For most people, taking an evening class at the local college is a way of finding a new hobby, but for local resident Kadine Watson it was the opportunity to turn her interest into a new career.
Kadine, from Neasden, studied on the Asian Bridal Hair & Beauty evening course at the College of North West London earlier this year and, since finishing the course, has been working as a make-up artist for TV and film, as well as doing occasion make-up for private clients.
Having had no formal make-up training prior to the short course at the College, Kadine says that it definitely enabled her to add another string to her bow, which now, as well as floristry and event management, includes hair and beauty. She commented: “The course was a fantastic foundation for me. It helped me build up a portfolio, opened doors for me and has given me the confidence to put myself out there as a make-up artist.”
Kadine’s wedding and events business, K & K Showers, was first launched in 2009. Last weekend she combined her areas of expertise at the K & K Showers bridal and evening wear fashion show which drew a crowd of over 150 people. The event, which is in its third year, took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kensington and this year Kadine not only co-ordinated and hosted the annual show but, for the first time, she did the hair and make-up for the models too.
Kadine added: “It was a great event that showcased a host of different bridal styles, in-cluding Afro-Caribbean and Asian, and I thoroughly enjoyed doing the make-up this year.”
The College will be running the Asian Hair & Beauty course again next month. Anyone interested in enrolling should contact the College on 020 8208 5276 or see www.cnwl.co.uk for more details.