Artisan Q&A.... Susan Walters

This months Artisan Q&A is with Susan Walters.  Susan is based in London  and she was part of the first Be Creative Artisan team. 

1. When did you first qualify?
Believe it or not, I actually qualified as a Beauty Therapist in 1999/2000 before specialising in nails from 2003

2. What was your first industry job?Working as a Saturday girl in a hair dressers at the age of 13

3. What is your Favourite Be Creative product and why?
Gel Paints, just for the sheer ease of the product and its versatility, can be used on top of acrylics and gels and can be combined in a design with the Water Based Paints

4. Who are your industry heroes?
Marilyn Fontaine  for pushing me to attend college, and then giving me a gentle nudge into teaching
Cheryl Ogden who saw in me what I couldn't see, the ability to be an Educator and giving me a nudge to become and Educator for Grafton International and Be Creative and giving advice and guidance when I asked for it and bringing out the best in me as well as her friendship
Rebecca Orme and Sam Biddle for their continued support, inspiration, guidance, and friendship, again pushing me to become the best I can be

5. What is your favourite colour?
Oh difficult one, but lately I have been liking, pinks and reds

6. What's your favourite film of all time?
Unusual Suspects

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Become an External Verifier
Have a successful training school and salon
Still teaching, but as an educator
Possible leave Further Education
Be as happy as I am today

8. Name your favourite Holiday destination. 
Don't really have one, anywhere where I am with my kids, friends and/or family, enjoying myself, laughing and having fun is a great holiday....Don't you think

9. What inspires you?
My kids...

10. Tell us something interesting about me we don't know. 
I have freckles on my tongue, and love carnival in the UK

To see more of Susan's inspiring nail art and find out about the Be Creative workshops she offers check out our facebook page here or you can email her directly here.

Artisan Q&A.... Claire Woodcock

This weeks Artisan Q&A is with Claire Woodcock our Chershire artisan. Claire has been in the artisan team since 2012 and is based in Crewe.

1. When did you first qualify?

I first qualified in August 2004, completing manicure, pedicure, Acrylic and Gel nails and shortly after converted to EzFlow where I re-qualified and learnt a hell of a lot more about nails than on the previous course!

2. What was your first industry Job?

My first industry job was being a self-employed mobile nail technician, which I was only planning on doing for a couple of years until my young children went to school and I got a "proper" job again! (That was 10 years ago!)

3. What is your favourite Be Creative product & why?

My favourite BC product is the pigments. If I had to be pinned down it would be the chameleon pigments especially as they are so versatile.

4. Who are industry heroes?

My personal industry hero is Antony Buckley. He was my mentor when I first converted to EzFlow in my early career and trained me through to educator status in 2008. I could still sit and watch him work all day and whenever I see him I learn something new!

5. What is your favourite colour?

My favourite colour is Blue because there are so many beautiful shades within the colour and I feel it is a very natural, calming colour.

6. What's your favourite all time film? 

It's difficult to pick a favourite film as I'm a bit of a film buff and I love so many! It really depends what mood I'm in but a film I could watch over and over and love it more each time is Pulp Fiction. And Mary Poppins!

7. Where you see your self in 5 years time?

In 5 years time I hope to be doing a similar thing to my position now, running a reputable, successful salon and educating technicians to reach their full potential. I always feel so proud when I see a tech I've trained making a success of their business.

8. Name your favourite holiday destination?

I haven't had the opportunity to travel to many places in the world and there are so many destinations I'd love to visit but my favourite so far has been Barcelona.

9. What inspires you?

Dedication and determination inspire me, this can be in any field, not just the nail industry. Anyone who beats things against all odds are the ones I look up to.

10. Tell us something interesting about you we don't already know.

I love any kind of live performance, theatre, music etc but I regularly go and see a Royal Shakespeare Company performance as my little treat to myself!

To see more of Claire's winning nail art and find out about the Be Creative workshops she offers check out our facebook page here or you can email her directly here 

Artisan Q&A.... Sarah Reeve

This weeks Artisan Q&A is with Sarah Reeve.  Sarah is our Cornwall Artisan and has really taken the county by storm!

1. When did you first qualify?
1986

2. What was your first industry job?

Hairdressing apprentice

3. What is your Favourite Be Creative product and why?
Pigments (so versatile)

4. Who are your industry heroes?
Trevor Jones-my 1st hair tutor, still keep in touch!

5. What is your favourite colour?
Pink

6. What's your favourite film of all time?

Grease 
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Teaching industry qualified people and/or mentoring people for competitions

8. Name your favourite Holiday destination. 
Majorca

9. What inspires you?

My childrens future and the way they see me progressing beating the odds!

10. Tell us something interesting about me we don't know. 
Love motorsport!

For more on Sarah's Be Creative workshops and nail designs keep a look out on our Facebook page here.

Bright pigment fun!

A day in the life of a Be Creative Artisan

'Like many of the artisans, when I am not teaching TOTB workshops, I actually have other jobs as well. I normally teach two and a half days a week at my local FE college, teaching level 3 Nails and I am also an Educator for Grafton International, on my days off....so there is always something going on...

Saturday 19th July : I was teaching lecturers in a well know west end college, that was fun, then I went home...tomorrow is Roadshow day.

Sunday 20th July: Well today's the day....Roadshow Day..Yeah!

Been up since ridiculous o'clock, to check I have packed all my kit, ready for the days activities. I've  made sure the kids are up as they are off today to Bedford River Festival, to participate in festival fun, slightly gutted, I am not going, love an excuse to shake a leg.

08:15 Out the door dropping the kids off at Kings Cross Station.

08:50 Kids are dropped off, now making my way to Park Inn, Heathrow.

09:30 Arrive at Heathrow, park the car grab my kit.

09:35 Make my way to our room for the day, meet Rebecca, Sam and Devon and find out where I am seated then get set up.

09:45 My fellow artisan and colleague, Jessica arrives, that means the gangs all here's

10:00 We are open for business

Today I am working on the try me table.  This is were tech's can get to try out the different products from Be Creative and Original Sugar, our sister company. They get to ask questions about any difficulties they maybe having, use the products and create some great designs!
 The most common question or problem that tech's have is using the nail art pen, and I love the fact that when you sit with a tech and guide them through using the nail art pen, and they leave being able to use the pen correctly, so my job is done and as they are so happy, this makes me happy.

Tech's come and go throughout the day, at around 3:30 we start to pack up, once everything is cleared away then off home we go, but not for me today...

My day has still got away to go, I need to drive to Bedford to collect the kids.....

20:00 We reach home, grab something to eat, collapse in front of the telly, chat about our day, I get into bed with the satisfaction of knowing I can relax, no work tomorrow (schools out for Summer!)....Might even be a duvet day.....

Night, night until next time,

Susan xx'

Susan Walters
Be Creative Artisan,
shakeenbeauty@hotmail.com

Not long to go!

Hello!

I'm so excited about the London roadshow on Sunday, I am already wishing my week away! 

Hopefully if your a regular blog reader and Be Creative fan you'll no doubt already know about this fab event and have got your ticket ready to come.  But for those who haven't a clue what I'm on about  please check out all the details here and keep reading.... 

Our last 2 roadshows at Eastleigh and Birmingham were a roaring success and all you lovely be creative fans definitely kept the artisans busy!

If you want to see all our great products and try before you buy then we have try-me tables set up so you can really see what all the fuss is about.

Want to meet Sam, Rebecca and some of the Uk's artisan team we will be on hand to help push you further and get you inspired.

Chat education and find out more about our unique think outside the box classes with Keeley, Be Creative education coordinator. 

Who doesn't love to shop?... 

Our pop up shop will be full to the brim with Original Sugar goodies and Be Creative treats! 

I'm really looking forward to seeing you there! 

Jess xx 

Jessica Marks

Be Creative Artisan & Blog editor 

becreative@jessicamarks.co.uk

Top Tips for Success

I started out in the nail industry many moons ago, when getting your nails made pretty wasn't an everyday occurrence for most women it was a treat or something for special occasion.  Women now see nails as a must have accessory which can be tailored to their tastes and go with current trends. 

With the demand comes more opportunities, but with increasing opportunities does add more competition, so don't give up in your fight to be successful.

I've learnt a lot on the way with reaching for the stars, I've had help with great support and advise from fellow techs, educators, employers, managers, trade magazines and online industry forums and of course my fellow artisan team members.  I know even though I started out on my own in the big wide world I've lots to lean on if I need a boost or helping hand.  So as artisans we wanted to give you some top tips to help your careers be successful, for-filling and of course to help you make a bob or two doing something creative you enjoy. 

Susan Walters recommends to "Practice, practice, practice, believe in yourself and your skills, keep learning, there is always something new to learn....and if it don't work one way try another, and never be afraid to ask for help"

Keeley Dennyschene our education coordinator suggests "I would say, put yourself in the competition arena, this really teaches you a thing or two" she also added "Visit at least one trade show a year!" 

Claire Woodcock tells us to "Keep on top of training as much as possible!! Use everything home."available, classes, DVDs, you tube."  Another top tip "Speak to other professionals, get a local network going on to support each other, it can be a lonely business esp as mobile or working from 

"Continually.....Believe...educate, love it, excite, values, excel."

Sarah Brenton Reeve, artisan for Cornwell gives us some great advise you should use to build your career goals on! 

My top tips for success, are to continue with your education, there is always something new to learn or improve upon.  Keep in the loop with your chosen brands and educators, social media is excellent for this! And finally trust your abilities, we may not all be the most artistic but with simple easy to do designs you can really add to your treatment menu and go places you never thought you might.

If there is anything you'd like featured in our blog, step by steps, q&a with our artisans, more top tips then please let us know on our Facebook page Click here for the be creative page.

Our London roadshow is fast approaching so if you want on hand success tips from our artisans don't miss out on being there!

See you soon

Jessica xx

Jessica Marks

Be creative artisan and blog editor 

Becreative@jessicamarks.co.uk  

Be Creative Artisan Training

Back in May we had our UK Be Creative Artisan Training to bring new Artisans into the existing UK team. 

The Training lead by Sam Biddle was a fun packed 3 days where we were given all the extra Artisan info we need to bring Be Creative classes, techniques and products to you across the UK. Rebecca Orme, Be Creative co-founder was on hand for all our product and business needs and Keeley Dennyschene the Be Creative education co-ordinator kept us all in good spirits, with her tales of teenage crushes!

Over the next couple of months we will be introducing all the Artisans and their areas so you know where to turn when you need more inspiration in your area. 

L-R Back row: Caireen, Sarah, Susan, Ann-marie, Katja, Olya, Vikki, Charlotte, Claire Jessica. Front row, Keeley, Sam and Rebecca. 

Charlotte Mott, new Artisan for Manchester gives us an insight into her experiences. "Well what a weekend at the Be Creative Artisan training!

To say intense is an understatement but everyone works better under pressure I always think. It was 3 days at a very nice hotel in Coventry.  When we all arrived, the newbies were all bright eyed and bushy tailed and the all ready established Artisans were eager to go, ready for a challenging and fun filled day with Sam, Rebecca and Keeley. We started off of the day with a really good introduction game "You in a box" which was really interesting because everyone opened up a lot more than just what's your name and where do you come from.  

After all the introductions we got into some serious company and product info which took us through to lunchtime. However we weren't that hungry because the hotel had provided loads of little goodies throughout the morning. After lunch Sam showed us some fantastic designs that are part of the "Think outside the box" class and then we were asked to go away and do them ourselves. We completed 7 designs in total over the course of the 3 days which were all beautiful.  You'll have to have a look at the Be Creative page to see them :)

The stunning colours that the pigments provide are simply amazing, also I finally made my peace with the Nail Art Pen. I had one before the weekend but didn't really use it and now with some playing using the nail art paint I wouldn't do a designs without it. The gel paints were new to me as well, they are just life changing for any nail tech waiting to do more nail creations."

Don't forget we have the rescheduled Be Creative Roadshow event coming to London on the 20th July. Check out our Face book page for more details 

https://www.facebook.com/becreativeworldwide

I am really excited and am looking forward to meeting and inspiring a new generation of nail artists at our last roadshow for 2014!! 

Jessica xx

Jessica Marks

Be Creative Artisan and Blog Editor, 

becreative@jessicamarks.co.uk