own caterories and a long nervous wait, my cateogry came up. I was relaxed in one sense- not just because of the alcohol, but I didn't expect to win, but I did have some Butterfies in the hope that there may just be a chance, and then my name was announced as the Winner! I felt all of a sudden a little giddy with shock and suprise as I haven't won anything before and I was so proud to be presented with my Trophy and badge and certificate. So Champagne was in order to celebrate!
I have been in the Beauty Industry since 1988 and running my own business for twenty years, which has and still does involve at lot of hard work, long hours and determination so this was lovely to have some recognition at last.
National Awards - Cafe de Paris London
As I won my Regional event, I was then automatically put through to the National Awards event.
This was held in the spectacular surroundings of the Cafe de Paris, set in the heart of London's West End. So dressed in my glamorous dress, my husband and I had a fabulous evening, cocktails, yummy food and the vast array of incredible entertainment was like a show, with a very big party atmosphere and it was lovely to network and meet other wedding professionals who are top of their game.
The Awards evening was announced live on stage by Sky News Sunrise presenter, Isabel Webster and TWIA founder Damian Bailey, it was so amazing to see my name up on the big screen against my other Regional Winners, very much like any Top Awards evening for the Theatre or TV.
Although I was unsuccessful at winning the National event, I am so incredibly grateful to have Won as a Regional Winner, having the Title of Best Wedding Make-up Artist of the Year 2016 and National Finalist 2016 is a big achievement and makes me beam with happiness from ear to ear.
After the National event I was able to access all the Voters scores, Customer Comments and the reasons why people booked me, I was quite overwhelmed to read such lovely Testimonials that my clients had submitted along with their vote.
Testimonials that my clients submitted
Initially I found Rachel online, from her photos she seemed good and provided the type of style I wanted and I also liked the products she used. Following emails and phone conversations, I liked her general attitude and vibe. Then following my trial I had no doubt I wanted her to do my makeup. For someone that isn’t very ’girly’ with little self confidence and not the best skin, she was friendly, supportive, confident (not in a cocky way) she instantly put me at ease and I trusted her to make me look beautiful on my big day. Prior to the wedding I heard so many horror stories where people had their makeup done and then immediately washed it off when they got home because it just wasn’t them. All I can say is that Rachel capture ’me’. I felt beautiful with just enough makeup to feel stylish and elegant but not too much to feel uncomfortable. Rachel also did my mom and now mother-in-law, her ability to allay their individual fears about age spots and dark circles etc was lovely to see. They both felt amazing, and recommended Rachel to anyone and everyone that would listen. In all honesty can’t speak or recommend Rachel highly enough. She was an absolute pleasure.
Rachel was prompt, professional, friendly and helpful right from the first enquiry I made with her. She exudes a calm, capable and knowledgeable manner which completely puts your mind as a bride at rest. She has an extremely organised approach to her business and her clients which is refreshing when organising one of the most important day of your life.
Rachel was fantastic. She is friendly and extremely professional. Rachel kept in regular contact and gathered full details for all the bridal party and the wedding vision. Terms and conditions were clearly specified. Rachel provided trial opportunities well in advance and was very helpful, sharing her expertise to construct on overall look. On the day Rachel arrived on time and worked flexiblely with the hairdressers. She created an amazing look. I could not have been happier.
Rachel made me feel completely at ease during the initial consultation and on the wedding day itself. She is up to date with current looks and trends and she adapted and suggested makeup options and even when I decided to change the planned look at the last minute she was perfectly happy to accommodate my needs. Rachel is very friendly and professional and has an incredible talent for making women look and feel fantastic on their special day.
We were delighted with the makeup I had as the bride and my bridesmaids makeup. It lasted for 12 hours and looked fresh and natural as desired. Rachel was friendly and helpful throughout the whole process. I will continue to recommend her.
From the moment I booked Rachel, I knew I’d made the right choice. She was quick to respond to my emails and her tone was the right balance of professional and informal. At my make up trial, she understood exactly what I was looking for - a natural look with the right amount of ’wow’. On the day of the wedding itself she was a star and a very calming presence amongst the increasing decibels of a nervous bride and her three rather excitable bridesmaids! In a nutshell Rachel did an amazing job!
Rachel was truely wonderful! She arrived in great time on the morning of my wedding full of smiles and excitement for me. Rachel made the whole experience fun and relaxed and we all felt so pampered! My bridesmaids and I felt as if we had known her for years. Rachel’s makeup lasted all day and so many guests commented on how lovely it looked and how amazing it is that it lasted all those hours! We loved having Rachel be part of such a special day!
Rachel applied my make up when I was a bridesmaid for my friends wedding, she did such a fab job that I knew as soon as I got engaged that I wanted her to do my bridal make up! From start to finish she was great at responding to my emails. Rachel even gave me some tips when I emailed her prior to the day when I was worried about my dry skin! On the day she did not disappoint. She did mine & 4 others make up. The make up just stayed on all day and night. I would highly recommend Rachel!Thank you
Rachel’s structured approach to the home trial sessions, advice and guidance and everything regarding product use, colour effect, and styling the make up look to suit the hair and dress was superb. I felt that not only was I having my make up done professionally but that I was also having an overall assurance that everything was going to balance and look just right when it all came together. Importantly, on the day, Rachel was punctual and calm, she also ensured that she communicated well with my hairdresser and worked as a team with her to ensure they both had the correct flow with me and my bridesmaids which was invaluable. I would not hesitate to use Rachel again or to recommend her to other brides.