Help making up your mind
WHEN Michael Huxley first opened a make-up school the fear of judgment was real.
“I’m not your typical looking principal of an education establishment, so in the beginning I didn’t tell people it was my school,” Mr Huxley said.
“I let them assume some cute, older bloke was in charge.”
The talented make-up artist also admits to initial fears of struggling with the financial and management side of owning a business.
“Beyond my aesthetic and age, one of the biggest hurdles is the complexity, cost and time required to develop, run and maintain a school.”
But despite the initial concerns, Huxley School Of Makeup has flourished in 10 years, with its founder saying it had capitalised on a need for industry-standard makeup education in Australia.
And now hundreds of Huxley graduates have secured jobs, both here and abroad.
The school will be one of the many success stories on show today at the Gold Coast Careers Festival, where people will have the chance to discover information about education and job opportunities. The three-day event, which finishes today, is at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Carrara.
Mayor Tom Tate said the festival was about investing in the community.
“We raise our children here and then provide opportunities for them by creating their future,” Cr Tate said.
“For anyone looking to start a new career here I say find your passion, whatever that is, and grab the opportunities that come your way by both hands.”
Huxley shared a similar sentiment: “We have had students work in all areas of the make-up industry, from film to fashion, bridal, cosmetics, e-com, theatre and everything in between.”
Model, actor and makeup artist Meghan Carmella Triandis was a recent graduate and is now a teacher at the school. “I have been offered jobs … and it’s funny because I have not had the time to advertise,” she said.